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Private Practice Teachers and Tutors, Find the teacher right for you Welcome to The PPT Teacher Directory Find the independent teachers right for you & your family. The professional educators included in The PPT Directory are NOT employees of The Private Practice Teacher®. Each teacher is a private business owners and is 100% responsible for their conduct and business practices. Read Full Disclaimer Now Meet The Teachers ** Indicates a PPT® Verified Educator . These are teachers that I have personally worked with and whose teaching and business philosophies are similar to my own. Barb McCluskey ** The Reading Cube PreK, Elementary: Reading Read More Pilar Vanderstelt ** The Spanish Learning Nook PreK-Adult: Spanish, Spanish Immersion Read More Julie Mamunes ** Speaking of Russian MS, HS, Adult: Russian Read More Erica Triggs M.Ed. ** Lighthouse Learning Studio K-2: Reading & Dyslexia Read More Sue Klapec ** Lantern Literacy Elementary: Reading Read More Lara Luft Profa Lara Luft Brazilian Portuguese & ESOL Read More Hilary Farmer Adventure Learning LLC PreK-12: Math, English Read More Teresa Badalamenti, M.Ed. K-12: ELA and special education EduSteps LLC Read More Montrae Kornegay Kornegay Tutoring and Services K-12: Spec. Ed., English & Math Read More Geena James ** Foundations First Learning Elementary: Reading, Math Read More Steph Paturel ** Learn + Roam PreK-Adult: French; Elementary French Immersion Read More Beth Van Oss ** Bravo Español HS-Adult: Spanish Read More Sarah Elisabeth Rosa MSEd ** Rumba Rosa, LLC K-Adult: Spanish & ESL Read More Cathie Guillebastre My Math Mindset MS & HS: Math Read More Rose Gause Reading With Rose K-12: Reading, Literacy Read More Sheryl Uehling Tutoring with Sheryl K-8: Reading, Writing Read More Claudia Hall Spanish Class With Mrs. Hall PreK-HS: Spanish Read More More Teachers Can't find what you need? Our PPT Community is growing! Read More Ganaia Praema ** The Music Mentor K-Adult: Writing, Music, Art Read More Pamela Vasquez ** French Creek Language PreK-HS: French , French Copy Editing Read More Lance Green ** Green STEM Learning K-12: Science, Math, STEM, Music Read More Helen Peguero ** Aprende Con Peguero K-Adult: Span/Eng Ed, Spec. Ed Read More Demi K B.S.Ed. Education With Mrs.K 2nd-5th: Math, English Read More Danielle Hobson Dani-the-ACT-Coach ACT/SAT Test Prep Read More Rachel Cicioni M.Ed. ** MyFrenchU MS-Adult: French Read More Michelle Sorrells Simply Fun PreK - 5: All content areas Read More My Core Philosophy S tudents: Can't find a teacher for yourself or your student? Teachers: Would you like to add your business to the PPT® Directory free of charge? Click Here Click Here >> Disclaimer << Please read carefully The private practice teachers and tutors in The PPT® Directory are experienced, certified educators, & independent business owners. They have complete autonomy over both their business & teaching practice. Inclusion in this directory is voluntary and provided at no charge. * The teachers in this directory are not employed by nor pay a commission to The Private Practice Teacher®. The Private Practice Teacher® is NOT legally or morally responsible for the actions or inactions of the teachers included in the PPT® Directory. This directory serves only as a resource to help students and families find independent, private practice teachers and tutors. ** All liability resides with the independent teacher business owners and the students and families that choose to work with them.

