Shalini Jaiswal Visionary Voyage: Leading with Heart in Early Childhood Education

Share On:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Shalini’s journey into the world of education wasn’t charted in boardrooms or born out of ambition—it began in the warm, joyful chaos of childhood laughter. Long before she stepped into leadership roles that would help shape some of India’s leading educational institutions, she was a young girl spending her school vacations teaching the children of support staff.

Later, during her postgraduate studies, she was teaching the polytechnic section of her college—but it was the carefree joy of children in her society that truly captured her heart. Their innocence, energy, and laughter drew her in—and never let go.

With nearly three decades in education, Shalini’s story is not just one of progression but of transformation. From a conventional teacher to a passionate advocate for play-based learning, her evolution has mirrored the changing face of modern education. “Education, to me, is a lifelong journey,” she says. “And I’m still a student in many ways.

In 2025, Shalini’s contribution to the education sector is being recognized on a national stage as one of the Top 5 Influential Women in Education. It’s an honor she accepts with humility, crediting her family, her workplace, her team, and the children she encounters every day. “This recognition is as much theirs as it is mine,” she reflects. “If I can make even the smallest difference in shaping the future of our country through education, then every bit of the effort is worth it.”

Building Dreams, One School at a Time

Two decades ago, Shalini Jaiswal co-founded the very first Maple Bear Early Learning Centre in the world, alongside her brother-in-law. At the heart of this venture was a simple yet bold dream—to offer an early childhood education model that was meaningful, engaging, and deeply rooted in the joy of learning.

“It wasn’t just about setting up another preschool. It was about creating a space where early childhood was truly honored as the foundation of lifelong learning,” she explains. Partnering with Maple Bear’s global team in Canada brought in a child-centered, bilingual, play-based learning model that challenged many traditional practices. “We had to unlearn old ways and embrace a new mindset. But the results were worth every effort.”

Today, Maple Bear classrooms across South Asia reflect this ethos. Experiential learning isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the pulse of their pedagogy. Shalini emphasizes that making experiential learning real requires more than activities and worksheets. It demands consistent teacher training, access to open-ended resources, and an environment where children are free to explore. “Children need space, both physical and emotional, to thrive. When you give them that, learning happens naturally.”

With the support of the Maple Bear Global team, the program continues to evolve to meet the needs of a new generation. The Beta Generation, as Shalini calls them, needs a very different kind of foundation—one that embraces critical thinking, character building, sustainability, and risk-taking. “We align our program with India’s NEP 2020 and NCF 2022, but we also go beyond. Our curriculum is rooted in local culture while preparing learners to be global citizens.”

Empowering Educators, Enriching Classrooms

Shalini’s impact isn’t limited to classrooms—it extends deeply into teacher training and curriculum design. Her work with organizations like XSEED and Inspire Education provided her with invaluable insights into the importance of foundational learning. “These experiences helped me understand what really works in classrooms—clarity of outcomes, effective assessments, and teaching tools that are practical, not just theoretical.”

She believes that the best educators are lifelong learners themselves. “A love for learning is the most essential quality in a teacher. When teachers evolve, their classrooms do too. But more than knowledge, it’s the teacher-student relationship that makes the real difference. Children need to feel safe, seen, and supported—that’s where the magic happens.”

Her efforts have focused on mentoring and supporting thousands of educators across the region. She champions a model of leadership that’s rooted in empathy and empowerment. “Lead by example. Show up consistently. And create an environment where people feel valued—that’s what true leadership looks like.”

Future-Ready Learners and Collaborative Communities

In an age defined by rapid change, Shalini is a firm believer in blending global excellence with local wisdom. Her philosophy of being “Glocal” drives Maple Bear’s curriculum design—balancing international best practices with regional relevance. “We want our children to be globally aware, but also deeply connected to their roots.”

This holistic approach extends beyond the classroom. Shalini and her team invest heavily in parent engagement and community workshops—an often-overlooked yet essential piece of the educational puzzle. “Parents are our partners. When we work together with shared goals, the child’s learning experience becomes much richer. Our workshops help families understand not just what we teach, but why we teach it that way.”

Social and emotional learning is another pillar of Maple Bear’s approach. “We help children recognize that every emotion is valid and guide them in expressing those emotions in socially appropriate ways,” she shares. “It’s not just about academics—it’s about raising kind, confident, and emotionally intelligent human beings.”

The Legacy of Leadership

As a woman in leadership, Shalini acknowledges that her journey has been supported by a collaborative and nurturing environment. While she hasn’t faced gender-specific obstacles, she understands the challenges of keeping a growing network of franchise partners aligned with Maple Bear’s high standards. “It’s about constant motivation, clear communication, and shared purpose.”

For Shalini, success in education is not measured by marks or medals, but by growth—of students, teachers, parents, and institutions. “When everyone involved in the learning ecosystem grows together with purpose and joy, that’s real success.”

Looking ahead, her legacy is firmly rooted in the foundational years. “The early years are everything. They shape who we become. If I’ve helped shift mindsets toward recognizing the value of these years—toward making learning joyful and meaningful—then I know I’ve done something worthwhile.”

Her message to the next generation of women leaders in education is simple yet profound: “Never stop learning. Be hands-on. Empower others. The deeper you grow your roots, the higher you’ll rise.”

Related Posts