Early Years, Endless Impact!

We boost and get inspired by so many international educators that sometimes we may forget how much great work our own local practitioners really do. Here I am introducing three more individuals who I do not wish to let go under the radar because somehow or another I am positive their work may trigger or rekindle your own love for the Early Childhood sector.

Check out these amazing practitioners who are making it on my 40 before 40 list as people who are inspiring in my eyes.

Ms. Elaine Gauci

First time I met Ms.Elaine was online during the webinar series I conducted with eTwinning Malta. I invited Ms. Gauci to share her impeccable work within the eTwinning community and she surely did not disappoint. In particular I am always intrigued in learning and following her STEM related activities, because I find it very similar to my own pedagogy interests. I get inspired from her innovative ideas in particular how she incorporates STEM in early primary classroom settings.

Ms. Gauci has been working in the Early Years sector for the past 15 years and according to her it is a role that continues to bring her great satisfaction. For Ms. Elaine, seeing children come to school with enthusiasm, joy and who are eager to participate in activities, is incredibly rewarding. It is especially meaningful to her when former students approach her and fondly recall experiences they once shared together in class.

As already mentioned, Ms.Elaine is an active participant in eTwinning projects, which according to her, it allows her to continuously learn and grow alongside with her students. Several of their contributed projects have also qualified and awarded the European Quality Label. Recently, she also received recognition from eTwinning Malta. This included awards for Best European Primary Project, Best Fun Project – Early Years, and Best STEM Project – Early Years.

Ms. Elaine Gauci is passionate about incorporating outdoor learning into her teachings, particularly by engaging children with nature through activities in their school garden. She is a strong believer in these kind of enriching experiences as it plays an important role in fostering curiosity and a love for learning.

She encounters that one of her most rewarding achievements was receiving the Primary Class Teacher Award for Inspiring Learners in STEM from Esplora Interactive Science Centre. This recognition has motivated ber further to inspire young learners and nurture their interest in STEM education as from an early age.

Yes Ms.Elaine Gauci is an Early Primary school teacher BUT as a Kindergarten educator I still find it beneficial to follow her work and get inspired. Since she intertwines STEM and eTwinning in her classroom, for me personally she is another reason while I find her so inspirational. Nevertheless her contribution towards Early Primary must not go unnoticed because like in Kindergarten, patience, curiosity and play help in shaping and forming little hands into big minds.

Ms. Noella Agius

Personally I do not recall ever meeting Ms.Noella in person, if so I apologise upfront, however I have been intrigued about Ms. Noella's input in the Early Years field ever since she has been posting her good practice on her social platform.

Ms. Noella is an administrative worker and an Early Years Educator. She had been working in administration in a private company for the past 9 years, but her inspiring journey into early years started in a completely unexpected way.

Back in 2020, she decided to start studying in Early Years. Ms. Aguis shares that she honestly, didn’t even know she had it in her to actually be an Early Years Educator. It was her family who noticed how she gets along so well children. She always played with them, organized activities, and naturally connecting with the childrenaround her. Her family encouraged Ms. Aguis to take the plunge and go for it. At the age of 26, she recalls finding herself starting a whole new career path.

While studying for her Level 4 qualification, she recalls having a teacher who really believed in her capabilities. It was thanks to the encouragement of this teacher that pushed Ms.Noella to continue with university. I resonate with Ms.Noella so much because she doubted herself when carrying forward with her studies, as much as I doubt myself too. Sometimes we limit our vision just because we believe in others so much that we forget about oursleves. This comment by Ms. Noella hit home and I am positive many of you can relate too.

Ms. Noella recalls that her learning journey was not easy at all. Still working full-time, while studying part-time, and in the mist of everything doing assignments ,studying for exams and attending practice working up to 16 hours every single day. It was intense, but she stayed committed and conquered through.

Before taking the plunge and engaging in her studies, Ms. Aguis says that her knowledgeabout children was limited. It is through her studies, she continued to learn. From the psychology behind how children grow and think, to the hands-on experience. Seeing evrrything fold in real life experiences was magical especially realising how children at that age learn about everything around them.

