Guest host Dr. Jenna Copper, an Assistant Professor of Education at Slippery Rock University and a former high school English teacher, shares her top three classroom technology tools that every middle and high school teacher should know: Padlet, Canva, and Gimkit.

Whether you're teaching in person, in a hybrid setting, or online, these tools are ideal for enhancing student engagement, creativity, and collaboration. Learn how to use Padlet for interactive discussions, Canva for eye-catching classroom visuals, and Gimkit to gamify review sessions in a fun way. Perfect for:

• Secondary educators
• Instructional technology coaches
• Teachers looking for easy-to-use EdTech tools
• Anyone wanting to increase student voice and interaction

Additionally, Dr. Copper shares practical classroom tips, creative ideas, and strategies to make these tools work for you regardless of your tech comfort level.

Follow Dr. Jenna Copper on Instagram and TikTok @DrJennaCopper for daily teaching strategies and EdTech inspiration.

Show notes can be found here: www.sfecich.com/podcast


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.

Hey EduMagicians! In this episode, we’re diving into a must-know skill for every college student: how to professionally email your professor when you miss class, whether it’s your first absence or your third, and how you communicate matters.

 I’ll walk you through a step-by-step checklist to help you write respectful, responsible, and effective emails that show initiative and professionalism.
We’ll cover:

• What to check in your syllabus before emailing
• How to reference class content and assignments
• What to include to show you’re taking ownership of your learning
• How to follow up with peers and use your LMS

Plus, I’ll share a free fill-in-the-blank email template you can use next time you’re absent. Let’s level up your communication skills and keep your college journey on track.



Show notes can be found here: www.sfecich.com/podcast


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.

Welcome to EduMagic, where future teachers grow, reflect, and shine! If you're a new education major, you're probably asking yourself: What kind of teacher do I want to be? That question is at the heart of today’s topic: building your teacher identity. Your teacher identity is more than just your major; it's your purpose, your passion, and your personal teaching philosophy. Let’s explore how you can start shaping it from day one.

Show notes can be found here - https://www.sfecich.com/post/building-your-teacher-identity-a-guide-for-new-education-majors

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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. 🧡

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.

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

Let's connect! 📸 Tag me on Instagram @sfecich so I can share your thoughts in my stories. Remember, EDUmagicians, you have the EduMagic within you. 🧡

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.

💻 Bonus: Pause-and-play moments let you build alongside the episode!
📸 Share your creation with me, Dr. Sam on Instagram @sfecich for a chance to be featured in my stories!

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. 

In this episode of the EduMagic Podcast, we tackle a topic that's shaking up the education world: the closing of the Department of Education. Join us as we explore the implications of this monumental change and what it means for future teachers.

We'll discuss the role of the Department of Education, the impact of its closure on funding, student loans, and civil rights enforcement, and provide actionable steps for aspiring educators to navigate these changes. Plus, we'll highlight the importance of staying informed and connected through professional organizations like NEA Aspiring Educators.

Whether you're a student teacher, a first-year educator, or simply passionate about education, this episode is packed with insights, professional advice, and a touch of fun to keep you engaged. Tune in to learn how you can advocate for your students and prepare for the future of education.

Don't miss this essential episode—let's build a bright future for education together!

Spring is the perfect time for a digital refresh! In this episode of the EduMagic Podcast, we’re tackling a spring cleaning checklist to help future educators enhance their online presence. From social media cleanups to LinkedIn updates, digital portfolios, resumes, and file organization, I’ll share simple, actionable tips to ensure your digital footprint is professional and job-ready. Whether you're preparing for job applications or just staying organized, this episode will help you put your best digital foot forward! Listen now and start your digital spring cleaning today!

Welcome, EduMagicians! We're thrilled to have you join us for another engaging conversation on the EduMagic Podcast. Today, we're diving into an amazing initiative that's profoundly influencing the future of education: the Call Me MISTER program. Dr. Sam Fecich recently had a conversation with Byron Morgan, the Director of the Call Me MISTER program and the Outreach and Engagement Coordinator at Longwood University, about how this program is molding the next generation of male educators.

Leaving a Loving Teaching Legacy as a Student Teacher In this episode of EduMagic, we’ll explore how student teachers can create a lasting impact from day one in the classroom. Your student teaching experience isn’t just about meeting requirements—it’s about shaping the kind of educator you aspire to be. I’ll guide you through practical strategies to build a positive classroom environment, foster meaningful relationships with students, and make learning engaging and unforgettable. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel inspired to become the teacher your students will always remember—not just for what you taught but for how you made them feel.
💡 Mentioned in This Episode:

• Building a positive classroom culture
• Engaging and meaningful teaching strategies
• Reflection and continuous growth as a teacher
• Celebrating small wins and making a difference

🎧 Listen now and start building your teaching legacy! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a fellow student teacher and tag me on Instagram @sfecich—I’d love to hear about your biggest takeaway!

In this episode of the EduMagic podcast, hosted by Dr. Sam Fcsich, student teachers receive valuable tips and strategies for navigating the challenges of student teaching. Dr. Sam emphasizes the dual roles of student and teacher and offers guidance on cultivating relationships, dressing professionally, and prioritizing quality preparation over quantity.

