Online Business for Teachers | TPT | How to Make Extra Money, Work From Home, Digital Products

Monica Lopez - Business & Mindset Coach for Teachers
  • 5.0 (19)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Go-To Podcast for Teachers Who Want to Start & Grow an Online Business From Home! Feeling too burnt out to even think about something new? Wondering if you have what it takes to start a TPT business (or beyond!) —especially when you’ve never seen yourself as “entrepreneurial”? Overwhelmed by the idea of setting up a store, choosing what to sell, and making it all look polished and professional? I’m so excited you’re here! This podcast will help you create extra income, build a flexible business with your own resources, and finally have the freedom to work from home—so you can stop feeling stuck and start living life on your terms! Hey, I’m Monica. A mom, former teacher, and a full-time business owner. For 10 years, I tried to start a business in all the wrong places. I was chasing every online business trend, signing up for courses, reading all the books, and looking for clarity everywhere but each one left me more overwhelmed and further from the freedom I wanted. I finally realized that if I was going to find freedom in my life and income, I needed to stop running from what I already knew—and start building a business with the skills I already had. I built a business that fit me—simple, sustainable, and aligned with what I already knew. And now I’m here to help you do the same. If you’re curious about making extra money without leaving the classroom… And want a business that’s flexible, doable, and built around your teacher strengths… With results that can change your life—like more time, more money, and more freedom— this podcast is for you! Close the lesson plans and grab your favorite drink. It’s your turn now. Grab my free TPT Store Starter Kit Mini Course — 6 quick videos to help you set up a polished, professional TPT store that’s ready to sell! 👉https://www.yourteacherbiz.com/free-mini-course

  1. 2D AGO

    43: How to Grow Your TPT Store: Course, Coaching, or Just Execute?

    Have you ever wondered if you actually need another course… or if you just need to get to work? In today’s episode, I’m talking about investing back into your TPT business and how to decide whether you need: • A course • A coach • Or just more execution I break down the different stages of business growth and what kind of help makes sense at each one. Because not every season requires spending money. And not every plateau means you’re missing some secret strategy. Sometimes you need to learn a new skill. Sometimes you need clarity and direction. And sometimes… you already know what to do and you’re just hesitating. If you’re in that messy middle where not brand new, but not scaling yet either, this episode is especially for you. We’ll talk about: The difference between a skills gap and a strategy gap Why over-learning can actually slow you down When coaching makes sense And how to figure out what stage you’re really in If you’ve been asking yourself: “Am I missing something?” “Why isn’t this growing faster?” “Do I need to invest again?” This will help you sort that out. ----more---- If you’re brand new and need help getting your TPT store started, I have a free starter mini course. You can get it here: Free TPT Starter Mini Course And if you’re in that in-between stage and you’re trying to figure out your next move, you can book a strategy call with me and we’ll map it out together. Book a Teacher Business Clarity Call 📧 Got questions or want to share your story? Email me at info@monica-lopez.com. I read every message and would love to hear from you.

    16 min

  2. FEB 11

    42: How to Make TPT Work for You, Not the Other Way Around

    If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard on TPT but not getting the results you want, this episode will show you how to flip that dynamic. TPT is one of the smartest, lowest-risk business platforms available to teachers, but only when you know how to make it work for you strategically, instead of feeling like you’re endlessly creating without moving forward. Today, I’m walking you through the exact mindset shifts and strategic decisions that helped me go from scared to charge $2 to confidently building multiple income streams. You’ll learn why TPT is more than a marketplace, how it quietly trains you to think like an entrepreneur, and how to identify when you’ve outgrown your old strategies and need a new level, a new plan, and a new mindset. Inside the episode, we’ll cover: Why TPT is still the smartest place for teachers to grow an online income How to leverage the platform at any stage of business The “mindset layers” every seller must peel back to grow When to update your strategy so you don’t stay stuck How TPT sets the foundation for memberships, courses, coaching, and more What’s possible when you strengthen or expand your income streams Four powerful questions to help you identify your next level Whether you’re earning two figures or four, this episode will help you step back, reassess, and finally use TPT in a way that supports your goals instead of draining your energy. Want clarity on your next step? If you’re ready to stop guessing and start moving forward with a clear plan, schedule a free consult call with me. We’ll walk through where you are, where you want to go, and the exact strategy that will get you there faster and with less stress. Resources & Links: 👉 Schedule a free consult call with Monica

