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We all love discovering ways to simplify our lives and make managing our classrooms easier. We’re constantly on the hunt for tips, tricks, and strategies to help everything run smoothly while saving us time and energy. That’s why this episode became the second most listened-to of 2024!
In this popular replay, I’m sharing my top five essential teacher hacks specifically designed for secondary science teachers. These game-changing strategies are simple to implement but can have a major impact on how your classroom operates and the culture you create throughout the year. I’ll walk you through each hack, showing you how to put them into action and explaining how they can improve your classroom procedures, routines, and behavior management.
Virtual PD Courses for Science TeachersIt’s Not Rocket Science Prime TimesAcademic Desk CalendarDownload 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.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode162
Resources Mentioned:Related Episodes:
Episode 120: How to Cut Your Grading Time in HalfEpisode 108: 5 Must-Have Routines and Procedures for Secondary TeachersEpisode 4: Engaging Your Students in the First 5 Minutes of Class Start Strong: 5 Beginning of the Year Procedures to TeachPrime Times: The Secondary Classroom Procedure You Can’t Live WithoutMy Favorite Classroom Management Strategy 5 Reasons You May Hate Bell Ringers – And the Solutions to Run Them EasilyIt's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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Teachers everywhere are feeling the weight of their students’ lack of motivation, and it’s no surprise this topic has resonated so strongly—it’s the third most-listened-to episode of 2024! The pressure to carry the burden of student success is exhausting and unsustainable, leaving many educators burned out and questioning their future in the profession.
That’s why now is the perfect time to rethink your approach and head into the new year with a fresh perspective. In today’s episode, I dive into why students seem to care less and share three actionable strategies to address the issue. You'll hear real examples from my experience in the classroom, including how I’ve set and reinforced expectations while giving students the responsibility to take ownership of their success.
Balance Virtual PD CourseDownload 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.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode161
Resources:Related Episodes:
Episode 122, How to Nail Your Teacher Job Interview + 3 Mock Lesson IdeasEpisode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change Episode 113, What to Do When You Have No Energy – Truths for the ClassroomEpisode 111, Priorities and Boundaries in the New YearEpisode 57, Living and Working in Your Current SeasonEpisode 56, Scheduling Rest – Why You Need To and How To Do ItEpisode 55, Goal Setting for the New Year – A Different ApproachIt's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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We all have unique experiences, but one thing teachers all seem to share is the overwhelming challenge of grading. When I talked about ways to cut your grading time in half on the podcast earlier this year, it was clear that it was a hot topic, so let’s dive into it again! In today’s replay episode, I’m sharing the number four most listened-to episode where I provide four tips that instantly decrease your grading time.
If you think January is too late to switch things up, it’s not! The beginning of a new semester is the perfect time to rethink or redo how you approach grading. The four specific action items I share are ones I personally executed when I was in the classroom. And just a warning - they may feel drastic! But in order to provide quick and accurate grading while also allowing for more time for yourself, sometimes big changes are required.
Bell Ringers & Exit SlipsAssessments Virtual PD CourseDownload 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.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode160
Resources Mentioned:Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
Episode 105, What Happened When I Stopped Assigning Formal Lab ReportsEpisode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)Episode 4, Engaging Your Students – In the First 5 Minutes of ClassDecrease Grading Time: 4 Practical Ways to Cut Your Grading Time in HalfWhy You Shouldn’t Bring Work Home – And How to Accomplish ThatPrime Times: The Secondary Classroom Procedure You Can’t Live Without5 Reasons You May Hate Bell Ringers – And the Solutions to Run Them EasilyIt's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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It’s crazy to think that we’re nearing the end of 2024! We’ve covered so many topics this year, so I wanted to spend the last five weeks of the year replaying the top five most listened to episodes. I want to encourage you to take this opportunity to either reinforce the routines, systems, and strategies in these episodes or prioritize them starting in 2025.
In today’s episode, we’re starting with the fifth most listened to episode where I talk about how to increase student retention of content, specifically DENSE content! I not only give you encouragement and reasons why retention might be lacking in your students, but very practical tips you can easily implement in your science classes.
