Teacher of the Year 2025

Please join us as we congratulate these teachers for their outstanding achievements and for being named 2025 Cadence Education Teacher of the Year!!! We are so lucky to have them as part of our amazing team.

Cadence Education 2025 Teacher of the Year | Ms. Diamond

Congratulations to Ms. Diamond, our 2025 Cadence Education National Teacher of the Year!

Diamond Maddox has been a valued member of the Cadence Academy family for six years with over a decade of experience. She began her journey as our Junior Threes teacher and, this school year, embraced a new challenge by stepping into the Threes/Pre-K Prep role—an intentional move to ensure her students are well-prepared for our Private Pre-K program.

In addition to recently becoming a proud mother to her daughter, Everleigh, Mrs. Diamond has long been a “second mom” to countless children in our care. Her students form such strong bonds with her that it’s not uncommon for them to struggle with leaving her classroom—a testament to the deep relationships she builds. Her nurturing, gentle nature, and soft-spoken warmth create a safe and loving space where children thrive.

Her classroom is a true reflection of the Cadence value of being “a place as nurturing as home.” It is consistently beautiful, engaging, and filled with purposeful learning. Mrs. Diamond brings creativity to everything she does, designing unique and meaningful experiences for her students and their families—such as the Sweetheart Dance she organized for Valentine’s Day, complete with photo props, keepsakes, and thoughtful details that elevate every event.

She goes above and beyond in all she does, demonstrating excellence in the classroom and beyond. Her mastery of tools like Kaymbu’s Storyboards allows her to beautifully document both the learning happening in her classroom and the care she puts into every detail. I’ve included four standout examples of her Storyboards, which highlight her creativity, professionalism, and intentional teaching. The videos she includes bring the experiences to life—especially her recent Science Fair storyboard, which showcases both student engagement and her ability to make learning hands-on, exciting, and deeply impactful. Mrs. Diamond is an extraordinary teacher, a trusted colleague, and a shining example of the heart and quality that define Cadence Academy.

Mrs. Diamond is truly a standout across the entire territory. As I travel and visit schools, her classroom consistently leaves a lasting impression. She creates an environment that embodies the very essence of what we strive for—a warm, joyful, and engaging educational vibe where children thrive. Her space reflects the heart of our mission and serves as a model of excellence for others

Northeast Region | Ms. Amanda

Congratulations to Ms. Amanda for being recognized as the Cadence Education Teacher of the Year for the Northeast Region!

Amanda’s commitment to Cadence and the children in her care is unparalleled.  Any time I visit Raynham and enter her classroom she greets me with a warm and welcoming smile and a “come on in!” She is mentioned repeatedly in NPS surveys and exceeds expectations in all areas of her annual reviews.  Below is her leader’s nomination and I could not say it any better myself. Amanda is so deserving of this honor.

We would like to nominate Amanda Moniz for our school’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. Without hesitation she is our model employee and teaching is her calling. Amanda has been with us 10 years this year. I have tried to promote her twice because of how highly I think of her, but she has declined me for one simple reason; “She loves teaching her students.” Her passion for teaching still burns after so many years. Not many can say that. Especially as an infant teacher. Finding fulfillment in educating infants year after year. You can still see the excitement in her eyes finding new ways to engage her students. Always looking for different activities or approaches for the children in her care as young as 3 months until they leave her classroom. You can see the twinkle in her eye when she played with them. It was love. To love your classroom, every student, and thoroughly execute and enjoy implementing curriculum for 10 years screams Teacher of the Year in my eyes. 

There are so many other reasons why she would be our choice. Her daily notes are very detailed and full of pictures which leads to high expectations throughout the building. I bring new staff to her because I know they would be trained correctly. She is kind and respectful in her approach with every interaction with families, coworkers, and students. Amanda makes sure that she is always doing the right thing and still asks me questions. She is quite simply the best at all levels. She is my breath of fresh air. I trust her to open the building and would work 12 hours if we asked because she is that person who wants to be helpful. I came in one day just recently and a bookshelf was built because she was saw that it needed to be built, and she was free.

I know there are many candidates, but I truly feel she deserves all the praise and recognition for all her hard work and dedication. She is one-of-a-kind. I literally could go on and on with all the wonderful things she has done in her classroom and with staff to make them feel special.

West Region | Ms. Leticia

Congratulations to Ms. Leticia for being recognized as the Cadence Education Teacher of the Year for the West Region!

Leticia’s classroom is a model of excellence. Despite having a full enrollment of 18 energetic toddlers (18–24 months), her space feels calm, organized, and engaging. She seamlessly balances structure with flexibility, always prioritizing the needs of her students. Her nurturing and patient approach fosters not just care but true learning, making her an exceptional educator.

Beyond her own classroom, Leticia is a leader among her peers. She is a trusted mentor, offering guidance and insight to fellow teachers. Colleagues frequently seek her advice, and she plays an active role in professional development, leading discussions and supporting new team members as they acclimate to our school community.

What stands out most is the atmosphere she creates in her classroom. When I walk in, the children are not rushing over to say hello—they are too engaged in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Leticia transitions effortlessly between activities using songs and rhythms, keeping the energy positive and the children captivated. She embraces wet and messy play with enthusiasm, ensuring every day is filled with fun, creativity, and discovery.

Leticia’s passion for early childhood education is evident in everything she does, and we are so grateful to have her on our team!

Specialty Territory | Ms. Savanah

Savannah truly embodies the spirit of a dedicated Montessori educator, pouring her heart and soul into everything she does.

Savannah invests countless hours, often on weekends, perfecting beautiful and engaging Montessori materials that ignite her students’ curiosity. Each lesson she crafts is not just an academic exercise, but a meaningful experience tailored to meet the diverse needs of every child in her care. She creates a warm, nurturing environment where each child feels valued, understood, and encouraged to grow.

Her work with children on the autism spectrum is particularly inspiring. Savannah takes the time to genuinely understand each child’s unique needs, adjusting her approach with remarkable grace and compassion. This thoughtful engagement fosters confidence and independence, allowing these children to thrive and feel a genuine sense of belonging in the classroom.

In addition to her exceptional teaching, Savannah fosters a strong sense of community by actively involving families in their children’s education. Her innovative ideas for family engagement create a welcoming space where collaboration is encouraged, enhancing the educational journey for everyone

involved. Through engaging fundraisers, she introduces her students to the world of economics, teaching them about financial literacy in an impactful and hands-on manner.

Savannah’s kindness extends well beyond her classroom walls. She is always there for her colleagues, offering support and guidance with an open heart. Her willingness to lend a helping hand whenever needed exemplifies her spirit of teamwork and camaraderie, uplifting those around her.

Outside of her role as an educator, Savannah is deeply committed to empowering women in her neighborhood. She stands as a beacon of hope for those trying to escape difficult situations, offering vital resources and sometimes even opening her own home to provide a safe space for those in crisis. Her compassion and selflessness truly reflect the strength she exhibits daily in her classroom.

Savannah Hefner is more than a teacher; she is an inspiring force in our community. Her unwavering dedication, innovative spirit, and profound care for her students and community make her extraordinarily deserving of this recognition. We feel truly honored to have her as part of our Montessori family and wholeheartedly support her nomination for Teacher of the Year.