Online Business for Teachers | How to Make Extra Money, Work From Home, Digital Products
The Go-To Podcast for Teachers Who Want to Start & Grow an Online Business From Home! Feeling too burnt out to even think about something new? Wondering if you have what it takes to start a business—especially when you’ve never seen yourself as “entrepreneurial”? Overwhelmed by the idea of setting up a store, choosing what to sell, and making it all look polished and professional? I’m so excited you’re here! This podcast will help you create extra income, build a flexible business with your own resources, and finally have the freedom to work from home—so you can stop feeling stuck and start living life on your terms! Hey, I’m Monica. A mom, former teacher, and a full-time business owner. For 10 years, I tried to start a business in all the wrong places. I was chasing every online business trend, signing up for courses, reading all the books, and looking for clarity everywhere but each one left me more overwhelmed and further from the freedom I wanted. I finally realized that if I was going to find freedom in my life and income, I needed to stop running from what I already knew—and start building a business with the skills I already had. I built a business that fit me—simple, sustainable, and aligned with what I already knew. And now I’m here to help you do the same. If you’re curious about making extra money without leaving the classroom… And want a business that’s flexible, doable, and built around your teacher strengths… With results that can change your life—like more time, more money, and more freedom— this podcast is for you! Close the lesson plans and grab your favorite drink. It’s your turn now.
Episodes

23 minutes ago
23 minutes ago
🎙️ How We Can Use AI to Create TPT Resources Faster (and Better)
AI can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we’re talking about how teacher-authors can use AI tools in simple, effective ways to streamline the content creation process without losing their voice or values.
From brainstorming new product ideas to writing passages, simplifying text, solving tech issues, and even analyzing audience data—AI can help you work faster, think clearer, and create better TPT resources that meet real classroom needs.
This isn’t about replacing your creativity. It’s about using the tools available to work smarter—not harder.
In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ How to use AI to brainstorm, write, format, and edit resources ✅ Why AI can help you simplify and differentiate faster ✅ Ways to solve platform and tech issues using AI (like ConvertKit, Canva & more) ✅ How to analyze your audience’s feedback with AI to create products they actually want ✅ What to avoid so you stay ethical and effective while using AI
If this helped you, would you share it with another teacherpreneur? Your share helps others discover the show and start building with clarity and confidence. 💛
🎯 Ready to Start or Grow Your TPT Store With a Clear Plan?
Let’s map out exactly what you should be working on right now—whether you're just getting started or trying to grow your store the smart way. 🙌
In a 1:1 coaching call, I’ll help you get focused, skip the guesswork, and finally take action on the next right step for your teacher business.
🔗 Book your coaching session here: BOOK NOW

Monday Jul 14, 2025
Monday Jul 14, 2025
🎙️ Episode 16 – What to Do During the TPT Summer Slump (and How to Prep for Back-to-School Sales)
Feeling the summer slump in your TPT business? Sales are slow, motivation is low, and you’re wondering if this is normal. (Spoiler alert: it is.)
In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what really happens in the TPT world during June and early July—and why it’s not a sign that you’re failing. You’ll hear how I navigate the seasonal dip and what I recommend focusing on instead.
Whether you’re just starting your TPT store or looking to grow it, I’m sharing practical tips on what to create now so you’re ready for back-to-school season when teachers start shopping again.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why TPT sales drop during the summer (and when they pick up again)
What to do if you haven’t started your store yet
Back-to-school product ideas that teachers actually want
How to batch your content now so you're not scrambling in August
The mindset shift that will keep you grounded during slow seasons
🎯 Ready to Start or Grow Your TPT Store With a Clear Plan?
Let’s map out exactly what you should be working on right now—whether you're just getting started or trying to grow your store the smart way. 🙌
In a 1:1 coaching call, I’ll help you get focused, skip the guesswork, and finally take action on the next right step for your teacher business.
🔗 Book your coaching session here: Book Now
<< Spots are limited each month, so grab yours before they’re gone! >>

