This Teacher Life

What if one simple idea could completely change how supported you and all the teachers in your school feel this year? In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast, I’m sharing the 1 idea your school absolutely NEEDS—and yes, it just might become your favorite thing too. We’re breaking down how a Favorite Things Google Slide deck can be used all year long to surprise, encourage, and uplift teachers exactly when they need it most. From random “you’ve got this” moments to meaningful morale boosts during the toughest weeks of the year, this easy-to-set-up system makes it simple to show appreciation in ways that actually matter. You’ll learn: How to create a Favorite Things Google Slide deck in minutes When and how to use it throughout the year (not just during teacher appreciation week) Why small, thoughtful surprises have a HUGE impact on teacher morale How this idea works in any school—big or small If you’re a teacher, leader, admin, or staff member who wants to build a culture where educators feel seen, valued, and supported all year long… this episode is a must-listen. Fair warning: once you hear this idea, you’ll wonder how your school ever lived without it Episode Notes:  Get TONS of Awesome Resources for Your Classroom Here: https://monicagenta.com/shop 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

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:  The BEST Classroom Management & Behavior Management Resource Bundle:  monicagenta.com/management  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

If you want a powerful, practical strategy to boost student engagement, motivation, and classroom culture THIS is it! 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? Check Out These Fun, Flexible Teacher Courses for Official PD Credit:  monicagenta.com/courses 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

Looking for ONE classroom idea that could make your school year 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:  Check out These Fun, Flexible Teacher Courses for Official PD Credit: monicagenta.com/courses 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

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:  A Whole Bundle of Classroom Management Tools: Tons of Behavior Management Tools & Resources Looking for TONS of Classroom Ideas & Behavior Management Hacks? Check This Out:  monicagenta.com/courses 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

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:  Classroom Management and Behavior Management Bundle: monicagenta.com/management  Get TONS of Awesome Classroom Management Ideas Here: monicagenta.com/courses Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook 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  

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 Check out the Book Game Changers Here  monicagenta.com/books Needing some uplifting, awesome professional development at your school? Let’s Connect:  http://monicagenta.com/pd Wheel of Names Digital Wheel: https://wheelofnames.com/

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 these Fun, Flexible Teacher Courses: monicagenta.com/courses 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  

Sometimes the silliest ideas end up being the most strategic ideas! So let me ask you, how is classroom management going in your teacher life right now? Are students getting disorganized? Are students struggling to keep their hands to themselves? Are students simply not turning in work? If you are looking for a solution to solve common teacher problems you are in the right place. On this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast we dive into one of the dumbest things I’ve ever done, but the good news is… it TOTALLY works! It takes no time to prep because all you need is a pen! Trust me, you are going to love this new classroom competition. Episode Notes: Don’t Miss This Teacher Opportunity Where You Will Learn SO Many Engaging Classroom Ideas: monicagenta.com/courses Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Needing Engaging, Relevant, Fun PD 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

Is there a behavior or classroom expectation that drives you crazy? Would you like to increase student motivation and decrease problems with students? Do you want to add a little bit of fun while also creating organized, effective, and engaged kids? If you said YES to any (or all) of those things then you are in the right place! And all you need for this idea is a dice. Seriously! Get everything “rolling” in the right direction for your school and your students with this simple, but significant class competition. Find out all the details right here, right now! Episode Links: Check out the Engaging Battle Brackets! Perfect for Relationship Building AND Engaging Competitions In Your Classroom monicagenta.com/shop Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Want some Awesome PD 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

Spoiler alert: I am sharing an idea that has created a MAJOR decrease in classroom issues. The term “classroom management” is thrown around a lot. We had whole classes dedicated to it in undergrad. Our principals talk about it in our evaluations. And these days some teachers are even saying we need to “ditch it.” Some educators believe that classroom management “isn’t needed” if we just have classroom respect. What do you think? Well, in this episode I give my 2 cents on classroom management AND dish out my all time FAVORITE idea on how I manage my own students. And all you need is a deck of cards. Episode Notes:  Want Some Awesome Teacher Books for Summer Reading? monicagenta.com/books 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

Do you have a door to your classroom?  If so, I’ve got an engaging idea for you! Do you want to keep kids quiet at the right times? If so, I’ve got an engaging idea for you. Do you want students engaging rather than staring at the wall? 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 Links: Get Your Copy of Battle Brackets Right Here: monicagenta.com/brackets Sign Up for Monica’s Mailing List and get TONS of FREE Resources Sent Out All Summer Long! https://bit.ly/MonicaGenta Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: monicagenta.com/freebook Want some Awesome PD 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  

