Online Business for Teachers | TPT | How to Make Extra Money, Work From Home, Digital Products

36: Why More Time Doesn’t Make You More Productive

Why More Time Doesn’t Make You More Productive When we’re working full time, it’s easy to believe that if we just had more time, we’d make more money in our business. But what happens when you finally have the time and productivity still feels off?
In this episode, I’m sharing honest lessons I’ve learned from staying home to work on my business full time, and what that taught me about productivity, time management, and execution. If you’ve been working hard but not seeing results, this episode will help you see what’s really getting in the way.
We talk about why time isn’t the real issue, how planning can turn into procrastination, and the simple strategies that helped me move from busy to actually getting things done.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why having more time doesn’t automatically lead to more money
The hidden productivity trap of working for yourself
How planning, learning, and “preparing” can become disguised procrastination
Why motivation is a myth (and what actually works instead)
How hesitation, overthinking, and fear slow down execution
How the 5 Second Rule helped me take action faster
The First Domino Concept and how routines reduce decision fatigue
How scheduling in realistic time blocks creates clarity and momentum
Key Concepts Mentioned
The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
The First Domino Concept (starting with one small action that triggers momentum)
Decision fatigue and why structure matters when you work from home
How to Apply This to Your Life & Business
Identify your first domino (your one non-negotiable starting point).
Use the 5-4-3-2-1 rule when you feel hesitation or resistance.
Write out your schedule in advance to remove daily decision-making.
Focus on execution—not learning, planning, or scrolling.
If this episode hit home for you and you know you’ve been busy but not productive, this is exactly what I help teachers with inside my one-on-one coaching calls.
We look at what you’re working on, what actually makes money, and what you need to stop overthinking so you can start executing. No fluff. No endless learning. Just clarity, a plan, and action.
If you want support applying what we talked about today to your business, you can book a one-on-one coaching call with me.👉 Schedule a Call
Connect With Me
Got questions or want to share your story?Email me at info@monica-lopez.com. I read every message and would love to hear from you.

35: You’re Not “Just a Teacher”: Why So Many Teachers Don’t Believe They Can Sell on TPT or Start Any Business

So many teachers want more. More income, more flexibility, more ownership over their time, but never take the first step toward building a business.
Not because they lack skills.Not because they don’t have ideas.But because of a belief they’ve been carrying for years: “I’m just a teacher.”
In this episode, I unpack a deeply ingrained mindset that came up for me recently. One rooted in culture, class, and identity and how it quietly shows up when teachers think about selling on Teachers Pay Teachers or starting a business of their own.
We talk about the harmful messages many of us internalized about where we come from, what we’re “allowed” to want, and who we’re allowed to become and how those beliefs keep us playing small, even when we’re capable of so much more.
If you’ve ever thought:
“I don’t have anything worth selling.”
“Other teachers are better than me.”
“I wouldn’t even know where to start.”
“People like me don’t do that.”
This episode is for you.
In this episode, we talk about:
The hidden belief that keeps teachers from seeing their value
How cultural and family messages shape our business identity
Why where you come from does not determine where you’re going
What it really means to “act as if” when building confidence
Why selling on TPT isn’t about being special, it’s about believing you’re capable
How to take the first small step toward a new identity in business
You are not “just” a teacher.You are a problem-solver, a creator, and someone with real value to offer.
And if you’re ready to explore what that could look like for you — even if it feels scary — you don’t have to do it alone.
Schedule a clarity call with me and let’s talk about where you are, where you want to go, and what your next step could be.

34: 8 Strategies I’m Keeping in 2026 to Grow My TPT Store and Teacher Business

If you’re ready to walk into 2026 with more clarity, less overwhelm, and a whole lot more focus, this episode is for you. Today, I’m breaking down the strategies I’m keeping, the habits I’m letting go of, and the single biggest planning shift that has already made my business feel more intentional and aligned.
Inside the episode, we cover:
✅ What Actually Worked in 2025 (and why I’m keeping it in 2026)
Listing TPT products consistently
Growing and nurturing my ESL Teacher Membership
Hiring help and staying in my zone of genius
Keeping email marketing simple but consistent
Blogging to add value + strengthen SEO
Free and paid collaborations
Monthly strategic planning sessions
Growing my Facebook group intentionally
✅ What I’m Leaving Behind
Overworking and believing more hours = more success
Shiny object syndrome and business ideas that don’t align with my long-term vision
You’ll hear why clarity has become my guiding principle and how having a simple yearly skeleton plan has helped me instantly decide whether something fits my business—or belongs in the “nope” pile.
My #1 Strategy Shift for 2026
If you take nothing else from this episode, take this:Plan out your promotions for the entire year.You don’t need a detailed plan—just a simple structure. It creates clarity, reduces stress, keeps you focused, and protects you from shiny object syndrome.
Free Resource Mentioned
Free TPT Starter Kit Mini Course Learn how to set up your TPT store the right way—branding, covers, thumbnails, storefront, and more.Grab it here: Free Mini Course
Join the $100 for $100 Coaching Program
Ready to start making money on TPT?This is a live group coaching program where I walk you step-by-step through making your first—and next—$100. It's not a passive course. You get accountability, live coaching, and support every step of the way.Join here: $100 for $100

