The Inspiring Early Childhood Educator

Dear Educator: You Built This Community (The Power of Showing Up Together!)

It’s the final week of Motivational May, and this episode is a heart-full celebration of the journey we've walked together.
This week, Marcia Nicole reflects on the magic of community how finding your people (or building your own village) can breathe life back into your purpose. She shares personal stories from the month, moments that reignited her own motivation, and the incredible messages and support that reminded her why this work matters so deeply.
We revisit the themes of the month celebrating invisible victories, the power of presence, and reconnecting with the person behind the profession. And in case you missed last week’s intended message? She weaves it right in: a gentle, joyful reminder that being perfectly imperfect is powerful, too.
This episode is more than a wrap-up. It’s a love letter to every educator out there doing the work seen or unseen.
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Email: info@ispyrtoeducate.com

Reflect, Reset, Rejuvenate Finding You Outside the Classroom

This week on The Inspiring ECE Podcast, we’re taking a breath literally and figuratively to focus on someone often left behind: you.
In this soul-filling episode, Marcia Nicole invites educators to pause and reconnect with the parts of themselves beyond the classroom. Who are you outside of lesson planning, snack prep, and endless documentation? What makes you feel alive, creative, curious?
You’ll explore what it means to reclaim space, rediscover old passions, and bring that spark back into your practice not as another task on your to-do list, but as a way to fill your cup from the inside out.
This is your permission to be more than your title and to take up space unapologetically. Because when you thrive, your classroom does too.
In this episode:
Why finding yourself outside of the classroom matters
How to make space for joy (without guilt!)
Simple ways to bring your passions into your teaching
A powerful reminder: You are enough
Let’s Stay Connected:
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Email: info@ispyrtoeducate.com

Your Presence Is Powerful (Even When You Feel Invisible)

This week is the second week of motivational May on The Inspiring ECE Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most heartfelt truths about early childhood education: your presence is powerful.
Even on the days when you're not at 100%, even when you feel unseen or unheard your presence matters. In this episode, Marcia Nicole reminds us that showing up with authenticity, care, and heart no matter how imperfect is an act of strength, love, and purpose.
She invites you to reflect on what grounds you, what keeps you going, and how the quiet impact you make every day is creating real change in your classroom, your centre, and your community. This is your weekly dose of motivation and a powerful reminder that even in your hardest moments, you are deeply needed.
Let’s Stay Connected:
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Email: info@ispyrtoeducate.com

Invisible Victories & Everyday Magic: Why the Little Things Matter Most

Welcome to Motivational May on The Inspiring ECE Podcast a month-long series created to uplift, recharge, and re-energize early childhood educators just like you.
May can be a whirlwind full of evaluations, transitions, celebrations, and big to-do lists that leave you running on empty. But this year, we’re shifting the energy. This is your invitation to pause, reflect, and refill your cup because you matter, and the work you do is nothing short of extraordinary.
Each week, Marcia Nicole brings you a joyful, real, and motivational pep talk to help you feel seen, supported, and inspired because you deserve it.
In this kickoff episode, Marcia dives into the unseen and uncelebrated moments the invisible victories that often go unnoticed in your day-to-day work. From wiping spills and calming tears, to observing growth and helping children through emotional challenges, these small wins are the heartbeat of early childhood education.
She reminds us that these tiny but powerful moments help build resiliency, confidence, and joy not just in the children you support, but in you as an educator. You won’t find trophies or applause for every one of them, but they are just as important maybe even more.
So today, take a deep breath. Celebrate the wins that no one sees. And remember you’re making magic in the everyday moments, and your impact is massive.
Stay Connected:
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Email: info@ispyrtoeducate.com

