There’s a constant current of energy that runs through Jaden; a palpable drive that’s nearly impossible to miss. At Star Learners @ Thomson, you’ll see it as he brings picture books to life, drawing children into vivid worlds of imagination, or when his well-timed jokes uplift the spirits of his colleagues. And that dynamism doesn’t stop at the school gates. Catch him after hours, and you’ll find that same powerhouse persona at a high-octane spin class, where he leads from the instructor’s bike with the same infectious energy.
For Jaden, the classroom and the spin studio aren’t separate passions. They’re like twin engines, each fuelling the other. The patience and creativity nurtured with young learners shape his coaching style, while the resilience and motivational fire from his spin sessions breathe new life into his teaching. Add studying for a part-time degree to the mix, and it becomes clear that this is more than just impressive time management. It’s a synergy in motion, showing how passion can multiply impact and spark continuous growth.
As we shine a light on the incredible individuals who make Star Learners what it is, Jaden’s journey offers a glimpse into how our educators bring diverse passions and boundless energy into their work. The result? Not just vibrant classrooms, but a ripple effect that uplifts the Star Learners community.
From Personal Journey to Professional Calling
Jaden’s path to early childhood education was deeply personal. “Growing up, I didn’t exactly have a very stable childhood,” he shares. “Both my parents were not around since I was about four, so I’ve been under the care of many different guardians.” That experience became a core motivator in his decision to become a preschool educator. “I didn’t want children to go through the same thing as I did. If they don’t have a safe space at home, then I want to create that safe space for them in school.”
Though he once debated a lucrative career in law (“I like to argue with people!”), he made a conscious choice to become a preschool educator instead. He was drawn to Star Learners by its meaningful literature-based curriculum, as well as the supportive leadership of his then-Principal, Ms Aiwen.
His days are a whirlwind, waking up at 5:30am to commute to work, then heading to teach spin or attend his part-time psychology degree lectures after. “At times, I feel that dread going to work because I’m so tired, but the second I step into the centre and I see the children… my tiredness goes away.”
The Spin Factor: Where Worlds Collide
Now, the parallels between his two passions are strikingly clear. “It’s a lot about breaking things down,” Jaden muses. His spin mentor’s advice to “treat your riders as if it’s their first day on the bike” resonated deeply. “It reminded me that, oh, actually, this applies the same to my children. Sometimes, I forget that they have only been on earth for five years.” This means scaffolding learning, whether it’s a K1 child learning new words or a new rider tackling complex choreography. “If learning A to Z is too difficult for them, then get them to start from A to G first. Everybody’s progress is different.”
He brings this patient understanding to his spin classes. “If I see someone struggling, then I give them the same form of encouragement that I give to my kids. That just because you cannot do it today, it doesn’t mean you cannot do it tomorrow.”
Jaden’s venture into spin instruction started unexpectedly. “I was gaining a lot of weight,” he admits with a chuckle. “When I first went to a class, I stood up to ride for 10 seconds and sat down for the rest of the class. It was the worst experience of my life.” But a self-proclaimed desire to “find trouble for myself” and a competitive spirit (“I see the person next to me at a spin class and I tell myself, I cannot lose to him/her!”) kept him going. Soon, his rapid progress caught an instructor’s eye, and she encouraged him to go for an instructor’s audition.
A Community of Support at Star Learners
His demanding schedule of balancing teaching, spin classes and a part-time degree, is made manageable by a “damn understanding” support system at Star Learners. “My colleagues are so sweet… When I started to go to spin more frequently, some of them joined me… even Ms Yihui (our principal) came with us.” This camaraderie extended to his debut as an instructor. “When I told them that, oh, I’m going to start teaching very soon then they’re like, yeah, okay, we will come.”
This support is crucial, especially regarding his studies. “If I cannot finish my assignment and need to take urgent leave the next day, they have never said no to me.” He acknowledges the significance of this support, especially because “every staff matters” when it comes to preschool operations.
This environment has fostered immense personal growth as well. “I used to lack a lot of discipline,” Jaden reflects. “I’d say I’m a smart kid, but I’ve always been lazy.” He credits leaders like Ms Aiwen, Ms Yihui and Ms Sylvia (Deputy Head, Preschools) for that growth. “They recognise my abilities and they push me very hard… That has made me more disciplined in knowing what I want and can accomplish.”
Anchored and Looking Ahead
What truly anchors Jaden to Star Learners @ Thomson, despite a long commute and other offers, is the community. He describes a cohesive team where “everyone just looks out for each other.” This sense of family extends to upper management. “My friends working at other preschools always tell me it’s weird because I would share that there are times where I will just go up and talk to Ms Sylvia or anyone else from the Leadership Team, and I just feel so comfortable… there’s no barrier.”
With plans to pursue a Master’s in Early Childhood in the future and the goal of one day leading a Star Learners centre, Jaden is already shaping bright futures, that of his own and the children he cares for. His journey, fuelled by his passions in and out of the industry, doesn’t just make him just an inspiring educator; it makes him a vital part of what keeps the Star Learners community vibrant and always pedalling forward.
“If I see someone struggling, then I give them the same form of encouragement that I give to my kids. That just because you cannot do it today, it doesn’t mean you cannot do it tomorrow.”
At the time of publication, Jaden is on secondment to the Curriculum Team through our newest Talent Management Programme, where he’s embarking on a six-month journey as a Trainee Curriculum Specialist!
