This Teacher Life

Resources. Reminders. Remixes. Really everything an educator needs right now is in this episode! In this relatable episode we talk about the #1 needs of kids AND teachers right now. To learn more about the Awesome Conference For Teachers-ONLINE visit monicagenta.com/summer To get copies of the documents referenced or to watch the video recording of this episode visit monicagenta.com/blog   &n...

In this special, extended episode Jack Berckemeyer and I dive deep into the state of education right now and what this means for the future. Whether you are a teacher who feels like they are drowning in the change, a leader who is overwhelmed by the uncertainty, or an educator who is seeing beauty in the change, this episode is for you! You can watch the video recording of this bonus episode at: h...

This is not what any of us expected 4th Quarter to look like. This is not something our education leaders ever prepared us for. This is not something we took a class on in our teacher training. But here we are, figuring it out, together! In this real and raw episode we explore a could simple, but significant ideas on how we can make e-learning super meaningful, even if your students and families d...

Hey teacher! Are you on Twitter? If you aren’t you are truly missing out. Twitter makes teaching and learning public in a really powerful way! Not sure what to do and where to start? Check out Todd’s awesome conversation as he explains why YOU should be on twitter as a teacher! Get connected with Todd on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/blocht574 Get connected with Monica on Twitter at:  http...

Real kids have real questions. Sometimes those questions involve “what are we having for lunch?” And sometimes those questions dig a little deeper and matter far beyond that moment. In this episode we dive into 7 sensational questions that my students asked me. They are real questions, with real answers, from real kids. If these questions are important to my students, I’m confide...

When it comes to feedback, “sometimes we have to stop talking and start listening.” Although that is not what we think of when it comes to providing feedback to our students, that quote holds so much truth and power! Debbie Silver is an author, consultant, and education leader who is all about helping teachers understand the value in feedback. Check out Debbie’s awesome ideas as she di...

Crushing It is not just a slang term our students use. It is literally the key to becoming the best possible teachers we can be! CRUSH is an acronym I use in my classroom and I’m pumped to share it with you in this episode! These are what I believe to be the 5 pillars of education and I’m so passionate about spreading ideas about each area! Want even more from this awesome episode? On April...

What does beat dropping and fire dancing have to do with this episode? Everything! In this 2 quick tips episode Wilkie Law gives some awesome ideas on consistency, student voice, and reflection, and how those build together perfectly to create strong relationships with students. To watch Monica’s TED Talk on relationships check out: https://monicagenta.com/ted/ Want 20 engaging tips on how t...

Don’t worry, I’m not dropping F bomb in this episode. I’m not even talking about that F word. Testing season is long, hard, and sometimes we even believe it is a complete waste of time. So how can we “F it” and make it AWESOME! in this episode we will dive into 3 F’s that are going to make this year’s testing season WAY more engaging and meaningful! Want e...

Let’s get physical, physical. Wait. That’s Olivia Newton John…. Let’s get political with Olivia Bertels. She is a teacher who is an advocate for making sure teachers are informed when it comes to making decisions that impact our students. Check out Olivia’s awesome insight as she dishes out two quick tips on how being political doesn’t have to be something that is controversial, but rather empower...

Trauma and tragedy unfortunately happen in schools all the time. How do we deal with these experiences? What do we say? What do we do? Whether we are talking about ACES, Adverse Childhood Experiences, or something that happens in our own personal life, it can be difficult to handle stress or loss, when trying to still be an amazing teacher. In this episode we will go through some simple, but strat...

Once upon a time there was this incredible story teller by the name of Trevor Muir. He was an awesome educator and amazing educator who impacted the world with his work in creating epic, collaborative classrooms… Nobody can tell a story like Trevor and that is why I’m so excited for him to share 2 quick tips on this episode! P stands for purpose and projects. And in this episode you wi...

