If grading has taken over your life, this final episode in the True Life Teacher Confession series is here to help. I’m unpacking the hidden costs of grading everything, challenging the belief that every assignment needs a grade, and sharing mindset shifts and practical strategies to help you reclaim your time. From setting clear grading boundaries to building a classroom culture where students stay accountable without constant grading, this episode is your first step toward a more sustainable teaching life!

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode189 

Resources:

• Culture Mini-Course
• Secondary Science Simplified Bundle
• 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: [email protected]  
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

Related Episodes:

• Episode 64, How to Re-Engage Apathetic Students (And Manage Your Own Apathy!)
• 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 160, 4 Proven Tips to INSTANTLY Decrease Your Grading Time 
• Episode 187, True Life: I’m Drowning

“Help! I teach a course with a high-stakes test that I do not care about at all, but I need to care about it. How can I make myself care?” If you've ever felt this way, this episode is for you. In this True Life: Teacher Confessions episode, I'm sharing what to do when you're stuck teaching a test-heavy course but feel totally unmotivated by the exam itself. I’ll give you permission to care less and practical strategies to help you care more if you need to—like embedding test prep into your weekly rhythms with FRQ Fridays, bellringer questions, review days, and more.

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode188

Resources Mentioned:

• 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: [email protected]  
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

Related Episodes and Blog Posts:

• Episode 60, Teaching with Packets - What They Are, Why I Love Them, and How to Use Them 
• Episode 72, Review Strategies for EOC, Benchmark, and AP Exams 
• Episode 185, When is Preparation Worth It, and When Is It a Pipe Dream?
• Episode 186, True Life: I’m a Science Teacher Who Hates Labs
• Episode 187, True Life: I’m Drowning

Are you juggling multiple preps across several grade levels, trying to run labs every week, and still show up for your family? Feeling overwhelmed by unrealistic admin expectations and a lack of student accountability? If it all feels like too much, that’s because it is too much. In this "true life" episode, I’m talking about what it really means to teach inside a broken system, why so many teachers are feeling burned out, and practical ways to keep showing up—without losing yourself in the process.

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode187

Resources Mentioned:

• Balancing Multiple Preps Podcast Playlist 
• Secondary Science Simplified course
• Labs When Limited Free Mini-Course
• Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
• Send me an email: [email protected]  
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

Related Episodes and Blog Posts:

• Episode 69, Admin Support - WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask For
• Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
• Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
• Episode 156, What to Do When You Are Micromanaged by Your Admin or District
• Episode 185, When Is Preparation Worth It, and When Is It a Pipe Dream?
• Episode 186, True Life: I Am a Science Teacher Who Hates Labs

Do you find yourself absolutely dreading lab days? If so, you’re in good company. I’m kicking off a new series of Teacher True Life Confessions, and today’s episode is inspired by several of you who were brave enough to admit that you HATE lab days. I’m sharing why labs feel so overwhelming and practical ways to make them less chaotic and more effective. You’ll learn how to select labs for quality over quantity, build in breathing room, train your students for smoother experiences, and simplify grading!

Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode186

Resources:

• Labs When Limited Free Course 
• Labs Virtual PD Mini-Course 
• Secondary Science Simplified Course Bundle
• Ecosystem in a Bottle 
• Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
• Send me an email: [email protected]  
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

Related Episodes:

• Episode 74, My #1 Way to Simplify Future Lab Days
• Episode 105, What Happened When I Stopped Assigning Formal Lab Reports
• Episode 131, End of Year Resource Audit

Feeling torn between getting ahead on lesson plans and fully embracing summer break? That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode. Inspired by a thoughtful listener question, I’m sharing a realistic and flexible approach to summer planning for teachers that helps you make progress and prioritize rest. You’ll hear tips for setting intentional goals, deciding when it’s actually worth planning ahead, and how to give yourself permission to recharge—without the guilt. Whether you’re a planner, a napper, or a little of both, this episode will help you find your summer balance!

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode185

Resources Mentioned:

• INRS Complete Units
• Labs When Limited
• 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: [email protected]  
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

Related Episodes and Blog Posts:

• Episode 80, Strategizing Your Sequence: Curriculum Design Part 1
• Episode 182, End the Year Organized: Your Resources
• Episode 183, End the Year Organized: Your Classroom
• Episode 184, End the Year Organized: Your Management

In this final episode of the “End Your Year Organized” series, we’re wrapping up by reflecting on the classroom management methods you used this year. I’m walking you through six simple but powerful reflection questions to help you evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and how to set yourself up for a smoother classroom experience next year. 

We’ll look at the difference between whole-class and individual behavior challenges, and I’ll share tips for improving routines, building stronger relationships, and being more intentional with your approach. Thinking through your classroom management methods now will make a big difference for your future self!

Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode184

Resources Mentioned:

• Classroom Management Spotify Playlist
• Core Values Mini-Course 
• Relationships Mini-Course 
• Culture Mini-Course 
• Secondary Science Simplified Virtual PD Bundle 
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow me on TpT (and leave a review to score credits!)
• 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: [email protected]  
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

Related Episodes and Blog Posts:

• Episode 35, Competency, Classroom Management, Teaching Chemistry, and MORE with Guest Zach Matson
• Episode 41, 4 Practical Tips for Building Relationships with Your High School Students
• Episode 134, Prioritizing Relationships Over Being Right 
• Episode 182, End the Year Organized: Your Resources
• Episode 183, End the Year Organized: Your Classroom

Feeling buried in classroom clutter? Let’s fix that, before summer break hits! Last week, we talked all about organizing your digital and paper teaching resources so you’re not digging through chaos next school year. This week, we’re shifting the focus to classroom organization at the end of the school year—because let’s be real, your physical space needs a reset just as much as your files do.

