About the Award
Ruth Eickman was a long-time educator in Lincoln Public Schools, serving as a teacher or principal at Bethany (a former LPS school), McPhee, Pershing, Norwood Park, Rousseau, Holmes, and Randolph schools. She was also the director of Federal Programs at the LPS District Office, where her work supported students at those schools and others in the LPS system. She held that job for many years before going BACK to the classroom to experience the daily joy of watching young children learn. She enjoyed that position as a kindergarten teacher at Randolph Elementary School.
Ruth retired from LPS in 1988, but not before winning an award for her outstanding contributions to early childhood education. She decided to make that award possible for future educators by creating this educator award. At the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, there is a special place for Ruth because, in retirement, she was a volunteer.
This award is presented annually to an LPS early childhood educator who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to young children and child-centered learning, has been involved with the families of these young children, has shown an appreciation of children’s and families’ uniqueness, uses developmentally appropriate practices when working with young children, and has demonstrated the use of innovative practices in the field of early childhood.
Applying for the Award
Award Amount: $1,000
Eligibility:
Any Lincoln Public Schools early childhood educator, including family educator, ECSE teacher, or early childhood SLP working with children ages birth to 5 or K-2. Self-nominations are not accepted.
Selection of the recipient will be based on:
- Commitment to young children and child-centered learning
- Involvement with families
- Appreciation of children’s/families’ uniqueness
- Contributions to young children and their families through community activities
- Outstanding contributions to the field and profession of Early Childhood Education
