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.

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode162

Resources Mentioned:

• Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers
• It’s Not Rocket Science Prime Times
• Academic Desk Calendar
• 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 120: How to Cut Your Grading Time in Half
• Episode 108: 5 Must-Have Routines and Procedures for Secondary Teachers
• Episode 4: Engaging Your Students in the First 5 Minutes of Class 
• Start Strong: 5 Beginning of the Year Procedures to Teach
• Prime Times: The Secondary Classroom Procedure You Can’t Live Without
• My Favorite Classroom Management Strategy 
• 5 Reasons You May Hate Bell Ringers – And the Solutions to Run Them Easily

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/

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.

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode161

Resources:

• Balance Virtual PD 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:

• Episode 122, How to Nail Your Teacher Job Interview + 3 Mock Lesson Ideas
• Episode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change 
• Episode 113, What to Do When You Have No Energy – Truths for the Classroom
• Episode 111, Priorities and Boundaries in the New Year
• Episode 57, Living and Working in Your Current Season
• Episode 56, Scheduling Rest – Why You Need To and How To Do It
• Episode 55, Goal Setting for the New Year – A Different Approach

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/

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.

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode160

Resources Mentioned:

• Bell Ringers & Exit Slips
• Assessments Virtual PD 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 105, What Happened When I Stopped Assigning Formal Lab Reports
• Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)
• Episode 4, Engaging Your Students – In the First 5 Minutes of Class
• Decrease Grading Time: 4 Practical Ways to Cut Your Grading Time in Half
• Why You Shouldn’t Bring Work Home – And How to Accomplish That
• Prime Times: The Secondary Classroom Procedure You Can’t Live Without
• 5 Reasons You May Hate Bell Ringers – And the Solutions to Run Them Easily

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/

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

Resources Mentioned:

• Biology Curriculum
• Chemistry Curriculum
• 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 116. Behind Schedule? What to Do and How to Prevent It in the Future
• Episode 88. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Part 5 
• Episode 87. Aligning Your Assessments: Curriculum Design Part 5
• Episode 86. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Part 4
• Episode 85. Building Out Your Backbone: Curriculum Design Part 4
• Episode 84. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Part 3
• Episode 83. Forming Your Foundation: Curriculum Design Part 3
• Episode 82. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Parts 1 and 2
• Episode 81. Analyzing Your Aims: Curriculum Design Part 2
• Episode 80. Strategizing Your Sequence: Curriculum Design Part 1

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/

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

Resources Mentioned:

• Core Values Mini-Course
• Biology Exam Pack
• Physical Science Exam Pack
• Anatomy Exam Pack
• Chemistry Exam Pack
• 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 157, Serving ELLs with AI and MORE With Guest Alyse of Keystone Science
• Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
• Episode 104, Using Summative Assessments to Prepare Students for Standardized Tests

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/

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!

➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode157

Resources:

• ELL Freebie
• AI Freebie
• ChatGPT
• Otter.AI
• Eduaide
• Magic School
• Diffit
• Google Translate
• Secondary Science PD Courses
• 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 & Blog Posts:

• Episode 154, AI and Chat GPT With Guest Mitch Wieland
• Episode 95, How to Stop Grading Everything 
• Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science Classes
• Why I Don’t Assign Homework in High School

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/

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

Resources:

• 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 & Blog Posts:

• Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
• Episode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change
• Episode 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 For

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/

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!

➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode155

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Labs When Limited Audio Course
• Anatomy of a Class Period
• 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 & Blog Posts:

• Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic
• Episode 143, My Top 5 Favorite Teacher Hacks for the New School Year
• Episode 92, 5 Ways to Have Precise Pacing and Tight Transitions in Your Secondary Science Classroom
• Episode 89, Classroom Management in a Post-COVID World with Guest Casey O’Hearn
• Episode 32, Student-Centered Pedagogy: One Way to Start
• Episode 31, Student-Centered Pedagogy: How To Do It
• Episode 30, Student-Centered Pedagogy: Why Make the Shift
• Episode 29, Student-Centered Pedagogy: What It Is
• Episode 5, Engaging Your Students - Without Exhausting Yourself

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/

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.

➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode154

Resources Mentioned: 

• Magic School
• Diffit
• Chat GPT
• Prime Time Resources
• 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 120, How to Cut Your Grading Time in Half
• Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science Classes
• Prime Times: The Secondary Classroom Procedure You Can’t Live Without

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/

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!

➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode153

Resources Mentioned:

• Lessons Mini-Course
• Core Values Mini-Course
• Culture Mini-Course
• Free Anatomy of a Class Period Lesson Plan
• Free Lab Audit
• 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 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic
• Episode 78, Our LEAST Favorite Topics to Teach and How We Approach Them with Guest Sam Holcomb of Engineer Does Education
• Episode 6, Engaging Students in Lecture 
• Episode 5, Engaging Your Students - Without Exhausting Yourself
• Episode 4, Engaging Your Students - In the First 5 Minutes of Class

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/