33: How to Grow Your TPT Business in the Age of AI (Without Getting Replaced)

AI is everywhere and if you’ve been feeling nervous about your TPT business because teachers can now generate worksheets, quizzes, and vocabulary lists in seconds… this is for you.
AI can’t replace teacher experience, teacher insight, or teacher-created structure and that’s exactly where your opportunity lies.
In this episode, we break down how to grow your TPT business in the age of AI by focusing on the types of resources teachers still actively search for, still buy, and still can’t create with a single prompt.
You’ll learn:
What AI can and cannot create (and why it matters for your store)
The kinds of products that stand out in a crowded TPT market
How to use AI as a tool, not competition
Why hands-on, scaffolded, multi-step, and design-heavy resources are your edge
How to build a TPT store that’s still profitable as AI evolves
If you’ve been feeling stuck, discouraged, or unsure whether TPT is still worth your time, this episode will help you see what’s possible and how much value you actually bring as a teacher creator.
🎟️ Join the waitlist for $100 for $100
A 6-week live coaching cohort where you’ll get clear on your niche, map out a simple product line, get weekly feedback on your resources, and build a confident, strategic plan to grow your TPT income.👉 Join the waitlist

32: What Every New (and Seasoned) TPT Seller Needs to Know to Grow Their Business

If you want to grow your TPT business but keep getting stuck, overwhelmed, or second-guessing every step… this episode will help you understand why and what to do next.
Today we’re breaking down the three hidden fears that silently slow down TPT sellers:👉 fear of investing in your business👉 fear of the unknown👉 fear of being seen or judged for selling online
These fears are normal, but they keep so many teachers from building the TPT store they know they’re capable of. In this episode, you’ll learn how to recognize what’s holding you back, how to move through it, and how to finally take action on the business you want to build.
Whether you’re brand new to TPT or you’ve been stuck at the same income level for months, this episode will help you get clarity, find momentum, and grow your TPT store with confidence.
Want to Take the Next Step?
Join the waitlist for $100 for $100, my small-group coaching program designed to help you grow your TPT business with clarity, direction, and simple steps you can actually follow.
No more guessing. No more doing this alone. Just support, strategy, and real movement.
Join the waitlist

31: Smart Ways to Bundle Your Resources to Boost Sales

Smart Ways to Bundle Your TPT Resources and Boost Your Sales Fast
If you’ve ever felt like you have to keep creating new products to make new money, this episode will change how you see your TPT store.
In today’s episode, we’re diving into smart ways to bundle your existing resources so you can increase your sales without burning out. You’ll learn how bundling raises your value, helps teachers check out faster, and brings older resources back to life.
We’ll also talk about how to structure your bundles for different needs — by topic, skill, season, grade level, or purpose — and a few simple tweaks that can make them sell even better.
And if you’re ready to take this work deeper, I’d love to invite you to join the waitlist for my brand-new live coaching program, $100 for $100 — a small-group coaching experience starting January 3rd that’s designed to help you stop guessing what to create, clarify your niche, and build a simple strategic plan that actually grows your TPT income.
You’ll get weekly support, live feedback, and the accountability you need to take action — with the goal of helping you make your first (or next) $100 back from your store. Join the waitlist below and you’ll be the first to know when doors open.
 
🎟️ Join the waitlist here: Join the Waitlist

Bonus: Make Your Teacher Business More Sustainable Without Relying on TPT

If you’ve ever felt stressed watching your TPT sales go up and down, you’re not alone. Many teacher business owners are realizing that relying on TPT alone isn’t enough to build a sustainable income anymore — and that can feel discouraging when you’ve worked so hard to grow your store.
In this bonus episode, we’ll talk about how to take back control and create a business that doesn’t depend on an unpredictable algorithm. You’ll learn how to build stability, diversify your income, and create long-term growth that you control.
Plus, I’ll share one of my favorite events that will help you take this even further — the Teacher Seller Growth Summit, hosted by Misty Miller. It’s a free event happening November 13–16, designed to help teacher business owners attract buyers, increase sales, and grow without burnout.
You’ll hear from incredible speakers sharing practical strategies, and I’ll be presenting on email collaborations and paid bundles — two of the most powerful ways to grow beyond TPT without relying on ads or algorithms.
🎟️ Grab your free ticket here: FREE TICKET
If you are just starting on TPT and you want to get it right the first time, grab my free mini course: Mini Course