    17 min

  3. FEB 4

    41: What to Sell on TPT: The 4 Steps Every New Seller Should Start With

    🎙️ What to Sell on TPT: The 4 Steps Every New Seller Should Start With If you’ve ever opened your computer and thought, “Okay… but what do I even make for TPT?”  This episode will help you finally get clear. Today I’m walking you through four simple steps to figure out what to sell on TPT, without chasing trends or guessing what teachers want. These steps work whether you’re brand new or you’ve been selling for a while and need a reset. In this episode, I break down: ✔️ Step 1: How to look through your own files to find product ideas that actually work Because your best ideas are the things that already helped your students. ✔️ Step 2: How to polish those activities so they’re ready to list on TPT Covers, thumbnails, clipart, and making them look clean and usable. ✔️ Step 3: Why publishing quickly matters more than getting it “perfect” You can’t learn anything until it’s up and running. ✔️ Step 4: Why you should leave your product alone (and stop checking the data every day) This one saves so much stress. If you’ve been wanting to start your store but you never feel “ready,” this episode will give you a clear place to begin. Wanna start the right way? If you want help making your TPT storefront look clean and professional from day one, check out my TPT Store Starter Kit Mini Course. It’s six short videos on: Your logo and brand elements Covers, thumbnails, and previews Setting up your store visuals in Canva or PowerPoint Making your storefront something you’re actually proud of If you have questions or want to share your progress, email me anytime at info@monica-lopez.com. I love hearing from you.

    16 min

  4. JAN 28

    40: Should You Sell on Your Website? The Real Pros, Cons, and TPT vs. Your Own Store

    Are you wondering whether you should sell your teacher resources on your website or if it’s just one more thing everyone says you “should” do? You’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions teacher-sellers ask when they start taking their business seriously. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know so you can make the right decision for YOUR stage of business. By the end, you’ll know whether selling on your website is worth it, what it actually takes to make it profitable, and how to avoid wasting time or money in the process. We cover: Why so many teacher-sellers want their own website Shopify vs. Squarespace vs. WordPress (and what I chose) The truth about uploading your entire product catalog How long it really takes to see sales What you must have in place BEFORE you open a store Website pros, cons, and deal-breakers When a website becomes more profitable than TPT Whether you should add a TPT “buy” button on your product pages Why email list + trust = the secret to website sales The long-term payoff most teachers never talk about If you’ve been confused, overwhelmed, or unsure whether you’re “ready” to add a store to your website, this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been needing. If you’re not sure whether you’re ready—or you need help figuring out the next right step in your business, I offer 1:1 coaching to help you grow with clarity and confidence. I support teachers with: TPT store strategy Website setup + offers Messaging + positioning Mindset and overthinking Anything your teacher brain is stuck on If you’re craving real progress with way less overwhelm, book your coaching call: yourteacherbiz.com/coaching Links & Resources Mentioned Squarespace (my website platform) Shopify (another popular website option) Emily Bryant, CPA for TPT sellers My 1:1 Coaching: yourteacherbiz.com/coaching

    18 min

  5. JAN 21

    39: Track Your Data to Make Your Teacher Business Easier + What to Track at What Stages

