Everyone’s first year teaching is hard, but Grace Ratliff’s first year may take the cake. She started her teaching career the same day her daughter was born, missed all of pre-planning, and returned from maternity leave to a brand-new school where she didn’t even know where to park or find her classroom. I’m talking with Grace about navigating that steep learning curve, building relationships, and celebrating small student successes (spoiler alert: high schoolers still love stickers!). Grace’s practical strategies prove that you can set boundaries, keep things simple, and still build a classroom where students feel seen, celebrated, and motivated to try, even in the middle of chaos.

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode260

Resources Mentioned:

• It’s Not Rocket Science PRIME TIMES®
• 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 143. My Top 5 Favorite Teacher Hacks for the New School Year
• Episode 206. PRIME TIMES® – Everything You Need to Know

Returning to your classroom after a long-term leave can feel like walking into a completely different classroom. You’re trying to figure out what happened while you were gone, what students actually learned, and where to begin. In this episode, I’m sharing five tips from teachers who have experienced this exact situation, including how to approach your first days back, make decisions about your curriculum, and get your classroom running smoothly again. Most importantly, give yourself and your students grace as you adjust to a new normal. Remember, teaching is your job, not your life!

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode259

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: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
• Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify

Related Episodes:

• Episode 49: Visuals, Middle School, Maternity Leave, and MORE with Guest Rachael Lasky
• Episode 117: How to Prep for a Long-Term Substitute Who Doesn’t Teach Science
• Episode 217: How to Regain Control Mid-Year: Resetting Your Classroom Management
• Episode 244: Sanity-Saving Systems, Self Checks, and Starting a TA Program With Katie Dupuie
• Episode 260: Celebrating Small Success and Building Relationships With Grace Ratliff

If you’re teaching three or more preps this school year, you may be realizing that your current systems are either keeping you organized or need a little adjusting! In this episode, I’m sharing six of my top tips for staying organized, from color coding and unit packets to implementing PrimeTimes and an end-of-day checklist. These simple systems can help you stay on top of your workload, stagger the demands of multiple preps, and make those busy days feel a whole lot more doable.

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode258

Resources Mentioned:

• Balancing multiple preps Spotify Playlist
• Plastic bins
• Paper desktop calendar
• Frixion erasable pens
• 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 60: Teaching with Packets – What They Are, Why I Love Them, and How to Use Them
• Episode 182: End the Year Organized: Your Resources
• Episode 183: End the Year Organized: Your Classroom
• Episode 184: End the Year Organized: Your Methods for Management
• Episode 206: PRIME TIMES® – Everything You Need to Know
• Episode 244: Sanity-Saving Systems, Self Checks, and Starting a TA Program With Katie Dupuie
• Blog: EVERYTHING you need to know about having a high school T.A. program