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

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

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

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

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

Classroom games are a great way to build relationships with kids and create student engagement.

But sometimes those games can be complicated, take a ton of prep, and can get chaotic.

What if I told you there was a SUPER simple game that is easy to implement, takes practically no time to prep, and creates connection rather than chaos.

Would you play that game with students?

In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast I breakdown a really fun and easy holiday game that can transform into a game show in the matter of seconds.

Not only that, it will create dynamic discussions and is a create way to celebrate differences, traditions, and trends.

I promise you will be SO Thankful for this classroom game!

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

Twitter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

Chronic absenteeism can feel both overwhelming and annoying because we understand there is SO much more to the story.

But what if I told you there are some silly and significant things we can do to combat it?

In this weeks episode of This Teacher Life, we’re showing you how something as simple as a potato can have a BIG impact on your school’s attendance!

Tune in as we explore 9 creative and fun ways to boost attendance that don’t require fancy resources—just a little imagination and a whole lot of enthusiasm.

From quirky potato-themed incentives to engaging activities that motivate students to show up every day, you’ll get practical ideas that are easy to implement and guaranteed to bring excitement to your school.

If you’re looking for fresh ways to keep students engaged and present, this episode is packed with inspiration that can change the game at your school.

Episode Notes:

The Rooted Classroom Course Filled with TONS of Ideas for Relationship Building with Staff & Students:

monicagenta.com/courses

Want some Awesome PD or Consulting at Your School? Let’s Make it Happen:

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

Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

Want to boost student achievement data, but it feels way to huge to actually move the needle?

What if I told you there was an easy way to boost learning data and it’s by focusing on something totally separate?

In this week’s episode of This Teacher Life podcast, we’re bringing some fun and friendly competition to your school with an unexpected twist—a potato!

Discover how something as simple as a spud can completely transform your school’s attendance game.

We’re diving into creative attendance competitions that will get students excited to come to school and actively participate.

From toy-themed incentives to exciting challenges that keep students motivated, this episode is packed with unique, hands-on ideas to make attendance more engaging and enjoyable.

Whether you’re looking to reward consistency or encourage team spirit, you’ll walk away with a treasure trove of strategies to spice up your school.

Get ready for tons of inspiration and practical ideas that will make showing up to school an adventure!

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