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

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

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

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  

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