Tired of creating resolutions that don’t last more than a few days? Feeling like your new year’s goals never get off the ground? If you are truly ready for this year to be different then this episode is for you. We will dive into 4 small habits that will set your morning up for total success so you can have an incredible day in the classroom. These 4 habits will make you a better teacher because they will impact your whole day on a positive level. Get ready to be mind-blown on how easy these ideas are to implement too. Episode Notes:  Get your copy of 180 Days of Awesome-Relationships: monicagenta.com/books 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

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  

Sometimes the best thing we can do in schools is laugh. Parents, students, and fellow teachers will say something or ask a question and then our jaw drops to the floor. “Did you really just say that?” “Did that really just happen?” Yes… yes it did! Come take a listen to this episode where I will share hilarious, ridiculous things that have actually been said or done in schools. You won’t be able to get through this 20 minutes without cracking up and thinking, “Yep! that sounds familiar.” Episode Notes:  Make Your Summer Reading AWESOME with These Books:  https://monicagenta.com/books 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

Let’s be honest—teachers are absolute pros at showing up for everyone else… but not always for themselves. In this episode of the This Teacher Life podcast, we’re breaking down three hilarious but totally real reasons why it’s time to take that mental health sick day—without the guilt, the fear, or the “but what about my sub plans?” panic spiral. From the chaos that happens when you try to “power through,” to the magic of doing absolutely nothing for your sanity, this one’s a mix of laughs, truth, and much-needed permission to rest. Because sometimes the most productive thing you can do is… call in sick! PS- One of the reasons is adorable, one of the reasons is controversial, and one of the reasons is absolutely embarrassing and ridiculous! 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/

Principals & School Leaders! What if all that effort… all those initiatives… all that time spent solving school problems… is actually leading your staff and students right back to where they started? In this week’s episode of This Teacher Life, we unpack a frustrating (and very real) cycle many school unknowingly fall into— putting out fires, reacting to issues, and chasing quick fixes that feel productive in the moment… but ultimately create a loop of déjà vu year after year. If you’ve ever felt like your staff is working hard but not moving forward, or that the same challenges keep resurfacing no matter what you try, this conversation will hit home. We’ll break down the “chaotic circle” many schools get stuck in and, more importantly, how to step out of it. You’ll walk away with a simple, proactive approach to building a clear, focused plan that actually drives progress—so your school isn’t just busy… it’s moving forward with purpose. PS- You will also walk away with an absolutely rock solid plan for your Processional Development this year! Episode Notes:  Let’s Make Awesome PD Happen In Your School  monicagenta.com/PD Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd

In a world where students are constantly watching, scrolling, and engaging with video… what if we stopped fighting it—and started using it to our advantage? In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life, we’re diving into how teachers can harness the power of YouTube to create more fun, deeper connection, and meaningful engagement in the classroom—without adding more to your already full plate. You’ll discover simple, practical ways to use videos intentionally (not just as filler), how to turn everyday content into powerful teaching moments, and how to meet students where they already are to build stronger relationships. Because when used the right way, YouTube isn’t a distraction—it’s a bridge. If you’ve ever wanted your classroom to feel more alive, more connected, and a whole lot more fun… this episode is for you. PS- it’s SO fun too! 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

Are all the teachers in your school, hallway, or team on the same page figuratively AND literally? Probably not! And that’s ok! But in this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast, I’m breaking down four fun, realistic, and actually effective ways to help with that! I’ll talk about how to move beyond the same old staff-meeting book club and instead create shared learning experiences that: Get teachers, staff, and students aligned around common goals Build buy-in instead of burnout Make professional learning feel engaging, collaborative, and doable Translate directly into better practices for students (not just notes in a binder) Whether you’re a school leader, instructional coach, or classroom teacher who’s tired of book studies that go nowhere, this episode will give you practical ideas you can implement immediately—with flexibility for different roles, schedules, and personalities in your building. If your school is craving consistency, connection, and momentum (without forcing another initiative), this episode is for you. Trust me…you’ll want to “bookmark” this one! Episode Notes:  Check Out All The Books In This Episode Here: https://monicagenta.com/books Want Bulk Discount Pricing on Copies For Your Whole School? Let’s Talk! [email protected] Needing Some Help with SEL at 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

Looking for a meaningful but low-prep activity to wrap up the school year? In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life, we’re sharing one super simple idea that can leave a lasting impact: having your students write letters to their future selves. It’s reflective, personal, and powerful—plus, it’s easy to implement, even during the busy final days of school. Tune in to hear how to introduce the activity, creative ways to store or return the letters, and why this could be your new favorite year-end tradition. Episode Notes:  180 Fully Planned SEL Lessons to Save You Teacher Time:  monicagenta.com/180SEL Get Signed up for the Awesome Academy for Teachers NOW! monicagenta.com/awesomeacademy Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

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

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