It’s easy for us, as teachers, to feel exhausted, overwhelmed, and honestly… crushed by the classroom at this point in the year.

But it doesn’t have to end that way.

In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast, we’re talking about 5 Simple Ways to End This School Year on a Good Note—without burning out, using the powerful (and easy-to-remember) acronym CRUSH.

Each letter in CRUSH represents one of the five most important areas of education that truly matter as the year wraps up—far beyond test scores, checklists, or last-minute chaos.

These are simple shifts you can make right now to finish strong, protect your energy, and feel proud of the impact you’ve made.

Whether you’re counting down the days, surviving on caffeine, or trying to hold it together until summer break, this episode will help you:

• Refocus on what actually matters most

• Reconnect with your students in meaningful ways

• Release guilt, pressure, and unrealistic expectations

• End the year feeling accomplished instead of defeated

If you want to close out this school year feeling calm, confident, and not completely drained, this episode is for you.

Episode Notes:

Join the Crushing it For Kids Virtual PD Fun, Flexible Course:

monicagenta.com/crush-it-course/

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

22

Teachers work hard—and we shouldn’t have to overpay when we travel!

In fact, we should be able to SAVE money!

In this week’s episode of This Teacher Life, I’m sharing 4 shockingly easy hotel hacks that teachers can use to save serious money on trips, conferences, weekend getaways, or school breaks.

These aren’t complicated tricks or crazy reward systems—they’re simple strategies teachers can use, even if you don’t travel often.

Once you hear them, you’ll wonder why you’ve been paying full price all along!

If you love saving money without extra effort, this episode is a must-listen.

Episode Notes:

Learn More About the Southwest Card Here:

Southwest Credit Card

Summary of Hotel Hacks with Visuals:

Public School Teacher Discount Rate

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

***Disclaimer- credit cards can create dangerous spending behaviors for some people. Only apply for a card if you fully understand the terms and conditions of the cards you apply for. Monica Genta, LLC is not responsible for any fees, fines, or finances based on your choices after reading this information. Card bonuses and specific details change. Be sure to check the Chase website for the most up to date information about card details ***

Struggling to fit SEL into an already packed school day?

OR

Struggling to come up with ideas that actually engage kids?

In this week’s episode of the This Teacher Life podcast I will show you how you can spark powerful conversations, build trust, and get every student participating—using something they already love: music.

In this episode, I’m sharing my simplest SEL strategy that requires zero prep, works for any grade level, and instantly boosts student engagement.

You’ll learn how to use song lyrics to open the door to meaningful discussions around emotions, relationships, perspective-taking, and communication—all without awkward worksheets or long lessons.

We’ll talk about:

• How to choose the right songs for quick SEL moments

• Easy lyric-based questions that get even quiet students talking

• Why music helps students feel seen, heard, and understood

• How this strategy strengthens relationships with kids in minutes

If you’re looking for an easy, low-stress SEL routine that actually connects with students and fits into real classroom life, this episode is for you!

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

Teachers CAN Be Millionaires!? Yes—really. And no, it doesn’t require winning the lottery, working three extra jobs, or giving up your summers.

In this week’s episode of This Teacher Life, I’m breaking the biggest myth in education: that TRS alone will set us up for financial freedom forever.

You’ll learn 3 practical, realistic way that can help educators build real wealth and move toward financial freedom—without leaving the classroom (if that’s what’s best for you) or sacrificing what matters most.

We’re talking simple mindset shifts, smart money moves, and income strategies that actual teachers are using right now to change their financial future.

Tune in for encouragement, clarity, and doable steps that prove teachers can create financial freedom… and it starts WAY sooner than you think.

Episode Notes:

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

***Disclaimer- The information shared in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only. I am not a financial advisor, and this is not financial, legal, or tax advice. The strategies and ideas discussed are based on my personal experiences and what has worked for me, but results may vary. Always do your own research and consider consulting with a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.***

Episode Notes:

TONS of Ideas in the Course-180 Days of Awesome Relationships! Enroll Here:

monicagenta.com/courses

Get 180 FULL SEL Lessons for Your Classroom:

monicagenta.com/180SEL

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

Looking for a fresh, nearly free, low-stress way to bring your school community together?

In this fun-filled episode of This Teacher Life, we share a wildly simple and ridiculously entertaining event your staff and students will love: a school-friendly remix of Name That Tune!

We’ll break down how to organize it, creative twists to keep everyone laughing, and why a little silliness might be exactly what your school culture needs right now.

Whether you’re a teacher, principal, or just the unofficial morale booster on campus, this episode is packed with practical ideas to turn music and memories into community magic!

Episode Notes:

TONS of Ideas in the Course-180 Days of Awesome Relationships! Enroll Here:

monicagenta.com/courses

Get 180 FULL SEL Lessons for Your Classroom:

monicagenta.com/180SEL

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

Twiiter: twitter.com/monicagentaed

College doesn’t have to come with a lifetime of debt—and this will prove it.

In this week’s episode of This Teacher Life we break down real, practical strategies students can use to drastically reduce—or completely eliminate—the cost of higher education.

From finding hidden scholarships most people overlook to crafting winning applications that stand out, this episode is packed with actionable tips for students and parents alike.

You’ll learn:

• Where to find legitimate, under-the-radar scholarships

• How to position yourself as a strong candidate (even without perfect grades)

• Common scholarship mistakes that cost students thousands

• Simple habits that can increase your chances of winning money for school

Whether you are a teacher who has kids, a high school teacher, or know a teenager, this will help plan their future.

Press play and start turning scholarships into your tuition strategy.

Episode Notes:

Get 180 FULL SEL Lessons to Help Your Students With Real Life Skills:

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/

What if engaging every student didn’t require longer lesson plans, fancy tools, or extra prep time?

In this week’s episode of This Teacher Life, we share three powerful, classroom-tested teaching ideas that boost student engagement to near 100%—without adding a single minute to your day.

These strategies work seamlessly within the lessons you’re already teaching and are designed to reach all learners, including those who are typically quiet, disengaged, or overwhelmed.

You’ll walk away with:

• Simple shifts that immediately increase participation

• Engagement strategies that work across grade levels and subjects

• Practical ideas you can implement tomorrow—no prep required

If you’re feeling stretched thin but still want your students leaning in, thinking deeply, and participating fully, this episode is for you.

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