Six years after she achieved her Level 6 Degree qualification, and found self pride for all her accommodations. She recalls her experience as something she wasn’t even sure about which later took a turning point into something she truly loves. Ms. Noella finds ECEC both a profession and a vocation. She truly believes that through such studies one can benefit from for whoever wants to be a parent and not just for educators. This comment hit home because it EXACTLY how my journey started in ECEC, as a parent wanting to know more.

Ms. Noella shares that for her the most rewarding part is seeing children learn and grow through the things she does with them. That feeling is something beyond anyone can compare.

As Ms. Noella shares, she hopes her story can inspire other educators and parents into not giving up. I truly believe that YES her journey is inspiring indeed especiallyfor those who second guess their next step or are fearful of what capabilities one truly holds. Inspiring, motivating and truly a champion of professional change don't you think?

Ms. Sharon Abela Craus

First time I got the chance to meet Ms. Abela Craus was virtually during my CT, where I was assigned to assist Ms.Abela Craus in her preparation for an international workshop. It was there when I saw how dedicated she truly was to refining her craft as an Early Years educator and how a little push helped her in inspiring others alike.

Ms. Sharon is a Kindergarten Educator with 24 years of experience in Early Childhood Education. She is committed in fostering a positive, holistic and inclusive learning environment. Her teaching philosophy focuses on nurturing curiosity, creativity and independence while encouraging children to actively participate in their learning.

A key professional interest is her involvement in eTwinning projects. Now I onow what many might think, YES another eTwinner BUT clearly it is a community which helped me connect to so many of you just as much as my Life in Kindy social media. Back to Ms. Abela Craus and why I think she is a marvellous inspiring educator! She is the founder of several European initiatives that promote innovative learning, international collaboration, and cultural exchange, working with educators across Europe to create meaningful learning experiences.

In April 2025, she attended the eTwinning seminar titled “Succeeding in Basic Skills through Project-Based Learning and eTwinning” in Riga, Latvia, where she represented Malta as a workshop leader and shared her experience integrating eTwinning, emergent curriculum and project-based learning in early childhood education. She did this workshop with both face to face participants and also with an online audience. It shows how kindergarten educators like Ms.Abela Craus have alot more to offer than just a classroom setting. Her experiences taught her how to carry forward meaningful activities with equally enthusiastic professionals, not only through projects but more so as a workshop leader. It empowered her to see herself beyond a kindergarten educator buy also in active leadership roles.

In August 2025, she participated in an Erasmus training course in Bologna titled “Integrating ICT, New Technologies and AI Tools into Teaching and Education.” This training strengthened her ability to integrate digital technologies and AI into her teachings. Another opportunity aroused in January 2026, in which she shared this knowledge by conducting a workshop on the AI-based learning platform Blooket during the SBC Multiplier Event.

Ms.Sharon's passion for Early Childhood Education continues to drive her professional growth. She believes the Early Years are crucial for developing curiosity, creativity and confidence and therefore she remains committed into being innovative, collaborative and contributing positively to the educational community. From a classroom inspiration to now a leading role-mode, Ms.Abela Craus is nurturing curiosity not only with her students but also exploring that of her own. Remarkable professionals in Kindergarten which continue to encourage and motivate others in this profession will also be inspirational in my books.

In a nutshell these three amazing professionals inspire me because they all have something special to contribute in this sector. The passion is undoubtedly number one on the list however their thirst to learn more, inquire and above all stay hands on is powerful in itself. The importance of recognition is also a lesson which these three educators have taught me while writing this post. Recognition not only in physical awards and certifications, but also through reassurance, motivation and support. Let us continue more in uplifting one another further and create this community of inspiring collaborations while embracing out own beautiful stories.

Thank you to Ms.Elaine Gauci, Ms. Noella Aguis and Ms. Sharon Abela Craus for sharing with me their stories and I am positive many can relate to your journey but most of all get inspired from you too.