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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 [email protected]. Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] 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 LearyEpisode 142, Reflections From a First-Year AP Teacher with Guest Laura TiceEpisode 213, Everything You Need to Know About Teaching AP Biology with Tiffany of AP Bio PenguinsEpisode 236, Teaching AP Science for the First Time? 6 Tips for Success -
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 ChemistClassroom Jobs and DescriptionsCanva AI AssistantDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] 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 EducationEpisode 210, 4 Ways AI Can Support You in Your Secondary Science ClassroomEpisode 232, Chemistry Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Chemistry The Way That I Do -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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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-CourseINRS unitsINRS Full Year CurriculumDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
Episode 95, How to Stop Grading EverythingEpisode 160, 4 Proven Tips to Instantly Decrease Your Grading TimeEpisode 196, Grading Game Changers: 6 Ways to Grade Differently This School YearEpisode 206, PRIME TIMES®: Everything You Need to Know Episode 235, Advocating for Yourself with Admin -
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 BundleBalance Mini-CourseCore Values Mini-CourseDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] 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 EmailEp 139, Sunday Scaries - How I Use Friday Planning to Prevent ThemEpisode 195, A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication With Guest Mandy Farrar -
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 courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] 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 DoEpisode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-PandemicEpisode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science ClassroomEpisode 197, Motivating the Unmotivated - 4 Practical Tips to Help Students CareEpisode 223, What to Do When Students Simply Won’t Do Their WorkEpisode 224, Keeping Students’ Attention Engaged – Without Killing Yourself to Do It -
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 PDLabs When Limited (FREE virtual PD course!)INRS UnitsINRS Full Year CurriculumNew Teachers Podcast Playlist (free!) 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.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 MatsonEpisode 229, Balancing Unrealistic Admin ExpectationsEpisode 235, Advocating for Yourself With Admin Episode 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 PDLabs When Limited (FREE!)INRS UnitsINRS Full Year CurriculumDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] 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 -
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 UnitsINRS Full Year CurriculumBlog Post: Teaching AP Biology for the First Time Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] 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 LearyEpisode 142, Reflections From a First-Year AP Teacher with Guest Laura TiceEpisode 213, Everything You Need to Know About Teaching AP Biology with Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins -
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 UnitsINRS Full Year CurriculumDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] 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 ChangeEpisode 156, What to Do When You Are Micromanaged by Your Admin or District Episode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather BonannoEpisode 229, Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations -
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 UnitsINRS Full Year CurriculumFREE podcast playlist for NEW high school science teachersDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] 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 TeachersEpisode 130, First Year Teaching? 5 Things I Wish I Had KnownEpisode 195, A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication with Guest Mandy FarrarEpisode 206, Prime Times® - Everything You Need to Know -
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 UnitsINRS Full Year CurriculumLAST CHANCE TO APPLY TO BE A GUEST!!! Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] 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 ThemEpisode 208, 5 Tips for How to Lesson Plan While Managing Constant Disruptions -
Chemistry can be one of the most rewarding courses to teach, and in this episode I’m sharing why! I walk you through the scope and sequence I use in my yearlong chemistry curriculum, how I break down major topics so students build confidence step by step, and why I prioritize depth over rushing through standards. We’ll also cover the big themes that connect chemistry all year long, plus what makes my curriculum especially supportive for teachers through flexible labs, differentiation, and intentional organization.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode232
Resources:
Chemistry FULL YEAR CurriculumChemistry curriculum on TpT (see all the 5 star reviews!!)Chemistry UnitsChemistry Scope and Sequence BlogpostFREEBIE - Get the Chemistry Pacing GuideBe a guest on the podcast! Apply here.Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes:
