Episodes

  • How to Build a Support Network in College: 3 Tips for Education Majors E283

    How to Build a Support Network in College: 3 Tips for Education Majors E283
    Jul 9 2025
    Starting college as an education major? Feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to find your people? In this episode of the EDU Magic Podcast, guest host Dr. Amy Orville, professor, mom, and professional development expert, shares three powerful, heart-centered strategies to help you build a strong support network in your first year of college. Whether you're just beginning your journey as a future teacher or looking to strengthen your connections on campus, this episode is packed with practical advice on:

    ✅ How to connect with your education cohort
    ✅ Finding a faculty mentor (your academic Yoda!)
    ✅ Joining education organizations that align with your goals

    These tips are designed to help first-year education majors thrive both academically and emotionally. Behind every great teacher is a community that helped them grow.

    Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich
    Want to keep the conversation going beyond the blog? I’d love to connect with you! Whether you're a future educator, a current teacher, or someone passionate about edtech and innovation in the classroom, there are plenty of ways to stay inspired and supported.
    Discover Your Student Teacher Superpower. Take the free quiz: What’s Your Student Teacher Superpower? and uncover your unique strengths in the classroom!
    Join the Conversation on Instagram. Tag me @sfecich with your thoughts and takeaways. Remember, EDUmagicians...You have the EduMagic within you. Keep shining, keep growing, and keep making a difference.
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    12 mins
  • Secondary Education Tips for Future Teachers: Start Your Journey with Confidence E282

    Secondary Education Tips for Future Teachers: Start Your Journey with Confidence E282
    Jun 23 2025
    Are you a secondary education major getting ready for a new semester? Whether you're stepping into your first classroom observation or prepping for student teaching, this episode of the EDU Magic Podcast is packed with the inspiration and strategies you need to thrive.

    This Month’s Guest Host: Dr. Jenna Copper, educator, author, and assistant professor at Slippery Rock University, shares her journey from English major to passionate teacher educator. She’s bringing you real talk, practical tips, and a whole lot of encouragement. In this episode, you’ll learn:
    ✅ How to embrace your identity as a teacher-in-training
    ✅ Why starting a teacher portfolio now is a game-changer
    ✅ What to look for during classroom observations
    ✅ How to stay reflective, curious, and confident all semester long

    Plus, you’ll get a special homework assignment to help you define your “why” as a future educator.

    Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich
    Want to keep the conversation going beyond the blog? I’d love to connect with you! Whether you're a future educator, a current teacher, or someone passionate about edtech and innovation in the classroom, there are plenty of ways to stay inspired and supported.

    Discover Your Student Teacher Superpower. Take the free quiz: What’s Your Student Teacher Superpower? and uncover your unique strengths in the classroom!

    Join the Conversation on Instagram. Tag me @sfecich with your thoughts and takeaways.

    Remember, EDUmagicians...You have the EduMagic within you. Keep shining, keep growing, and keep making a difference.
    Show more Show less
    9 mins
  • 5 Essential Summer Tips for Future Education Majors E281

    5 Essential Summer Tips for Future Education Majors E281
    Jun 12 2025
    Welcome, EdguMagicians! I’m Dr. Sam Fecich, host of the EduMagic Podcast, and I’m thrilled to kick off our new podcast series: “Welcome to Your Journey,” a guide for future teachers preparing for their first year of college. As the author of EduMagic: A Guide for Preservice Teachers, EduMagic Shine On, Crush It From the Start, and Digital PD, I’m passionate about helping new and future educators thrive.

    Whether you're just starting your college journey or gearing up for student teaching, this episode is packed with essential tips to help you start strong. This episode will cover five essential summer tips for future education majors to explore to help them start strong during the first year of college.

    Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich
    Want to keep the conversation going beyond the blog? I’d love to connect with you! Whether you're a future educator, a current teacher, or someone passionate about edtech and innovation in the classroom, there are plenty of ways to stay inspired and supported.

    Discover Your Student Teacher Superpower. Take the free quiz: What’s Your Student Teacher Superpower? and uncover your unique strengths in the classroom! Join the Conversation on Instagram.

    Tag me @sfecich with your thoughts and takeaways.

    Remember, EDUmagicians...You have the EduMagic within you. Keep shining, keep growing, and keep making a difference.
    Show more Show less
    10 mins
  • How to Use Canva AI: Design Smarter with Magic Write, Games, and More E280

    How to Use Canva AI: Design Smarter with Magic Write, Games, and More E280
    Jun 2 2025
    In this episode, we dive into how Canva AI is revolutionizing the way educators and creators work. Learn how to use Magic Write, create interactive games, design custom flyers, and more—all with the power of AI. Whether you're in the classroom or creating content, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration!

    You'll learn:
    • How to use Magic Write to generate blog posts, resumes, and more
    • How to create educational games like flashcards, escape rooms, and quizzes
    • Tips for customizing AI-generated content with your own style and visuals
    • Real classroom applications, including SEL ideas like digital birthday cards
    Whether you're a teacher, designer, or just Canva-curious, this episode is packed with practical tips and creative inspiration. Tune in and start creating smarter with Canva AI!

    Show notes include links to tools, templates, and the YouTube video by Class Notes with Nicole.

    Show notes can be found here - https://www.sfecich.com/post/how-to-use-canva-ai-design-smarter-with-magic-write-games-and-more

    Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich
    Want to keep the conversation going beyond the blog? I’d love to connect with you! Whether you're a future educator, a current teacher, or someone passionate about edtech and innovation in the classroom, there are plenty of ways to stay inspired and supported.