< Back Hilary Farmer Adventure Learning LLC Adventure Learning LLC Are you looking for someone to help your child with a certain academic area? I am Hilary, a private teacher who teaches students Kindergarten through 5th grade in all academic areas, but specialize in math. As someone who struggled with math when I was in school, I understand what it is like to feel behind. It wasn't until I started playing card and dice games with my family and relating math concepts to real world experiences that it finally clicked. I love to help kids make those same connections. My tutoring services are unique in the fact that I create individualized lesson plans and activities that involve number sense, making connections to the real world, and solidifying their learning through game play. I offer in person tutoring for those in the Centerville, OH area and virtual tutoring for those in a different area. Go to FB Page

< Back Finding Myself Again Through Teaching Freedom Reading time 5 minutes Published September 4, 2025 Category: Teacher entrepreneur; Teacher burn out; Leaving the classroom I officially resigned from my full-time teaching job in July 2020. I said, “It was no longer a good fit for our family because of COVID,” but the real truth was harder: my job was turning me into someone my family and I didn’t recognize . I loved my students, my colleagues, and my content area, and still, the school system was draining the joy out of me. Worse, it was replacing it with hurt, anger, and resentment. COVID made the toxicity, hostility, and school politics impossible to ignore. During that first month of COVID teaching, I got sick, juggled online teaching with two little ones at home, and kept showing up anyway. The school had no protocol for what to do if/when a teacher got COVID. Support was minimal, subs were non-existent, appreciation was back-handed, and the mandates often worked against good teaching. When my seniors, many of whom I’d taught for five years, noticed the changes in my personality and started trying to take care of me , I knew I had to make a change. The moment I chose myself (and my family) At the end of that year, I was beyond exhausted, incredibly angry, and heartbroken. I couldn’t keep masking it at home, and I couldn’t keep pretending in class. I cried all summer and my dread grew the closer it got to August. My husband understood that I couldn't bear to go back there. But it was COVID. So much was uncertain, and we didn't know if the company he worked for would survive. I couldn't leave without having something else to go to. Finally, I landed an aide position that would allow me to get our daughters on and off the bus. It was a pay cut, but it was just barely enough. So, on the last possible day, I submitted my resignation. It was the scariest and kindest decision I’d made in years. What happened next surprised me. An opportunity that wasn't anywhere on my radar. I was approached by a very small local private school. They asked if I would teach two of their students. It wasn't enough for the school to hire me, but their parents agreed to pay me directly. I could make it whatever I wanted and charge whatever I thought was fair. Unbeknownst to me at the time, this became the beginning of my private teaching business. My first goal was simple: replace the part-time “offer” I’d received from my former employer (half the pay for the same course load). Within six months, I was earning $2,000/month in about ten hours a week. A month into the following school year, I fully replaced my former salary FT salary working approximately 20 hours a week. What changed when I stepped into private practice At home, my kids noticed first. One day, my oldest daughter said, “Mom, you’re so…happy now and proud of yourself. It's kind of annoying.” She was right. I was singing again, dancing in the kitchen, proud of myself and my work, and fully present for our day-to-day life. When I asked my littlest about what she thought about Mommy having her own business, she said that she was glad I got to take care of them now instead of Nana or Miss Kristin. Professionally, everything started to fall into place too. I stopped over-delivering and under-charging and started pricing sustainably. I learned that this model of teacher entrepreneurship works when you value your expertise, set clear terms and conditions, and build simple workflow systems. I also learned how much respect flows when families choose you directly. All of which led me to referring to myself as a private practice teacher or a teacher in private practice. Because if other highly educated and highly trained professionals have private practice models, why not teachers? Lessons you can borrow right now Whether you’re burned out or simply ready for a healthier pace, here’s what helped me build a private teaching business that felt good and paid well: Start before you’re “ready.” Share what you offer, even in a simple post. Momentum beats perfection when launching a private teaching business. Price for sustainability. If your rates require 60+ hours to pay the bills, they’re not sustainable. A private teaching business needs a margin for planning, admin, and real self-care. Design for respect and fit. Clear policies and a thoughtful intake make your business run smoothly for you and your students. Keep it human. Relationships and results are your best marketing. A values-aligned private teaching business grows through trust and results. Only take students you know you can serve well. Find a Community. Entrepreneurship can be isolating. Having