Episodes

  • Free SEL and Mindfulness Activities: Meet The First Five by Ed Tomorrow E258

    Free SEL and Mindfulness Activities: Meet The First Five by Ed Tomorrow E258
    Dec 3 2024
    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!
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    17 mins
  • Writing a Meaningful Thank-You Note to Your Cooperating Teacher E257

    Writing a Meaningful Thank-You Note to Your Cooperating Teacher E257
    Nov 26 2024
    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!
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    8 mins
  • Embracing Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A Pathway to Inclusive Education E256

    Embracing Universal Design for Learning (UDL): A Pathway to Inclusive Education E256
    Nov 8 2024
    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 host on Instagram Dr. Samantha Fecich https://www.instagram.com/sfecich/

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    20 mins
  • ClassroomScreen: 10 Features for a Positive and Welcoming Classroom Environment E255

    ClassroomScreen: 10 Features for a Positive and Welcoming Classroom Environment E255
    Oct 28 2024
    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.

    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/
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    12 mins
  • Empowering Future Black Educators Through the Center for Black Educator Development E254

    Empowering Future Black Educators Through the Center for Black Educator Development E254
    Oct 22 2024
    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.
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    33 mins
  • Let's create a "Meet the Teacher Candidate" letter E253

    Let's create a "Meet the Teacher Candidate" letter E253
    Oct 11 2024
    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!

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    6 mins
  • AI & UDL: The Dream Team for Learning E252

    AI & UDL: The Dream Team for Learning E252
    Sep 28 2024
    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.
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    20 mins
  • Padlet Tips and Tricks: Enhancing Collaboration in Your Classroom E251

    Padlet Tips and Tricks: Enhancing Collaboration in Your Classroom E251
    Sep 15 2024
    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 to use with your students using Padlet. Let's make learning more fun, collaborative, and creative!
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    9 mins