Gold Star Alum Series: Ron Grady, M.Ed. ’20

A Scholar Rooted in Reflective Practice

For Ron Grady, early childhood education is more than a career—it’s a daily practice of listening and observing. “There’s an honesty to children,” he says, “a way they interact with their world that’s so genuine.” Whether documenting a classroom interaction, creating resources for educators, or crafting a children’s book, Ron’s work begins with a deep respect for the perspectives of young learners. “Even the most mundane, everyday moments in children’s lives are so packed full of meaning and significance,” he reflects, underscoring his belief in the power of small moments to reveal big ideas.

Ron’s academic journey began at Stanford University, where he earned a degree in psychology and developed a curiosity about how children learn and grow. Seeking a space to refine his ideas and connect with like-minded professionals, he turned to Erikson Institute for his master’s degree. Enrolled in the M.Ed. program while teaching in New Orleans, he found Erikson’s rigorous, child-centered approach transformative. Today, Ron continues his scholarly path as a doctoral student at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where his research builds on the reflective, community-centered ethos he developed at Erikson.

Erikson as a Catalyst for Growth

At Erikson, Ron discovered a vibrant intellectual community where his questions about children’s development could flourish. “I wanted to re-enter an intellectual community really dedicated to focusing on children,” he explains. Erikson’s program provided just that: a blend of theoretical depth and practical application. “I’d read about a concept in the evening, and the next day, I’d see it unfold in my classroom,” he says. The experience was “efficient and deep,” connecting his teaching with broader ideas about children’s learning.

The mentorship he received at Erikson played a crucial role. “I had the best advisor—Angela Searcy,” he says, reflecting on her guidance and encouragement. Faculty and peers offered a sense of belonging and a platform to explore his questions. “We were all doing different things in our classrooms,” he says of his cohort, “but we came together as a community to share and support one another.”

Honoring Children’s Voices and Narratives

The reflective, child-centered lens Ron honed at Erikson shapes his work today. His book, Honoring the Moment, encourages educators to slow down and recognize the richness in everyday interactions. “Children’s play is story,” he says, “and it’s one of the most profound ways they communicate their understanding of the world.”

Ron’s commitment to storytelling extends to his children’s books, including What Does Brown Mean to You? and the forthcoming Beatrice Looks for Home. Both works encourage young readers to explore identity, belonging, and nature with curiosity and care. These creative efforts reflect the values he developed at Erikson: to look closely, listen patiently, and trust that children’s narratives hold profound meaning.

Building Community and Amplifying Voices

Beyond his writing, Ron has dedicated his career to amplifying the voices of educators and children alike. Through his consultancy, Childology, he supports schools in developing reflective, child-centered practices and helps educators uncover the extraordinary in the everyday. “It’s about helping others slow down and notice what’s already happening,” he says.

Recently, Ron became Editor-in-Chief at Exchange Press, a platform for dialogue and storytelling in early childhood education. “We practitioners need to be involved in these discussions,” he says, emphasizing the importance of including teachers, mentors, and program directors in shaping the field’s future.

Lessons for Erikson Students and Alumni

For those continuing or beginning their journeys at Erikson, Ron offers heartfelt advice. “Take your time,” he says. “Engage with your professors, ask them questions, and seek their support. The work you do—whether it’s a paper, a project, or something you document—can extend beyond your space. You can contribute to the broader conversation.”

He also reminds alumni to stay rooted in what first inspired them. “The child is always at the center,” Ron says. “When we pay attention to what they’re showing us, we all stand to learn.” His journey—from Erikson to his work as a writer, consultant, and now a doctoral student at Harvard—shows how reflective practice, intellectual rigor, and collaboration can transform a career and elevate the field of early childhood education.

By honoring children’s voices, amplifying educators’ insights, and continuing to ask thoughtful questions, Ron Grady exemplifies what it means to carry Erikson’s mission forward. His work is a reminder that in early childhood education, every moment matters—and every story has the potential to inspire.