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Over the past several years, one of the biggest complaints I’ve heard from teachers is the student apathy that exists in post-pandemic students. I’ve addressed this topic on the podcast before by the ways of classroom management and building resilience in students. And while those are important to tackling the problem, I want to share a new approach. So in today’s episode, I’m discussing how to get students to be active in their own learning and ways to hold them accountable!
Free Labs When Limited Audio CourseAnatomy of a Class PeriodDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode155
Resources Mentioned:Related Episodes & Blog Posts:
Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-PandemicEpisode 143, My Top 5 Favorite Teacher Hacks for the New School YearEpisode 92, 5 Ways to Have Precise Pacing and Tight Transitions in Your Secondary Science ClassroomEpisode 89, Classroom Management in a Post-COVID World with Guest Casey O’HearnEpisode 32, Student-Centered Pedagogy: One Way to StartEpisode 31, Student-Centered Pedagogy: How To Do ItEpisode 30, Student-Centered Pedagogy: Why Make the ShiftEpisode 29, Student-Centered Pedagogy: What It IsEpisode 5, Engaging Your Students - Without Exhausting Yourself -
If you’ve been around long enough, you know just how quickly technology changes and advances. But one of the most resourceful and useful technology tools out there is AI. AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is quickly becoming how our world plans vacations, assists us with our work demands, and even plans lessons and activities for our students. And while half of teachers are embracing this new wave of technology, the other half have concerns and are apprehensive about its capabilities.
No matter what side of the fence you’re on, there’s no denying that AI is here to stay! So why not start embracing it like my guest on today’s episode, Mitch Wieland. Mitch has adopted the idea that AI is actually more helpful than it is detrimental to education. He’s sharing different ways teachers can use AI tools to simplify their lives in the classroom and some practical tips for using it in all aspects of your teaching life. Mitch also highlights three of his personal favorite AI tools and how simple they are to use.
Magic SchoolDiffitChat GPTPrime Time ResourcesDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode154
Resources Mentioned:Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
Episode 120, How to Cut Your Grading Time in HalfEpisode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science ClassesPrime Times: The Secondary Classroom Procedure You Can’t Live Without -
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Even though you may love the science discipline you teach, that doesn’t mean that you’re excited to teach every topic, let alone your students enjoying everything you teach. Unfortunately, there are certain topics that are considered boring but still need to be taught! Knowing the topics that are deemed boring for you, how can you turn those around to be more engaging for everyone involved? In today’s episode, I’m discussing two concerns when it comes to approaching less than thrilling content in your science disciplines, and what to do about it!
Lessons Mini-CourseCore Values Mini-CourseCulture Mini-CourseFree Anatomy of a Class Period Lesson PlanFree Lab AuditDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode153
Resources Mentioned:Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-PandemicEpisode 78, Our LEAST Favorite Topics to Teach and How We Approach Them with Guest Sam Holcomb of Engineer Does EducationEpisode 6, Engaging Students in Lecture Episode 5, Engaging Your Students - Without Exhausting YourselfEpisode 4, Engaging Your Students - In the First 5 Minutes of Class -
There are many elements of teaching that are unpredictable and out of your control, which can make it difficult to handle or prepare for. One of those things are student absences. Let’s be honest, it’s a miracle when all of your students are in class on the same day! So, you need to prepare and determine how you’re going to deal with the absences of your students and when you miss a day of teaching as well.
I think we all can agree that the most tiresome aspect of a student’s absence is figuring out how to handle makeup work. Personally, I believe it’s important to catch them up with the class as soon as possible, so I’m sharing my makeup work policy and how I train my students on what to do when they’re absent. I also discuss my procedures and thoughts for when just one class is off from the rest of your classes, chronic absent students, transfer students, and how to handle when you’re gone for a day.
Having students miss class or you missing a day of school is an inevitable aspect of teaching during the school year. And even though it makes things complicated, it’s important to think through how you’re going to deal with them. So if this is something you’re struggling with, take a listen to hear how to manage it all, my hot takes, what I learned while I was in the classroom, and how you can implement these ideas in your own classroom.
Culture Mini-CourseAssessments Mini-CourseEpisode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do Episode 117, How to Prep for a Long-Term Substitute Who Doesn’t Teach ScienceEpisode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science ClassesEpisode 16, 5 Strategies for Pain-Free Sub PlansDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Resources Mentioned:Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode152
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I love celebrating podcast milestones with my listeners so much that I couldn’t celebrate with just one episode! Last week, I hit 150 episodes and decided to answer questions sent to me from listeners. Although I covered a variety of different topics, I received so many questions that I needed to do another episode to answer them all. So, in part 2, I’m continuing the celebration by answering more listener questions.