The episode also highlights the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, practicing self-care, and documenting experiences for future resumes. Finally, it touches on managing one's personal and professional social media presence effectively.

In this episode of the EduMagic podcast, Dr. Sam Fecich explores the features and benefits of Notebook LM, a powerful AI tool. She guides listeners through accessing and using the tool by logging in with a Google account, creating and managing notebooks, and adding various resources like Google Docs, Slides, websites, and YouTube links. 

By analyzing these resources, she demonstrates how Notebook LM can generate study guides, provide guided notes, and answer questions. She shares her personal experience using Notebook LM for presentations and emphasizes its potential utility for teachers and college students, including interactive podcasts and beta features. The episode also discusses practical applications for creating study aids, anticipating content, and supporting student learning and reviews.

Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich
Do you want to keep the conversation going beyond the podcast? You can connect with Dr. Sam Fecich online for more resources, inspiration, and support tailored for future educators and teachers.
🌐 Visit Dr. Sam’s website for podcast episodes, blog posts, freebies, and more tools to empower your teaching journey.
📸 Follow Dr. Sam on Instagram @sfecich for daily teaching tips, classroom inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at her work.
🌌 Join her on BlueSky: sfecich.bsky.social to explore more ideas and engage in thoughtful discussions about education and technology.

Dr. Sam loves hearing from her listeners, so don’t hesitate to reach out and share how you’re using her resources in your teaching!

In this inspiring episode of the EduMagic Podcast, Dr. Sam sits down with Claire Machosky, a seasoned educator with over 55 years of experience, to explore practical strategies that can transform your classroom and empower your students.

Claire shares actionable insights on embracing multimodal learning, fostering clear communication, providing constructive feedback, and leveraging unique resources like the Library of Congress.

From the power of the “Two Stars and a Wish” feedback method to the importance of continuous professional development, this conversation is packed with tools you can implement today to create meaningful learning experiences.

Claire also offers a heartfelt message to aspiring teachers, reminding us that teaching isn’t just a profession—it’s a calling. 

🔗 Connect with Claire Machosky:
👉 Grab her book, The Path to Learning and Literacy, on Amazon.

💡 Ready to transform your teaching? Tune in now and take the first step toward unlocking student potential!

Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich
Do you want to keep the conversation going beyond the podcast? You can connect with Dr. Sam Fecich online for more resources, inspiration, and support tailored for future educators and teachers.
🌐 Visit Dr. Sam’s website for podcast episodes, blog posts, freebies, and more tools to empower your teaching journey.
📸 Follow Dr. Sam on Instagram @sfecich for daily teaching tips, classroom inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at her work.
🌌 Join her on BlueSky: sfecich.bsky.social to explore more ideas and engage in thoughtful discussions about education and technology.

Dr. Sam loves hearing from her listeners, so don’t hesitate to reach out and share how you’re using her resources in your teaching!

Discover how Brisk AI can transform your teaching experience! In this episode, we explore how this powerful tool helps educators save time, streamline lesson planning, and provide personalized feedback effortlessly. Learn practical tips for integrating Brisk AI into your teaching workflow to enhance productivity and support student success. Whether you're grading, planning, or managing classroom tasks, Brisk AI has you covered. 

Links mentioned in the show

• Brisk Teaching: briskteaching.com
• All AI options within Brisk: https://www.briskteaching.com/ai-tools-for-teachers
• Teach Better Podcast Network: teachbetterpodcastnetwork.com

Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich
Do you want to keep the conversation going beyond the podcast? You can connect with Dr. Sam Fecich online for more resources, inspiration, and support tailored for future educators and teachers.
🌐 Visit Dr. Sam’s website for podcast episodes, blog posts, freebies, and more tools to empower your teaching journey.
📸 Follow Dr. Sam on Instagram @sfecich for daily teaching tips, classroom inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at her work.
🌌 Join her on BlueSky: sfecich.bsky.social to explore more ideas and engage in thoughtful discussions about education and technology.

Dr. Sam loves hearing from her listeners, so don’t hesitate to reach out and share how you’re using her resources in your teaching!

Looking to start your class off strong? In this episode, we explore The First Five by Ed Tomorrow—a free daily resource designed to help teachers build student connections in just five minutes a day. Learn how to integrate social-emotional learning (SEL), mindfulness, and relationship-building activities into your classroom routine.

Discover practical tips for fostering engagement, strengthening classroom culture, and creating meaningful moments with your students. Perfect for teachers seeking actionable strategies to enhance their teaching while saving time. Tune in and transform your first five minutes of class!

Links mentioned in the show
https://www.edtomorrow.com/first-5

Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich
Do you want to keep the conversation going beyond the podcast? You can connect with Dr. Sam Fecich online for more resources, inspiration, and support tailored for future educators and teachers.
🌐 Visit Dr. Sam’s website for podcast episodes, blog posts, freebies, and more tools to empower your teaching journey.
📸 Follow Dr. Sam on Instagram @sfecich for daily teaching tips, classroom inspiration, and behind-the-scenes looks at her work.
🌌 Join her on BlueSky: sfecich.bsky.social to explore more ideas and engage in thoughtful discussions about education and technology.

Dr. Sam loves hearing from her listeners, so don’t hesitate to reach out and share how you’re using her resources in your teaching!