a community of like-minded teacher entrepreneurs for collaboration, co-working, and support can be a game-changer. (We have one inside the T2E Intensive, but I'm working on building one for other teacher solopreneurs, too. Stay tuned.) As more of us create our own teaching/tutoring businesses, the “teacher = school employee” stops being the default. Being a private practice teacher allows us to show what’s possible when we have autonomy to teach the way we know our students learn best. Why the words matter I use the term private practice teacher rather than tutor intentionally. First, it names teachers as the educational experts we are and reframes our work alongside other professionals who are able to serve clients directly. Second, it differentiates us from other tutors who aren't teachers, like high school and college students who do it for extra money rather than as a career. When people see a private practice teacher in action, they see personalized instruction, safe learning spaces, evidence-based teaching methods, and students achieving their goals. They witness what real teaching and learning can look like without counterproductive mandates, policies, and constraints. My bigger mission After rebuilding and rebranding my teaching career, I created The Private Practice Teacher® to accomplish three main goals: Make teachers aware that this path exists and can be a viable option for those who still have a heart for teaching. Mentor those who want help building their own private teaching business. Elevate the profession of teaching so teachers are recognized as the educational experts they are. Every thriving private practice teacher is a living case study in what's possible for students when educators have agency. If this resonates You don’t have to stay stuck in a system that asks you to betray your best judgment. If you’re curious about becoming a private practice teacher or starting a private teaching business, I’d love to connect. Bring your story; I’ll bring strategy, compassion, and clear next steps. Best wishes always 💕 Previous Next

The Private Practice Teacher® is resource hub and community for teacher business owners at all stages of their business journey and for students seeking the private educators. The Private Practice Teacher® Fall in LOVE with Teaching Again. with Rachel Cicioni MEd. Schedule Free Consultation I believe this is how we make our seat at the table. THIS is how we get OUR voices heard. There is no doubt that our current educational systems have some very serious problems! Not the least of which is the failure to include teachers in the conversations about solving those problems. That's where Private Practice Teaching comes in. Let's shift the conversation. No longer will they be talking about a "teacher shortage". There will be plenty of teachers, just not teachers willing to work in systems that do not value their input and expertise. I help classroom teachers become self-employed teachers in 90 days or less. Check out my Teacher to Entrepreneur podcast! Barb McCluskey Owner/founder of The Reading Cube ''Rachel, thank you for your guidance, coaching and patience with me. I love my business and my life now!'' Schedule Free Consultation Press & Interviews Click Image Below to Read or Listen Collabs.io Mag Online Magazine Online magazine featuring solopreneurs and their stories for the purpose of collaboration, learning, and storytelling. The Teacher Story Podcast Podcast centering teachers journey and ideas about education reform. Ep.12-Rachel's Story-"Edupreneur-The Private Practice Teacher" WLCH Radio Centro Podcast How does a French teacher end up on a Spanish-speaking podcast? Because a former student asked me to, of course! Frequently asked questions What’s the investment? The T2E 90-Day Jumpstart Program is $3,000 all inclusive with life-time access to all course resources. Payment plans are available. Individual coaching starts at $60 per 30 minute session with discounts available for multi-session purchases. T2E Community members may schedule free 60-minute coaching session each quarter for as long as they maintain community membership. A free discovery call is recommended before any services are purchased to determine which services are right for each person. How long is the Mentorship program? The T2E 90-Day Jumpstart Program is designed to to have you confidently running your business in 12 weeks or less. After your 90 days, continued online group and 1:1 mentorship is available at a discounted rate for Jumpstart Program Alumni.. However, we are here for you for as long as you need us. You have lifetime access to program resources and program updates. T2E Jumpstart Members also receive a permanent home on our Teacher Directory for 1 year at no additional charge and special pricing on T2E Community Membership. Are refunds available if this is not the right fit for me? Of course. We work very hard during the initial assessment interview to ensure program compatibility and to answer all questions a potential mentee has. However should a teacher chose to leave the program within 14 days of the course open, a full refund will be issued upon written request and completion of an exit form. ** Although we have the Refund Policy stated above, not one participant has requested a refund since we began working with teacher entrepreneurs in June 2022. This is because we take the time to make sure that we are a good fit and answer all questions before any money exchanges hands. It is very important to me that NO ONE ever feels pressured into purchasing