The Inspiring Early Childhood Educator

Interview with Julie Hansen: Her Inspiring Journey

In this empowering episode of the Inspiring ECE Podcast, your host Marcia Nicole sits down with the amazing Julie Hansen—a passionate Early Childhood Educator, Consultant, and Author with over 24 years of experience. Julie’s journey is all about leadership, growth, and making a real impact in early childhood education.
Julie takes us through her inspiring story, starting as a young educator to becoming a leader who is now focused on team leadership, management training, and developing programs that shape the future of ECE. We talk about the challenges she faced along the way, the big wins, and how her passion for advocacy continues to drive her mission to uplift educators and children.
This episode is packed with powerful takeaways:
Julie’s personal transformation from an educator to a leader, and the experiences that shaped her approach
How she champions the importance of leadership in early childhood education—and how even small steps can create big waves
The vital role of management training in empowering educators to provide high-quality learning environments
Why advocacy is key in this field and how educators can make an impact, even with simple, everyday actions
Insights from Julie’s published work on emergent curriculum and leadership, offering practical wisdom for every educator
Julie’s passion for leadership and high-quality early learning shines through in every part of her journey. Whether you’re an educator, leader, or advocate, this episode will inspire you to lead with purpose and continue making a difference in your own way.
🎧 Tune in for a conversation filled with motivation and actionable insights!
Connect with Julie Hansen:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/inspired_ece/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/eceinspired/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@InspiredECE
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hansen-9023a641/

Welcome, New Listeners! My Story and a Heartfelt Thank You

In this episode, I’m sharing my story with both new and longtime listeners, opening up about the journey that led me to create The Inspiring ECE Podcast. I’m so grateful for each of you who tunes in, shares your feedback, and makes this community what it is. Whether you’re just joining us or have been here since the beginning, thank you for being part of this growing network of educators supporting one another.
I also want to give a special shoutout to Carla Ward and her Shoot for the Stars Podcast Academy, where I learned so much about bringing this vision to life. Through her program, I gained the tools and confidence to create a platform that amplifies the voices of educators and dives into the real conversations we all need.
Tune in to hear more about my journey and my gratitude for all of you who make this community possible. And as always, I’d love to hear from you! Reach out with any topics you’d like covered, or if you’re interested in being a guest on the show.
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Email: info@ispyrtoeducate.com

Real Talk: Navigating Guilt, Growth, and Grace

In today’s episode, I’m getting real and vulnerable about what’s been going on behind the scenes. It’s been a rough couple of months trying to balance everything—being an educator, a mom, an entrepreneur, and honestly, just being me. I’m diving into the emotional ups and downs, the exhaustion, the moments of guilt, and the brain fog that’s made me feel like I’m falling behind. This isn’t just about balancing work and life; it’s about learning to find harmony in the chaos and giving ourselves grace in the process.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, unmotivated, or like you’re not “enough,” this episode is for you. We’re opening up the conversation on the things we often keep to ourselves—like exhaustion, guilt, and the struggle to keep going when the world expects us to keep it all together. Join me for an honest, heart-to-heart chat that I hope will leave you feeling seen, understood, and inspired to keep moving forward at your own pace.
Tune in, and let’s normalize being human, together.
Stay Connected:
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ECE Appreciation Day: You Are Seen, Valued, and Essential

In this special episode of Inspire to Educate, we celebrate Early Childhood Education Appreciation Day by honoring the incredible work of early childhood educators everywhere. Whether you're a director, coordinator, or nurturing children right on the floor, this episode is a message of gratitude, appreciation, and motivation just for you.
Host Marcia Nicole, a dedicated educator with over 20 years in the early childhood sector, shares her personal experiences, reflections, and heartfelt thanks to all educators making a difference in the lives of young children every day. From the challenges to the triumphs, this episode is a reminder of just how vital your role is, not only in shaping the futures of the children you teach but in fostering inclusive, welcoming spaces for families and communities.
Tune in for an uplifting message filled with inspiration, connection, and recognition of your dedication to early learning. You are seen, you are appreciated, and most of all, you are making a difference. This episode is short, sweet, and designed to remind you why your work in early childhood education matters so much.
Stay Connected:
Join our Facebook facebook.com/share/UQ7P8V4vTJTvrmiz/ to connect with other fabulous educators.
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Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn
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Early Literacy Strategies with Stefanie Hohl

In this episode of the Inspiring ECE Podcast, we're diving into early literacy with special guest Stefanie Hohl, creator of the ABC See, Hear, Do program. Stefanie shares her expert insights on how movement can help young children develop essential reading skills and why incorporating multi-sensory learning is key to engaging active learners.
Join us as we discuss practical strategies that both educators and parents can use to make reading fun, engaging, and accessible for all types of learners. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom or supporting your child at home, this episode is packed with actionable tips and ideas to spark a love for reading in children ages 3-8.
Key Topics Covered:
The importance of movement in teaching early literacy skills.
How to support kids who struggle to sit still during reading activities.
Fun and creative ways to make reading engaging for reluctant readers.
Practical strategies for teachers and parents to use at home or in the classroom.
Connect with Stefanie:
Website: abcseeheardo.com and stefaniehohl.com/
Instagram: @‌stefaniehohl @abcseeheardo
Facebook: @‌stefaniehohl @abcseeheardo
X: @‌stefaniehohl @abcseeheardo
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode! We’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback, so leave us a comment or review. Check out the show notes to connect with Stefanie and explore her amazing program.As always, keep inspiring, and we’ll see you in the next episode!
 

