Gold Star Alum Series: Ron Cheng, M.S.Ed ’21
Dedicated to celebrating the shining achievements of Erikson alumni
From Finance to Early Childhood: Ron’s Journey of Curiosity and Community
“I’m still learning,” Ron says with a modest smile, his gentle tone reflecting the humility that has guided his remarkable career transformation. He started his career in investment management at firms like Merrill Lynch and BlackRock, eventually becoming a junior partner at a boutique investment advisory firm. After more than 10 years in investment management, Ron chose to follow a new path: early childhood education.
His story is a testament to lifelong learning, the courage to pivot, and the belief that growth comes from trusting both the process and the people you guide.
A Family’s Leap into Education
The roots of Ron’s transformation began with a deeply personal milestone. “We were deciding to start a family,” he recalls. “We started reading about parenting, which led us to education, and then into early childhood.” That curiosity deepened as he discovered educationalists like John Dewey and Lev Vygotsky, and exciting implementations of progressive teaching like the Reggio Emilia Approach.
“It was fascinating,” he shares. “If these philosophies could spark such profound exploration for us, why not bring them to families looking for something fresh and impactful?” This conviction inspired him and his wife to contribute to the progressive education movement by founding preschools that prioritized curiosity and creativity.
An Entrepreneurial Spirit Rekindled
Ron’s entrepreneurial roots trace back to college in the late 1990s, where he and his peers explored early internet technologies, experimenting with message boards and social platforms long before social media became mainstream. “We didn’t fully grasp what we were creating,” he admits, “but it taught me the value of curiosity and openness to new ideas.”
That mindset served him well when he and his wife co-founded Tinkerseeds Children’s Workshop and Littleseeds Academy in Taiwan. These English-immersion preschools embrace project-based learning, where children’s questions shape the curriculum. “We weren’t satisfied with just emulating other preschool programs or using mostly scripted curriculum,” Ron says. “We designed environments that empower our teachers to let children’s ideas drive a lot of the learning process.”
For instance, if children express an interest in tunnels, teachers guide them through activities like exploring why arches are strong, designing structures from recycled materials, and acting out imaginative tunnel adventures. “They’re learning science, math, art, and language all at once,” Ron explains. “You see shy kids open up because they realize their ideas matter. Parents become part of the process, too, forming what feels like a small village.”
Inspiration and Learning at Erikson
When Ron decided to deepen his understanding of education, he applied to only one graduate program: Erikson Institute. His choice was deliberate, driven by the discovery that one of Erikson’s professors, Dr. Gillian McNamee, had been a teaching assistant to Vivian Gussin Paley—a pioneer in honoring children’s voices through storytelling.
“Paley’s approach—taking children’s stories seriously and acting them out—opened my eyes to how storytelling fosters meaningful learning experiences,” Ron explains. “I wanted that direct connection to her work.”
Ron’s reflections on early literacy echo this emphasis on connection. In his Medium article, he highlights James Britton’s assertion: “Reading and writing float on a sea of talk,” crediting it as a foundational idea in his belief that literacy emerges naturally through storytelling, meaningful conversations, and shared experiences.
At Erikson, he found not just theoretical grounding but a close-knit community of educators and mentors. He highlighted connections with faculty such as Dr. Gillian McNamee, a former teaching assistant to Vivian Paley, whose guidance helped him refine his educational philosophy. Meeting her in person when she visited one of his schools in Taiwan was a standout moment for Ron.

(pictured left to right) Dr. Gillian McNamee and Ron Cheng
Ron also benefited from the supportive atmosphere created by professors like Dr. Angela Searcy and his peers. “We formed study groups, stayed connected through WhatsApp, and supported each other,” he recalls. “It felt like a family, even though many of us were scattered around the world.”
A Vision Rooted in Trust and Curiosity
For Ron, the essence of early childhood education lies in fostering trust and curiosity. Inspired by Mitchel Resnick’s concept of “lifelong kindergarten,” he envisions playful, project-based learning extending from preschool into elementary education and higher levels of schooling.
“Children have a desire to understand and be understood,” he says. “As educators, we’re here to give them the tools to do both.” This philosophy informs every aspect of Tinkerseeds, Littleseeds, and now a third kindergarten Piperseeds Preschool, where Ron sees himself as both a guide and a learner.
Looking Ahead
Ron sees the future of education as deeply tied to humanity and creativity, especially in the age of Artificial Intelligence. “As AI continues to advance, education must focus on what makes us human—our creativity, empathy, and relationships,” he reflects. “Rather than focusing mostly on pushing strict academics down, let’s bring the spirit of curiosity up through every grade level.”
“I’m still learning,” Ron reiterates, his humility a consistent thread in his journey. Leaving behind a thriving career in finance, he took a leap of faith to build something transformative. That bold decision reflects the essence of Erikson’s mission: fostering environments where curiosity, humanity, and learning thrive.
Through his work, Ron reminds us that true success lies in nurturing growth—not just in children, but in the communities that support them. His journey invites us to reflect on the courage it takes to embrace new challenges and the profound impact of fostering curiosity and collaboration. By blending his global experiences with timeless educational philosophies, Ron exemplifies how trust, empathy, and a commitment to lifelong learning can reshape not just schools but the world around them. His story stands as a powerful reminder that education, at its best, is a shared journey toward understanding and transformation.

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