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Secondary Science Simplified™

Rebecca Joyner, High School Science Teacher

Secondary Science Simplified is a podcast specifically for high school science teachers that will help you to engage your students AND simplify your life as a secondary science educator. Each week Rebecca, from It's Not Rocket Science, and her guests will share practical and easy-to-implement strategies for decreasing your workload so that you can stop working overtime and start focusing your energy doing what you love - actually teaching! Teaching doesn't have to be rocket science, and you'll learn exactly what you need to do to simplify your secondary science teaching life so that you can enjoy your life outside of school even more. Head to itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/challenge to grab your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.

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Monday · 18 min
252. New Year, New Boundaries: EMAIL
A new school year calls for new boundaries, and it’s high time we stopped letting email rule our lives. Teaching is your job, not your whole identity, and nobody should expect you to be available 24/7! In this episode, I’m kicking off a 3-week mini-series on boundaries by tackling one of the biggest struggles for teachers: constant digital access. I get personal about my own journey with becoming unavailable, why these boundaries matter, and how they can help us teach others to become independent problem-solvers. I’ll also address the biggest pushback I get and share five practical tips for holding the line and responding to email strategically instead of reactively. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode252 Resources: Inbox When Ready (Chrome Extension) Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes: Episode 70: “It Isn’t an Attack on You: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach Matson Episode 195: A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication with Guest Mandy Farrar Episode 199: How to Not Take Work Home (In Your Head, or in Reality) This School Year Episode 207: Dealing With Combative Parents - 6 Tips and 2 Warnings
September 7 · 34 min
251. Back to Basics: 5 Life Skills to Teach High School Students
Teaching science is about more than getting through the standards! In this episode, I’m sharing five critical life skills I want you to intentionally teach this school year. I’ll share practical ways to build these skills into what you’re already doing while helping students become more capable, confident, and resilient humans...not just successful science students! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode251 Resources Mentioned: Life Skills PDF (FREE!) RADAR Signs (FREE!) Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes: Episode 47. 2 Ways That Learning Happens and How to Create a Classroom Culture That Fosters It Episode 136. Building a Team Mindset Into Your Classroom Culture Episode 145. How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic Episode 147. Content Coverage - How to Get Through All of the Standards Episode 155. How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom Episode 175. How and WHY I Teach Students to Take Notes Episode 219. Study Guides for High School Science Classes Episode 244. Sanity-Saving Systems, Self Checks, and Starting a TA Program With Katie Dupuie Episode 246. Grouping and Engaging Students with Popsicle Sticks
August 31 · 39 min
250. Ask Me Anything! Coworkers, Motivation, Biblical Integration, and More!
To celebrate 250 episodes of Secondary Science Simplified, I’m answering listener questions covering everything from coworker relationships and classroom organization to block schedules and student connections. I’m sharing practical strategies for balancing direct instruction and inquiry, navigating scripted curriculum, managing a season when you don’t have the time or energy to do everything, and integrating faith into a science classroom. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode250 Resources Mentioned: FREEBIE: Anatomy of a Class Period (never lecture more than 15 min!): Individual lab supplies in shoebox lids (12 for $28) AP Science Teacher Playlist Grading Playlist Curriculum Design 101 Starts Here! (Episode 80) Christianity and Evolution blog post Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach Matson Episode 149, Teaching on a Block Schedule - Why It’s Not as Bad as You Think Episode 246, Grouping and Engaging Students with Popsicle Sticks
August 24 · 23 min
249. Board Points: A Simple Whole Classroom Management Strategy
I’ve mentioned Board Points on this podcast more times than I can count, but somehow I’ve never given them their own episode. Today, we’re finally fixing that! I’m sharing how I started using Board Points, why they became a game-changer for one challenging class, and exactly how I use them to build teamwork and reduce individual behavior management. I’ll walk you through my simple system, answer common questions, and share creative ways to use points, class competitions, and rewards to keep students motivated and create that “we’re in this together” mentality. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode249 Resources Mentioned: Bell INRS Units INRS Full Year Curriculum Classroom Management Podcast Playlist Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 90, Classroom Management Philosophy for Secondary Science Teachers Episode 91, My Top 5 Classroom Management Routines and Procedures for High School Science Teachers Episode 93, Simple Strategies for Classroom Management Episode 246, Grouping and Engaging Students with Popsicle Sticks
August 17 · 15 min
248. Last-Minute Prep Thrown on Your Plate? Here Is What to Do