    If your teacher business feels harder than it should, you’re not alone. Most teacher entrepreneurs are making decisions based on emotion, guesswork, or daily dashboard checks that send them into panic mode. In today’s episode, we break down why your business feels overwhelming and how simple data tracking can instantly bring clarity, calm, and direction. We’re talking about what to track (and what NOT to track), how to set goals that actually fit the season you’re in, and why focusing on the right metrics will make your business feel lighter, more grounded, and easier to grow. Plus, I’m sharing the tool that completely changed how I make decisions in my own business: ✨ The Teacher Business KPI Tracker: now available in my shop. If you want your business to feel less emotional and more empowered this year, this episode is your roadmap. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why running your online teacher business feels so overwhelming How data helps calm your brain and reduce the “nothing is working” spiral The #1 metric that matters most when you’re just starting out What to track in Year 1 versus Years 2–3 versus later stages Why tracking too many things creates confusion (not clarity) Why TPT dashboard dips don’t actually mean what you think How a year-at-a-glance view can completely change your confidence How to choose metrics that match your season of life The simple tracking habit that makes business decisions easier Mentioned in This Episode 👉 Teacher Business KPI Tracker Get the simple Google Sheet that helps you track revenue, product growth, email metrics, website traffic, and more all in one place. 👉 Book a Free Teacher Business Clarity Call Need support deciding what to focus on in your business? Let’s talk through your goals and simplify your next steps.

    19 min

  6. JAN 14

    38: Social Media for Teacher Sellers: What to Post, How Often, and What Actually Works

    Social media can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling teaching, life, and a growing TPT business. Do you really need to be on Instagram? Does marketing actually work? And how do you promote your resources without living on your phone? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Ashley Mickelson, a longtime teacher seller and self-described accidental entrepreneur. Ashley shares what she’s learned over nearly a decade of selling on TPT, building relationships online, and using simple marketing systems that don’t lead to burnout. We talk honestly about social media, automation tools like ManyChat, and why relationships (not hacks), are what truly grow a sustainable teacher business. If you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting more visibility and wanting more peace, this conversation will meet you right where you are. In this episode, we cover: How Ashley accidentally turned teaching into a long-term TPT business Why relationship-building matters more than posting perfectly What ManyChat is and how teachers actually use it (in simple terms) How automation can save time instead of adding stress When it makes sense to invest in tools and when it doesn’t How introverted or camera-shy teachers can start showing up online The difference between content that lasts vs. content that connects How Ashley balances family life, marketing, and running her business Key takeaway: You don’t need to do all the things to grow your business. You need to connect with real people, show up as yourself, and build systems that support your life, not consume it. Connect with Ashley: YouTube name Teach the Teacher Author with Ashley Mikkelsen https://www.youtube.com/@teachtheteacherauthor Social media links Insta- https://instagram.com/teach.the.teacherauthor FB- https://facebook.com/teach.the.teacherauthor FB group - Instagram for Teacher Authors https://www.facebook.com/groups/ReJUNEvateyourIGChallenge Website https://teachtheteacherauthor.com/ Contact email ashley@srtaspanish.com landing page or freebie link How to start your email list: https://teachtheteacherauthor.myflodesk.com/dzu6rybc2d   Work with me: If you’re a teacher who wants to build income outside the classroom, whether through TPT, digital products, or mindset work, I’d love to support you. Book a 1:1 coaching call if you want personalized guidance on income planning,

    37 min

  7. JAN 7

    37: Thinking of Leaving Teaching? The Realities of Full-Time Business Income

    What if working from home and “passive income” aren’t as stress-free as we’ve been led to believe? In this episode, I’m sharing a very honest reflection on what it’s actually like to run a business full time, especially as a former teacher who was used to a steady paycheck. I’m recording this at the start of a new year, in the middle of selling our house, and coming off a season that felt busy, heavy, and lacking joy. That reflection led me here. If you’re a teacher dreaming of leaving the classroom, working from home, or building “passive income,” this episode is for you. Not to discourage you, but to help you make the best decision at the right time with clarity instead of fantasy. In this episode, we talk about: Why business ownership brings a different kind of stress no one really talks about What “passive income” actually looks like in real life The financial difference between a teacher paycheck and business income Why making just enough money in your business isn’t enough How taxes, expenses, and slow months really impact your take-home income Why saving 3–6 months of expenses is non-negotiable The importance of having more than one income stream (especially if you sell on TPT) What surprised me when I reviewed my own income data How to think clearly and realistically before quitting your job This episode is about grounding your dreams in truth and making empowered decisions instead of emotional ones. You absolutely can build a business and work from home. I just want you to do it in a way that protects your peace, finances, and future. Here’s to 2026: Create value. Go sell it. And don’t underestimate what you bring to the table. Book a 1:1 coaching call if you want personalized guidance on income planning, product strategy, or your next step out of the classroom