Virtual PD Courses for Science TeachersLessons Mini-CoursePhysical Science Independent Research ProjectBiology Independent Research ProjectAnatomy Independent Research ProjectChemistry Independent Research Project Download your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
These sets of questions range from content help, how to handle negative feedback, ways to get students to study or participate in note-taking, and how to achieve a work/life balance, especially after having a baby. I even answer It’s Not Rocket Science resource-specific questions and a few personal questions. But with each question, I answer authentically while trying to give both advice and strategies to help support you in your current teaching struggles.
I thoroughly enjoy doing this podcast and creating content for y’all every single week. I love being able to connect and answer your questions or address struggles or concerns you have while teaching your science discipline. So I thank you and can’t wait to celebrate again after the next 50!
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Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode151 -
Wow, y’all, I can’t believe I’m at episode 150! I’m always amazed at all we cover on the podcast, so I like to celebrate every 50 episodes with a “Dear Abby” style episode. Since I started this podcast to reach and support more teachers, I want to make sure I’m giving y’all exactly what you need to succeed. So, in today’s episode, I’m answering all your questions related to secondary science content, engaging labs, classroom management strategies, and more!
Lab Audit FreebieLessons Mini-CourseCulture Mini-CourseMurder and a Meal LabEnzyme Lab Activity Simulation Photosynthesis RelayProtein Synthesis Scavenger HuntGenetic Disorder Research ProjectDinosaur Genetics StationsNatural Selection LabEcosystem in a Bottle ProjectDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
There’s so much content I could cover, and I love individualizing it for my listeners, which is why I love doing episodes like this. I received such a wide range of questions, with a majority that are directed towards inside the classroom and a few personal questions, that I had to split the episode into two parts. With each question, I share my thoughts, suggestions, and advice.
I thoroughly enjoy doing this podcast and being able to help and support so many teachers that I’m excited to see what topics we cover for the next 50! And don’t forget to tune in next week, where I continue answering all your questions in part 2!
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Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode150 -
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been discussing how to cover all of your content in so little time. And while every teacher feels like they’re limited on time, if you teach on a block schedule, you actually have the least amount of instructional time in a school year. If you’re someone who teaches on a block schedule, you’re probably thinking about what you can do with the time you’re given. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing the positives of teaching on a block schedule, how to lean into those, and practical ideas on ways to still cover all your content.
Free Lab Audit ResourceFree Anatomy of a Class Period Lesson PlanVirtual PD Courses for Science TeachersDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Despite having the least amount of instructional minutes on a block schedule, this type of schedule actually has a lot of positives for both students and teachers. I highlight those positives and share why leaning into those gives you the best perspective for making the most out of your instructional time. Additionally, I discuss how to practically narrow down your content and ways to find what you need to focus on pertaining to your content.
I get it. Not having enough instructional minutes to get through your content is frustrating. However, there are many positives and things to love about teaching on a block schedule that I want you to focus on. So, if you’re a teacher who is on a block schedule, lean into what’s good about it and use that to your benefit and the positive impact it can have on your students.
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Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode149 -
I know it's early in the school year, but at some point this year, you're going to ask yourself, "How am I going to get through all of this content before the end of the year?" And if I'm being completely honest, you're probably not. While that might seem harsh or pessimistic, that's unfortunately the reality. I'd love to be able to give you practical solutions to fix that problem, but I can't. Instead, I'm going to ask you to have a mindset shift when you have too much to do and too little time to do it all.
Virtual PD Courses for Science TeachersCore Values Mini CourseDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
As teachers, you know how precious class time is, but when you add interruptions such as drills, pep assemblies, and weather-related no-school days, your class time gets even more limited, which means less time for learning and getting through your content. And while most teachers stress about this, myself included when I was in the classroom, I want you to do the opposite. I'm sharing five things to help you make a mindset shift when you start to feel things are getting in the way of you making progress and feeling stressed about not covering all of your content.
Making sure your students learn your academic content is important, but I challenge you to get clear and focus on your values, priorities, and the season of life you're currently in. The five ideas I share will help you identify what you value most and begin to focus on that instead of making sure your students know everything related to your content. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by all you have to do with such little time, this pep talk episode is exactly what you need to listen to!
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Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode148 -
I don't have to tell you all how much is on your plates and everything you have to deal with as teachers on a daily basis. You're constantly juggling student behaviors, building relationships, parent communication, feedback and professional development from your administration and district, and so much more. But with all of those, one of the things I hear about most from my audience is how to fit in all of their content. With this being a very popular concern for teachers, I'm sharing ways to get through your content by covering all of your standards in today's episode.
