How long should it take to create a full lesson plan with completed PowerPoint for AP physics?

[u/Particular_Big6294]

Yesterday some lovely members of the school admin, happened to overhear a conversation I had with a coworker. I mentioned it was taking me a long time to get my lessons done for my AP physics C class, so I opted to not join my coworkers for lunch.

My admin later came to me concerned about what they heard. They told me it should take me less than 20 minutes to complete everything, lesson plan, gather resources/materials, and have a finished PowerPoint...

The PowerPoint is where it takes me forever！ All the diagrams, annimations, and equations, that i need, take me more than 20 minutes for each section. And then I have to create and solve problems to use for the students, and solve all the homework problems too!

Im fairly new to teaching, so if im missing using some exceptional tools, please let me know. Otherwise how long does it take you to create a complete lesson for your AP class?

[u/96385]

When I taught AP physics B I found a set of PowerPoints someone else had made and I just adjusted my lessons to be able to use them as-is as much as I could. Every year I would spend a little time tweaking the slides and making them more what I wanted, but I didn't have to put in hours and hours making everything from scratch. Typing in formulas and equations takes up 3/4 of the time, so having that all typed already was a huge time saver.

When I started I had a big whiteboard and later a smart board, but I did almost all of my worked examples on the board. I didn't have to type all those equations, and I think it actually helps to be able to talk the students through the steps. I had all my worked out problems in a big three ring binder, in little plastic sheet protectors even, so I could have them right there in front of them while I worked them out. Eventually, I had enough problem to be able to pick and choose more depending on what I thought the students needed to see.

Also, if you don't have one, look into an instructor's solutions manual for the problems in the textbook. Less time working out homework problems for you, and you can use them as examples in class. Sometimes the solutions have errors though, but it can be fun to try to have the students find the mistakes.

Teaching any subject is really just constantly evaluating what works and improving or replacing what doesn't. It will literally never be perfect, so don't worry too much if it's not perfect right away. It will be harder and more time consuming at the beginning, but it should get easier every year as you build a repertoire of materials.

[u/Particular_Big6294 → u/96385]

I look online for others PowerPoints, but it still takes lots of time to edit them.  Im up for review now and if they (admin) doesnt like how i make my plans, i think im out of job after the new year.

[u/96385 → u/Particular_Big6294]

How many other people do they have that are capable and licensed to teach AP physics C? They won't want to kick you to the curb too fast because you're really difficult to replace.

It sounds like leaving might not be the worst idea though. Just do whatever you have to to make them happy so you can leave on your own terms.