Monday Jul 07, 2025
Monday Jul 07, 2025
🎙️ Episode 15 – The Trap of Overlearning: Why You’re Not Selling on TPT Yet
Are you constantly learning about how to grow a business… but still not growing one? You’re not alone.
In this episode, we’re talking about how being a lifelong learner, rule follower, and self-help junkie might actually be keeping you stuck. (Yes—really.)
If you keep telling yourself you need to “know more” or “get everything in place” before you start, this episode is for you.
You’ll learn:
Why your “good student” mindset is slowing your business growth
How over-consuming podcasts, books, and freebies feeds overwhelm, not action
The Learn → Apply → Learn again cycle that actually builds momentum
How to shift from “I need more info” to “I’m doing the thing”
I’ll share my personal experience of getting stuck in the learning loop and what finally helped me break out of it and start moving forward—messy action and all.
👉 Ready to stop overthinking and actually build the business you’ve been learning about? 📲 Book a coaching call with me: [Book Now] We’ll take what’s swirling in your head and turn it into a clear, simple, doable plan—so you can finally start.
Mentioned in this episode:
Why action (not more info) is what creates clarity
The mindset shift from “I have to get it right” to “I’ll figure it out as I go”
How to know when it’s time to stop learning and start applying
💛 Thanks for being here! If this episode gave you the nudge you needed, would you take 30 seconds to leave a quick review? It helps other teachers and future business owners find this podcast—and get moving too.
🎧 Until next time—close the tab, stop scrolling, and go do something with what you already know. You’ve got this.

Monday Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
🎙️ Episode 14 – The Emotional Side of Starting a Teacher Business: What No One Tells You
If you’ve ever started a business, a podcast, or even a big goal—only to hit a wall and wonder, “Why does this feel so hard?”—this episode is for you.
In The 12 Week Year, Brian Moran describes the Emotional Cycle of Change, a five-stage process that every entrepreneur goes through when pursuing something meaningful. And girl—once I understood this cycle, it changed everything.
In this episode, I’m breaking down:
The 5 emotional stages of starting and growing a business
Why most people quit in the middle (and how not to)
How this cycle has shown up in my own story (more than once)
The truth about success: it’s not about being fearless—it’s about going anyway
Whether you’re dreaming about starting or you’re stuck in the messy middle, I want to help you normalize the process, push through the doubt, and keep going—because what’s waiting on the other side is so worth it.
👉 Ready to stop overthinking and finally move forward? Book a coaching call with me: [Book Now] I’ll help you simplify your next steps so you can actually start that business—and feel good doing it.
Mentioned in this episode:
The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran
The Emotional Cycle of Change
My journey through multiple failed attempts (before TPT finally stuck)
💛 Thanks for tuning in! If this episode hit home, would you take 30 seconds to leave a quick review? It helps more teachers and aspiring business owners find the show—and keep going.
🎧 Until next time, keep showing up. You’re becoming the version of you who does the thing.

Monday Jun 23, 2025
Monday Jun 23, 2025
🎙️ Episode 13 – Want to Make Extra Money as a Teacher? Start by Believing You Can
Starting a business isn’t just about picking a niche or uploading products. It’s about navigating the emotional side of entrepreneurship—fear, doubt, overthinking, and the mindset work that most people never talk about.
In this episode, I’m sharing the truth behind what really holds most aspiring entrepreneurs (especially teachers!) back. Spoiler alert: it’s not your lack of time or tech skills. It’s your belief in yourself.
You’ll learn:
Why fear, self-doubt, and even physical anxiety are normal when starting
The difference between business fear and mindset fear—and how to move through both
Why having faith in yourself is one of the most important business tools you’ll ever develop
My personal story of breaking through years of limiting beliefs, guilt, and fear just to start
The truth about mistakes—and why making them is part of your growth
Whether you’re still dreaming about a business or you’re stuck in overthinking, this episode will meet you where you are.
👉 Ready to finally move forward and build a business that feels aligned with your life? 📲 Book a coaching call with me: [Book Now] We’ll talk through your fears, your goals, and your next step forward—together.
Mentioned in this episode:
Journaling, prayer, and mindset work for new entrepreneurs
How physical fear shows up when starting something new
The power of having someone in your corner when you're starting
💛 Thank you for being here. If this episode gave you clarity or comfort, would you take 30 seconds to leave a quick review? It helps more teachers and women like you find the show—and believe that it’s possible for them too.
🎧 Until next time—trust yourself, take the step, and know that you’re not alone.

Monday Jun 16, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
🎙️ Episode 12 – Want to Make Money Selling on TPT? Start With the Right Price
How much should you charge for your TPT resources? If you're stuck between "I don't want to undercharge" and "Will anyone actually pay for this?"—you're not alone.
In this episode, I’m answering one of the most frequently asked questions: How do you price your TPT products?
You’ll learn:
How to compare your product to others without copying
What to do if your resource doesn’t feel “big enough” to charge $3
Why $4.99 often outsells $5.00 (yes, really)
The psychology behind price filters and buyer habits
And why pricing isn't permanent—you can always adjust later!
Plus, I’ll share the story of how changing the price on one of my own resources by just a few cents made a huge difference in sales.
👉 Book a coaching call with me: [Book Now] These sessions are designed to help you get personalized feedback and actionable steps to grow your TPT store with confidence.
Join our FREE Facebook Group
Mentioned in this episode:
TPT’s $3 transaction fee threshold
The $5 filter and pricing psychology
Using value-adds to increase product worth
Let’s Connect: 📬 Got questions or want to share your story? Email me at info@monica-lopez.com 🎧 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and leave a review. It helps more teachers find the podcast!

