Episode 33 of The Art of Teaching Business podcast!

Teaching multiple preps doesn’t have to mean constant overwhelm. In this episode of the Art of Teaching Business podcast, I share my SMART Systems Framework—a practical approach I created after teaching five, six, and even seven preps while balancing family life and limited planning time. I break down how simplifying lessons, using modular and repeatable structures, aligning content to real-world business skills, and protecting your time can help you teach smarter, not harder. If you’re a high school business teacher looking for sustainable lesson planning systems that actually work, this episode is for you.

Here is the FREEBIE mentioned in this podcast.

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Visit my website at ⁠⁠http://www.business-ed.com for 15 FREE resources to help you save time lesson planning.

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-Denise Leigh

Episode 32 of The Art of Teaching Business podcast!Lesson planning shouldn’t steal your nights and weekends. In this episode of the Art of Teaching Business podcast, I share five (5) realistic lesson planning systems I used as an overwhelmed, multi-prep business teacher. I talk about how to plan faster, reduce decision fatigue, reuse what you already have, and create flexible plans that work even when time and energy are limited. If you’re teaching multiple preps with little to no planning time, this episode offers practical strategies you can use immediately to streamline lesson planning, lower stress, and get your evenings back—without sacrificing quality instruction.

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Visit my website at ⁠⁠http://www.business-ed.com⁠⁠ for some FREEBIES.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

-Denise Leigh

Episode 31 of The Art of Teaching Business podcast!

Teaching at full intensity every single day isn’t sustainable—especially as a multi-prep teacher. In this episode of the Art of Teaching Business podcast, I share the strategy I used for years but never told my students about: the Soft Off Day. I explain what a Soft Off Day is (and what it isn’t), why it helped me reduce Sunday scaries and avoid burnout, and how I used low-prep, low-decision instructional strategies to protect my energy while keeping students learning. If you’re looking for a realistic way to work differently—without lowering expectations—this episode is for you.

My Snip Notes are great fo solt off days

⁠Accounting Snip Notes™⁠

⁠Personal Finance Snip Notes™⁠

⁠Career Class Snip Notes™⁠

⁠Business Essential Snip Notes™⁠

⁠Business Law Snip Notes™⁠

⁠Marketing Class Snip Notes™⁠

⁠Business Plan Snip Notes™

My career research and coloring activities are also great for soft off days:

Accounting Career Exploration Research and Coloring Activity

Marketing Career Exploration Research and Coloring Activity

Careers Research Exploration Coloring Activity

If you liked this episode, throw me a like and leave a comment!

Visit my website at ⁠⁠http://www.business-ed.com⁠⁠.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

-Denise Leigh

Episode 30 of The Art of Teaching Business podcast!

Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere—and students are already using it. In this episode of the Art of Teaching Business podcast, I share 10 essential tips for teaching teens to use AI cautiously, ethically, and responsibly. Learn how to frame AI as a tool (not a decision-maker), protect student privacy, address bias and ethics, and help students use AI to support learning without replacing critical thinking.

If you liked this episode, throw me a like and leave a comment!

Visit my website at ⁠⁠http://www.business-ed.com⁠⁠.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

-Denise Leigh

Episode 29 of The Art of Teaching Business podcast!

Feeling overwhelmed by a new semester or juggling multiple preps in business education? In this episode of the Art of Teaching Business podcast, I share real-world insights from my 28 years in the classroom to help you manage overwhelm, prioritize what truly matters, and start the semester with confidence. Learn how to identify anchor classes, focus on essential standards, and give yourself grace as you build routines, relationships, and momentum—without needing everything perfectly planned.

If you liked this episode, throw me a like and leave a comment!

Visit my website at ⁠⁠http://www.business-ed.com⁠⁠.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

-Denise Leigh

Episode 28 of The Art of Teaching Business podcast!

In this episode, I share my approach to note taking has evolved over the years and why I no longer ask students to write while I’m teaching. I introduce the Snip Note System—small, visual graphic organizers that help students listen first, then record what matters in a meaningful and memorable way. If you're looking for a more student-centered, brain-friendly way to support retention and engagement, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on how note taking can become a true learning tool rather than a classroom interruption.

Here is the Snip Notes YouTube video mentioned in the podcast.

Resources mentioned in (or related to) this podcast:

Accounting Snip Notes™

Personal Finance Snip Notes™

Career Class Snip Notes™

Business Essential Snip Notes™

Business Law Snip Notes™

Marketing Class Snip Notes™

Business Plan Snip Notes™

If you liked this episode, throw me a like and leave a comment!

Visit my website at ⁠http://www.business-ed.com⁠.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

-Denise Leigh

Episode 27 of The Art of Teaching Business podcast!

In this episode, I share my experiences and practical strategies for motivating unmotivated students in the classroom. I outline five key approaches: triggering curiosity (through storytelling and Google Earth), using pop culture, gamifying lessons, incorporating props and hands-on activities, and letting students help create class mission, vision, and code of ethics. I also share some heartfelt stories of former students to remind teachers that sometimes, true impact emerges long after students leave the classroom.

Resources mentioned in (or related to) this podcast:

1️⃣⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Taylor Swift Marketing Lessons

2️⃣⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Pumpkin Spice Seasonal Marketing Class & Economics Case Study Activity Lesson

3️⃣ ⁠Google Earth - Computer Applications

4️⃣ Personal Finance Quest Fun Learning Activity

5️⃣ Business Quest Activity

6️⃣ ⁠'Map Your Taxes' - Personal Finance Class Lesson

7️⃣⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Business Ethics Unit

If you liked this episode, throw me a like and leave a comment!

Visit my website at ⁠http://www.business-ed.com⁠.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

-Denise Leigh

Welcome to Season 4 - Episode 26 of The Art of Teaching Business podcast! In this exciting episode, I have my first guest ever! I interview Norman, a veteran business educator with over 35 years of experience at Keene High School's Cheshire Career Center in Keene, New Hampshire. Discover how Norman transformed Business classes and skyrocketed enrollment by implementing the City Collaborative™—a hands-on, immersive, project-based learning approach to teaching business concepts. Norman shares his journey, classroom strategies, and real stories of student engagement, collaboration, and creativity, especially after the challenges of remote learning and COVID-19.

Resource mentioned in the podcast:

1️⃣⁠ ⁠⁠City Collaborative™ Business Education Project

If you liked this episode, throw me a like and leave a comment!

Visit my blog at http://www.business-ed.com.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

-Denise Leigh