anything here. We are educators NOT salespeople. At The Private Practice Teacher®, our goal is to care for and support our teachers - NOT make as much money as possible. What about benefits? Just because you're a solo-entrepreneur doesn't mean you can't have benefits. You can shop for health care plans on the healthcare.gov marketplace. All of the plans on the marketplace MUST provide coverage for preventative care, life-saving care, & CANNOT discriminate because of a pre-existing condition. You can also speak with a marketplace broker for FREE if you need help deciding which plan is right for you.As for your retirement savings, I encourage you to speak with an investment advisor about your options for rolling over your retirement plans. This type of financial advising is also FREE, and I encourage you to speak with multiple institutions and an accountant before making a final decision.*** NOTE: This is NOT LEGAL or FINANCIAL ADVICE!! I am not a lawyer nor an accountant. I am a professional French teacher. The above information is from my experience starting my business.I highly recommend that all new US business owners consult a free SCORE mentor for advice on the legalities of setting up their business. What if I already have my own teacher business? If you already have an existing teacher business, than the whole T2E 90-Day Jumpstart Program may not be the best choice for you. In that case, I would encourage you to consider either À La Carte Coaching and/or becoming a member of The T2E Community. I encourage everyone to book a free strategy call to discuss which option is best for you. Are the programs live, or pre-recorded? The T2E 90-Day Jumpstart Program includes pre-recorded training videos, downloadable pdfs, and resources links, so you can work at your own pace. However, it also includes weekly live group Q&A sessions, guest speakers, and an online T2E community for both accountability and support.Live 1:1 coaching is purchased separately, at a discounted rate, scheduled by you as needed. How much feedback and accountability do I get? It's important to me that my mentorship courses NOT sit in your inbox until you "have time to do it".In the T2E 90-Day Jumpstart Program, you have a live group accountability meeting and a live workshop meeting. I, program alumni, and your fellow mentees will all "lovingly kick your butt" to make sure you are maintaining forward movement toward your goals.In the T2E Mindset Reset we meet twice a week to workshop the content in the prerecorded course, so that each participant is able to get timely answers to their questions and brainstorm with me and fellow participants.We will also hold you accountable and provide support via messaging, email, and our online T2E community. I have little to no online experience, is this program for me? Yes. If you can manage an online grade book and learning management system, then I can help you set up and run all the online components of your business.Whether you want to only do in-person classes or teach 100% online, you will still need to have some online presence. This program is designed to teach you how to set up and manage your scheduling, invoicing, marketing, online learning hub, and website. Can I do this by myself? Of course you can. I did. It took me between 18-20 months to learn how to create a sustainable and profitable business. I created my courses and programs to teach other teachers everything I learned during that time (and since) in the hopes that it will ultimately save you both time and money by helping you turn a profit more quickly.The bottom line is that it takes some combination of TIME and MONEY to start a business. It's up to you to decide what combination is right for you and your situation. I offer different levels of support no matter what you decide is right for you. Is this an MLM? NO! I help teachers create their own businesses completely independent of me. I'm happy to add them to my Teacher Directory and market for them, BUT those teachers are completely independent business owners. They do not work for me, nor do I take any portion of income they generate. ** I may ask some teachers if they would like to co-coach new teacher mentees. In that case, I pay them as independent contractors. Get in touch First name* Last name Email* Phone Write a message Submit

< Back How My Morning Routine Transformed My Life as a Teacher and a Parent Reading time 12 minutes Published September 22, 2023 Category: Self-employed teacher I want to take you on a journey through my life, comparing my morning routines as a teacher and parent. It's a story of evolution, adaptation, and most importantly, finding the balance that works best for my family and me. Before Kids: The Serene Teacher's Morning Once upon a time, in the land of pre-parenthood, my mornings were a sanctuary of calm and preparation. I'd rise early, with ample time to set up my classes for the day just the way I liked it. If a brilliant teaching idea struck me on the way to work, I had the luxury to pivot and incorporate it seamlessly. Coffee was savored, and I greeted my students refreshed and excited for the day. After the school day ended, I frequently stayed for a couple hours to plan lessons and create engaging resources. I didn't do it out of obligation but because I genuinely enjoyed it—well, except for the grading part; I've never liked grading. After Kids: The Hectic Morning Scramble Fast forward to the arrival of my little ones, and everything changed. Mornings became a chaotic race against time. Sleep became a distant memory, and