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5 Essential Summer Tips for Future Education Majors

Welcome, EdguMagicians! I’m Dr. Sam Fecich, host of the EduMagic Podcast, and I’m thrilled to kick off our new podcast series: “Welcome to Your Journey,” a guide for future teachers preparing for their first year of college. As the author of EduMagic: A Guide for Preservice Teachers, EduMagic Shine On, Crush It From the Start, and Digital PD, I’m passionate about helping new and future educators thrive.


Whether you're just starting your college journey or gearing up for student teaching, this episode is packed with essential tips to help you start strong. This episode will cover five essential summer tips for future education majors to explore to help them start strong during the first year of college.



Essential Summer Tips for Future Education Majors 1: Check Your College Email Regularly

Your college email is your lifeline to important updates, think orientation info, housing assignments, financial aid, class registration, and yes, textbook lists.

Pro tips:

  • Set up email notifications on your phone.

  • Create folders for each class, housing, financial aid, and textbooks.

  • Check it at least once or twice a week (daily is even better!).


Essential Summer Tips for Future Education Majors 2: Order Your Textbooks Early

Textbooks can sell out fast or take time to ship. Don’t wait until the first week of class!

Here’s how to get started:

  • Check your course schedule and the learning management system (LMS) you are using, such as Canvas, D2L, or Schoology.

  • Call your college bookstore for a list of required books.

  • Compare prices on Amazon, ThriftBooks, or borrow from a friend (double-check the edition!).

  • Contact your professor if you're unsure which edition is required.


Essential Summer Tips for Future Education Majors 3: Visit Campus (or Explore Virtually)

Familiarize yourself with your new environment before the first day.

If you can visit the campus:

  • Walk your class schedule.

  • Time your route from dorm to classroom.

  • Scope out coffee stops and study spots.

If you can’t visit:

  • Download a campus map.

  • Use Google Maps to estimate walking times.

  • Locate your dorm, classrooms, and key buildings online.


Essential Summer Tips for Future Education Majors 4: Get Organized Before Classes Begin

Start building your organization system now—it’ll save you stress later.

Ideas to try:

  • Create a folder on your computer called “Fall 2025” with subfolders for each class.

  • Download and store your syllabi.

  • Use a digital planner (Canva has great templates!) or buy a physical one.

  • Practice time-blocking or color-coding your schedule.


Essential Summer Tip for Future Education Majors 5: Read & Reflect: Books for Future Teachers

Summer is an ideal time to delve into professional reading that inspires and prepares you.

Top picks for future educators:

Bonus tip: Pick up an APA citation guide; you’ll use it a lot in your education courses!



Bonus: Get Experience Working with Kids

Before you step into a classroom, try volunteering or working with children. It’s a great way to confirm your passion and build essential skills.

Ideas:

  • Volunteer at summer camps or Vacation Bible School

  • Tutor students in your community

  • Assist with Extended School Year (ESY) programs

These experiences help you develop essential skills in leadership, communication, behavior management, and other areas.


Recharge and Get Ready

Don’t forget to take care of yourself this summer. Whether it’s reading on the beach, hiking, cooking, or spending time with loved ones, relax and recharge. You’ve got an exciting journey ahead!


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Stay tuned for upcoming guest episodes in this series featuring Dr. Amy Orville on working with your advisor and Dr. Jenna Copper on preparing as a secondary education major.


Want more tips like this? Subscribe to the EduMagic Podcast or follow me on social media @SFecich. Let’s make this your best year yet!


 
 
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