Starting college this fall? In this episode, we're sharing seven simple things every new college student should do before classes begin.

From checking your university email and finding your classrooms to organizing deadlines and locating campus resources, these practical college success tips can help make your first semester less stressful and more successful.

Whether you're a first year student or returning to campus, these back to college strategies will help you start the semester strong.

Show notes can be found here https://www.sfecich.com/post/college-preparation-7-simple-steps-to-start-the-semester-strong

Think your syllabus is just a course document you download and forget? Think again! In this episode of the EduMagic Podcast, I'm sharing why your course syllabus is one of the most valuable tools for college success.

I reached out to several professor colleagues and asked them one simple question: What do you wish students knew about your syllabus? Their answers were full of practical tips that can help you stay organized, understand expectations, communicate effectively with professors, and avoid common mistakes throughout the semester.

In this episode, I'll walk you through what to look for in a syllabus, including course expectations, late work policies, office hours, assignment deadlines, grading breakdowns, and AI policies. I'll also share simple strategies for mapping out your semester so you can stay ahead of deadlines instead of scrambling at the last minute.

Whether you're a first year college student or a returning student, this episode will help you use your syllabus as a roadmap for academic success. In this episode, I'll share:

• What professors want you to pay attention to right away
• How to make the most of office hours
• Tips for organizing assignment deadlines across all your classes

If you're ready to feel more confident, organized, and prepared this semester, this episode is for you.

Show notes can be found here https://www.sfecich.com/post/5syllabustipseverycollegestudentshouldknow

First meeting as a student teacher? A concise, professional thank you email can set the tone for a strong mentoring relationship and reflect well on your professionalism.

Learn how to write a student teacher thank you email after your first meeting. Build professionalism, strengthen relationships, and stand out during your field placement.

You’ll discover:

• Why a thank-you email matters in your student teaching experience
• When to send your email for the biggest impact
• What to include in a thank you email after meeting your cooperating teacher
• Tips to sound professional, genuine, and confident
• A simple formula to make writing your email quick and easy

Show notes can be found here: https://www.sfecich.com/post/student-teacher-thank-you-email-what-to-say-after-your-first-meeting

What can Walt Disney World teach us about connecting with students? A lot, actually. In this episode, we explore the Take Five strategy from Lee Cockerell's Creating Magic, spontaneous, intentional moments that cost nothing yet mean everything to the person on the receiving end.

I walk through practical Take Five ideas for every grade level. Whether you're a preservice teacher, a veteran in the classroom, or a coach working with educators, this episode will have you walking in tomorrow asking: Who in this room needs me to take five today?ohS

Show notes can be found here - https://www.sfecich.com/post/the-disney-secret-that-every-teacher-should-use

What do you do when you studied hard, and someone else didn’t, but they did better than you? Or when you fail an exam, struggle in a class, or feel behind your cohort?

This episode is inspired by the book Let Them by Mel Robbins. This theory is applied to preservice teachers navigating coursework, studying, fieldwork, and student teaching.

This episode reminds future teachers that struggle is part of learning and that teaching begins long before graduation.

Show notes: https://www.sfecich.com/post/let-them-and-let-me-theory-coursework-comparison-and-setbacks-in-teacher-prep

As classrooms continue to evolve, teacher candidates must feel confident navigating digital tools that support creativity, organization, and collaboration.

Two standout platforms, Canva and Google Classroom, work together to help educators design engaging content and manage their digital curriculum without feeling overwhelmed.

These tools are especially valuable for future teachers looking to streamline instruction while keeping students motivated and organized.

Show notes - https://www.sfecich.com/post/using-canva-and-google-classroom-to-design-organize-and-energize-learning

Educational technology empowers teacher candidates to collaborate, assess, organize, and inspire learning in new ways. Whether building a professional identity on Instagram and Pinterest, assessing learning with Google Forms, organizing content on Google Sites, or transforming instruction with VR, these tools prepare educators for today's and tomorrow's classrooms.

Teacher candidates are encouraged to explore these tools, start small, and thoughtfully integrate technology to enhance learning experiences for themselves and their students.

Show notes - https://www.sfecich.com/post/how-instagram-pinterest-google-tools-and-vr-empower-teacher-candidates

In this EDUMagic Podcast episode, future teachers share their favorite engagement‑boosting EdTech tools: Padlet and Nearpod. Learn how these platforms support collaboration, real‑time feedback, and student participation across grade levels and content areas.

Listen as pre‑service educators explain how Padlet encourages every student to share their voice and how Nearpod transforms lessons into interactive, data‑driven experiences.

Perfect for future teachers seeking to build engaging, inclusive, and tech‑savvy classrooms before graduation.

Show notes: https://www.sfecich.com/post/how-padlet-and-nearpod-boost-student-engagement-and-collaboration

In this special EDU Magic Podcast episode, Dr. Sam Fecich hands the mic to future teachers from Slippery Rock University!

Listen as teacher candidates share their favorite digital tools for planning, note‑taking, time management, and organization from both student and classroom perspectives.

Featured tools include:

• Notability for digital note‑taking and math learning

• Google Calendar for classroom organization and time management

• Google Docs for collaboration, accessibility, and academic integrity

This episode is packed with practical strategies and tech tools that pre‑service teachers can start using today, because teaching doesn’t begin at graduation.

Show notes can be found here - https://www.sfecich.com/post/digital-tools-future-teachers-love-for-notes-planning-and-organization

A proud member of the Teach Better Podcast Network.

March is the calm before the storm. Midterms are winding down, spring break is calling, and before you know it, the semester is over. But for student teachers, March is actually the perfect time to reflect about what comes next. In this episode, we slow down and plan how to set yourself up for a stronger, smarter second half of the year. From reflecting on your placement to building habits that will carry you into your very first classroom, this one's for you. 

https://www.sfecich.com/post/march-momentum-how-to-plan-reflect-and-prepare-for-the-second-half-of-the-semester