the luxurious planning sessions evaporated. There was never enough time for lesson planning, grading, or even grabbing a moment of peace with a cup of now-cold-coffee. The collision of motherhood and teaching led me to navigate a new path—one that demanded a different version of me as both a teacher and a mother. Motherhood and Teaching: A Beautiful Blend Despite the overwhelming adjustments, I can't help but acknowledge how becoming a mom made me a better teacher. Seeing the world through the eyes of a parent gave me a renewed perspective on the preciousness of every student in my classroom. It deepened my empathy and love for my students and for teaching. However, it was also an exhausting juggling act that left me feeling constantly stressed and often resentful. The demands of my teaching profession seemed increasingly out of sync with the needs of my family. The Pandemic Crossroads: A Tough Decision When the pandemic struck, the ground shifted beneath my feet. Grandparents couldn't assist with childcare, and neighbors were understandably cautious. Daycare costs were so expensive (if you could even find one with opening), adding another layer of stress to an already strained situation. My husband and I had a difficult conversation, pondering the best course of action for our family and finances. A New Path Emerges: Part-Time Teacher and More After much deliberation, we settled on a solution: I would find a part-time job that allowed me to care for our kids before and after school while still contributing to our income. We made some budget adjustments and decided to take the plunge. I bid farewell to my students, families, colleagues, and the unsupportive administration that prioritized the school's needs over my family's. It was a bittersweet departure, marked by mixed emotions, a lot of tears, and a sense of liberation. Embracing a New Journey: Self-Employed Teacher In August, my new chapter began as a part-time ESL aide. I cherished the school, students, and teachers I supported. I had an amazing and supportive administration that allowed me to customize my schedule, ensuring I could be there for my children. However, the pay was less than ideal, and I yearned for more opportunities to teach. That's when a friend, a dean at a small private school, offered me a unique opportunity: to create and teach an online class for two students, setting my own fees and grading methods. I took the plunge, and by November, I had a thriving private teaching business and left my aide position. My Blissful Mornings as a Self-Employed Teacher Now, my mornings are a far cry from the chaotic rush they used to be. I wake up at six, enjoy a coffee with my spouse, have a leisurely hour with my kids, get some exercise, and then start my teaching day. My teaching day ends promptly at 3 p.m., giving me precious time for myself before my children return home. It's a schedule that finally allows me to breathe. A Fulfilling Life in Balance The most significant change is that there's time again—time to be the mother, spouse, friend, and teacher I aspire to be. The constant struggle and resentment have given way to a more fulfilling and rewarding life. My roles no longer compete with each other; they complement and support one another. As I reflect on this journey, I can't help but encourage you to find your balance, too. Whether it's a change in career, a shift in responsibilities, or simply a reevaluation of your daily routine. Take the leap if it brings you closer to a more joyful, peaceful, and fulfilling life. So, dear readers, if you find yourself at a crossroads, remember that change can lead to something beautiful. Embrace it, and may your mornings be as lovely as mine. If you have any questions or want to share your own story, please reach out. Let's connect and support each other on this journey called life. Best wishes always. Previous Next

< Back Sarah Elisabeth Rosa MSEd ** Rumba Rosa, LLC ** PPT Verified Educator Rumba Rosa, LLC Founder of Rumba Rosa, Ms. Sarah Elisabeth Rosa holds her MSEd. in Second Language Acquisition and has spent almost two decades as an English as a Second Language Educator in the public school systems of both New York State and more recently, Raleigh, North Carolina, with learners of all proficiency levels, ranging in grades from (K-12.) As a bilingual educator who is proud to have worked with hundreds of children and families throughout her career, Ms. Rosa has seen how the research based methods all of which are cornerstone to Rumba Rosa enable language learners to acquire a new language in the most natural, fun and memorable way possible. It is Ms. Rosa's passion and privilege to see more individuals become bilingual in the United States, and she prides herself on being a bridge to unite Spanish and English speaking communities to come together as one. Rumba Rosa, LLC specializes in immersive English and Spanish language classes. The research-driven methodology of Rumba Rosa enhances student engagement, while empowering individuals through varied learning experiences tailored to all proficiency levels. From beginners to advanced language enthusiasts, a diverse range of courses are offered including specialized instruction. Go to Website