Mentorship Isn’t Extra It’s Essential: A Conversation with Veteran Educators

Join me, Marcia Nicole, on this heartfelt episode of Ispyr to Educate as we dive deep into the real impact of mentorship from a veteran educator’s perspective. In today’s conversation, I share my journey of mentoring over the years the ups, the challenges, and the transformative moments that remind us why taking on a student is not just another responsibility, but a legacy-building act. We explore how mentoring enriches our practice, reawakens our passion, and ultimately builds a stronger future for early childhood education. If you’re a seasoned educator grappling with the question, “Do I have the energy to mentor right now?” or wondering how to find balance in an ever-demanding profession, this episode is for you. Let’s reframe mentorship together as the essential, intentional practice that elevates us all.
Stay Connected:
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Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn
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Email: info@ispyrtoeducate.com

Full STEAM Ahead: Making STEAM Approachable in Early Learning with Paula Walsh

Episode Description:
STEAM in early childhood education—what does it really look like? How can we move past the idea that STEAM is just about science experiments and tech gadgets and instead see it as a natural part of how children learn and explore the world?
In this episode of The Inspiring ECE Podcast, I sit down with Paula Walsh, an early childhood educator, lecturer, STEAM researcher, and author of Full STEAM Ahead. Paula is passionate about making STEAM practical, playful, and accessible for all educators—because let’s be real, we don’t need to be scientists or engineers to bring rich learning experiences to young children!
We’re talking about:
The real difference between STEM and STEAM and why the Arts are a game-changer
How STEAM fits naturally into play-based and inquiry-driven learning
Simple, everyday ways to introduce STEAM—no expensive resources required
Why “unplugged technology” is just as important as screen-based learning
How educators can build confidence in STEAM (even if it feels intimidating)
Paula’s book Full STEAM Ahead and how it helps educators bring STEAM into their classrooms with ease
This episode is all about breaking down barriers and empowering educators to embrace STEAM in a way that feels fun, engaging, and meaningful.
 
How to connect with Paula Walshe
Paula's most recent book, entitled "Full STEAM Ahead" is a guide to implementing STEAM in the early years and is also available now from Boru Press here. You can contact Paula or learn more about her work here.
LinkedIn: Paula Walshe
Twitter: @‌walshe_paula
Instagram: @‌paulawalshe77
You can also email her: paula.walshe@setu.ie
 
Guest bio: Paula Walshe is a published author, Assistant Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at South East Technological University in Carlow, Ireland and a PhD candidate at Dundalk Institute of Technology. Her PhD research focuses on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and maths) in early childhood education and care (ECEC).

Leading with Passion: Anisha Angella on ECE Leadership and Entrepreneurship

In this empowering episode of The Inspiring ECE Podcast, your host Marcia Nicole welcomes a true trailblazer in the field of Early Childhood Education—Anisha Angella. As an entrepreneur, author, Registered Early Childhood Educator, and dynamic leadership coach, Anisha is on a mission to inspire educators to think beyond the classroom and embrace leadership roles with passion and purpose.
This episode is a heartfelt conversation filled with practical insights, contagious energy, and powerful lessons from Anisha’s own journey from classroom teacher to influential leader and coach. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make impactful changes in your ECE career, this episode is packed with golden nuggets to keep you motivated and focused on your personal and professional growth.
 
What You’ll Learn/Show Notes:
The pivotal moments and mentors that shaped Anisha's journey from educator to entrepreneur
Practical tips for new entrepreneurs looking to branch out beyond the classroom
How to find the right mentor and build a supportive professional community
Realistic strategies to manage burnout while keeping your passion alive
The evolving landscape of leadership in ECE, including addressing mental health, diversity, and educator empowerment
Tune in, take notes, and get ready to be inspired! Anisha’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the ECE community.
Social links: The ECC's Links:
 
Website: www.anishatheecc.com
Instagram: Instagram (@theecc.community)
Facebook: The Early Childhood Coach | Mississauga ON
Twitter: Anisha.theecc (@AnishaAngella) on X
Youtube: The Early Childhood Coach Channel
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anishaangella/
TikTok: Anisha | Early Childhood Coach on TikTok
The ECE Hub (Facebook Group): The ECC Hub | Facebook
The ECC Academy (Podia): ECC Academy
Book A Workshop or Speaking Engagement with The ECC: Get in touch with The Early Childhood Coach

Why Early Childhood Education is Worth It—And Why You Should Stay!

