Two Malvern School Teachers Honored with Terri Lynne Lokoff Teacher Award

Malvern School teachers recognized in national competition for second consecutive year

Committed to excellence in early childhood education, The Malvern School is thrilled to announce that Jen Ott, Pre-Kindergarten Lead Teacher at The Malvern School of Lionville, and Melissa Bussell, Preschool 1 Lead Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator at The Malvern School of Montgomeryville, have been named winners of the 2022 Terri Lynne Lokoff Teacher Awards. They will be honored alongside award recipients from around the nation at a virtual ceremony on Friday, April 29.

“Being an early childhood educator is one of the most fundamentally important jobs there is. It takes a unique blend of love, skill, energy, creativity and patience – and to stand out among countless amazing teachers throughout the country is an incredible accomplishment,” says Christle Seal, Director of Educational Programs at The Malvern School. “We are extremely proud of Ms. Jen, Ms. Melissa and the entire team of exceptional early childhood educators that they represent at The Malvern School.”

Since 1994, the Terri Lynne Lokoff Teacher Awards have honored outstanding early care and education teachers for their dedication, expertise and commitment to providing high-quality early learning experiences. In 2021, six Malvern School teachers were recognized as Teacher Award recipients.

Jen Ott (left), Pre-Kindergarten Lead Teacher in Lionville, and Melissa Bussell (right), Preschool 1 Lead Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator in Montgomeryville, are both recognized as top early learning teachers in the country.

With 12 years of experience in the field and a Bachelor’s degree in early elementary education, Ms. Jen has been applauded by parents as a role model for early childhood educators. She is recognized for the love, support and confidence she instills in her students, as well as for the collaborative learning environment she provides.

Similarly, Ms. Melissa is recognized among her school community for her creative, hands-on and child-centered approach to teaching that keeps her students continually engaged in learning. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in education studies from Gwynedd Mercy University and over the past eight years has advanced her teaching career at The Malvern School. In addition to leading her classroom, she also serves as Montgomeryville’s curriculum coordinator, mentoring and supporting teachers throughout the school on educational best practices.

Learn more about the Terri Lynne Lokoff Teacher Awards here.