Episode 127, Teaching AP Chemistry with Zach MatsonEpisode 140, 5 Tips for Teaching ChemistryEpisode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather BonannoEpisode 209, Anatomy Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Anatomy the Way That I Do -
Caring deeply about your students can feel exhausting when you’re the only one showing up! In this episode, I share how to support a student when admin and parents aren’t involved, without taking on everything yourself. You’ll learn how to do your due diligence through consistent communication, shift your perspective with empathy, and bring in additional support when needed. Most importantly, it’s about building a strong connection with your student while protecting your time and energy, setting boundaries, and reflecting on what it means to be faithful to your role without carrying what isn’t yours.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode231
Resources Mentioned:
Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here!INRS UnitsINRS Full Year CurriculumDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
Episode 70, “It Isn’t an Attack on You”: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach Matson Episode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change 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 DistrictEpisode 195, A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication With Guest Mandy Farrar Episode 229, Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations -
It’s been awhile since we’ve tackled a hot-button topic, so we’re going there today: test retakes. I’m breaking down the real pros and cons, sharing how I decide when retakes are actually necessary, and how to structure them in a way that supports mastery without adding more to your plate. It all comes down to clear expectations, strong boundaries, and putting responsibility back on students. Plus, I’m sharing strategies from other teachers to help you manage retakes in a way that protects your time, your sanity, and your standards!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode230
Resources Mentioned:
Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here.INRS UnitsINRS Full Year CurriculumInstagram: @biowithmrs.macInstagram: @themathematicalmamaInstagram: @apbiopenguinsDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
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 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather BonannoEpisode 197, Motivating the Unmotivated - 4 Practical Tips to Help Students CareEpisode 202, What to Do When Your Students Fail the TestEpisode 213, Everything You Need to Know About Teaching AP Biology with Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins Episode 229, Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations -
I get asked all the time if I’ll ever go back to teaching full time, and honestly… we’ll see. I miss teaching, but I don't miss the challenge of balancing admin expectations with what’s actually realistic in the classroom! In this episode, I’m sharing what to do when those expectations start to feel overwhelming, from getting perspective and finding support to having productive conversations with admin that lead to real solutions. And if it’s still not working, we’re talking about how to protect your time, focus on what matters most, and recognize when it might be time for a change, because the right environment and leadership can make all the difference.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode229
Resources:
Relationships mini-courseBe a guest on the podcast! Apply here.Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes:
Episode 68, Evaluating Your Teacher ContractEpisode 69, Admin Support: WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask ForEpisode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a ChangeEpisode 156, What to Do When You Are Micromanaged By Your Admin or DistrictEpisode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno -
Labs can easily become one of the most overwhelming parts of teaching science, so in this episode, I’m breaking down how to find, fund, prep, run, and assess labs in a way that’s actually sustainable. I share simple strategies for managing materials, planning for multiple classes, keeping labs purposeful (not just checking a box), and making them work for all students. Plus, we’re simplifying grading so you can focus on what really matters and get your time back!
Want more support? Sign up for my free Labs When Limited course, and if you’ve got lab strategies that work, apply to be a guest on the podcast!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode228
Resources Mentioned:
Labs When Limited free virtual PD courseBe a guest on the podcast! Apply here.ANATOMY Supplies SpreadsheetBIOLOGY Supplies SpreadsheetCHEMISTRY Supplies SpreadsheetPHYSICAL SCIENCE Supplies SpreadsheetINRS UnitsINRS Full Year 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.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
Blog Post: EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Having a High School T.A. ProgramEpisode 69, Admin Support - WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask ForEpisode 105, What Happened When I Stopped Assigning Formal Lab ReportsEpisode 177, Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to KnowEpisode 186, True Life: I Am a Science Teacher Who Hates LabsEpisode 222, What to Do With Fast Finishers - Managing Different Students’ Paces -