    Discover Your Student Teacher Superpower. Take the free quiz: What’s Your Student Teacher Superpower? and uncover your unique strengths in the classroom!

    Join the Conversation on Instagram. Tag me @sfecich with your thoughts and takeaways.

    Remember, EDUmagicians...You have the EduMagic within you. Keep shining, keep growing, and keep making a difference.
    Show more Show less
    10 mins
  • A New Graduate’s Guide to Adulting: 3 Graduation Tips E270

    A New Graduate’s Guide to Adulting: 3 Graduation Tips E270
    May 24 2025
    Congratulations, graduate! You’ve survived the lesson plans, late nights, and student teaching. You crossed the stage at graduation, now what? Whether you’ve landed your first teaching job or are still searching, this episode will help you transition from cap and gown to classroom and beyond. Here are three graduation tips to focus on as you step into this exciting new chapter.
    • Graduation Tip 1: Find the Right Job Fit
    • Graduation Tip 2: Budgeting, DIY, and Meal Prep
    • Graduation Tip 3: Grow as a Future Teacher

    Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich

    Do you want to continue the conversation beyond the podcast? You can connect with me online for more resources, inspiration, and support tailored to future educators and teachers.

    🌐 Visit Dr. Sam’s website for podcast episodes, blog posts, freebies, and more tools to empower your teaching journey.


    Sponsored by: "What's your student teacher superpower?" Click here to take the free quiz!

    📸 Tag me on Instagram @sfecich so I can share your thoughts in my stories. Remember, EDUmagicians, you have the EduMagic within you. 🧡
    Show more Show less
    11 mins
  • My #1 Tip for Interview Prep E269

    My #1 Tip for Interview Prep E269
    May 14 2025
    Hey EDUmagicians! Preparing for a teaching interview can be a challenging experience, but with the right approach, you can effectively showcase your skills and knowledge. In this episode, we dive into the powerful Danielson Framework for Teaching to help you answer interview questions with confidence and make your responses stand out. Understanding the Danielson Framework: The Danielson Framework for Teaching, created by Charlotte Danielson, is a widely used tool to assess and enhance teaching practices. It comprises four main domains:
    1. Planning and Preparation
    2. Classroom Environment
    3. Instruction
    4. Professional Responsibilities
    By aligning your interview preparation with these domains, you can better demonstrate your teaching effectiveness.

    Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich
    Do you want to continue the conversation beyond the podcast? You can connect with me online for more resources, inspiration, and support tailored to future educators and teachers.

    🌐 Visit Dr. Sam’s website for podcast episodes, blog posts, freebies, and more tools to empower your teaching journey.

    Sponsored by: "What's your student teacher superpower?" Click here to take the free quiz!

    📸 Tag me on Instagram @sfecich so I can share your thoughts in my stories. Remember, EDUmagicians, you have the EduMagic within you. 🧡
    Show more Show less
    16 mins
  • Create Your Teacher Action Figure with AI E268

    Create Your Teacher Action Figure with AI E268
    Apr 11 2025
    Have you ever dreamed of being an action figure? Well, EDUmagicians, it’s time to make that dream a reality—AI style! In this fun and interactive episode, Dr. Sam walks you through how to create your very own teacher action figure using AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot.

    From picking your outfit and accessories (hello flare pens and coffee cups!) to customizing your packaging and pose, you’ll learn how to turn your teacher identity into a collectible masterpiece.

    But this episode isn’t just about having fun, it’s also a chance to explore important conversations around AI bias, representation, and identity in digital spaces. So grab your favorite teacher mug and buckle up for a creative ride.

    Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich
    Do you want to continue the conversation beyond the podcast? You can connect with me online for more resources, inspiration, and support tailored to future educators and teachers.

    🌐 Visit Dr. Sam’s website for podcast episodes, blog posts, freebies, and more tools to empower your teaching journey.

    Sponsored by: "What's your student teacher superpower?" Click here to take the free quiz!

    📸 Tag me on Instagram @sfecich so I can share your thoughts in my stories. Remember, EDUmagicians, you have the EduMagic within you. 🧡
    Show more Show less
    9 mins
  • Maslow Before Bloom E267

    Maslow Before Bloom E267
    Apr 8 2025
    Hey there, edumagicians! In this episode of the EduMagic podcast, we're diving into the powerful concept of "Maslow Before Bloom." Join me as we explore how prioritizing student well-being can transform your classroom and boost academic success.

    We'll break down Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs and share practical tips for creating a safe, supportive environment where students feel seen and valued. Plus, we have some amazing insights from experts Lavonna Roth and Charles Williams on building strong relationships and fostering a sense of belonging.

    Whether you're a seasoned teacher or just starting, this episode is packed with valuable strategies to help you nurture the whole child. Tune in and discover how balancing Maslow's needs with Bloom's Taxonomy can lead to a happier, more engaged classroom.


    Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich
    Do you want to continue the conversation beyond the podcast? You can connect with me online for more resources, inspiration, and support tailored to future educators and teachers.

    🌐 Visit Dr. Sam’s website for podcast episodes, blog posts, freebies, and more tools to empower your teaching journey.

    Sponsored by: "What's your student teacher superpower?" Click here to take the free quiz!

    📸 Tag me on Instagram @sfecich so I can share your thoughts in my stories. Remember, EDUmagicians, you have the EduMagic within you. 🧡
    Show more Show less
    13 mins