This Teacher Life

321 Episodes

Reverse

How to Create Teacher Life Balance with This One HIGHLY Satisfying Idea

2025-10-1228:49

Finding balance between teaching life and home life can feel impossible! But what if one small shift could make it easier and more satisfying? In this week’s episode of This Teacher Life, we uncover one powerful idea that helps teachers in their personal life so they can be their best in professional life! If you’ve been searching for a realistic way to balance teaching with family, friends, fun, and all the essential pillars of life, you are going to love this episode! Episode Notes: Get Signed up for the 365 Days of Awesome Course- Celebrating Every Day of This Year: monicagenta.com/365ofawesome Check out the Book 365 Days of Awesome: monicagenta.com/365-2 Needing some uplifting, awesome professional development at your school? Let’s Connect: http://monicagenta.com/pd Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

1 Classroom Lesson that is REALLY Corny, But Really Awesome! (And I Promise It’s NOT Cornfusing to Try With Your Students)

2025-10-0524:48

Sometimes the best lessons are the ones that are the easiest…. and just a little corny. In this week’s episode of This Teacher Life, we dive into one classroom activity that is a powerful way to engage students, spark meaningful conversations, and create lasting connections. The best part? It’s simple to try, doesn’t take any prep, and I promise it’s NOT “cornfusing” to implement. Get ready to bring some smiles and big learning moments to your classroom with this delightfully effective idea, perfect for morning meeting, advisory, homeroom, or SEL time. Episode Notes: Get 180 FULL SEL Lessons to Engage Your Students Here: monicagenta.com/180SEL Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect: monicagenta.com/PD Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/

4 Things We Should Promise NOT To Do As Teachers (But Do We Do Them In Our Classrooms?) With Special Guests Jack Berckemeyer & Rachael McCoy

2025-09-2817:56

If you use file folders, worksheets, competitions, or quieting techniques in your classroom, this episode is for you! And spoiler alert…. none of those are bad things! But the dialogue in this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast will get you thinking differently about each of them. Here we dive into the 4 things every teacher should promise not to do—but let’s be real, we probably do them. This silly episode has special guests Jack Berckemeyer and Rachael McCoy to explore those unspoken habits, practices, and behaviors that sneak into our classrooms, despite our best intentions. Tune in for a candid conversation, insightful advice, and a little laughter as we unpack the everyday realities of teaching. Don’t miss out—this episode might just challenge the way you approach your classroom this year! Episode Notes: Get TONS of Awesome Classroom Lessons, Resources, and Activities Here: monicagenta.com/shop Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: http://bit.ly/MonicaGenta Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

How to Add Some FUN To Your School-Staff Culture with Something Called Secret Pals

2025-09-2130:51

Is your school culture feeling a little…blah? Is your school culture awesome and you are wanting to level it up even more? In this episode of This Teacher Life, we’re diving into a simple but powerful idea that’s bringing joy, surprise, and connection back to school staffs everywhere: Secret Pals! Learn how this easy-to-implement tradition can boost morale, strengthen team bonds, and make your campus a place teachers want to come to every day. We’ll break down how it works, share fun examples, and give you tips to get it started at your own school—without adding more stress to your plate. If you’re ready to sprinkle a little magic into your staff culture, this one’s for you! Episode Notes: LAST CALL to Register for the Full Awesome Academy-Earn 90 Hours of PD Credit: monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect: monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

The 3 F-Words Your School & Students Need This Year (These Will Increase Fun and Decrease Frustration)

2025-09-1424:56

Ready to flip the script on school stress by remixing a VERY common thing that happens with students? In this week’s energizing episode of the This Teacher Life, we’re diving into three powerful “F-words” that every classroom and campus should embrace this year. Don’t worry — they’re all school appropriate — but they pack a serious punch when it comes to boosting fun, friends, and funds in your school! Whether you’re a teacher, admin, or school support staff, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to increase fun, reduce frustration, and foster an environment where everybody wins! Tune in for: The 3 F-words that can change your school year (for real) How to implement them in any grade level Simple mindset shifts that make school routines more sustainable and satisfying Grab your coffee, press play, and let’s make this school year your best one yet. Episode Notes: Make this School Year AWESOME? Check out the Awesome Academy-Earn 90 Hours of PD Credit: monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect: monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