Getting handed a brand new prep just days before school starts can feel like every teacher's nightmare. I've been there, and in this episode, I'm sharing five practical tips to help you tackle a last-minute course assignment without putting impossible expectations on yourself. We'll talk about how to advocate for the support you deserve, when to lean on existing curriculum instead of reinventing the wheel, and the simple mindset shifts that will help you survive (and even thrive!) when you've been "voluntold" to teach something new. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode248 Resources: INRS Units INRS Full Year Curriculum Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes: Episode 185, When is Preparation Worth It, and When Is It a Pipe Dream? Episode 229, Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations Episode 235, Advocating for Yourself with Admin
August 10 · 35 min
247. Physical Science Scope and Sequence - Why I Teach Physical Science the Way That I Do
Teaching physical science completely changed my perspective as an educator. It started out as the course I least wanted to teach, and somehow became the one I'd request if I ever returned to the classroom full-time! In this episode, I'm sharing why I fell in love with teaching physical science, the scope and sequence I used in my own classroom, and the big-picture goals that shaped every lesson. I'll also take you behind the scenes of the newly revamped It's Not Rocket Science® Physical Science curriculum, packed with new inquiry activities, engineering challenges, and classroom supports. Whether you're teaching physical science for the first time or looking for new ideas, this episode will leave you feeling excited and ready to make this one of your favorite courses to teach! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode247 Resources: Physical Science FULL YEAR Curriculum Physical Science curriculum on TpT (over 400 5-star reviews!!) Physical Science Units Physical Science Scope and Sequence blog post Supplies Spreadsheet for INRS Physical Science curriculum FREEBIE - Get the Physical Science Pacing Guide Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes: Episode 209, Anatomy Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Anatomy the Way That I Do Episode 220, Biology Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Biology the Way That I Do Episode 232, Chemistry Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Chemistry the Way That I Do
August 3 · 24 min
246. Grouping and Engaging Students With Popsicle Sticks
One simple classroom tool has completely changed the way I manage my classroom, build relationships, and keep every student engaged…and it costs just a few dollars! In this episode, I'm sharing how I use popsicle sticks to create fair participation, build meaningful classroom discussions, and make sure every student feels seen. I'll walk you through how I make and use them, simple ways to reduce participation anxiety, and an alternative system from a fellow teacher that might be the perfect fit for your classroom! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode246 Resources Mentioned: Popsicle sticks RADAR posters RADAR Blogpost INRS units INRS Full Year Curriculum Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 141, First Day of School Tips + What I Cover in My First Units of the Year Episode 143, My Top 5 Favorite Teacher Hacks for the New School Year Episode 225, What to Do When Your Class Won’t Talk With You
July 27 · 48 min
245. Connection and Consistency Over Content Coverage With Alex Crim
The right mindset can completely change your teaching experience, and Alex Crim is proof of that. In this episode, Alex shares how switching schools, teaching high school biology and AP Environmental Science, and balancing coaching with his master's program helped him discover that connection and consistency matter more than simply covering content. We also dive into practical grading hacks, AP teaching strategies, responsible AI use, and why making science relevant can transform student engagement. His perspective is such a refreshing way to head into a new school year! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode245 Resources: INRS Biology Curriculum that Alex uses! Prime Times SSS Virtual PD Bundle Book: Teach Your Class Off ZipGrade Facebook group: National APES Teachers Contact Alex: acrim0033@gmail.com Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes: Episode 126, Teaching AP Environmental Science with Ashton Allgood Episode 213, Everything You Need to Know About Teaching AP Biology with Tiffany AP Bio Penguins Episode 243, Creating Competition, Teaching AP, and 18 Preps with Brennan Koch of Stoich Decks Episode 244, Sanity-Saving Systems, Self Checks, and Starting a TA Program with Katie Dupuie
July 20 · 1 hr 2 min
244. Sanity-Saving Systems, Self Checks, and Starting a TA Program With Katie Dupuie
Teaching gets a whole lot easier when your classroom runs on systems instead of constant reminders! In this conversation, Katie Dupuie shares the practical routines that help her manage large classes, build student independence, and stay adaptable through every challenge teaching throws her way. From self-check assignments and streamlined grading to creative chemistry instruction and launching a teacher assistant program, Katie offers simple, actionable ideas that can help you save time, reduce stress, and create a classroom that practically runs itself! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode244 Resources Mentioned: Blog Post: EVERYTHING you need to know about having a high school T.A. program Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 49, Visuals, Middle School, Maternity Leave, and More with Guest Rachael Lasky Episode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno Episode 242, Classroom Jobs, Teaching Chemistry, and AI-Generated Labs for Absences with Maggie H. The Caffeinated Chemist Episode 243, Creating Competition, Teaching AP, and 18 Preps with Brennan Koch of Stoich Decks
July 13 · 57 min
243. Creating Competition, Teaching AP, and 18 Preps With Brennan Koch of Stoich Decks