If you are enjoying the content in this podcast, please leave your view on Apple Podcasts! It will only take a minute and is a simple way to support this show and reach more science teachers!➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode159
Biology CurriculumChemistry CurriculumDownload 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:Related Episodes:
Episode 116. Behind Schedule? What to Do and How to Prevent It in the FutureEpisode 88. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Part 5 Episode 87. Aligning Your Assessments: Curriculum Design Part 5Episode 86. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Part 4Episode 85. Building Out Your Backbone: Curriculum Design Part 4Episode 84. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Part 3Episode 83. Forming Your Foundation: Curriculum Design Part 3Episode 82. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Parts 1 and 2Episode 81. Analyzing Your Aims: Curriculum Design Part 2Episode 80. Strategizing Your Sequence: Curriculum Design Part 1It's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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In teaching, there are a lot of balancing acts, but none come close to preparing your students for success while NOT teaching to the test. I hear from many of you that struggle with this, and honestly I did as well while I was teaching, but I have since adopted a few philosophies that will help minimize the pressure you feel and start prioritizing what matters most to you in your classroom.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing two main ways that you can balance “good teaching” and the pressure of getting your students prepared for the test. I discuss how each of the two ideas work off of each other and various ways they can be implemented throughout your instructional resources and activities.
➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode158
Core Values Mini-CourseBiology Exam PackPhysical Science Exam PackAnatomy Exam PackChemistry Exam PackDownload 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:Related Episodes:
Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and MORE With Guest Alyse of Keystone ScienceEpisode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science ClassroomEpisode 104, Using Summative Assessments to Prepare Students for Standardized TestsIt's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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I don’t know about you, but I love growing and learning, especially when it has anything to do with teaching science. This is exactly what happened when I interviewed Alyse of Keystone Science. Throughout our entire conversation, we discussed a wide range of topics that will help students have success in a secondary science classroom, particularly English Language Learners.
When it comes to the use of AI in the classroom, Alyse has embraced this innovative technology tool. She shares why her perspective is different and describes specific ways she utilizes it in her classroom. And since she works with many ELL students, Alyse discusses the countless possibilities that come with AI and how it contributes to their learning. Trust me when I say this episode is JAM PACKED with helpful tips!
ELL FreebieAI FreebieChatGPTOtter.AIEduaideMagic SchoolDiffitGoogle TranslateSecondary Science PD CoursesDownload 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/episode157
Resources:Related Episodes & Blog Posts:
Episode 154, AI and Chat GPT With Guest Mitch WielandEpisode 95, How to Stop Grading Everything Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science ClassesWhy I Don’t Assign Homework in High SchoolIt's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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Let’s talk about something that is all too familiar for teachers: navigating micromanagement from school administrators or districts. I’ve encountered my fair share of overbearing directives, from mandated curricula to unreasonable data tracking, and I know you have too.
I’ve heard from many of you about the struggles you face with being micromanaged when it comes to grading, classroom management, and more. Whether it’s coming from the district or your direct admin, being micromanaged never feels good. We know our students and we should be trusted to do what’s best for them!
In today’s episode, I’m sharing practical tips and strategies to try if you are being micromanaged, and when it might even be time to consider a change for the better. You’ve been warned - I run hot when it comes to this topic!
➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode156
Download 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:Related Episodes & Blog Posts:
Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science ClassroomEpisode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a ChangeEpisode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach Matson Episode 69, Admin Support - WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask ForIt's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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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 YourselfIt's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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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 WithoutIt's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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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 ClassIt's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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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
It's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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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!
Resources Mentioned:
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode151It's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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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!
Resources Mentioned:
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode150It's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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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.
Resources Mentioned:
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode149It's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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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!
Resources Mentioned:
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode148It's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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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.
Resources Mentioned:
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode147It's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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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.
Resources Mentioned:
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode146It's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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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.
Resources Mentioned:
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode145It's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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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!
Resources Mentioned:
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode144It's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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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.
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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!?
Resources Mentioned:
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode143It's time for my annual Cheer for the New Year sale! Join my email list to participate in the daily deals + receive FREE winter resources: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter/
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