The final stretch of the school year can feel heavy, especially if you’re not sure the year turned out the way you hoped. In this episode, I offer a Quarter 4 pep talk and a mindset shift to help you finish strong. I talk about redefining what success looks like, embracing seasons of survival when needed, and focusing on small moments that still make a BIG impact with students. I also give you permission to stop doing time-draining tasks, try something new in your classroom, and bring a little more fun into these final weeks!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode227
Resources Mentioned:
Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here.Ecosystem in a BottleEnd of year project packsReviewing for standardized testsBiology scope and sequencePrime Times Bell RingersSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
Episodes 12, Combating Senioritis Part 1: Getting Students Outside and Changing Up LectureEpisode 13, Combating Senioritis Part 2: Using Student-Centered ActivitiesEpisode 14, Combating Senioritis Part 3: Saving the Best for LastEpisode 15, Teaching Seniors, AP Biology, and MORE with Diana PriceEpisode 18, What to Do After End of Year Testing with StudentsEpisode 72, Review Strategies for EOC, Benchmark, and AP ExamsEpisode 165, How Naming What Matters Most Can Change the Rest of Your School YearEpisode 218, 3 Things to Stop Doing This Semester Episode 220, Biology Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Biology the Way That I DoEpisode 226, What to Do When You’ve Lost Your Spark in Teaching -
Spring might bring renewed energy, but sometimes the spark for teaching is still missing. In this episode, I share what to do when you’ve lost your passion for teaching or feel the weight of teacher burnout. I walk through four steps I call the 4 Rs: remember, reflect, reinforce, and reconsider to help you identify what’s draining your energy, reconnect with what brings you joy, and rebuild teacher motivation. And if the spark still isn’t there, we’ll also talk honestly about whether it might be time to rethink your role, your school, or how to enjoy teaching again in this season!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode226
Resources Mentioned:
Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here.Core Values mini-courseSearch podcast episodes by topic!CTFAR ModelDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
Episode 42, What to Do if You Hate What You TeachEpisode 65, Considering Changing Schools? 10 Questions to Think Through Episode 66, Tips for Teaching at a Public School vs. a Private School Episode 67, Considering a Teacher Career Change with Guest Daphne Gomez, The Teacher Career CoachEpisode 68, Evaluating Your Teacher ContractEpisode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change Episode 181, What to Do When Your Job Feels Stale (or Maybe Even Boring) -
You may have read the title of this episode and thought, “Wow, I cannot relate. My problem is getting my students to quiet down!” But if you’re facing a roomful of crickets, this one’s for you. I share my experience with nearly-silent classes and the five strategies I use to get even the quietest students talking. We’ll also talk about building trust through real relationships, shifting classroom culture (even mid-year), and creating consistent, low-pressure opportunities that help students grow in confidence and face-to-face communication skills.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode225
Resources Mentioned:
Podcast Episodes about Student ApathyCulture Mini-CourseBe a guest on the podcast! Apply here.Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes:
Episode 41, 4 Practical Tips for Building Relationships with Your High School StudentsEpisode 134, Prioritizing Relationships Over Being RightEpisode 224, Keeping Students’ Attention Engaged - Without Killing Yourself to Do It -
“I’m pouring everything I have into keeping my students engaged… and I’m completely drained, but nothing is changing.”
If that thought has been running through your head, you are not alone. In this episode, I challenge the belief that student disengagement is a personal failure and walk you through three essential mindset shifts before sharing six practical, low-energy strategies you can implement right away. From simple relationship builders and pacing your block with intention to minimizing Googling, increasing student choice, and making science feel relevant, you’ll leave with realistic ways to keep their attention, without sacrificing yourself in the process!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode224
Resources Mentioned:
Podcast Episodes about Student Apathy Freebie: Anatomy of a Class Period Cheat SheetCore Values Mini-CourseRelationships Mini-CourseShop INRS full year curriculum bundlesComplete INRS units YouTubeBe a guest on the podcast! Apply here.Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
Episode 35: Competency, Classroom Management, Teaching Chemistry and MORE with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 64: How to Re-Engage Apathetic Students (and Manage Your Own Apathy!)Episode 70: “It Isn’t an Attack on You”: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 71: “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 123: What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students DoEpisode 127: Teaching AP Chemistry With Zach Matson - Visa fler
