This Teacher Life

By Monica GentaEducation Self-Improvement How To Courses

Favorites
39
Followers
Typical duration
26 min
per episode

Based on Podcast App listening data

This Teacher Life episodes

April 13, 2025 Unpopular Teacher Opinion!? Content in the Classroom vs. The Lure of Leadership (Where Do You Fall?)
To apply for the job opening or not to apply, that is the question at this point in the year and at this point in education.
This is a tough question that nearly every educator faces at some point—do you stay rooted in the classroom, focusing solely on content delivery, or do you pursue leadership roles for broader impact?
We’ll explore the pros and cons of both paths and challenge the assumptions about what it means to truly make a difference in education.
Also hear from special guest Jack Berckemeyer and Monica on what they have done in the past and what they are doing now and how they came to those decisions.
And get ready to hear full transparency about NOT getting hired, NOT passing tests, and NOT feeling good about it.
Whether you’re a classroom teacher, an aspiring leader, or someone just trying to figure out where you stand, this episode is for you.
Tune in, and let’s unpack where you fall in the ever-evolving world of education!
Want AWESOME PD for Your School for Next Year? Let’s Make it Happen
monicagenta.com/PD
Find Out More About Jack Berckemeyer Here:
jackberckemeyer.com/
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
24 min
April 06, 2025 How to Roll Out a Classroom Competition That Increases Student Positive Behaviors & Decreases Teacher Stress
Get ready to roll with laughter and learning in this fun-filled episode.
This idea is shaking up the typical classroom routine with a Yahtzee dice challenge that’s sure to make your students take a chance on changing behaviors in a good way!
Join us as we reveal how to set up a competitive game that not only scores big on fun but also encourages positive behaviors and cuts down on the stress for you, the teacher.
From rolling dice to rolling in the good vibes, this episode of the This Teacher Life is packed with tips, tricks, and a whole lot of game-changing ideas to keep your classroom engaged, motivated, and having a blast.
Whether you’re a Yahtzee pro or a total beginner, we’ve got all the steps to make this a winning strategy for you and your students.
Tune in, and let’s make learning a Lotzee fun!
Episode Notes:
Last Call to Join the Crushing It for Kids Course and Earn Up to 15 Hours of 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
Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed
35 min
March 30, 2025 A Really Dumb Idea That Will Get 100% of Students Listening and I 100% Guarantee It’s Not What You Expect
What if you could throw a party in your classroom everyday?
And this party wouldn’t be any work, it wouldn’t create chaos, and the party wouldn’t cost anything.
Would you want to be a part of it?
In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast I explain how all kids can be a part of a party, they just have to listen.
This simple idea has caused 100% of students to listen and that means they are learning, because listening is a sign of engagement!
What a teacher win!
Want one hint on what the idea involves? A bell.
Episode Notes:
Want TONS more ideas like this? Join the Crushing It for Kids Course and Earn Up to 15 Hours of 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
Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed
21 min
March 23, 2025 How Doritos Can Create Really Dynamic Laughter and Learning in Your Classroom (This is SO NOT What You Would Expect!)
What if I told you Doritos could be so dynamic in your classroom and you wouldn’t even need to buy a bag!?
In this week’s fun and unexpected episode of the The This Teacher life podcast , we dive into the power of humor, creativity, and dynamic discussion in the classroom!
We explore how a simple bag of Doritos can unlock laughter and enhance student engagement in ways you’ve never imagined.
From rigor and relationships t to encouraging creative thinking, Doritos can be the perfect catalyst for conversation and impactful lessons.
We’ll discuss unconventional teaching strategies, share real-life classroom examples, and break down how incorporating playfulness and surprise into your teaching style can lead to better learning outcomes, especially for social-emotional learning!
Get ready to see your classroom curriculum in a whole new light simply by asking this….
Episode Notes:
Get 180 Full SEL Lessons for Advisory and Morning Meeting- Save Your Plan Time:
monicagenta.com/180SEL
Crush it for Kids in April with This Virtual Course Filled with TONS of Simple Ideas:
monicagenta.com/courses
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/monicagentaed
29 min
March 16, 2025 How One Simple Question Can Create SO Much Classroom Engagement (This Lesson is an MVP of Schools)
What is the difference between an MVP and an MPP?
Curious what this means and how it can create conversation in your classroom? I’ve got you covered!
In this episode of the This Teacher Life podcast, we explore how one simple question can spark meaningful engagement and foster a positive, emotionally connected classroom environment.
We’ll discuss how this strategy can be a game-changer for fostering relationships, promoting self-reflection, and improving classroom dynamics.
Learn how to integrate this powerful, simple lesson into your classroom and create a space where students feel seen, heard, and eager to contribute.
This episode offers practical tips for teachers looking to make SEL a core part of their teaching approach and transform their classroom into a thriving, empathetic community.
You can be the MVT after trying this idea!