5 Simple & Strategic Ways to Determine if You are Using Worksh*ts or Worksheets In Your Classroom

2025-09-0730:57

Let’s be real teachers—there’s a huge difference between a worksheet and a “worksh*t”. One of those is about authentic learning, amazing feedback, and active engagement. The other is about busy work, creating frustration, and a time vampire. The good news is… worksheets CAN be an amazing thing IF we use them correctly. In this episode, we’re cutting through the clutter and breaking down five simple yet strategic ways to evaluate the paper (or digital!) tasks you’re handing out. Whether you teach elementary or high school, you’ll walk away with practical tips, reflective questions, and a fresh lens for designing or choosing activities that actually move the learning forward. Spoiler alert: the information in this episode will actually save you SO much teacher time too! Episode Notes: Make this School Year AWESOME? Check out the Awesome Academy-Earn 90 Hours of PD Credit: monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect: monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

6 Things Teachers Can Do To Make This School Year AWESOME (They are Simple Solutions Too)

2025-08-3139:54

Teaching is tough—but it doesn’t have to feel impossible! If you are ready to kick off the school year with less stress and more joy- I’ve for 6 ideas for you. These aren’t overwhelming, complicated strategies—just small shifts that bring big results in your classroom and for your own happiness as an educator. From boosting student engagement, to setting boundaries that protect your energy, to creating classroom moments that actually feel fun again—you’ll walk away with ideas you can try immediately. If you’re ready to make this year not just manageable, but meaningful, this episode is your guide. Episode Notes: Make this School Year AWESOME? Check out the Awesome Academy-Earn 90 Hours of PD Credit: monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect: monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

How to Create an Amazing Classroom Climate Using a Simple Competition with The Game Plinko (Season Premiere)

2025-08-2438:42

Welcome back to a brand-new season! We’re kicking things off with a powerful, practical strategy to boost student engagement, motivation, and classroom culture—all with a little help from the iconic game of Plinko. In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life, you’ll learn how to turn a simple competition into a classroom climate game-changer. Discover step-by-step ideas for implementing a custom Plinko board in your teaching routine, tips for aligning it with academic and behavior goals, and creative ways to make it fun, fair, and effective for all grade levels. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting out, this episode will give you everything you need to spark joy and build connection from day one. Get ready to bring the excitement—and results—of game shows into your classroom! Want TONS more Awesome Ideas? Join the Awesome Academy and Earn Up to 90 Hours of PD Credit: monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect: monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Here is a Digital Board You Can Use: games.washingtonpost.com/games/price-is-right-plinkoarkadium.com/games/price-is-right-plinko/ Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

A Really Dumb Teacher Idea that Takes Less than 12 Seconds to Implement and is Perfect for ALL Teachers (Best Episode Replay)

2025-08-1725:38

Really dumb ideas can be SO dynamic! But why share “dumb” ideas? Because SPOILER ALERT… they work! I think ideas that take no prep, require no lesson plan, and cost nothing are exactly the kind of thing we are looking for this school year. In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast I explain a super simple strategy that kids have declared as the GOAT- Greatest of All Time. And you can use this in ANY subject area, remix it in so many fun ways, and it takes literally no time to implement. Curious what it is? Take a listen and I promise you won’t regret it! Episode Notes: Want TONS more Awesome Ideas? Join the Awesome Academy and Earn Up to 90 Hours of PD Credit: monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect: monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

2 Unpopular Teacher Opinions That Could Change The Way You Look at This School Year In a POSITIVE Way (Best Episode Replay)

2025-08-1029:09

How are you currently handling the stress, emotions, and frustrations of education? How are you currently handling the celebrations, smiles, and successes of education? And maybe the biggest, best question yet, how can we balance those two sets of very different emotions? In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast we dive into 2 unpopular teacher opinions about teaching being “easy” and what “good teaching” really looks like. The ideas packed in here about routines, results, and ruts are really going to blow your mind and shed some light on the simplicity of schools and how we can have our best year yet. This is a don’t miss episode for sure! Episode Notes: Join the Awesome Academy Fun, Flexible Teacher Courses Get Signed Up Today: monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect: monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

