This Teacher Life

A weekly podcast for teachers full of tips and tricks, stories and strategies, celebrations and struggles, all from the real life we are living every day. Welcome to This Teacher Life with Monica Genta.

How to Make December AWESOME in Schools with this Sweet, Simple Surprise for Staff & Students

The holidays can be really stressful in schools. But the holidays are also a perfect time to spread smiles in schools. What is a small but significant want to surprise staff and students? Sometimes all you need is a little sugar and a little support. In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast I dive into all the details of the “holiday” Little Debbie December, If you haven’t heard of it before, it’s because I made it up, but I promise by the end you will have a perfect plan on how to (Swiss) roll it out in the coming weeks. This idea takes the (Zebra) cake. Episode Notes:  Get TONS of Relationship Building Ideas in Rooted Classroom Course: monicagenta.com/courses 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

11-24
27:20

6 Signs That Your School is a Successful & Safe Space for Teachers (And 2 Traits That It’s Toxic)

Is your school a safe places that is full of success, smiles, and situations that inspire teachers and leaders to be their best? Or is your school a place where teachers feel like the toxic traits are tarnishing the relationships of staff and students? Maybe the better question is… how do you really know? What’s “normal” in schools across the country? In this episode of the This Teacher Life podcast we look at 6 indicators that create success in schools and 2 that are toxic. How many does your school have? Dive into this real, raw episode that is full of examples and practical advice on how to make sure that your teacher journey is exactly what you need and deserve. Episode Notes:  Boost the Relationships of Staff & Students with TONS of Ideas in The Rooted Classroom Course: monicagenta.com/courses 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

11-17
34:05

Classroom Game that is PERFECT for the Holidays (You will be SO Thankful for this Idea)

Classroom games are a great way to build relationships with kids and create student engagement. But sometimes those games can be complicated, take a ton of prep, and can get chaotic. What if I told you there was a SUPER simple game that is easy to implement, takes practically no time to prep, and creates connection rather than chaos. Would you play that game with students? In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast I breakdown a really fun and easy holiday game that can transform into a game show in the matter of seconds. Not only that, it will create dynamic discussions and is a create way to celebrate differences, traditions, and trends. I promise you will be SO Thankful for this classroom game! Episode Notes:  Get TONS of Relationship Building Ideas in Rooted Classroom Course: monicagenta.com/courses 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

11-10
25:27

A REALLY Dumb School Solution To Help Students with RELIABILITY (And All You Need is a Raccoon)

Get ready to dive into a hilariously unconventional yet surprisingly effective approach to boosting student reliability. Join us as we explore the wild idea of using a raccoon as a quirky connection for kids. In this episode of This Teacher Life, we’ll discuss how positive signage on the walls and in the halls is some of the best “marketing” that can happen in schools. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just starting out, this episode will leave you motivated to rethink your approach and connect with your students in fresh ways. Tune in for laughs, insights, and a newfound appreciation for the value of a little bit of chaos in the learning process. Episode Notes:  Don’t Miss TONS of Relationship Building Ideas in the Rooted Classroom Course:  monicagenta.com/courses 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

11-03
20:22

How to Get Students to Turn In High-Quality Work and the Simple System to Ensure No Kids Fail

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 Correction Reflection System & Student Refusal Form: monicagenta.com/management  Last Call for Getting Signed up for the New Course 365 Days of Awesome! monicagenta.com/courses Check out the Book 365 Days of Awesome: monicagenta.com/365-2 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

10-27
31:54

How to Overcome PERSONAL Struggles So You Can Thrive in PROFESSIONAL Situations (The Motivation You Didn’t Know You Needed)

How is life going for you right now? Are you able to answer that question WITHOUT bringing up work or school related- topics? Sometimes as teachers we have a difficult time separating personal and professional life. And sometimes that means we need a reminder and a re-boot on balancing our priorities. In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life we pause on teacher topics and proceed with making sure you are at your best on a life level. So, let me ask, how are you currently doing in the 8-pillars of life? Not sure what those are, but know that you are needing something new, something different, and something real to get you out of a funk? You are in the right place! 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

10-20
25:49

3 Behavior Management Ideas That Can be Used in ANY Classroom with ANY AGE with Special Guest Jack Berckemeyer

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:  Get TONS More of Classroom Connection Ideas in The Rooted Classroom Course  monicagenta.com/rooted-classroom-course Needing 2025 to be Awesome? Check out the New Course 365 Days of Awesome! monicagenta.com/courses 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

10-13
23:03

How to Create RESPECT In Your School for Students & Staff: Word Wall Hall

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

10-06
23:15

How to Host the Easiest, Most Effective Parent-Teacher Conferences Ever (And All You Need Are Raisins!?)