30: How Paid Bundles Help You Grow Your Teacher Business Beyond TPT

Ever wondered how teacher sellers are pulling off those massive bundle sales? The ones that seem to bring in cash, grow their lists, and build instant credibility? In this episode, we’re walking step-by-step through how to host your own paid collaborative bundle — without the stress.
You’ll learn how to:
Pick the right theme and timing for your audience
Recruit dependable collaborators who actually promote
Set clear expectations and deadlines that keep things smoothPrice your bundle for irresistible value
Deliver it seamlessly to buyers and build long-term relationships
I’ll share the behind-the-scenes lessons I learned from running her own paid bundle — what worked, what didn’t, and what I’ll always do again. Whether you’re hosting or just joining your first one, you’ll walk away knowing exactly how to make it profitable and sustainable.
Listen in and learn how to create a bundle that boosts your revenue, grows your list with buyers (not just freebie hunters), and positions you as a leader in your niche.
Mentioned in This Episode
Teacher Seller Growth Summit (Nov 13–16) — Grab your free ticket to join me and other presenters as they teach actionable strategies to grow your teacher business sustainably. 👉 FREE TICKET
🔑 Key Topics Covered
What a paid bundle actually is (and why it works)
The difference between free vs. paid collaborations
How to choose your theme, timing, and contributors
Setting up your platform, delivery, and affiliate links
Post-bundle follow-up that turns one-time buyers into lifelong fans
My free TPT Store Starter Kit Mini Course walks you through setting up your store in under an hour — step-by-step.Grab it here 👉 Free Mini Course

29: The Secret Pattern That Tells You Exactly What to Promote in Your Emails

🎧 The Secret Pattern That Tells You Exactly What to Promote in Your Emails
If you ever sit down to plan your next email and think, “I have no idea what to promote,” this episode is for you.
In today’s episode, we’re breaking down how to use your TPT sales data to plan exactly what to promote in your emails and social posts—without guessing or spinning your wheels. You’ll learn how to find your top-selling products from this time last year, spot patterns, and reuse your best-performing emails for easy, data-driven promotions.
Here’s what we cover:
How to open your TPT Dashboard and pinpoint what sold best this same week last year
What metrics (earnings, conversions, and units sold) actually matter—and what they tell you
How to know which products to promote again this year
Why your audience still wants those resources, even if you promoted them before
How to reuse and refresh your best-performing emails from last year—no starting from scratch
Plus, I’ll share a simple monthly routine that keeps your marketing clear, consistent, and totally manageable.
And don’t miss the Teacher Seller Growth Summit, kicking off November 13 – 16! You’ll hear from some incredible experts on how to attract buyers, increase sales, and build a sustainable teacher business. I’ll be presenting on email collaborations and paid bundles—two of the best ways to grow your income and reach new audiences without adding more hours to your week.
🎟️ Grab your free ticket here: FREE TICKET 🎁 Upgrade to the All-Access Pass for early access, 12 months of replay access, a private podcast feed, and exclusive speaker bonuses—all at a special reduced price!
Grab my free TPT Store Starter Kit Mini Course — 6 quick videos to help you set up a polished, professional TPT store that’s ready to sell!👉https://www.yourteacherbiz.com/free-mini-course

28: The Easiest Way to Grow Your List Fast (No Ads, No Overwhelm)

🎙️The Easiest Way to Grow Your List Fast  (No Ads, No Overwhelm)
If growing your email list feels slow or complicated, this episode will make it feel easy again.
I’m breaking down one of my favorite low-stress ways to grow your list — email collaborations. You’ll learn exactly how they work, why they’re so effective, and the two specific formats I’ve personally used to grow my audience without relying on ads or constant launches.
We’ll talk about how to set up a Freebie Bundle and how to run a 5 Weeks of Freebies Gift Series right after Thanksgiving — a simple, relationship-building way to stay visible and give teachers something valuable before the holidays.
By the end of this episode, you’ll know how to plan, organize, and run your own collaboration with confidence (and maybe even make some new business friends along the way).
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
What email collaborations are and why they work so well
Two collaboration formats I’ve personally used and loved
How to keep the process organized and low-stress
What boundaries to set so your collab doesn’t fall apart
The best time of year to host a collaboration (and why the holidays are perfect)
Mentioned in This Episode:
🎟️ Teacher Seller Growth Summit — November 13–18 Join me and 25+ industry experts for 4 days of actionable sessions on growing your TPT business, boosting visibility, and building your audience. Get your free ticket 
Get your All Access Pass
Grab my free TPT Store Starter Kit Mini Course — 6 quick videos to help you set up a polished, professional TPT store that’s ready to sell!👉https://www.yourteacherbiz.com/free-mini-course