Virtual PD Courses for Science TeachersCore Values Mini CourseLessons Mini CourseAnatomy CurriculumDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
As teachers, you know the importance of standards in your instruction, activities, assessments, and labs. They are the backbone of your course, which is why they're the key to covering all of the content in your course. And while I discuss how to use the standards to determine topics you focus on, I also share the importance of incorporating content-specific and life skills, which can easily be implemented in any science curriculum.
With so much to worry about, teachers tend to focus on covering all their content the most. And if I'm being honest, you might not cover it all, but by knowing and understanding your standards and determining the skills that matter most to you, you will be covering content you believe in and will help your students succeed.
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Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode147 -
I remember being a new teacher and feeling nervous and panicked every time an administrator came into my room for an observation, either formal or informal. I had a pit in my stomach and wondered if I was doing what they wanted or anything right. However, as time went on, I got used to observations and actually welcomed the opportunity to have others in my room. But I didn’t get there overnight. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing what you need to do to nail your next observation, whether that’s planned or unannounced.
Virtual PD Courses for Science TeachersVirtual PD Mini-Course: CultureVirtual PD Mini-Course: LessonsVirtual PD Mini-Course: Core ValuesFREE Anatomy of a Class Period Lesson PlanDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
By preparing for an administrator’s impending arrival, it can relieve some of the stress associated with them. I’m providing you with a few things you can do to prepare for any observation, including getting clear on expectations, meeting all the necessary mandates, having clear procedures and routines for your students, and running an efficient classroom. While observations can be intimidating at first, they’re meant to be helpful and informative, so I’ve got a few things to keep in mind when receiving feedback after your evaluation as well.
I know you’re doing amazing things in your classroom, meeting expectations, and engaging your students in your lessons and activities. So why not showcase that to your administrators during your observations? The most important thing is to be authentic and true to yourself, and knowing how to prepare and know exactly what to do when they occur will help you feel ready for any observation, planned or unannounced.
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Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode146 -
I always tailor my podcast episodes towards topics that I know my listeners need, ask for, and would find helpful in a secondary science classroom. Today’s topic is one I know will resonate with y’all, which is seeing a lack of resilience in your students. Teachers are constantly struggling with this issue, so I’ve worked to find solutions and come up with ways to help build your student’s resilience. Although I’m not an expert in teaching in a post-pandemic classroom, I’m sharing six ways you can start building resilience in your students.
Virtual PD Courses for Science TeachersRelationships Virtual PD Mini-CourseDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Throughout the episode, I compare building resilience in students to potty training my two-year-old. While this may seem far-stretched, there are actually a lot of similarities between the two. Building resilience boils down to teaching a new skill and equipping them with the tools to push through, recover, adjust, and move forward when things become too hard. With each part of the process, I also explain how it would work with students in the classroom to help build their resilience.
Resilience is like a muscle that needs to be strengthened. So, you need to find ways to help build them up and work on this new skill. In this post-pandemic world we’re living in, having resilience isn’t a skill many students have, but implementing my six tips will help your students build their resilience and begin to overcome the difficulties and struggles they face in the classroom.
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Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode145 -
In the past, I’ve always chosen a word of the year to help guide what I want for myself, my family, and my career in the upcoming year. However, this year, I chose a mental mindset for the year, which was “no rules.” I was so used to finding efficient ways to run my business and classroom when I was in it that I wanted to make a change and make decisions through a different lens. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing four ways having “no rules” has changed my life and how it could change your school year, too.
Virtual PD Courses for Science TeachersDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
As a disclaimer, I’m not saying you shouldn’t have any rules in your life or classroom. Instead, by adopting this concept, you’re learning to be more flexible, fun, and free and slow down with your responses. This requires you to think about the “why” behind everything you do and determine if there’s a true purpose for it or if you’re able to bend the rules and try something different. To help provide further understanding, I’m sharing life examples and how to apply this “no rules” concept in your classroom.
Learning not to be as rigid and structured was a challenge I wanted to tackle this year. After seeing the positive changes having “no rules” impacted my life, I wanted to share my experience and challenge you to break free of some of the rules established in your classroom and try a new way of thinking or approach to changing your entire classroom culture. So join me in this new mental mindset shift and see how it impacts your thought process and classroom!
