This Teacher Life

Monica Genta
  • 4.9 (205)
  • COURSES
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 3D AGO

    Classroom Engagement Hack: How Teachers Can Get Every Student to Participate with Just a Dice

    Looking for a simple, yet powerful tool to boost student participation and spark creativity in your classroom? In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast, we reveal how you can transform classroom discussions and interactions with just one small, unexpected tool—a dice! We know that getting all students engaged in the lesson can feel like a challenge, especially when some students are hesitant to speak up or take risks. But with a little creativity and a dice in hand, you can create an environment where every student feels encouraged to contribute, ask insightful questions, and actively participate in the learning process. Join us as we explore fun and effective dice-based strategies to: Get every student involved, no matter their personality or comfort level. Turn simple questions into powerful, thought-provoking classroom discussions. Foster a culture of curiosity, critical thinking, and inclusivity. Energize your lessons with a dose of unpredictability and fun! This episode is packed with actionable tips, real-world examples, and a few dice-related activities that will keep your students thinking and engaged. Whether you teach elementary, middle school, or high school, these techniques are flexible and easy to implement right away. Tune in and discover how something as simple as a dice can lead to big changes in classroom participation, engagement, and question-asking—without the stress or pressure of traditional “cold calling.” Let’s roll the dice and level up your teaching!   Episode Notes: Learn 100’s of Classroom Engagement and Motivation Ideas in the Game Changers Course: monicagenta.com/courses/ Get a free PDF copy of Monica’s Book Crushing It For Kids Here: http://bit.ly/MonicaGenta 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

    26 min

  2. JAN 4

    The 1 Behavior Hack for Teachers That Actually Changes Student Goals (for Real)

    Teachers, if you’ve been searching for a real behavior strategy that actually works (and doesn’t require a magic wand or a daily bribe of candy), this episode is for you. This week on the This Teacher Life podcast, we’re diving into the power of goal-setting with accountability partners — and before you roll your eyes, trust me… this idea is way more game-changing than it sounds. You’ll hear how to help students create meaningful, personal goals and pair up with accountability partners who help them stay focused, responsible, and motivated. I’m sharing practical examples, success stories, and ready-to-use tips that’ll make this strategy easy to roll out in any classroom. If you’re ready for fewer behavior headaches and more student ownership, this episode is your new go-to. Perfect for teachers, counselors, and school leaders who are tired of putting out fires and ready to help kids take charge of their growth! Episode Notes:  Check out the Game Changer Course Filled with TONS of Classroom Management & Engagement Ideas:  monicagenta.com/courses 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

    29 min

  3. 12/28/2025

    The Teacher Secret to MORE Engaged Students Without Endless Lesson Prep (Real-World Learning Without Losing Your Weekend)

    Teacher Truth: Paper assignments? Easy to make… but not exactly student engagement gold. Also Teacher Truth: Hands-on activities? Way more work… but also way more worth it. So here’s the real challenge—how do we get students pumped about real-world learning without spending every ounce of our “free time” buried in prep? In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast, we’re diving into creative ways to turn real student problems into labs and lessons that actually matter. You’ll get ready-to-use ideas, class questions, easy structures, and time-saving hacks that bring hands-on learning to life—without draining your weekend energy. Short, fun, and packed with practical examples—this one’s your shortcut to more engaged students and a less exhausted you. Episode Notes:  Get TONS of Engaging Science Resources Right Here: monicagenta.com/scienceshop 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

    24 min

  4. 12/21/2025

    4 Books to Read in 2026 to Transform Your Year (They Are Legit Good)

    Ready to make 2026 your most inspired, energized, and growth-filled year yet? In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast, I’m breaking down four legitimately amazing books that will challenge your thinking, spark new habits, and fuel real transformation—personally, professionally, and everything in between. These aren’t just “nice to read someday” picks. These are the books that will light a fire under you, shift your mindset, and help you step confidently into the year you actually want to create. Tune in to hear why each book made the list, what you can expect to take away from them, and how to choose the right one for wherever you are in your journey. Grab your TBR list—2026 is about to level up. Episode Notes:  Get Your Copy of 365 Days of Awesome Here: https://monicagenta.com/365-2 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

    30 min

  5. 12/14/2025

    Get All of Your School Staff Onboard This 1 Idea That Will Create SO Much Fun (And Fist Bumping)

    What if one simple idea could bring teachers together, spark joy in the hallways, and actually make people want to come to work on Monday? In this week’s episode of This Teacher Life, we dive into a simple, high-energy idea that’s all about helping your school staff connect, celebrate each other, and actually have fun together—no clipboards, no PD, no agendas. Learn how this lighthearted tradition builds genuine camaraderie, strengthens your school culture behind the scenes, and creates those moments that lead to inside jokes, hallway fist bumps, and a team that feels more like a family. If your staff is stressed, disconnected, or just in need of a vibe shift, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for! Episode Notes:  Get 180 Full SEL Lessons for Advisory and Morning Meeting- Save Your Plan Time:  monicagenta.com/180SEL Needing Some Awesome PD for Your School? Let’s Connect:  monicagenta.com/PD Get a Celebration Bus Here: wadituptransport.com/ Connect with Monica on social media: Instagram: instagram.com/monicagentaed/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@monicagentaed Facebook: facebook.com/MonicaGentaEd Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

    20 min

  6. 12/07/2025

    How to Celebrate Little Debbie December in Your School to Make it a Big Dynamic December (This Will Bring Smiles & Sugar to 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

    27 min

  7. 11/30/2025

    How a Paper Raccoon Might Be the Key Raising Reliability In Your Classroom & School

    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/MonicaGenta30 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

    20 min

  8. 11/23/2025

    1 Really Dumb Idea to Boost School Culture and Have a Dynamic December (All You Need is a Calendar)

    Needing something SUPER fun and SUPER simple to make December sweeter and also less stressful? In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast, we’re sharing a really dumb idea that’s so simple, it might just work wonders for your school’s culture this December! What’s the secret? A calendar. That’s right—this humble tool can spark excitement, foster connection, and bring a sense of community to your classroom or school. We’re talking about turning the final month of the year into something dynamic and engaging with just a few creative twists. Tune in as we walk through this fun, unconventional approach that doesn’t require expensive materials or elaborate plans—just a chocolate calendar and some creative thinking. We’ll dive into how to use this tool to boost morale, increase student engagement, and end the year on a high note. Whether you’re a teacher looking for a new way to bring energy to your classroom or an administrator seeking to boost school spirit, this episode is packed with practical tips to make December the most memorable month of the school year. 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

    23 min
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4.9
out of 5
205 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Monica Genta
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    334
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2019 Monica Genta
  • Show Website
    This Teacher Life

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