As the year comes to a close, this final episode of the year is all about reflection and gratitude. I want to thank each and every one of you for being part of this journey, for tuning in, sharing, and helping to build this incredible community. This podcast is more than a platform—it’s a space where we connect, support one another, and grow together.

In this episode, I reflect on the topics we’ve explored this year, from wellness and balance to rediscovering our joy in teaching. I also share what’s ahead for the podcast and invite you to be part of shaping the future by sharing your ideas, challenges, and guest suggestions.

Thank you for an amazing year—you’ve kept me motivated and inspired, and I can’t wait to continue this journey with you. Until next time, keep finding your joy, because you are making a difference every single day.

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In this episode, I’m sharing an unforgettable experience from a recent roundtable discussion where I had the honor of sitting alongside some of the most inspiring educators in the early childhood field. This was a conversation that we, as educators, don’t always get the chance to have—one that focuses on us.

We talked about the real challenges we face every day and the powerful ways we can support ourselves and each other. From self-care strategies to leadership tips, the importance of mentorship, and the magic of play (not just for the kids but for us, too!), this episode is packed with heart, wisdom, and practical gems you can use right now.

I also want to celebrate the incredible educators and podcasters who joined me in this conversation. They are doing amazing work to advocate for and support educators everywhere, and I’m so grateful to have connected with them.

📣 Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss:

A candid discussion on bridging the gap between theory and practice

Heartfelt stories that will resonate with educators at every level

Actionable ideas to implement in your classroom and professional journey today

💡 Featured Guests:

In this episode, I’m sharing an unforgettable experience from a recent roundtable discussion where I had the honor of sitting alongside some of the most inspiring educators in the early childhood field. This was a conversation that we, as educators, don’t always get the chance to have—one that focuses on us.

We talked about the real challenges we face every day and the powerful ways we can support ourselves and each other. From self-care strategies to leadership tips, the importance of mentorship, and the magic of play (not just for the kids but for us, too!), this episode is packed with heart, wisdom, and practical gems you can use right now.

I also want to celebrate the incredible educators and podcasters who joined me in this conversation. They are doing amazing work to advocate for and support educators everywhere, and I’m so grateful to have connected with them.

📣 Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss:

A candid discussion on bridging the gap between theory and practice

Heartfelt stories that will resonate with educators at every level

Actionable ideas to implement in your classroom and professional journey today

💡 Featured Guests:

In this episode, I’m sharing an unforgettable experience from a recent roundtable discussion where I had the honor of sitting alongside some of the most inspiring educators in the early childhood field. This was a conversation that we, as educators, don’t always get the chance to have—one that focuses on us.

We talked about the real challenges we face every day and the powerful ways we can support ourselves and each other. From self-care strategies to leadership tips, the importance of mentorship, and the magic of play (not just for the kids but for us, too!), this episode is packed with heart, wisdom, and practical gems you can use right now.

I also want to celebrate the incredible educators and podcasters who joined me in this conversation. They are doing amazing work to advocate for and support educators everywhere, and I’m so grateful to have connected with them.

📣 Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss:

A candid discussion on bridging the gap between theory and practice

Heartfelt stories that will resonate with educators at every level

Actionable ideas to implement in your classroom and professional journey today

💡 Featured Guests:

In this week’s episode of Ispyr to Educate, we’re joined by Jamee Herbert, CEO and co-founder of BridgeCare, a company revolutionizing early childhood education (ECE) through technology and advocacy. Jamee has dedicated her career to making high-quality childcare accessible and equitable for families, providers, and agencies across the U.S. With a focus on empathy-led technology, BridgeCare offers data-driven solutions that simplify enrollment, subsidy access, and program administration—positively impacting over 500,000 families and 50,000 providers nationwide.

Tune in as we chat with Jamee about the vital connection between provider pay and childcare quality, the role of technology in creating inclusive ECE experiences, and her vision for the future of childcare. This episode is packed with insights and inspiration for educators, parents, and policymakers alike!

Connect with Jamee:

Website: BridgeCare: An ECE System That Works for Everyone

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameeherbert/

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In this episode, I’m sharing a recent professional learning experience with Dr. Andrew B. Campbell (Dr. ABC) that reignited my passion and reminded me why our wellness as educators is so essential. Dr. ABC’s words were powerful, emphasizing that our joy, energy, and growth as educators are worth protecting and prioritizing. I’m sharing the key takeaways that inspired me to continue advocating for educator wellness and to bring big energy to every space we’re in. Join me as we dive into the power of learning experiences that light us up and how we can grow, glow, and go on this journey together.

Dr. Andrew B Campbell Contact Info:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-b-campbell-ph-d-a7373b2b/

Instagram: Instagram (@teachablemomentswithdrabc)

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeachableMomentswithDr.ABC/

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Join our Facebook Inspire to Educate Collective | Facebook to connect with other fabulous educators.

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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!

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/

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: [email protected]

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.

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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.

Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/

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