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/monicagentaed
26 min
March 09, 2025 2 Simple Ways to Build Staff Climate, Culture, & Connection in Schools (They are SO Fun Too!)
In this episode we’re diving into two easy-to-implement, fun strategies that can transform the climate and culture of your school staff.
If you’re looking for creative, low-cost ways to boost morale, strengthen relationships, and create a more connected team, this episode is for you!
We’ll explore two practical activities that not only enhance communication and collaboration but also infuse your school with positivity and energy.
Whether you’re a teacher, principal, or school leader, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas that are sure to make your staff feel more supported, valued, and motivated.
Join us for this quick burst of inspiration—because creating a thriving school culture should be both effective and fun!
PS- Christina Aguilera’s Genie and a Bottle and competitive team names like The Bowlshitters are discussed
Episode Notes:
Want AWESOME PD for Your School for Next Year? Let’s Make it Happen
monicagenta.com/PD
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/monicagentaed
32 min
March 02, 2025 1 Really Dumb Idea That Creates Dynamic Relationships with Students- This Will Dial Up the Fun in Your Classroom Too!
What if a “really dumb” idea could not only bring fun to your classroom but also create lasting connections with your students AND boost attendance?
Well, that’s exactly what this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast is all about!
Tune in for a 3-step process that’s easy to implement, requires little to no prep, and can be done with any grade level.
You’ll learn how to put a unique spin on student interaction by adopting a method that builds trust, boosts morale, and keeps everyone excited to come back each day.
The best part? You’ll find out how to incorporate a fun, low-effort classroom game show that takes literally no prep time and helps students feel seen, heard, and appreciated.
No more stressing over student attendance issues—this episode gives you a strategy that works and a quick, playful way to make kids feel better whether they are actually sick or just sick of school!
By the end, you’ll have a fresh new tool in your teacher toolkit that will dial up the fun and keep your students smiling and attending!
Episode Notes:
LAST CALL to Enroll in NEW Course- 180 Days of Awesome Relationships!
monicagenta.com/courses
Here is the Helpful Teacher Hacks Resource for Effective Communication:
monicagenta.com/management
Increase Relationships with this Curriculum- 180 FULL SEL Lessons:
monicagenta.com/180SEL
4 Ways to Decrease Teacher Stress When Making Difficult Phone Calls:
monicagenta.com/podcast/calls
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
27 min
February 23, 2025 How 1 Idea Got Students to Come Prepared, Participate, AND Stay Positive (All You Need is Fake Money?!)
There is unexpected power in fake money to students of all ages!
If you are looking to motivate students to come to class prepared, actively engage, and maintain a positive mindset throughout the school year, you are in the right place!
In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast, we dive into a creative and highly effective classroom strategy that has transformed student engagement, participation, and attitude.
From improving attendance to fostering a competitive yet supportive environment, this episode will reveal the simple yet powerful techniques that have turned around classroom dynamics.
Whether you’re teaching high school, middle school, or even elementary grades, you’ll leave with actionable insights on how to incorporate this fun and impactful idea into your own teaching practice.
Tune in to discover why all you might need to unlock a classroom full of motivated students could be a little bit of fake currency!
Episode Notes:
NEW Course- 180 Days of Awesome Relationships! Enroll Here:
monicagenta.com/courses
Get 180 FULL SEL Lessons for Your Classroom:
monicagenta.com/180SEL
Wanting AWESOME PD for Your Whole School?
monicagenta.com/PD
Episodes Referenced in this Episode:
Paying Kids to Read Books
Little Debbie December
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
20 min
February 16, 2025 1 Simple Idea to Improve School Culture, Teamwork, & Sportsmanship (Costs Nothing & Positively Changes Everything)
Do your students find everything “unfair” or “rigged” or constantly claim that somebody “cheated” creating conflict and chaos in your classroom?
If you said yes, I hear you and I’ve got you covered!
In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast, we dive into one powerful, yet incredibly simple idea that can transform:
school’s culture
enhance teamwork among staff and students
foster better sportsmanship in the classroom and activities
Best of all, it costs absolutely nothing but yields extraordinary results.
Whether you’re a teacher, coach, or school leader, this episode will equip you with an easy-to-implement strategy that can build a positive, collaborative environment and inspire lasting change.
Tune in to learn how one small shift in mindset can lead to big improvements for your school community!
Episode Notes:
NEW Course- 180 Days of Awesome Relationships! Enroll Here:
monicagenta.com/courses
Get 180 FULL SEL Lessons for Your Classroom:
monicagenta.com/180SEL
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
24 min
February 09, 2025 2 Biggest Things Causing Stress in Schools: Apathy & Attendance (Get Ready for Practical Solution with Special Guest Jack Berckemeyer)
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
33 min

About This Teacher Life

From the publisher's feed

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…