HA. HA. LOL. (Laugh Emoji) Sometimes we just have to laugh in our classroom. Laugh at the mess. Laugh at the memories. Laugh at the crazy moments. This episode is all about getting us to take a step back and have a hilarious moment together. I promise these stories are relateable and will have you saying OMG as you listen! Sit back, relax, and enjoy a good laugh! You deserve it!

Do you have a trophy in your classroom? Even if you aren’t a coach you should totally have a trophy in your classroom. Don’t know how or why you need one? Then you need this episode in your life! Check out Vicky’s awesome ideas as she dishes out two quick tips on how creating a classroom community helps with behavior management. Learn more about this awesome trophy idea and so many oth...

We hear the same thing every year, “New Year, New You!” And while there is truth to that, there are never actionable steps to take to make a new year awesome. So don’t fall into the BS trap of a resolution. Dominate 2020 with a simple, effective, life hack that is perfect for us as teachers. I promise you will walk away from this episode so pumped up and ready to win the day tomo...

You know who deserves some gifts this holiday season? YOU! In this super fun episode of This Teacher Life we explore 5 gifts that you should totally give yourself! They won’t break the bank and they will add some much laughter and love to your winter! To find out more about Monica’s books visit: www.monicagenta.com/shop 

There is no I in TEAM. But there is an I in FRIENDS! Jack is my friend who is amazing at bringing teachers together to create effective teams! Check out Jack’s awesome ideas as he dishes out two quick tips on how we can help teachers manage the madness of working with other educators. You can watch the full interview here: https://monicagenta.com/2018/11/18/episode-11-jack-berckemeyer/

  How often do we SELF-reflect on our teaching? How often do let STUDENTS reflect on our teaching? I’m SO thankful for the moments where I take time to do both. In this special episode we explore thankfulness, reflection, and what can happen when we combine the two to create best practice! Get ready to laugh, learn, think, and be thankful during this 15 minutes of awesome!

Partnerships in the classroom can be so powerful! Are you ready to extend the learning beyond the four walls of your school? Rae Hughart, a middle school teacher from Illinois, is incredible at creating meaningful partnerships with the community! Check out Rae’s awesome ideas as she dishes out two quick tips on how easy and effective it is to create meaningful partnerships for the classroom Want t...

Do you feel like you are constantly grabbing your hair and saying, “HELP!” Maybe questions like these are on your mind…. What are we supposed to do when kids refuse to ENGAGE? Any ideas for when other teachers don’t share the same PASSION as me? How do you deal with SO much grading? All of these questions are AWESOME! And all of these questions were submitted by amazing tea...

New Student. Unexpected Absence. Pop-up Sub. None of this was planned! This quick tip episode features Aris Rossi, a super sweet teacher from California who is all about helping us be ready! Check out this lovable interview where she dishes out ideas on how we can always be prepared. See the video of this episode here: https://monicagenta.com/2018/10/20/episode-7-aris-rossi/

Hi. I’m Monica. I’m a Teacher. And I’m a hot mess sometimes. And you are a hot mess teacher sometimes too. And that’s ok! In this episode we explore what to do when everything we are doing seems to be going wrong. I’m confident the stories told here and the motivational message at the end will be just the boost you need to not feel like a total hot mess express in you...

Laughter leads to learning. Period. And in this quick tip episode, Esther Brunat gives us a few ideas on how we can incorporate humor into our classroom management. To see the video recording of this episode check out  https://monicagenta.com/2018/10/13/episode-6-esther-brunat/

What is something that we can do to consistently bring our teaching game to a new level? The answer may not be what you would expect… It is not a teaching strategy. It is not a behavior management idea. It is not a communication idea for parents. The thing that can bring our teaching game to another level is… Check out this episode to find out more! Looking for teacher books to bring this te...

Lauren Denny dishes out to quick tips that truly help build a classroom community. These innovative ideas totally help with infusing life skills like communication and collaboration. To learn more about how to bring Life Skills into your classroom check out the book The Rooted Classroom at https://www.monicagenta.com/shop Want to view a piece of Idaho? Check out this LIVE video from a true Idaho t...