The first early childhood educator to be named Minnesota Teacher of the Year will be coming to Albert Lea to talk about childhood to parents and community members.

Katy Smith, a parent educator at Early Childhood Family Education, or ECFE, in Winona, was asked to come by Albert Lea and Austin’s ECFE administrators. Her presentation will focus on what children need to succeed, from their family, community and school.

“I have been concerned for many years about the changing landscape of childhood and feel the need to rally adults all over the state to champion for a childhood that is in the best interest of children,” Smith said.

The event is free and open to the public. She will present in the auditorium at Albert Lea High School from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Smith said the talk will also highlight the things schools are doing best for children and highlight the areas that need work.

“The message is about childhood, not only those very important early childhood years but middle childhood all the way to teen age as well,” Smith said.

Smith said even for those parents who don’t have children in the house that the evening will be interesting and entertaining. Because she works in parent education, she said she enjoys finding stories that inspire people and make them laugh. She hopes the audience leaves energized about their role as parents or interested community members.

Smith also has a blog at www.minnesotateacheroftheyear.blogspot.com, where people can read more about her message.