Monday Jun 09, 2025
Monday Jun 09, 2025
🎙️ Episode 11 – Getting Your First TPT Sales: What to Focus on First (So You Don’t Burn Out or Give Up)
Are your TPT products sitting in your store... without getting views or sales? You’re not alone—and it’s not because your resources aren’t good. Most beginner sellers just don’t know what to focus on first.
In this episode, I’m walking you through the 4 foundational strategies that help your products actually get found and purchased. You’ll learn:
What makes a product “high-quality” in the eyes of teachers
How to design scroll-stopping covers and previews
How to write SEO-optimized titles that show up in TPT search
And the real role of your snippet—the first 100–200 words of your product description (it’s more important than you think!)
If you’re feeling stuck, unsure what to fix, or just want to make your first (or next) sale, this episode will give you clarity, direction, and the encouragement to keep going.
💬 Want personalized support? Book a 1-hour coaching call with me — we’ll tackle your TPT strategy, product setup, or business growth! Spots are limited: [Book a Call]
👥 Looking for community? Join my Free Facebook group for teachers building online businesses, teacher side hustles, and TPT stores: [Join Now]
Let’s Connect: 📬 Got questions or want to share your story? Email me at info@monica-lopez.com 🎧 Subscribe and leave a review if this helped you—it helps more teachers find the podcast!

Monday Jun 02, 2025
Monday Jun 02, 2025
🎙️ Episode 10 – TPT Seller Tips: What to Include in Your TPT Products, How to Set Up Resources for Buyers, and Boost Teacher Side Hustle Success
Are you wondering what to include in your TPT products and downloads to create a polished, professional buyer experience?
In this episode, you’ll discover: ✅ The complete checklist of must-have pages, like thank you pages, terms of use, and credits ✅ How to set up TPT resources for buyers, including clear instructions, answer keys, rubrics, and download guides ✅ How adding related product links, review requests, and optional freebies helps increase sales, reviews, and followers ✅ Practical TPT seller tips for growing your teacher side hustle income and making your products stand out
Whether you’re just learning how to sell on TPT or want to improve your current products, this episode gives you actionable steps to boost your TPT store success.
💬 Want personalized support? Book a free 1-hour coaching call with me — we’ll tackle your TPT strategy, product setup, or business growth! Spots are limited: [Free Call]
👥 Looking for community? Join my Facebook group for teachers building online businesses, teacher side hustles, and TPT stores: [Join Now]

Monday May 26, 2025
Monday May 26, 2025
🎙️ Episode 9 – Teacher Side Job Earnings: What to Expect When Selling on TPT as a Teacher Side Hustle
Wondering how much money you can realistically make on TPT?
In this episode, we break it down honestly: ✅ What key factors influence your teacher side hustle income ✅ Why mindset is the biggest driver of your success ✅ How your investments, time, and effort shape your TPT seller earnings ✅ What to expect (and what’s realistic) when starting your TPT journey
Whether you’re hoping to make extra money as a teacher side job or dreaming of replacing your income, this episode will give you clarity, direction, and practical insights.
💬 Want personal help? Book a free 1-hour coaching call with me — ask anything about TPT, side hustle growth, or money mindset! Spots are limited: [Free Call]
👥 Looking for community? Join my Facebook group for teachers growing online businesses and building side hustles: [Join Now]

Monday May 19, 2025
Monday May 19, 2025
🎙️ Episode 8 – TPT Seller Breakdown: The Real Costs of Running a Teacher Side Hustle
Are you wondering how much it really costs to start and run a successful TPT seller business?
In this episode, we break it all down for you:✅ What must-have tools and expenses every teacher side hustle needs✅ What’s nice to have but totally optional when starting out✅ How to avoid wasting money and focus on smart investments for your teacher side job
Whether you’re just launching your TPT store or trying to grow it into something bigger, this episode will help you understand the real-world costs — so you can plan wisely and move forward with confidence.
💬 Want personalized advice?
Book a free 1-hour coaching call with me — I’m answering all your questions about selling on TPT, what works, and how to get started. Spots are limited, so grab yours here: Get my coaching call!
👥 Looking for community?Join my Facebook group for teachers growing online businesses, building side hustles, and creating more freedom in their lives: I want in!