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

    How Teachers Can Use YouTube to Our Advantage and Bring SO Much Fun & Connection to the Classroom

    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

    17 min

  2. MAY 10

    4 Ideas to Get All Teachers, Staff, & Students on the Same Page and Create Real Change for Your School (You Are Going to Want to Bookmark This)

    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! monica@monicagenta.com 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

    26 min

  3. MAY 3

    1 Really Easy Classroom Idea to End the School Year on a Good Note(card)

    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

    17 min

  4. APR 26

    How 1 Activity Got 100% of Students Discussing, Debating, and Dialoguing on a REALLY Important Topic

    Want to spark real, meaningful conversations in your classroom—conversations that matter now and in your students’ futures? In this week’s episode of This Teacher Life, we break down one powerful activity that got every single student engaged in discussion, debate, and dialogue around a question they’ll face someday: What makes a job a “good” job? From values and money to purpose and happiness, this lesson opens the door to critical thinking and future-focused reflection. It’s easy to set up, adaptable for any grade level, and guaranteed to get students talking. 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

    22 min

  5. APR 19

    The 1 Classroom Game that is Going to INCREASE Student’s Turning in High Quality Work AND INCREASE Effective Communication in Your Classroom (And All You Need is a Box)

    Tired of chasing missing assignments and feeling like your classroom communication is a game of telephone? In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast, we’re unpacking the one simple classroom game that dramatically boosts students’ willingness to turn in high-quality work and strengthens effective communication — and yes, all you need is a box. You’ll learn: Why this low-prep game works so well for student accountability How it naturally improves peer-to-peer and student-to-teacher communication The psychology behind why students care more about the quality of their work when this game is in play Easy ways to adapt it for different grade levels and subjects How to set it up in under 5 minutes with materials you already have This strategy is classroom-tested, budget-friendly, and surprisingly powerful. If you’ve been looking for a way to get students more engaged, more responsible, and more confident communicators—without adding more to your plate—this episode is for you. Press play and get ready to turn a simple box into one of the most effective tools in your teaching toolkit. Episode Notes:  Get 180 FULL SEL Lessons to Engage Your Students Here: monicagenta.com/180SEL Students Missing Work, Turning In Low Quality Work, or Refusing to Work? Go Here: monicagenta.com/management  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

    26 min

  6. APR 12

    How to Get Students HIGHLY Engaged with 1 Simple Question… Would You Try This?

    What if one simple question could instantly boost participation, spark real conversations, and pull even your most disengaged students into the lesson? In this episode, we’re breaking down how a single, strategic question can transform the energy of your classroom—and no, this isn’t your typical lesson. You’ll learn how to use intentional “Would You Rather” remixes to build critical thinking, student voice, and meaningful discussion (without wasting precious class time). We’ll walk through: Why engagement isn’t about being louder or more entertaining How to remix “Would You Rather” questions so they actually support learning goals Simple ways to use this strategy for bell ringers, discussion starters, and meaningful morning meeting, advisory, or SEL How to get buy-in from even your most reluctant students If you’re tired of blank stares, low participation, and forced discussion prompts, this episode gives you a practical strategy you can try tomorrow—no extra prep required. Low effort for you. High impact for students. Episode Notes:  Check out the Would You Rather Remix +  180 FULL SEL Lessons 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

    25 min

  7. APR 5

    6 Super Simple and Special Ideas to Celebrate Principal Appreciation Day in May

    Ready to shower your principal with some well-deserved love? In this playful and practical episode of This Teacher life, we’re serving up 6 super simple and special ways to celebrate your school leader like a rock star! From quick class surprises to heartfelt group efforts, these ideas are low-stress, high-impact, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your principal’s face. Whether you’ve got a full week to plan or just one day, we’ve got you covered. Let’s make Principal Appreciation Day unforgettable—and 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

    25 min

  8. MAR 29

    Classroom Yahtzee: A Fun Competition That Boosts Positive Behavior & Lowers 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

    34 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
    352
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2019 Monica Genta
  • Show Website
    This Teacher Life

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