Some teachers just have a way of making you rethink how you approach your classroom, and today's guest definitely does that. With 25 years of experience in the classroom, Brennan Koch shares practical strategies for creating a culture of striving, teaching AP science, simplifying lab grading, and using games to deepen student learning. I left this conversation feeling inspired, and I think you will too! After listening, you can head here to check out Brennan's games (use code ROCKET for 20% off!) and grab Reaction Time, a free print & play game. Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode243 Resources Mentioned: Brennan’s website (use code ROCKET for 20% off games!) Contact Brennan at stoichdecks@gmail.com. Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes: Episode 137, Work/Life Balance as a Mom and AP Teacher with Guest Kimberly Leary Episode 142, Reflections From a First-Year AP Teacher with Guest Laura Tice Episode 213, Everything You Need to Know About Teaching AP Biology with Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins Episode 236, Teaching AP Science for the First Time? 6 Tips for Success
July 6 · 33 min
242. Classroom Jobs, Teaching Chemistry and Ai-Generated Labs for Absences With Maggie H. The Caffeinated Chemist
One of my favorite parts of the year is finally here! I'm kicking off this summer's guest interview series with Maggie from The Caffeinated Chemist, and our conversation is full of practical ideas that made me wish we taught down the hall from each other. From making chemistry more visual to creating a classroom that practically runs itself, Maggie shares practical strategies for teaching Chemistry, building student ownership through classroom jobs, using AI to create virtual labs for absent students, and simplifying classroom management with systems that save time! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode242 Resources Mentioned: The Virtual Lab for the Caffeinated Chemist Classroom Jobs and Descriptions Canva AI Assistant Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 201, AI Literacy for Science Teachers with Guest Amanda Bickerstaff of AI for Education Episode 210, 4 Ways AI Can Support You in Your Secondary Science Classroom Episode 232, Chemistry Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Chemistry The Way That I Do
June 29 · 29 min
241. Simplified Grading Strategy: Major vs. Minor Grades
A complicated gradebook can quickly create more work, more confusion, and more stress than it needs to. In this episode, I'm sharing the grading system I used for years to simplify grading, accurately reflect student learning, and make communication with students and parents much clearer. I'll walk you through how I organized and weighted my gradebook, managed grades efficiently, and handled student accountability without creating extra work. I also tackle a listener question about teaching in a 100% summative grading environment and share what teachers can focus on when formative work isn't graded. This conversation might just change the way you think about grading for the upcoming school year! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode241 Resources Mentioned: Assessments Mini-Course INRS units INRS Full Year Curriculum Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 95, How to Stop Grading Everything Episode 160, 4 Proven Tips to Instantly Decrease Your Grading Time Episode 196, Grading Game Changers: 6 Ways to Grade Differently This School Year Episode 206, PRIME TIMES®: Everything You Need to Know Episode 235, Advocating for Yourself with Admin
June 22 · 19 min
240. How to Time Block Your Work Week
Do you feel like your planning period disappears before you've accomplished anything? In this episode, I share exactly how I would structure a 40-hour teacher workweek to stay productive, reduce overwhelm, and avoid bringing work home. You'll learn how a time audit can reveal where your hours are really going, plus practical strategies for time-blocking, batching grading and lesson prep, managing email, and setting boundaries that make teaching more sustainable. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode240 Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD Bundle Balance Mini-Course Core Values Mini-Course Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Ep 62, 5 Ways to Instantly Make Your Planning Period More Productive Episode 77, 5 Myths You Might Believe About Your Work Email Ep 139, Sunday Scaries - How I Use Friday Planning to Prevent Them Episode 195, A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication With Guest Mandy Farrar
June 15 · 16 min
239. No One Cares About Your Class: What to Do When Students Only Care About Their Dual Credit Courses and Not Yours
How do you make your class matter when students are far more invested in their dual credit courses? In this episode, I share why student apathy isn't necessarily a reflection of your teaching and how shifting your expectations can reduce frustration for everyone. We’ll talk about creating a classroom students want to be in, respecting their competing priorities, maintaining accountability without adding pressure, and focusing on what you can control while helping students build responsibility and resilience! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode239 Resources: Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes: Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom Episode 197, Motivating the Unmotivated - 4 Practical Tips to Help Students Care Episode 223, What to Do When Students Simply Won’t Do Their Work Episode 224, Keeping Students’ Attention Engaged – Without Killing Yourself to Do It
June 8 · 29 min
238. Department Chairs: How to Lead Your Team Well
Department chairs are carrying far more than a title and a tiny stipend! In this episode, I’m sharing practical ways to lead your science department well without burning yourself out. I’m talking about advocating for teachers, communicating with admin, running productive meetings, organizing shared resources, and supporting new science teachers in ways that actually make a difference! If you’re a department chair with ideas, strategies, or experiences that have worked well for your team, I’d love to hear from you! Send me an email or message me on Instagram so we can keep the conversation going. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode238 Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD Labs When Limited (FREE virtual PD course!) INRS Units INRS Full Year Curriculum New Teachers Podcast Playlist (free!) Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach Matson Episode 229, Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations Episode 235, Advocating for Yourself With Admin Episode 237, End of Year Reflection - How to Know What Needs to Change
