Home
Podcasts
Online Business for Teachers | TPT | How to Make Extra Money, Work From Home, Digital Products
Online Business for Teachers | TPT | How to Make Extra Money, Work From Home, Digital Products
This podcast is for teachers who want to start and grow an online business from home. It addresses feelings of burnout and overwhelm, offering guidance on creating extra income and building a flexible business using your own resources. Host Monica Lopez, a former teacher turned full-time business owner, shares her journey of moving from chasing trends to leveraging her existing skills. The show aims to help teachers achieve freedom and work-life balance by building a business that fits their lives.
Episodes
55: How to Make Decisions in Your TPT Business Without the Overthinking Spiral
If you have ever sat down to work on your TPT store and ended up doing nothing because you could not decide what to do first, this episode is for you.
Today I'm getting really honest about something I have struggled with myself. Overthinking. Indecision. That spiral that keeps you stuck even when you know what you need to do.
I talk about why AI and Google are not going to fix this for you, why te
54: Why You're Not Taking Action on Your TPT Store (It's Not What You Think)
If you've been telling yourself you're lazy or you just don't have enough time — I want to offer you something different today.
In this episode, we're talking about what is actually going on when TPT sellers stay stuck. And it usually comes down to three things: fear, overwhelm, and decision fatigue. The tricky part is that most of us don't even recognize it when it's happening. It's not something
53: How to Turn What You Already Teach into a Product That Sells on TPT
You already have the idea. You already have the resources. So why haven’t you uploaded anything yet?
In this episode, I break down the exact process I use to turn a simple classroom activity into a product that earns money on Teachers Pay Teachers, step by step, no fluff. From opening your store to writing your product description, I walk you through everything. And I get honest about the real rea
52: Stop Overthinking and Start Your Teacher Business: How to Go from Idea to Action
Stop Overthinking and Start Your Teacher Business: How to Go from Idea to Action
You have had the idea. You have thought about it, researched it, and maybe even had a full conversation with ChatGPT about it. But you still have not made anything.
In this episode we talk about:
Why teachers stay stuck before they even start
The real cost of waiting to feel ready
How comparing yourself to other sell
51: Before You Quit Your Teacher Business… Listen to This | 1 Year of Podcasting
I just hit one year of podcasting… and I didn’t go viral.
In this episode, I’m sharing what actually changed and why it matters if you’ve ever felt like quitting something you started. Whether it’s a podcast, a TPT store, or any kind of online business, this is the part we don’t talk about enough.
Because most of the time, it doesn’t look like it’s working.
But something is happening.
I didn’t see
50: Email Marketing for Teachers: What to Say (Without Feeling Salesy) | Liz Wilcox
If you’ve ever stared at your email like…
what am I even supposed to say?
Or you’ve avoided emailing your list because you don’t want to sound salesy… this episode is going to help you so much.
Today, I’m talking with Liz Wilcox, and she breaks email marketing down in a way that actually feels doable—especially for teachers.
We’re talking about how to connect with your audience, what to say in you
49: Can You Afford to Leave the Classroom? The Financial Reality Teachers Should Know
Thinking about leaving the classroom… but not sure if you’re financially ready?
In this episode, I’m sharing what I learned after leaving teaching and trying to figure out how to replace a full-time salary with business income.
This came up after a teacher friend (and mom of three) asked me how to actually make the transition. And I get it. When you have a family, especially young kids, the decisi
48: How I Manage the Money in My Teacher Business (Taxes, Profit & Paying Myself)
In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I manage my business finances, not as an accountant, but as someone who has learned through experience.
I’m sharing what I did when I first started, what changed when my business started growing, and the simple systems I use now to stay organized.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
What I did when I made my first $500 in my business
The moment I
47: Why Most TPT Sellers Quit (And What Actually Grows a Teacher Business)
Many people start a TPT store or teacher business feeling excited about the possibilities. But after a while, some of them get discouraged when their store grows slower than they expected.
The beginning stage of a business requires a lot of time, energy, and learning. You’re figuring out how to create resources, how to design them, how to list them, and how to explain them so teachers understand h
46: Why My First Businesses Failed (But My TPT Store Finally Worked)
Have you ever wondered why some businesses work while others never really take off?
Before I started my TPT store and my teacher business, I actually tried several other business ideas. Looking back, I truly believe those businesses could have worked. But they didn’t… and the reason might surprise you.