In this heartfelt episode of the Inspiring ECE Podcast, we delve into the profound reasons why choosing and remaining in the field of Early Childhood Education (ECE) is not just a career choice but a transformative journey. Amidst discussions of burnout and staffing shortages, it's crucial to reconnect with the passion and purpose that drew us to this vocation.
Key Takeaways:
Navigating Negative Narratives: Learn strategies to shift your perspective from challenges to the impactful moments that define your teaching journey.
Building a Supportive Community: Discover the importance of surrounding yourself with positive, passionate educators who uplift and inspire.
Personal Growth Through ECE: Understand how your role as an educator not only shapes young minds but also fosters your own personal and professional development.
Be on the lookout for our Special Offering:
To support your well-being, we're excited to offer a FREE Wellness and Self-Care Course tailored for educators. This resource provides practical tips and strategies to nurture your mental and emotional health, ensuring you can continue to inspire and educate with enthusiasm.
Join Our Community:
By subscribing to our mailing list, you'll receive updates on future podcast episodes, special guest interviews, and exclusive content designed to empower and motivate. It's also a platform for you to share your thoughts, suggest topics, and become an active participant in our growing community.
Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter
Call to Action:
Reflect on the positive moments in your teaching journey and share them with a colleague or within our community. Let's collectively shift the narrative towards the rewarding and joyful aspects of ECE.
Stay Connected:
Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/
Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn
Email: info@ispyrtoeducate.com

The Magic of Mother-Daughter Book Clubs with Stefanie and Meghan!

What if reading could bring families closer together? 📖💛
In this episode of the Inspiring ECE Podcast, we’re diving into the heartwarming and transformative power of mother-daughter book clubs with two incredible guests—co-authors Stefanie and Meghan Voss!
As sisters and passionate educators, they joined forces to create The Mother-Daughter Book Club Guide, a must-have resource for moms and daughters who want to make reading more meaningful, engaging, and fun. But this book isn’t just about choosing books—it’s about strengthening relationships, sparking great conversations, and creating cherished memories.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or book lover, this episode is filled with insight, inspiration, and practical advice on how to make reading a shared experience that goes beyond the page.
Show Notes:
📚 How mother-daughter book clubs deepen connections & create lasting memories💡 Why shared reading builds critical thinking, empathy, and resilience✨ Easy tips for starting your own book club (even for busy moms!)🍿 Creative ways to make book clubs fun & interactive with snacks, activities, and themed ideas👩‍👧 Heartwarming stories from real families who have embraced book club traditions👯‍♀️ A behind-the-scenes look at Stefanie & Meghan’s journey as sisters co-writing this book
If you’ve ever wanted to turn reading into a bonding experience—or if you just love discovering new ways to inspire kids through books—this episode is for you!
Where to Find Stefanie & Meghan & Their Book:
📘 Get The Mother-Daughter Book Club Guide:https://www.stefaniehohl.com/
🌎 Website: https://www.abcseeheardo.com/📷 Follow them on Instagram: @‌abcseeheardo @stefaniehohl @‌meghanvossstudio

The Magic of Loose Parts: Angela Odusanya on Unlocking Creativity in Early Learning

In this episode of the Inspiring ECE Podcast, host Marcia Nicole chats with Angela Odusanya, a dedicated early childhood educator and author of the popular Amelia’s Loose Part Art book series. Angela shares her journey into the world of early learning, how she fell in love with loose parts play, and why it’s so important for young children to have open-ended, exploratory experiences. Tune in to discover actionable strategies for bringing loose parts into your classroom or home, learn how Angela’s stories inspire both kids and adults, and hear why fostering creativity and problem-solving is more crucial than ever.
Guest info links
Website: www.angelaodusanya.com
Instagram/FB/TikTok @‌angelaodusanya
Amazon links:
Amelia's Loose Part Art-https://a.co/d/7IXcSXV
Amelia's Loose Part Art: A Day at the Beach-https://a.co/d/iOug0RT
Amelia's Easter Surprise- https://a.co/d/dM2I8jd