Using a simple four-step system inspired by The Home Edit—edit, categorize, contain, and maintain—I’ll walk you through how to declutter your classroom starting with your teacher desk and working outward to key areas like the front of the room, filing cabinets, storage cabinets, and closets.

Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode183

Resources Mentioned:

• Classroom Reset Challenge 
• Labs When Limited Free Sample Mini-Course 
• Labs Mini-Course
• Secondary Science Simplified PD Course Bundle
• 12-pack of 6-quart storage containers
• Subscribe to my YouTube channel
• Follow me on TPT
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
• Send me an email: [email protected]  
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

Related Episodes and Blog Posts:

• Episode 22, Ending the Year Strong by Resetting Your Classroom 
• Episode 23, Ending the Year Strong By Setting Summer Rocks and Boundaries
• Episode 75, End of Year Classroom CLEANOUT Without the FREAKOUT
• Episode 182, End the Year Organized: Your Resources

Feeling overwhelmed by a mountain of digital files, paper stacks, and half-used lab materials? In this kickoff episode of the “End the Year Organized” series, I’m sharing practical strategies to help you wrap up the school year with intention and clarity. From organizing your digital and paper resources to maintaining your systems and auditing what needs improvement, you’ll get a high-level overview of how to end the year strong—and set yourself up for a smoother start next fall.

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode182

Resources Mentioned:

• 3 Ring Binder Pouches
• Oldie but goodie video of my binder organization 
• Labs When Limited Free Course 
• Virtual Color Consult 
• Episode 80, Strategizing Your Sequence: Curriculum Design Part 1 
• Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
• Send me an email: [email protected]  
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

Related Episodes and Blog Posts:

• Episode 23, Ending the Year Strong By Setting Summer Rocks and Boundaries
• Episode 75, End of the Year Classroom Cleanout Without the Freakout
• Episode 131, End-of-Year Resource Audit
• Episode 132, End-of-Year Personal Reflection - 6 Questions to Ask Yourself
• Episode 138, Serving Future You - How to Work Smarter, Not Harder

Teaching can feel like driving on autopilot - same route, same scenery, same old routine. So what happens when that journey starts to feel monotonous and uninspiring? In today’s conversation, I dive deep into a feeling that every teacher experiences at some point: boredom. Whether you're an AP Biology teacher counting down to exam day or a Earth Science instructor trudging through yet another semester of the same curriculum, staleness can creep into even the most passionate teacher’s classroom.

I've been there, teaching multiple sections of general biology, repeating the same lessons over and over again, semester after semester. That's why I'm sharing eight practical strategies to reignite your teaching spark when your job feels stale. They worked for me, and I know they can work for you too! From considering a new course prep to collaborating with colleagues, investing in fresh resources, and shifting towards more student-centered approaches, these tips are designed to help you break out of your educational rut and rediscover the joy of teaching.

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode181

Resources Mentioned:

• INRS PD Courses
• Labs When Limited Virtual PD Course (free!)
• Core Values Mini-Course
• Teach the Class Project 
• Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
• Send me an email: [email protected]  
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

Related Episodes and Blog Posts:

• Episode 29, Student-Centered Pedagogy: What It Is
• Episode 30, Student-Centered Pedagogy: Why Make the Shift
• Episode 31, Student-Centered Pedagogy: How to Do It
• Episode 32, Student-Centered Pedagogy: One Way to Start
• Episode 72, Review Strategies for EOC, Benchmark, and AP Exams
• Episode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change 
• Episode 153, How to Make Boring Topics More Engaging
• Episode 166, How to Use Your Students to Work Smarter Rather Than Harder 

Over the past few episodes, we’ve been diving into all things NGSS, and it’s time to wrap up the series with someone who’s not only in the classroom but has been using the NGSS for the last decade! The Next Generation Science Standards are all about helping our students think and act like real scientists, and in this episode, I’m joined by Christina Agurcia of Make Them Think to break down how to actually make that happen in your classroom.

Christina has been working with NGSS since 2015, and she brings a refreshing, practical perspective on what these standards really mean for science educators. We unpack the why behind NGSS, including how Science and Engineering Practices and  Crosscutting Concepts can shift your classroom from passive to powerful. Christina shares how these elements help students think more critically, make cross-disciplinary connections, and engage with science in a way that mirrors what scientists actually do.

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode180

Resources:

• Be on the podcast!
• The Wonder of Science
• Bozeman Science
• Phenomena for NGSS
• Skype a Scientist
• A Framework For K-12 Science Education
• Phenomenon-Driven Storylines
• 3D Molecular Designs
• BronxZoo Teacher PD Courses
• 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: [email protected]  
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

Connect with Christina:

• Instagram: @makethemthinktpt
• TPT Store
• Make Them Think Newsletter
• Email: [email protected] 

Related Episodes:

• Episode 179, Unpacking the NGSS: Phenomena and Storylines
• Episode 178, Unpacking the NGSS: SEPs and CCCs
• Episode 177, Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to Know