In this episode, I’m reflecting on what finally made my teacher business work and how starting a
45: What I Learned After My TPT Sales Flatlined: Funnels, Traffic, and Facebook Ads
What I Learned After My TPT Sales Flatlined: Funnels, Traffic, and Facebook Ads
If you’ve ever looked at your TPT dashboard and wondered, “Why are my sales suddenly… not moving?” this episode is for you.
For months, I blamed everything for my plateau: the algorithm, SEO, the saturated market, AI, promoting my membership, even the season. But the real reason my sales flatlined? It wasn’t any of th
44: The 4 Steps to Making Time for Your TPT Business When You Have No Time
If you’ve been staring at your TPT store, your ideas list, or that half-finished product thinking, “I just don’t have the time or the energy right now,” this episode is for you.
We’re in testing season.
It’s the end of the year.
And teachers everywhere are exhausted.
Today, I’m breaking down the 4 steps that helped me grow my TPT business while teaching full time, raising kids, and juggling all th
43: How to Grow Your TPT Store: Course, Coaching, or Just Execute?
Have you ever wondered if you actually need another course… or if you just need to get to work?
In today’s episode, I’m talking about investing back into your TPT business and how to decide whether you need:
• A course
• A coach
• Or just more execution
I break down the different stages of business growth and what kind of help makes sense at each one.
Because not every season requires spending mon
42: How to Make TPT Work for You, Not the Other Way Around
If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard on TPT but not getting the results you want, this episode will show you how to flip that dynamic. TPT is one of the smartest, lowest-risk business platforms available to teachers, but only when you know how to make it work for you strategically, instead of feeling like you’re endlessly creating without moving forward.
Today, I’m walking you through the
41: What to Sell on TPT: The 4 Steps Every New Seller Should Start With
🎙️ What to Sell on TPT: The 4 Steps Every New Seller Should Start With
If you’ve ever opened your computer and thought, “Okay… but what do I even make for TPT?” This episode will help you finally get clear.
Today I’m walking you through four simple steps to figure out what to sell on TPT, without chasing trends or guessing what teachers want. These steps work whether you’re brand new or you’ve be
40: Should You Sell on Your Website? The Real Pros, Cons, and TPT vs. Your Own Store
Are you wondering whether you should sell your teacher resources on your website or if it’s just one more thing everyone says you “should” do?
You’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions teacher-sellers ask when they start taking their business seriously.
In today’s episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know so you can make the right decision for YOUR stage of business
39: Track Your Data to Make Your Teacher Business Easier + What to Track at What Stages
If your teacher business feels harder than it should, you’re not alone. Most teacher entrepreneurs are making decisions based on emotion, guesswork, or daily dashboard checks that send them into panic mode. In today’s episode, we break down why your business feels overwhelming and how simple data tracking can instantly bring clarity, calm, and direction.
We’re talking about what to track (and what
38: Social Media for Teacher Sellers: What to Post, How Often, and What Actually Works
Social media can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling teaching, life, and a growing TPT business. Do you really need to be on Instagram? Does marketing actually work? And how do you promote your resources without living on your phone?
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Ashley Mickelson, a longtime teacher seller and self-described accidental entrepreneur. Ashley shares what she’s lear
37: Thinking of Leaving Teaching? The Realities of Full-Time Business Income
What if working from home and “passive income” aren’t as stress-free as we’ve been led to believe?
In this episode, I’m sharing a very honest reflection on what it’s actually like to run a business full time, especially as a former teacher who was used to a steady paycheck. I’m recording this at the start of a new year, in the middle of selling our house, and coming off a season that felt busy, he
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 productivit
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, c
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
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 focusin
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 kee
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 che
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
30: Why Paid Bundles Work and How to Join Your First One (Not on 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 actual
29: How to Know What TPT Product to Promote Next 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
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 rel
27: Start Your Email List (Even if You're Just Starting on TPT) Beginner Friendly Way
🎙️Start Your Email List Now: Why You Can’t Rely on TPT Alone (and What to Do Instead)
Why waiting is costing you sales — and how to start simply
Most teacher authors don’t think about building an email list until the day their sales dip, their social reach tanks, or TPT traffic slows down. By then, it’s obvious—you don’t actually own your audience.
In this episode, I’m breaking down why every sel
26: 6 Ways Teachers Can Make Money Online (Beyond TPT)
🎙️6 Income Streams Teachers Can Use Beyond TPT
How to expand your income without starting from scratch
Feel like all your eggs are in the TPT basket?
In this episode, we’re breaking down eight other ways you can make money using the products, skills, and experience you already have.
