ECPBL 2025: Returning for More Inspiration, Connection, and Growth
What happens when an early childhood educator takes a leap into something new? Last year, one teacher participated in our first Early Childhood PBL Conference, (ECPBL24) unsure if Project Based Learning (PBL) could truly work in her classroom. She wasn’t sure what she would gain—but she was willing to take a chance.
When I attended last year’s inaugural ECPBL conference as an early childhood educator, I was unsure if PBL could be successful in my classroom. I had no idea what I might get out of the conference. Attending ECPBL24 was a shot in the dark, but I was in need of a boost of energy and something different in my teaching practice so I had decided to give this conference a try.
My gamble paid off in multitudes! I left feeling empowered with the understanding that PBL is for everyone, especially our youngest students. I left ECPBL24 filled to the brim with inspiration, ideas, things I wanted to try, and kept developing my ideas the entire way back home. I’d also met the kindest educators, some of whom were in similar boats and others who were established PBL practitioners who generously offered their support as I moved through new projects.
I came back home with the excitement I experienced pouring out of me. I ended up creating a PBL project that culminated in a podcast with my preschoolers in which we interviewed seniors who live upstairs in the senior living building my school is housed in. It was an incredible experience for both my students and myself. I couldn’t wait to run it again!
Now, as I am beginning to get excited about attending the conference for a second time, I recognize I will be a different teacher in a different place than I was last year. The project that I developed during last year’s conference was such a success, and this year, that same project has proved to be more challenging. I’m hitting speed bumps I haven’t considered before and am in need of some motivation and problem-solving.
There is so much I am looking forward to about ECPBL25. I’m excited to learn more about facilitating PBL projects in the breakout sessions, to hear tips and tricks from attending teachers, and to continue to build connections with this fantastic community of educators. I am especially looking forward to traveling with my school director and introducing her to the power of Project Based Learning.
If you’ve been waiting to register or are feeling on the fence, my advice is to dive in like I did last year - you will get more out of it than you can even imagine!
Julie participates in Conference Breakout Sessions during ECPBL 2024
Julie Strande has over a decade of varied educational experiences ranging from international teaching, community programming, and outdoor education. She currently teaches at All Seasons Preschool, an intergenerational and arts based program. She lives with her family in St. Paul, Minnesota.