Educators shape more than children’s learning. They touch families, inspire colleagues, and bring care, patience and purpose in the everyday moments that matter. This Teachers’ Day, 10 people in the lives of early childhood (EC) educators share what inspires them most about these everyday heroes.
THROUGH A HUSBAND'S EYES: THE SAME CARING HEART
Educators often carry out work that goes unseen — preparing learning resources, keeping up with EC developments and managing the responsibilities that support children’s learning. For Ms Liaw Mea Siang of Small Wonder Preschool at Ang Mo Kio, that same thoughtfulness extends to her family.
“She’s constantly thinking about the family, whether it’s buying little treats or making sure we have what we need at home,” says her husband, Mr Joel Ng. He sees that same dedication in the way she cares for the children in her class, who may not remember every lesson — but will carry her care as they grow.
Mr Joel Ng, Ms Liaw Mea Siang, and their son, Aidan Ng, aged 7.
FROM A DAUGHTER TO HER EDUCATOR-MUM: WHEN TEACHING EXTENDS TO HOME
For seven-year-old Nurul Jannah Binte Abu Yasir, growing up with a preschool educator-mum has shaped her in different ways.
Her mother, Ms Norhaslinda Binte Eb-Rahem, a preschool educator at Chatsworth Preschool — Piccadilly Campus, brings home the same values she imparts to her class: doing the right thing, showing kindness and learning from mistakes. "She's kind to the other children and teaches them everything she knows," says Jannah.
To Jannah, Ms Haslinda is more than a parent. Through her words and actions, she shows that kindness, integrity and a willingness to learn are the foundations of helping a person grow and become their best self.
7-year-old Nurul Jannah Binte Abu Yasir with her mother Ms Norhaslinda Binte Eb-Rahem.
PERSPECTIVE FROM A STUDENT'S DAD: BRINGING LEARNING TO LIFE
Mr Samuel He was surprised to find his son Leslie coming home from preschool singing Chinese songs and using Chinese phrases. "Learning Chinese is tough for my child in today's environment and I'm thankful the preschool has made Chinese class exciting," says Mr He, whose son attends Kindergarten 2 at Little Seeds Preschool (Capstone).
He credits Teacher Nyong Yin for using roleplay, do-it-yourself props and storytelling to enliven Chinese lessons. Teacher Brenda, meanwhile, planned an entire semester of lessons around journalism and news, culminating in children creating their own newspapers. "Both teachers took pains to make classes come alive for the children," he says.
Ms Nyong Yin (top row, left) and Ms Brenda Chong along with Mr Samuel He and his son, Leslie He, aged 5.
FROM AN INSPIRED PEER: HELPING CHILDREN FIND THEIR VOICE
Teaching children with developmental needs can be challenging, but Mr Joed Che approaches it with exceptional patience.
His colleague, Ms N. Kanniga, recalls a child who struggled to participate in class. Instead of focusing on the challenging behaviour, Mr Che sought to understand what the child was trying to communicate. "Through his calm approach, creativity and genuine care, he helped the child feel safe, included and successful," she shares. It is a quiet dedication that she believes sets Mr Che apart and inspires other educators.
Ms N. Kanniga and Mr Joed Che, who is a Senior Educational Support Teacher at Little Olive Tree (Holland).
A FRIEND'S TRIBUTE: ART FROM THE HEART
Teaching in early childhood may not seem like an artistic calling, but Ms Tan Wei Qing of Agape Little Uni Gambas (Nordcom II) has found a way to meld both passions.
Her friend, Ms Tuang Shu Qi, admires how Ms Tan crafts a classroom that is not just functional, but beautiful. "She believes the space children learn in matters, and that is reflected in everything she does," says Ms Tuang. For her, Ms Tan’s approach is a reminder that great teaching is itself a creative act. It sparks curiosity and makes learning feel like an adventure.
Ms Tuang Shu Qi (left) and Ms Tan Wei Qing at a candle-making workshop.
A SISTERLY BOND: AN EDUCATOR WHO NEVER STOPS TEACHING
For Ms Cheryl Aw, her passion for teaching doesn’t stop at the classroom door. The preschool educator at PCF Sparkletots Preschool @ Tampines Boulevard Blk 647 brings the same energy and thoughtfulness to family gatherings, curating activities for the children to learn and play.
“Some activities are so interesting that we adults want to join in, too!” says her sister, Ms Charmaine Aw. That same passion is evident in Ms Cheryl Aw’s approach to her work. “What makes Cheryl truly special as an educator is her ability to see every child without prejudice, and her dedication to their development,” says her sister.
Ms Cheryl Aw (left) and her sister, Ms Charmaine Aw.
NOTE FROM A STUDENT'S MOM: 'GENTLE ANCHORS'
Classrooms can be energetic, even chaotic places. Yet Ms Nurashikin Ismail and Ms Phan Mei Qi of E-Bridge Pre-school Bukit Batok West remain steady, calming presences without losing warmth or patience — a balance that comes naturally.
“What I admire most is how emotionally grounded and consistent they are,” says Ms Evette Mak, whose son, Elyan Yee, is in their class. “They serve as gentle anchors.”
“Children are guided with a nurturing firmness that teaches them how to pick themselves up, explore confidently and grow into kind, independent little individuals,” observes Ms Mak.
Ms Nurashikin Ismail and Ms Phan Mei Qi, along with Elyan Yee, aged 4.
THROUGH A STUDENT'S LENS: MAKING LEARNING FUN
Five-year-old Alyvia Tan knows exactly what she loves about preschool. Whether it is playground sessions with Teacher Regina or numeracy lessons at MapleBear Jubilee, she looks forward to activities that strengthen her skills in logic and deduction.
“We always have so much fun playing at the playground together,” says Alyvia. “I love being in (Teacher Regina’s) class because she makes learning fun!”
Alyvia Tan, aged 5, with Ms Regina Tan Mei Li.
GRANDMA OF A STUDENT SHARES: WHEN CLASSROOMS FEEL LIKE HOME
When three-year-old James Lui transited from playgroup to pre-nursery, the unfamiliar environment made him reluctant to attend preschool. But Teacher Sarah and Teacher He didn’t give up.
They engaged James with care and patience. “James now enjoys preschool and openly shares with me his friends’ names, and what he does in class,” says Mdm Tan Jiak Hoon, who is James’ grandmother. These days, James often mentions his teachers in conversation, she adds. For Mdm Tan, it is a sign that her grandson has found in his classroom not just a place to learn, but a place where he feels safe, happy and a sense of belonging.
Ms He Hui (top) and Ms Viesca Sarah Joy Oco in action at My First Skool at 6 New Punggol Road.
HER MOTHER'S PRIDE: A STORY OF GRIT AND GRACE
As the eldest child, Ms Gina Suan worked part-time jobs while studying to support her family. "Those were challenging times, but she never once considered giving up," says her mother, Ms Pauline Yong. "I am very proud of my daughter."
That tenacity extends to Ms Suan's work as a preschool educator. When a child grew restless during a concert rehearsal, she stayed close, gently keeping pace with him until his parent arrived. "It was a small but deliberate act of care that made a visible difference," says Ms Yong. To her, it reflected the same quiet determination and compassion she had seen in her daughter from a young age.
Ms Pauline Yong (left) and her daughter, Ms Gina Suan Wei Ting, who teaches at Trehaus School.
