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

If your devices feel cluttered, your browser has 27 tabs open, or your screen time habits are draining instead of fueling your teaching, this episode is for you. Let’s reset your digital teaching life with a quick, practical, and energizing. Get ready to spring clean!

Episode link - https://www.sfecich.com/post/spring-cleaning-refresh-your-online-life-screens-and-screen-time

Want to keep the conversation going?

I’d love to connect with you! Whether you're a future educator, a current teacher, or someone passionate about edtech and classroom innovation, 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.