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 Links: 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

09-29
26:59

Super Simple SEL Solutions for Students & Staff (PS: I Got a New Position)

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

09-22
31:05

What Would Students Say to Teachers If They Knew We Were Really Listening? (The Ideas & Results Will Totally Surprise You)

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:  LAST CALL for the Awesome Academy Fun, Flexible Teacher Courses Get Signed Up Today: monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy Get 180 Fully Planned SEL Lessons Right Here: monicagenta.com/180SEL 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

09-15
31:50

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

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:  LAST CALL for 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

09-08
28:20

A Really Dumb Teacher Idea that Takes Less than 12 Seconds to Implement (Perfect for ALL Teachers)

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 60 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

09-01
24:26

How a Deck of UNO Cards Can FLIP Your Classroom Into Something AWESOME This School Year (New Season Premiere)

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! Welcome to the season premiere! Episode Notes:  Earn up to 60 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

08-25
39:02

UNO Classroom Idea that Will Make Your Students WILD-In a Good Way (Summer Replay Episode)

Looking for ONE classroom idea that could make your spring awesome? You are in the right place. In this episode we will take a deck of Uno cards and show you how to: increase student motivation, decrease problematic behaviors, boost classroom camaraderie, and create SO much fun. Literally all you need to implement this super simple, but super effective idea is a deck of uno cards and a classroom of kids. I promise you will want to implement this idea immediately! Episode Notes:  Earn up to 60 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 Looking for Free Classroom Resources to land in Your Inbox This summer? https://bit.ly/MonicaGenta 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

08-18
28:32

Teachers This Behavior Management Idea is EXACTLY What We to Need To Start The School Year (Summer Replay Episode)

Last year was your classroom a tornado of disorganized, disrespectful, or disengaged students? Is your teacher heart currently a tsunami of frustration, fear, or  freaking stressed? If you said YES to any of that I hear you. And I have the exact strategy to solve it! In this episode of the This Teacher Life podcast I share a super simple classroom management hack that will make the start of this school year awesome. I’m confident you will be clapping and praising the profession when you try this hack with your students! Episode Notes:  Get TONS of Awesome Classroom Management Ideas Here:  monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect:  monicagenta.com/PD Looking for Free Classroom Resources to land in Your Inbox This summer? https://bit.ly/MonicaGenta 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

08-11
24:39

A Classroom Management Idea that Feels like a Game Show- Spinning and Winning- REMIX! (Summer Replay Episode)

Want students to be prepared for class? This episode is for you! Want students to listen in class? This episode is for you? Wants students to have respectful attitudes? This episode is for you! Want students to have charged Chromebooks? This episode is for you! Creating classroom competitions is one of the easiest, most engaging, most beneficial ways to help manage a classroom and it can be SO fun for us as teachers too. In this week’s episode of This Teacher Life I explain how you can transform your classroom into a game show and spoiler alert- this takes NO extra time, NO extra effort, and can cost nothing. This episode is about spinning and winning and I promise it is literally a win-win for everybody! Episode Notes:  Check out this AWESOME curriculum for Advisory, Morning, Meeting and SEL- 180 FULL Lessons: monicagenta.com/180SEL Wheel That I Use in my Classroom: monicagenta.com/amazon 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 Wheel of Names Digital Wheel: https://wheelofnames.com/ Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

08-04
35:17

3 Game Changing Ideas That Will Change Your School Year-Prepare to Be Surprised (Summer Replay Episode)

Do you have a sharpie marker in your classroom?  If so, I’ve got an engaging idea for you! Do you have even one piece of technology in your classroom? If so, I’ve got an engaging idea for you. Do you have students in your classroom for at least 1 minute? Of course you do! So, I’ve for an engaging idea for you. 3 ideas will come your way in this episode that is all about being a Game Changer for kids. If you are looking for ways to boost student engagement and increase student motivation, this episode is for you! Episode Notes:  Get 180 FULL SEL Lessons in 180 Days of Awesome SEL Curriculum:  monicagenta.com/180SEL Earn up to 60 Hours of PD Credit in the Fun, Flexible Courses in the Awesome Academy:  monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect:  monicagenta.com/PD Looking for Free Classroom Resources to land in Your Inbox This summer? https://bit.ly/MonicaGenta 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

07-28
20:25

The BEST Behavior Management System for Schools that is SO Simple- Using the 3 Cs (Summer Replay Episode)

We know as teachers that classroom management is essential, but we also understand that it can be very difficult. Sometimes students are defiant. Sometimes students don’t want to work. Sometimes students are antsy and energetic. Sometimes this causes stress and struggles in school. But what if there was a simple solution to create a classroom where things were both predictable and positive? In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life we tackle all of this and more to help get your classroom culture headed in the right direction from the whole year! Episode Notes:  Join the Awesome Academy for This School Year Here:  monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect:  monicagenta.com/PD Looking for Free Classroom Resources to land in Your Inbox This summer? https://bit.ly/MonicaGenta 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

07-21
28:33

3 Essential Teacher Topics How to Stay Positive During School Sht Storms, How to Say NO, How to Create Balance at Home and School (Summer Replay Episode)

Looking for ways to not let one student or one class period ruin your whole day? I’ve got an idea. Looking for ways to not feel super overwhelmed with all the extra roles and responsibilities of this year? I’ve got an idea. Looking for ways to balance or separate home life and teacher life? I’ve got an idea. This episode is all about answer the top 3 biggest questions that we as busy, stressed teachers have this year. And all 3 of these answers could totally surprise you and totally revive you! Episode Notes:  Earn up to 60 Hours of PD Credit in the Fun, Flexible Courses in the Awesome Academy:  monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect:  monicagenta.com/PD Looking for Free Classroom Resources to land in Your Inbox This summer? https://bit.ly/MonicaGenta 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

07-14
32:13

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