Using Canva and Google Classroom to design, organize, and energize learning

In this Edumagic podcast episode, I share strategies for making the most of the last three weeks of the semester. First, confirm final exam logistics, review your learning management system for current grades and feedback, check in with your academic advisor to plan spring scheduling, and lastly, decide which habits to keep or drop in the next semester.

You survived your first week of student teaching. Now what?In this episode of the EduMagic Podcast, I share five powerful reflection prompts to help student teachers process their experiences, celebrate their wins, identify areas for growth, and set meaningful goals for the weeks ahead.Reflection is one of the most important habits future teachers can develop.. In this episode, you'll discover how to:Reflect on your "firsts" as a student teacherStart a Win Journal to celebrate successesIdentify an area for professional growthFocus on student strengths and learning needsSet realistic goals for week two and beyondWhether you're feeling excited, exhausted, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, this episode will encourage you to pause, reflect, and move forward with confidence.Show notes: https://www.sfecich.com/post/first-week-of-student-teaching-done-5-easy-ways-to-reflect-and-crush-week-two

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 awayHow to make the most of office hoursTips for organizing assignment deadlines across all your classesIf 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 experienceWhen to send your email for the biggest impactWhat to include in a thank you email after meeting your cooperating teacherTips to sound professional, genuine, and confidentA simple formula to make writing your email quick and easyShow 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?ohSShow 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