Gold Star Alum Series: Dr. Angela Searcy

Dr. Angela Searcy’s MSCD ’02, journey at Erikson Institute began when she sought to advance her career after a decade of classroom experience. Introduced to Erikson by Marsha Shigeyo Hawley, a respected figure in early childhood education, Angela took a leadership class that solidified her decision to specialize in Infant Studies and pursue a Doctorate in Education.

Angela’s career highlights include founding Simple Solutions Educational Services and serving as adjunct faculty at Erikson Institute and Olivet Nazarene University. She is also a Master Cadre Pyramid Model Trainer, a CLASS Pre-K Affiliate Trainer, a member of the Fred Rogers Institute Educator’s Neighborhood 2024-2025 cohort, and an internationally recognized speaker and author of Push Past It! A Positive Approach to Challenging Classroom Behaviors and Elevating Equity: Navigating Challenging Conversations in Early Childhood Programs. Her work emphasizes professional development and practical strategies for educators and families.

Angela’s influence extends through her media appearances and publications, where she shares insights on managing classroom behaviors and promoting equity in early childhood education. Her journey at Erikson Institute exemplifies the transformative power of education and the impact of dedicated educators.

Angela encourages new graduates to make the most of Erikson’s wealth of knowledge and connections. “Engage deeply with the coursework, seek mentorship from faculty, and build a network with your peers. The relationships you form here and the expertise you gain will be invaluable throughout your career,” she advises. Her story inspires future educators to pursue their passion and make a lasting difference in the field of early childhood education.