Uplifting Educators: Ana Valle Rivera’s Journey in Early Childhood Education

Get ready for an inspiring episode of the Inspiring ECE Podcast! I’m thrilled to introduce you to Ana Valle Rivera—an ECE powerhouse who’s making waves in our field. Ana is the founder of Early Years Thriving, a dynamic speaker, a workshop facilitator, a consultant, a children’s book author, and a supermom of three!
Ana’s journey began in 2007, and she hasn’t looked back since. She’s now completing her Master of Professional Education at the University of Western Ontario, and she’s all about lifting up our ECE community. Ana shares how her experiences, from presenting impactful workshops on educator wellness to creating meaningful connections with other educators, fuel her passion for early childhood education.
But that’s not all! Ana’s business is all about cheering others on, and she’s here to tell us how supporting her fellow educators helps her stay inspired and overcome self-doubt. This episode is packed with energy, insight, and heart—everything you need to feel motivated and uplifted!
Connect with Ana Valle Rivera:
Website: earlyyearsthriving.com/
Instagram: @‌earlyyearsthriving
Don’t miss out—tune in to catch all the amazingness that Ana brings to the table

The Turnover Crisis: Why ECE Professionals Are Saying Goodbye

In this episode of the Inspiring ECE Podcast, we tackle the pressing issue of early childhood educators leaving the field at an alarming rate. Despite their essential role in shaping children's futures and laying the foundation for lifelong learning, many ECE professionals face significant challenges that lead them to exit their careers. We delve into the root causes of this turnover crisis, sharing personal stories from educators who have faced burnout, low wages, lack of support, and other systemic issues. We also examine the far-reaching consequences of this trend, including the negative impacts on children's development, family dynamics, and community stability.
We also highlight ways to support those who have left the field but still want to contribute to the education and care of young children. Join us as we uncover the complexities of this issue and explore actionable steps towards a more sustainable future for early childhood education. Let's work together to ensure that dedicated ECE professionals receive the recognition and support they deserve.
 
Join our Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/UQ7P8V4vTJTvrmiz/ to connect with other fabulous educators.
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Journey of an Early Childhood Educator: Carla Ward's Inspiring Path

In this uplifting episode of the Inspiring ECE Podcast, join your host Marcia Nicole for an enlightening discussion with the remarkable Carla Ward. Carla, a dedicated early childhood educator, shares her inspiring journey, from transforming classrooms to empowering fellow educators.
We delve into Carla’s passion for designing engaging educational spaces and how she turned challenges into opportunities. Her story is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience in the ECE sector.
We also explore the importance of self-documentation and how every educator has a unique story worth sharing. Carla's insights will motivate you to start documenting your own journey and share your expertise with the world.
Tune in to hear Carla’s incredible journey, her victories and challenges, and how she continues to inspire and uplift the early childhood education community.
Connect with Carla Ward:
Website: https://elfoundations.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elfoundations
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-ward/

Beyond Babysitting: The True Role of Early Childhood Educators

In today's episode, we dive deep into the world of early childhood education, challenging the common misconceptions that ECEs are merely babysitters. We'll explore the multifaceted role of ECE professionals and highlight the critical importance of their work as educators. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of the invaluable contributions you make as an early childhood educator and feel empowered to embrace your role with confidence and pride. Join us as we celebrate the true essence of ECEs and connect with me on Instagram for more insights and inspiration.
Stay Connected:
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Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn
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Networking and Building Community in ECE

Join Marcia Nicole in a lively exploration of the power of networking in early childhood education on this episode of the Ispyr to Educate Podcast, titled "Building Strong Connections in ECE: Networking Tips for Educators." We dive into the crucial role networking plays in professional growth and share practical tips on how to connect with other educators. Discover the benefits of forming professional relationships and hear inspiring success stories from fellow educators. Marcia encourages all educators to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the joy and opportunities that come with building a strong professional network.
Marcia Nicole shares the secrets to successful networking in early childhood education. Learn how to build supportive professional relationships and make every day a bit more connected in this engaging episode.
Stay Connected:
Join our Facebook Inspire to Educate Collective to connect with other fabulous educators.
Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/
Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn
Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter
Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a comment to let us know what you think!