I’m sharing where I’ve personally experimented—like Classful, Made By Teachers, and Amazon KDP—and what I’ve learne
25:How to Increase Your TPT Revenue Without Working More Hours
🎙️ How to Increase Your TPT Revenue Without Working More Hours
Why creating related resources can multiply your revenue
Tired of $3 TPT sales?
In this episode, we’re diving into the strategy that can turn those small wins into bigger paydays: product lines and bundles.
I’ll share how I went from making random, one-off resources to building intentional product lines that work together—so buyers nat
24: Work With Your Energy, Not Against It: A Productivity Guide for Women Teacher Sellers
🎙️ Work With Your Energy, Not Against It: A Productivity Guide for Women Teacher Sellers
Your energy isn’t broken—it’s just cyclical.
Did you know your productivity as a TPT seller can follow a monthly rhythm? In this episode, I’m breaking down cycle syncing—a strategy that matches your business tasks to the natural ebb and flow of your energy.
We’ll talk about the four main phases of your cycle,
23: How Batching Your Work Helps You Grow Faster on TPT + My Simple Method
🎙️ Stop Task-Switching: My Batching Method for TPT Sellers
You’ve heard of batching before, but let’s be honest—most advice on it is either too rigid or too vague to actually help. In this episode, I’m sharing my take on batching so you can find the method that works for you.
I’ll walk you through the three main ways I batch my work—by task, by topic, and by energy—and how I’ve used each one in di
22: How to Balance Teaching Full-Time and Growing Your TPT Business Without Burning Out
🎙️ How to Organize Your Time as a Full-Time Teacher and TPT Seller
Are you teaching full-time, running a household, and trying to grow your TPT store—all at once?
If you’ve been feeling stretched thin and wondering how on earth you can fit it all in, this episode is for you.
I’m sharing exactly how I balanced my teaching job and my business without burning out. From learning to say “no” at school,
21: More Eyes, More Sales: How to Niche Down and Get Noticed on TPT
🎙️ Why You Need to Micro-Niche Your TPT Store
Feel like you’re shouting into the void on TPT? You’re posting resources, but your store still isn’t getting the attention—or sales—you hoped for?
You might be too broad.
In this episode, we’re breaking down how to niche down (even further) so your dream buyers can actually find you. You’ll learn what a micro-niche is, why it makes you more memorable,
20: Thinking About Starting a TPT Store? Make the Decision Already
🎙️ Thinking About Starting a TPT Store? Make the Decision Already
Should I start a TPT store?
Should I launch this idea?
Should I go all in?
If you’ve been stuck in decision mode—spending more time thinking than doing—this episode is for you. We’re talking about why indecision feels safe but keeps you stuck, and how to finally make progress by choosing and moving forward.
In this episode, you’ll l
19: Building a TPT Business? The One-Year Rule That Changes Everything
🎙️ Building a TPT Business? The One-Year Rule That Changes Everything
Feeling stuck in restart mode—jumping from one idea to the next? This episode is your permission slip to slow down, commit, and give your business the gift of time.
Inspired by Julie & Julia, I share how one simple decision—to stick with one project for a full year—can completely transform your TPT store or teacher business.
Bonus Episode: How to Start Your Teacher Business This Month (Without the Overwhelm)
🎙️ How to Start Your Teacher Business This Month (Without the Overwhelm)
Episode Summary:
If you’ve been telling yourself, “One day I’m going to start my teacher business…” — this is the episode to make it happen.
I’m sharing the exact steps I wish I’d taken when I first started, the biggest mistakes I see teachers make when launching their businesses, and how to skip the endless trial-and-error s
18: How to Pick the Right Product Idea (Without Overthinking) for Your TPT Business
🎙️ Building a TPT Business? How to Pick the Right Product Idea (Without Overthinking)
Are you following everyone and making progress with no one?
In this episode, we’re tackling shiny object syndrome—that constant pull to try the next course, podcast, or strategy because it might finally be “the answer.”
Here’s the problem: too many strategies = no strategy.