June 1 · 21 min
237. End of Year Reflection - How to Know What Needs to Change
You made it to summer… or you’re so close you can taste it! In this end of year reflection episode, I’m sharing how to look back on your school year without drowning in guilt or taking responsibility for things that weren’t yours to carry. We’re talking about meaningful goals, honest feedback, burnout, boundaries, and how your current life season impacts the way you view your year. I’m also walking you through 10 reflection questions to help you identify what drained you, what energized you, and what needs to change before next school year begins. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode237 Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD Labs When Limited (FREE!) INRS Units INRS Full Year Curriculum Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 182, End the Year Organized: Your Resources Episode 183, End the Year Organized: Your Classroom Episode 203, Who Makes up the Deficit? How to Respond When Students are Behind
May 25 · 26 min
236. Teaching AP Science for the First Time? 6 Tips for Success
If you are listening to this episode, I’m guessing you just found out you’ll be teaching AP Science for the very first time… and you’re probably equal parts excited and equal parts overwhelmed. I’ve been there! In this episode, I’m sharing the six biggest tips I wish someone had handed me before stepping into my first AP classroom, from navigating the overwhelm and letting go of perfectionism to creating a solid plan and teaching with confidence. My goal is simple: to help you feel more equipped than overwhelmed, and more excited than scared, as you step into this new role! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode236 Resources Mentioned: Podcast Playlist: Teaching AP Science! INRS Units INRS Full Year Curriculum Blog Post: Teaching AP Biology for the First Time Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes: Episode 137, Work/Life Balance as a Mom and AP Teacher with Guest Kimberly Leary Episode 142, Reflections From a First-Year AP Teacher with Guest Laura Tice Episode 213, Everything You Need to Know About Teaching AP Biology with Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins
May 18 · 25 min
235. Advocating for Yourself With Admin
As the school year wraps up and end-of-year meetings approach, NOW is the moment to advocate for yourself with your admin. Yes, really! In this episode, I’m sharing why your voice matters right now as a secondary science teacher, how to clearly communicate your capacity, boundaries, and needs, and practical scripts for handling tough conversations about added responsibilities. You’ll also learn how to advocate for meaningful support, use data to strengthen your requests, and step into next year feeling lighter, clearer, and more in control. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode235 Resources Mentioned: INRS Units INRS Full Year Curriculum Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 68, Evaluating Your Teaching Contract Episode 69, Admin Support - WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask For Episode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach Matson Episode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change Episode 156, What to Do When You Are Micromanaged by Your Admin or District Episode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno Episode 229, Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations
May 11 · 25 min
234. My Biggest Regrets From My Time in the Classroom
Recently, I was asked a question that stopped me in my tracks: What’s one thing you wish you’d done differently in the classroom? My first answer came fast...I thought too much of myself and carried the weight of everything on my shoulders. But the more I thought about the question, the more I realized there were several things I would do differently! In this episode, I’m sharing four regrets from my early teaching years, four things I would do differently now after years of growth (and becoming a mom), and four classroom practices I’d do again in a heartbeat. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode234 Resources Mentioned: INRS Units INRS Full Year Curriculum FREE podcast playlist for NEW high school science teachers Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes: Episode 91, My Top 5 Classroom Management Routines and Procedures for High School Science Teachers Episode 130, First Year Teaching? 5 Things I Wish I Had Known Episode 195, A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication with Guest Mandy Farrar Episode 206, Prime Times® - Everything You Need to Know
May 4 · 23 min
233. How to Keep Up With Lesson Planning
Why does it feel like I start every week organized, then somehow end it with a mile-long to-do list and lesson plans that still need fixing? In this episode, I’m answering a listener’s relatable question with six practical strategies that helped me stay ahead of planning in the classroom. We’re talking batch planning, overplanning, classroom routines, pacing with confidence, protecting your planning period, and reflecting now so next year feels easier. If lesson planning always feels like a moving target, this episode will help you create systems that lighten the load! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode233 Resources Mentioned: INRS Units INRS Full Year Curriculum LAST CHANCE TO APPLY TO BE A GUEST!!! Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 62, 5 Ways to Instantly Make Your Planning Period More Productive Episode 92, 5 Ways to Have Precise Pacing and Tight Transitions in Your Secondary Science Classroom Episode 139, Sunday Scaries - How I Use Friday Planning to Prevent Them Episode 208, 5 Tips for How to Lesson Plan While Managing Constant Disruptions

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