Meg Crawley
Meg Crawley is a dedicated early childhood educator with a strong passion for fostering curiosity, creativity, and emotional growth in young learners. As the Lead Preschool Teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas Preschool, Meg brings a nurturing presence and over a decade of hands-on teaching experience to the classroom, creating a safe and engaging environment where children can thrive.
Meg holds a Master of Arts in English Language and Literature from The College of New Jersey, a foundation that informs her love for storytelling, communication, and literacy in early education. She combines this academic background with a compassionate teaching style to support the developmental milestones of each child in her care. Her classroom philosophy emphasizes patience, positive reinforcement, and the power of play-based learning.
Deeply committed to continuous personal and professional growth, Meg actively engages in educational conversations and shares thought leadership through her LinkedIn presence. She is inspired by creating meaningful connections—with students, families, and colleagues—and values the importance of kindness, collaboration, and lifelong learning in and beyond the classroom.
• The College of New Jersey
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my genuine love for working with children and the support of a mentor who truly values collaboration. My current supervisor has created an environment where new ideas are welcomed and voices are heard, which has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to work hard and follow your dreams. Staying dedicated and believing in your path can open doors you never expected.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is not to be discouraged by the pay. The true reward lies in the positive impact you have on your students’ lives each day—it’s meaningful, lasting, and incredibly fulfilling.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in this field is self-doubt. There are moments when I question whether I’m truly making a difference—but I’ve learned that even the smallest moments with a child can have a lasting impact. It’s a reminder that the work we do matters, even when it’s not always immediately visible.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me both personally and professionally are honesty, authenticity, and hard work. I believe in showing up as my true self and giving my best in everything I do. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through fitness, running, and walking, and I find joy and inspiration in music.