You don’t need more information—you nee
17: What Teachers Need to Know About Using AI for TPT Success
🎙️ 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
16: What to Do During the TPT Summer Slump (and How to Prep for Back-to-School Sales)
🎙️ 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
15: Why Learning More Isn’t Growing Your TPT Business (And What to Do About It)
🎙️ Episode 15 – The Trap of Overlearning and What to Do About It
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 pl
14: Feeling Scared to Start a Teacher Business? Listen to This: What No One Tells You
🎙️ 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 mean
13: Want to Make Extra Money as a Teacher? Start by Believing You Can
🎙️ 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 (espec
12: How to Price Your TPT Products to Actually Make Money
🎙️ Episode 12 – Want to Make Money Selling on TPT? How to Price Your TPT Products to Actually Make Money
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 t
11: Getting Your First TPT Sales: What to Focus on First (So You Don’t Burn Out or Give Up)
🎙️ 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 pro
10: TPT Seller Tips: What to Include in Your TPT Products, How to Set Up Resources for Buyers, and Boost Teacher Side Hustle Success
🎙️ 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
✅ Ho
9: Teacher Side Job Earnings: What to Expect When Selling on TPT as a Teacher Side Hustle
🎙️ 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
✅ Wha
8: TPT Seller Breakdown: The Real Costs of Running a Teacher Side Hustle
🎙️ 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 sma
7: Listen to This Before You Start Your TPT Store (How to Choose Your Path)
🎙️ Episode 6 – Side Hustle for Teacher or Full-Time TPT Seller? How to Choose Your Path
Are you working on Teachers Pay Teachers just for some extra income — or are you dreaming of replacing your full-time job?
In this episode, we break down the two types of TPT sellers:
✅ Side hustlers who want a flexible teacher side hustle for extra money
✅ Exit strategists who are all-in, building their TPT s
6: Why Teachers Don’t Start Selling on TPT (And How to Finally Take the First Step)
🎧 Episode 6 – Why Teachers Don’t Start Selling on TPT (And How to Finally Take the First Step)
If you’ve ever said, “I want to start a TPT store, but…” — this episode is for you.
Maybe you’ve told yourself:
“I don’t have time.”
“I’m not a business person.”
“I don’t know what to sell.”
“I’ll do it this summer… or when the kids are older…”
But here’s the truth: those aren’t the real reason
5: The Best Tools for Creating and Selling TPT Products (Fonts, Clip Art, and What to Avoid) Without Copyright Issues
🎧 Episode 5 – The Best Tools for Creating and Selling TPT Products (Fonts, Clip Art, and What to Avoid) Without Copyright Issues
If you’ve been wanting to create and sell your own teaching resources on TPT but you’re not sure what programs you can use—or what’s even allowed—you’re in the right place.
In this episode, I’m breaking down:
The best tools you can use to create TPT resources
How to
4: How to Start Selling Teacher Resources Even When You’re Burned Out
How to Start Selling Teacher Resources Even When You’re Burned Out
If you’ve ever thought about starting a TPT store or selling your teacher resources online—but life keeps getting in the way—you are not alone.
Most teachers I talk to say the same thing:
“I’m too busy.”
“I don’t have the energy.”
“I don’t want to take time away from my students or my family.”
I get it—because I’ve been there.
In t
1: Feeling Burnt Out as a Teacher? This Is Your Wake Up Call
Hey Teacher Friend!
Thinking about leaving teaching, but scared to admit it?
Have you ever sat at your desk, staring out the window, wondering: Is this really it? Am I really supposed to do this for the next 20 years?
Because that was me—over a decade ago. I had this quiet, nagging feeling that I was meant for more than teaching... but I was afraid to say it out loud.
If you're struggling with
2: Why Starting a Business Is the Best Solution to Teacher Burnout
Have you ever felt like there’s nothing left of you after giving everything to your students and your family?
That was me. Burned out, exhausted, and completely disconnected from myself. I thought I needed rest… but what I actually needed was purpose—something that was mine. Something that gave me energy instead of draining it.
In this episode, I’m sharing why starting a business (even something a
3: Teachers Making Money Online: Is It Wrong to Want More?
If you’ve ever felt a little guilty for wanting to make money outside the classroom—you’re not alone.
Maybe you’ve wondered if starting a TPT store or selling your resources somehow means you’re not “in it for the right reasons.”
Maybe you’ve told yourself: “I should be grateful for what I have.”
But here’s the truth: wanting more isn’t wrong—it’s human.
In this episode, I’m diving into the guilt
Recommended
girl talk 🎧🫧
Booked, Blonde & Busy w/ Olivia Ponton
LOVE SOMEONE with Delilah
Classical Christian Education
Veritas Vox - The Voice of Classical Christian Education
Enjoy Teaching Again | Elementary, Teacher Burnout, Student Behavior, SEL, Classroom Management
Entrepreneur Kids Legacy Show - Family Motivation, Business Boss Babies, Inspirational Speakers and Healthy fun food
McKinsey on Consumer and Retail
megahired.com
Telli Talks with Telli Swift
Harmonize Your Life: Conversation on Self-Care for Women of Color
Lighting the Legal Career Path