    17 min

  8. 12/23/2025

    36: Why More Time Doesn’t Make You More Productive

    Why More Time Doesn’t Make You More Productive When we’re working full time, it’s easy to believe that if we just had more time, we’d make more money in our business. But what happens when you finally have the time and productivity still feels off? In this episode, I’m sharing honest lessons I’ve learned from staying home to work on my business full time, and what that taught me about productivity, time management, and execution. If you’ve been working hard but not seeing results, this episode will help you see what’s really getting in the way. We talk about why time isn’t the real issue, how planning can turn into procrastination, and the simple strategies that helped me move from busy to actually getting things done. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why having more time doesn’t automatically lead to more money The hidden productivity trap of working for yourself How planning, learning, and “preparing” can become disguised procrastination Why motivation is a myth (and what actually works instead) How hesitation, overthinking, and fear slow down execution How the 5 Second Rule helped me take action faster The First Domino Concept and how routines reduce decision fatigue How scheduling in realistic time blocks creates clarity and momentum Key Concepts Mentioned The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins The First Domino Concept (starting with one small action that triggers momentum) Decision fatigue and why structure matters when you work from home How to Apply This to Your Life & Business Identify your first domino (your one non-negotiable starting point). Use the 5-4-3-2-1 rule when you feel hesitation or resistance. Write out your schedule in advance to remove daily decision-making. Focus on execution—not learning, planning, or scrolling. If this episode hit home for you and you know you’ve been busy but not productive, this is exactly what I help teachers with inside my one-on-one coaching calls. We look at what you’re working on, what actually makes money, and what you need to stop overthinking so you can start executing. No fluff. No endless learning. Just clarity, a plan, and action. If you want support applying what we talked about today to your business, you can book a one-on-one coaching call with me. 👉 Schedule a Call Connect With Me Got questions or want to share your story? Email me at info@monica-lopez.com. I read every message and would love to hear from you.

    15 min
See All (45)

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

The Go-To Podcast for Teachers Who Want to Start & Grow an Online Business From Home! Feeling too burnt out to even think about something new? Wondering if you have what it takes to start a TPT business (or beyond!) —especially when you’ve never seen yourself as “entrepreneurial”? Overwhelmed by the idea of setting up a store, choosing what to sell, and making it all look polished and professional? I’m so excited you’re here! This podcast will help you create extra income, build a flexible business with your own resources, and finally have the freedom to work from home—so you can stop feeling stuck and start living life on your terms! Hey, I’m Monica. A mom, former teacher, and a full-time business owner. For 10 years, I tried to start a business in all the wrong places. I was chasing every online business trend, signing up for courses, reading all the books, and looking for clarity everywhere but each one left me more overwhelmed and further from the freedom I wanted. I finally realized that if I was going to find freedom in my life and income, I needed to stop running from what I already knew—and start building a business with the skills I already had. I built a business that fit me—simple, sustainable, and aligned with what I already knew. And now I’m here to help you do the same. If you’re curious about making extra money without leaving the classroom… And want a business that’s flexible, doable, and built around your teacher strengths… With results that can change your life—like more time, more money, and more freedom— this podcast is for you! Close the lesson plans and grab your favorite drink. It’s your turn now. Grab my free TPT Store Starter Kit Mini Course — 6 quick videos to help you set up a polished, professional TPT store that’s ready to sell! 👉https://www.yourteacherbiz.com/free-mini-course

Information

You Might Also Like