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Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode144 -
Whether you’ve been in school mode for a while or are still enjoying your summer, I always try to spend August helping teachers prepare for the upcoming school year. We all know how stressful and demanding the year can be, so I wanted to really be intentional about finding ways that were super helpful and simplify your life as a secondary science teacher. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing my top 5 favorite teacher hacks for the new school year.
Virtual PD Courses for Science TeachersIt’s Not Rocket Science Prime TimesAcademic Desk CalendarDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Each of my 5 teacher hacks is a personal thing that I have done during my teaching career. They cover different aspects of teaching but also have a focus on behavior management and building relationships. With each teacher hack, I go into detail explaining what it is, how it was implemented in my classroom, and how it directly benefits not only yourself as the teacher but also your students.
While I could talk about hundreds of ways that would simplify your teaching life, I wanted to only choose 5 that are super simple and easy to implement no matter where you are in your back-to-school season. By finding a few teacher hacks that will work for you, you’re able to decrease behavior challenges, build relationships, get support from parents, spend less time grading, and stagger your workload for each of your courses. Who wouldn’t want all that at the beginning of a new school year!?
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Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode143 -
I’ve talked many times about my experience teaching AP science courses before, and I even did an entire series talking to teachers who teach various AP science disciplines, so y’all know how challenging it can be. However, think about if you’re still a beginning teacher and being thrown into teaching an AP course. That’s what happened to my guest on today’s episode, Laura Tice. Laura is sharing her reflections as a first-year AP teacher, including how her students did on the exam, her highs and lows from the year, and how she’s already revamping her curriculum for the upcoming school year.
Download your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Teaching any AP course is no joke, but as Laura describes, it’s absolutely worth it. She loved working with AP level students and talked about how their work ethic and drive gave her the confidence to teach the course, but also with some humility throughout the year. While Laura discloses the things that didn’t go her way, she’s taking those challenges and making a point to make the necessary changes to fix them to help her students be successful in those areas. Laura even had two weeks left to review before the exam, in which she shared her one piece of advice for making that possible.
After my conversation with Laura, I was so impressed by her wisdom, enthusiasm, and humility as a first-year AP teacher. She encountered a few challenges and struggles throughout the year, which is to be expected, but she is using her reflections as room for improvement for the upcoming school year. Laura shares a lot of strategies and advice as a first-year AP teacher that I know you all will want to take and implement in your own classrooms this school year.
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Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode142 -
It’s hard to believe that the start of another school year is just around the corner, which means that planning for the first day of school and your first units is starting to take place. The first day of school can sometimes feel chaotic, and teachers are often unsure what they should even be covering on that day. So, to help those teachers out, I’m sharing the four things I always do on the first day of school and an overview of my first units for each science discipline.
Virtual PD Courses for Science TeachersIt’s Not Rocket Science Biology Basics UnitIt’s Not Rocket Science Introduction to Anatomy UnitIt’s Not Rocket Science Introduction to Chemistry UnitIt’s Not Rocket Science Scientific Method UnitAll It’s Not Rocket Science Complete UnitsFree Characteristics of Life Inquiry ActivityFlinn ScientificCarolina Biological Supply Download your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
With so many things to cover in the first few days of school, it can be difficult to know what you should spend those days doing. However, it’s important to go back to what you care about most, which will help you and your students have a successful school year. So, if you’re looking for ideas on structuring your first day of school and first units of study in your science courses, this episode is for you!
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Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode141 -
With the school year quickly approaching, many teachers are getting their jobs and starting to figure out what science courses they’ll be teaching. And if you see chemistry on your course list, you might be hitting the freak-out button! Especially as a new teacher, chemistry can be intimidating to teach, but it also gives a lot of fun and freedom to add some creativity into your lessons. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing five chemistry tips to help you find success teaching this course this year.
Virtual PD Courses for Science TeachersFree Chemistry Curriculum Pacing GuideChemistry Curriculum - Full Year BundleIt’s Not Rocket Science Chemistry ResourcesDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Since I taught chemistry, I wanted to share my advice and add my own personal experience to it as well. Chemistry is a science discipline that can intimidate a lot of students, which is why I always found it beneficial to teach students why it matters and use tools, models, and visuals to make it more relatable and approachable for them. This helps them find a real connection to the course and enjoy the class that much more. I also provide examples of my scope and sequence and a few classic labs and activities I incorporated throughout the year.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginning teacher, teaching chemistry has its challenges. But by keeping my five tips in mind, you will have success teaching this course this year, which is always the goal when a new school year begins again.
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Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode140 -
These days, I'm all about doing things now that serve my future self. In last week's episode, I shared five principles I do in my business that serve my future self and how they can translate to the classroom. However, since those principles might serve you next month, quarter, or even school year, I wanted to share an immediate benefit for your future self. In today's episode, I'm sharing how Friday planning can be used to prevent Sunday scaries.
Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers WaitlistDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
If you are anything like I was in the classroom, I couldn't wait for my weekend to start and then felt the dread and overwhelm creep up on Sunday when I realized all I needed to do for the upcoming week. I hated this feeling so much that I created a process to prevent Sunday scaries from ever happening. Although you don't have to choose Friday to be the day you plan out your next week, make copies, and stay a little later, I'm going to share why I think it's the best day for it, how it'll make you feel, and my process for what it looks like and how to do it to maximize the prevention of Sunday scaries.
Nothing dampens your Sunday like the realization of the papers you need to grade, copies you need to make for the lab the next day, or the number of emails you have to respond to sitting in your inbox. But by taking some time on Friday to plan your upcoming week, you will have eliminated the Sunday scaries and can enjoy your weekend without thinking about work!
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Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode139 -
I frequently think about how much the principles I've learned from running a business (and parenting) have changed my perspective on teaching. This got me thinking about what I would implement based on what I know now if I ever return to the classroom. And whenever I realize something useful and helpful, I want to share it with y'all! So, in today's episode, I'm sharing five ways you can serve future you with what I've learned in business that would apply to the classroom.
It’s Not Rocket Science PD WaitlistDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
As teachers, we all live busy lives. We're constantly doing everything we can for our students while also having a busy personal life. So one way to work smarter and not harder is by doing things to serve future you. Each of the five ways includes performing tasks with a strategic plan, grouping similar items together, and being diligent about doing things correctly the first time. I also provide examples of how I'd use these ideas in the classroom.
One of the best things you can do to save time in the long run is to give a gift to your future self. With key ideas I've learned from working on my business, I wanted to share how these tactics can be applied in your classroom to be more efficient and effective. So be sure to take a listen on ways to save time with five ways to serve future you!
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Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode138 -
As teachers, we know how hard it is to manage and balance our work and personal lives. But when you add being a new mom and an AP teacher to the mix, it makes that even harder. We’re always looking for tips and secrets to find that balance. My guest on today’s episode, Kimberly Leary, just might have figured it out! In today’s episode, Kimberly is sharing her knowledge and experience on a variety of topics, including how to prepare for maternity leave as an AP teacher, advice for teaching AP Environmental Science, and how to achieve a work/life balance as a new mom.
National APES teachers Facebook groupAPES Teachers Unleashed Facebook groupMr. Smedes - APESvsEVERYBODYDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Being an AP teacher, especially in the discipline of Environmental Science, which covers a wide variety of topics, has its challenges, and Kimberly has faced them all. She credits her detailed personality for keeping pace and not deviating while teaching and how she handled substitute plans during her maternity leave. Teaching a discipline that most people aren’t familiar with required her to be thoughtful, intentional, and detailed with the plans she left while she was on leave. She shares how this helped the many teachers covering her classes and how that impacted her students once she returned.
Once Kimberly became a mom, she knew setting boundaries that created a better work/life balance was necessary. Even though this required her to change her mindset and set realistic expectations for herself as it pertained to her workload and grading, she eventually found the right balance. She shares how she did it and the priority shift she had to make.
It’s very natural to want to be the best mom you can be while still being passionate about your teaching career. That’s why creating a work/life balance the best you can is critical to your success at both. So take a listen and get advice from Kimberly, a first-time mom and AP teacher, on how to have it all!
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Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode137 -
When I was a classroom teacher without any kids, I had no idea of the correlation or commonality that being a parent and a teacher would have. Now, being a parent, I would do some things differently and have a different lens on, which is why I’ve loved doing this series on things I’ve learned from parenting that can apply to teaching. In this episode, we’re wrapping up this series on ways to build a team mindset into your classroom culture.
Virtual PD Courses by It’s Not Rocket Science WaitlistDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Classrooms and families are very similar in that they’re both run as a community or unit. Even though each person has individual roles, everyone needs to function as a whole. I know that building a positive and inclusive classroom culture is so important, but I’m also discussing ways you can build a team mindset, get your students involved, and have them get to know each other. Being the leader of your classroom, you will show them how and explain why it’s essential in building a classroom culture.
Managing your classroom isn’t just about disruptive behaviors or challenging students. It’s also about how your classroom functions and the feelings students have within your four walls. Personally, I want my classroom and home to be a safe place with positivity and inclusion. So, if you want to create the same in your classroom, make sure you build a team mindset into your classroom culture!
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Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode136 - Se mer
