Secondary Science Simplified™
Episodes
250 episodes
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...
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 imp...
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...
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 participa...
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 mas...
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 adapta...
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 strivi...
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 ...
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 communic...
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 l...
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 frustr...
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 wit...
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’r...
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 ...
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...
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...
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 helpe...
232. Chemistry Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Chemistry the Way That I Do
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 st...
231. Teaching on an Island: What to Do When Parents and Admin Won’t Help
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 y...
230. How to Manage Test Retakes
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 suppo...
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 ...
228. The Lowdown on Labs: Finding, Funding, Prepping, Executing, and Assessing Labs
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 mate...
227. A Quarter 4 Pep Talk
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 ...
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...
225. What to Do When Your Class Won’t Talk With You
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 a...