How a Deck of UNO Cards Can FLIP Your Classroom Into Something AWESOME This School Year (Best Episode Replay)

2025-08-0340:42

Want this school year to be your best UNO yet? Sometimes things like classroom management and behavior management cam bog us down. But what if I told you this year can totally be flipped over in a good way?! What if there was one simple way to increase participation, decrease disrespect, get 100% of students organized, and have SO much fun. And all you need for it is a deck of Uno cards? This is not too good to be true and I’m confident after you listen to this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast you will be so flipping excited! Episode Notes: Earn up to 90 Hours of PD Credit in the Awesome Academy Fun, Flexible Teacher Courses: monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect: monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

What Would Students Say to Teachers If They Knew We Were Really Listening? (Best Episode Replay)

2025-07-2731:59

When was the last time you asked students questions like… What do you really want teachers to know about you? What would you say to your teachers if you knew they would listen without judgement? What can I do in this classroom this year to help decrease your frustration and increase your engagement. Yes, kids want things like snacks, snapchat, and to sleep in class. But kids actually want WAY different things then that too and their results to these questions are surprisingly reasonable. In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast I give you all the details of a transparent conversation I had with my students that totally worked. It is easy to replicate and once you have the roadmap, I promise it will create positive momentum for the rest of the school year. Episode Notes: Get 180 Fully Planned SEL Lessons Right Here: monicagenta.com/180SEL Sign Up for the Awesome Academy! Fun, Flexible Teacher Courses: monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect: monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

3 Behavior Management Ideas That Can be Used in ANY Classroom with ANY AGE with Guest Jack Berckemeyer (Best Episode Replay)

2025-07-2023:12

Looking for some simple, strategic classroom and behavior management strategies? You are in the right place! On this week’s episode of This Teacher Life special guest, Jack Berckemeyer, shares some solutions that are so meaningful. The best part, all 3 of these ideas can be tried with students by the end of the podcast because they are no prep and no stress! I promise you will laugh and learn as you dive into these hacks that can be used in any classroom and with any age. Episode Notes: Needing Awesome Professional Development at your School? Let’s Connect: http://monicagenta.com/pd Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: http://bit.ly/MonicaGenta Learn More About Jack Here: https://jackberckemeyer.com Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

How to Host the Easiest, Most Effective Parent-Teacher Conferences Ever (Best Episode Replay)

2025-07-1328:23

Do you get 100% attendance at your parent teacher conference? Do you get 100% of people engaged at the table during those conferences? I’ve got an idea that can make BOTH of those happen. And the best part these conferences will create LESS work and LESS stress in your teacher life. Sometimes in order to make parent-teacher conferences between, we just need to remix them with raisins! Because this year, we can all be hosting raisin reunions! Are you ready to find out more on how to host the best conferences of your career? You are in the right place! Episode Notes: Resource Bundle For Raisin Reunions: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Parent-Teacher-Conference-Bundle-Raisin-Reunions-Host-BEST-Conferences-Ever-10241241 Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: http://bit.ly/MonicaGenta Needing some uplifting, awesome professional development at your school? Let’s Connect: http://monicagenta.com/pd Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

2 Biggest Things Causing Stress in Schools: Apathy & Attendance with Special Guest Jack Berckemeyer (Best Episode Replay)

2025-07-0634:37

Needing or wanting 3 extremely easy and practical solutions to solve today’s problems in schools? In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast, we tackle two of the biggest stressors teachers face—apathy and attendance—and how they’re affecting classrooms everywhere. From students who just don’t seem to care, to the endless challenges of getting them to show up, we’ll explore practical solutions that can make a real difference. Tune in for fresh, fun ideas to boost engagement, increase attendance, and make your school days a whole lot smoother! And spoiler alert… this idea DOES NOT involve burping up ANOTHER binder! Episode Notes: Get 180 FULL SEL Lessons to Improve Apathy & Attendance in Your School: monicagenta.com/180SEL Students Refusing to Work? Check out this Management Solution: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Management-Behavior-Management-Increase-Success-Decrease-Stress-11500061 Wanting AWESOME PD for Your Whole School? monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: http://bit.ly/MonicaGenta Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

