Yeah, Eddie.

   "the respect levels are kicked up a notch."

   Os níveis de respeito são elevados alguns graus a mais.  (nas aulas da Profª.Zengh, que por sua vez leva o ensino mais a sério.)

= = = =

   A notch (in plain English) is each "point/mark" in a scale; thus, if you as you put weight in a plate it is going to measure it by passing these notches (cada ponto/grau).

   In Mrs. Zengh´s classes, you might have not tens of notches kicked up, since you can see a girl that confessed that was "zoning out" (daydreaming in the class, losing the concentration, inattentive...)

    But, somewhat, the Chinese teacher got their  attention.  

  PP.