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 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. 🧡

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 continue the conversation beyond the podcast? You can connect with me 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 continue the conversation beyond the podcast? You can connect with me 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!

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

Are you looking for the best way to thank your cooperating teacher? In this episode of the EduMagic Podcast, Dr. Sam shares practical tips for writing a meaningful thank-you note that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you have completed student teaching, a field experience, or a classroom observation, this guide will help you craft a note that stands out.

Discover six key elements to include in your thank-you note, learn how to personalize your message with specific examples, and express your appreciation for their mentorship and teaching excellence. This episode is perfect for preservice teachers looking to strengthen their professional connections and convey heartfelt gratitude. 

Tune in to learn:

• What to include in a thank-you note to your cooperating teacher.
• Share specific examples of their impact on your growth as a teacher.
• Tips for making your thank-you note unique and memorable.

Say thank you in the most meaningful way possible and celebrate the educators who make a difference! 🎧 Listen now for actionable advice and start writing that perfect thank-you note!

Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich

Do you want to continue the conversation beyond the podcast? You can connect with me 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!

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

Ready to transform your teaching? In this episode of EduMagic, host Dr. Sam Fecich dives into Universal Design for Learning (UDL) with UDL expert Sarah Grossi! This episode is packed with practical tips and real-world examples to help you make your classroom more inclusive, engaging, and supportive of all learners.

From boosting student choice and voice to designing lessons that allow every student to thrive, Sarah shares her go-to UDL strategies to create a learning environment where students feel empowered to succeed.Join us as we break down the three core UDL principles—engagement, representation, and expression—and discover how to apply them effectively in your daily teaching. Plus, find out how you can earn your Associate UDL Credential to level up your skills and stand out as an inclusive educator!Tune in for:

• Engagement Tips: Strategies to keep every student engaged and motivated.
• Representation Insights: How to present information in diverse, accessible ways.
• Expression Tools: Creative ways for students to demonstrate their knowledge.

Whether you're new to UDL or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode will inspire you to take action and make every lesson more meaningful. Perfect for educators seeking to create a classroom where all students can shine!🎧 Listen now and start your journey to a UDL-focused classroom!

Connect with Dr. Sam Fecich

Do you want to continue the conversation beyond the podcast? You can connect with me 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!

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

Welcome back, EduMagicians! In this episode, Dr. Sam Fecich explores Classroom Screen— a tool designed to create a warm, welcoming, and positive learning environment. Whether you're greeting your students at the door or managing activities throughout the day, Classroom Screen offers practical and engaging ways to set a positive tone and build a safe space for learning.

Join Dr. Sam as she dives into the customizable features of Classroom Screen, from creating fun and calming backgrounds to setting up quick polls to check in with students. She highlights powerful tools, including: 

• Backgrounds
• Polls
• Timers
• Random Name Picker
• Educational Games

With practical tips on using Classroom Screen to foster a supportive, inclusive, and engaging environment, Dr. Sam shares strategies for creating a class culture where every student feels seen and valued.

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. 🧡

Classroom Screen blog post in 2018 - https://www.sfecich.com/post/classroom-screen-the-screen-to-rule-them-all


Share your own Classroom Screen ideas and designs on Instagram at @SFecich. Tune in and discover how to infuse your classroom with #EduMagic, making every student feel at home!

Let's connect on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sfecich/

In this episode of the EduMagic Podcast, I sit down with Mimi McKee and Ansharaye Hines from the Center for Black Educator Development to discuss their incredible work in rebuilding the Black teacher pipeline. We dive into why representation in education matters, the profound impact Black educators can have on students, and how the Center is making waves with programs like the Freedom School Literacy Academy and the Black Teacher Pipeline Fellowship.

We also explore the history behind the decline of Black educators, their advocacy for policy changes, and ways you can support their mission to create a more diverse and equitable education system.

Tune in to learn how this vital work is transforming the future of education!
Be sure to visit the Center for Black Educator Development at thecenterblacked.org and follow them on social media to find out how you can get involved.

This podcast is part of the Teach Better Podcast Network.
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. 🧡

In this week's episode of the EduMagic Podcast, we're discussing something practical and fun: creating your "Meet the Teacher Candidate" letter. Whether you're about to start field placements or student teaching, this letter is a must-have for introducing yourself to your cooperating teachers and families.

For more tips and ideas, check out the full episode and get ready to create a letter that truly reflects you as a future educator!

Check out https://www.sfecich.com/post/let-s-create-a-meet-the-teacher-candidate-letter for more tips! 

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. 🧡

In this episode of the EduMagic Podcast, Dr. Sam Fecich looks into the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Discover how AI tools like DiffIt, Padlet, and Magic School can help create an inclusive and engaging learning environment for all students.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand UDL principles and how they support student-centered learning.
• Learn how to integrate AI tools to create more engaging and personalized learning experiences.
• Find out best practices and considerations for using AI responsibly in the classroom.

Dr. Fecich provides a detailed overview of the three UDL principles—engagement, representation, and action and expression—and emphasizes the role of AI in supporting diverse learners and differentiating instruction.

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. 🧡

In the latest episode of the EduMagic Podcast, Dr. Sam Fecich explores Padlet, which is a virtual bulletin board ideal for interactive learning. Whether you're teaching in person or online, Padlet's latest AI-powered features make it easier than ever to create engaging activities and enhance student collaboration.

Discover innovative ways to incorporate Padlet into your classroom, such as setting up interactive exit tickets and entrance activities, utilizing Padlet's new AI Recipes to generate rubrics, lesson plans, and assessments, and using fun sandbox templates like Jeopardy and spelling games to make learning more engaging.

Tune in to get actionable tips and strategies for using Padlet with your students. Let's make learning more fun, collaborative, and creative!

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. 🧡