How A Plastic Golden Cat Increased School Climate & Culture- This Is Really Dumb But Really Dynamic! (Best Episode Replay)

2025-06-2920:49

Getting staff AND students on the same page can be incredibly difficult these days. But what if there was a silly, simple way to increase the climate and culture of your school while also bringing people together? What if that same idea would INCREASE positive office referrals too? In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast we unpack the details of how a plastic golden cat when from being trash to a treasure. I promise that “Gary” can gain popularity in your school once you listen to this short and sweet solution! Episode Notes: Check out the Awesome Academy for Teachers- The BEST PD for Educators: https://monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: http://bit.ly/MonicaGenta Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

Super Simple SEL Solutions for Students & Staff (Best Episode Replay)

2025-06-2233:57

How are you currently feeling in your position in education? Do you feel like you are supported as staff? Do you feel like your kids are supported as students? Sometimes all our school needs is a little social-emotional support for everybody! But how do we do that? In this episode I dive into some ideas that I’m using as a K-12 SEL teacher. I’m confident they can easily be applied to your current position and it will bring positivity, purpose, and passion back to your people! Episode Notes: Get 180 FULL SEL Lessons in 180 Days of Awesome SEL Curriculum: monicagenta.com/180SEL Needing Some Help with SEL at Your School? Let’s Connect: monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

3 Super Simple Ways to Engage Students (And All You Need is Paper) with Special Guest Jack Berckemeyer (Best Episode Replay)

2025-06-1524:20

When was the last time you were able to get your students super motivated with a paper plate? When was the last time you increased student engagement with a reverse card from Uno? When was the last time you handed out notecards and nobody refused to participate? Because after listening to this week’s episode of This Teacher Life podcast, you are going to be so excited to bust out paper products! And the best part, they are going to product student results. In this special episode with guest, Jack Berckemyer, we unpack 3 super simple ways to engage students. I promise you will laugh and learn in this one! Episode Notes: Get Awesome Teacher Books Perfect for Summer Reading Here: monicagenta.com/books Check Out the Amazing Giant & Mini Uno Cards Here monicagenta.com/amazon Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: http://bit.ly/MonicaGenta Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

How to Create RESPECT In Your School for Students & Staff (Best Episode Replay)

2025-06-0824:28

How is behavior managed in your school? Would you say it is more proactive or reactive? When it comes to school culture, nothing building positive climate better than parties over punishment. But how can we celebrate students in a way that gets kids motivated to make the right behavioral choices? In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast we tackle the word RESPECT and how that can set the tone for the whole year. Don’t miss this simple, structured idea to create smiles from staff and students! Episode Notes: Get 180 FULL SEL Lessons in 180 Days of Awesome SEL Curriculum: monicagenta.com/180SEL Needing Some Help with SEL at Your School? Let’s Connect: monicagenta.com/PD Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

How to Get Students to Turn In High-Quality Work and the Simple System to Ensure No Kids Fail (Best Episode Replay)

2025-06-0133:36

Do you struggle to get kids to turn in work? Do you wish students put forth more effort on the work they turn in? Do you feel like students are failing and they don’t care? If you answered YES to any (or all of those) questions then this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast is for you! We will dive into my #1 way to get students putting for their best effort on the first try and the amazing system my school in place if kids don’t. This idea will take you from stressed to solution focused in the matter of 30 minutes. We dive into grades, student apathy, student organization, and academic gaps, all while staying focused on student success. Episode Notes: Here is the Behavior Management Correction Reflection System & Student Refusal Form: monicagenta.com/management Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: http://bit.ly/MonicaGenta Needing some uplifting, awesome professional development at your school? Let’s Connect: http://monicagenta.com/pd Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

#box-pro-ellipsis-176076859647319{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}This Teacher Life