r/ScienceTeachers

I teach physical science to 9th graders and I have 90 minute blocks.

How do you structure your day/week?

I am struggling with having that much time and keeping a predictable routine

Today I was asked if I would be interested in leading the gifted and talented program, which I viewed as an immense compliment towards my abilities as a teacher.

However my schedule is completely full. I teach a science class every period of the day, then help with lunch coverage. My only time to use the bathroom and make copies is during my 24 minute lunch.

Instead of making room in my schedule, or removing me from my duty. The school’s solution to the gifted and talented program is to ask if those students can come in an hour early 2 days a week for specialized instruction. I will be compensated for my role but I already don’t have a prep period and a one year old at home.

There is also no set curriculum for this group and they would like me to challenge them in multiple subject areas, not just science.

I’ve been teaching for 10 years and would like to start my admin degree to become a science supervisor once finished paying off my student loans, so I’m worried that potentially declining this position to maintain work life balance may ultimately hurt my chances of becoming an admin.

What would you recommend for projects, problem based scenarios, or lesson topics for this group? Do you think I should take this position given my current schedule?

Is there a model-building kit for creating crystal shapes--similar to the ball-and-stick kits for assembling molecules in Chemistry class?