< Back Crafting the Magic of Your Year Ahead Reading time 3 minutes Published January 2, 2024 Category: Goal setting As we stand on the threshold of a new year, there's an undeniable sense of magic in the air. But here's the secret: that enchantment isn't just confined to one day. The real wizardry lies within you – it's the power to create that magic whenever and however you please. Let's talk about New Year's resolutions. I've been down that road enough times to learn that it isn't for me, In my life, New Year's Resolutions too often led to a cycle of unrealized expectations and unnecessary pressure. So, instead, I've chosen a different route, one that I find liberating and immensely fulfilling. Rather than resolutions, I've embraced the art of crafting a vision for the year ahead. It's about dreaming big, envisioning the life I want to live, and painting it in vivid detail within the canvas of my mind. I jot down these aspirations in a journal and bring them to life on a vision board. This tangible representation serves as a beacon of inspiration, grounding me in times of uncertainty and reigniting that spark of passion whenever I need it. Starting the year with introspection, intention, and boundless enthusiasm has been a game-changer for me. It's not just about setting goals; it's about cultivating a mindset of empowerment and joy. This approach infuses each step I take with purpose, ensuring that every endeavor is aligned with my vision for a fulfilling life. As we step into 2024, I encourage you to consider this alternative to resolutions. Embrace the power of your dreams, the clarity of your intentions, and the joy of crafting your future. Let your vision be the guiding star that propels you forward, igniting your passion and fueling your journey. May this year be one of empowerment, inspiration, and unbridled joy. Here's to envisioning and creating a future that lights up our lives and the lives of those we touch. Wishing you a wonderful and fulfilling 2024! Best wishes always Previous Next

< Back Erica Triggs M.Ed. ** Lighthouse Learning Studio ** PPT Verified Educator Lighthouse Learning Studio Hi, I’m Erica — a passionate educator with over a decade of experience and personal insight into dyslexia. Through Lighthouse Learning Studio, I provide personalized, one-on-one Orton-Gillingham-based instruction, literacy intervention, and kindergarten readiness support. My mission is to nurture each child’s unique potential, empowering them to thrive academically and socially while fostering a lifelong love of learning. Go to Website

< Back Beyond Tired? It Might Be Time to Rethink Your Career. Reading time 5 minutes Published October 1, 2024 Category: Mental health October has arrived, and if you're still in the classroom, you're probably starting to feel it: that first wave of exhaustion creeping in. This time of year can be especially tough for teachers, as the excitement and optimism of the new school year wear off and the reality of long days, demanding students, and mounting expectations set in. You can see how the rest of the year will likely play out and what if anything you can do about it. If you're here, reading this, you're probably wondering if this is more than just the usual tiredness. As a former classroom teacher, I know this feeling all too well. October was always when I felt the first cracks in my energy and enthusiasm. And for many teachers, this first wave of exhaustion isn't just a sign that you're working hard—it's a warning sign that something bigger might be going on. Whether it’s burnout, a growing dissatisfaction with the school system, or the feeling that your career no longer aligns with your values, this exhaustion could be trying to tell you something important. For those nearing retirement, you might be wondering if there’s another way to continue teaching without sacrificing your well-being. Or maybe you're one of the many teachers who love working with students but simply can’t sustain the physical, mental, or emotional toll of the classroom anymore. The good news? You don’t have to stay stuck. There is a way to teach on your terms while regaining the flexibility, fulfillment, and balance you've been craving. After I left the classroom, I started my own private teaching business. It took me a few months to figure out my marketing, pricing, and systems, but in less than 6 months it allowed me to replace my monthly income while working far fewer hours. It gave me back my time, my energy, and my love for teaching. Later, I began helping other teachers do the same. You deserve a career that makes you feel appreciated, energized, and respected. If this October's exhaustion feels deeper than normal, it may be time to explore a new path—one that doesn’t drain you but instead revitalizes your passion for teaching. If you're ready to take control of your teaching career—whether that means working part-time, supplementing your income, or completely transitioning out of the classroom—I'm here to help. There’s life after burnout, and it’s possible to build a teaching business that works for you . Reach out to learn more about how I can help you navigate this transition. Best wishes always, Rachel Previous Next

< Back Teaching vs. Tutoring: Why It’s Time to Name and Own the Difference Reading time 5 minutes Published June 17, 2025 Category: Private Teaching, Private Tutoring It started with a comment on one of my YouTube videos. A viewer felt I was diminishing tutors by uplifting teachers. That wasn’t my intention — not even close. But the exchange got me thinking: why is this conversation so touchy? And why does it matter so much? Here's what I believe: tutors and teachers both play important roles in the learning process of their students. But they are not the same. And when we blur the line between them, we unintentionally undervalue the work, training, and responsibility that goes into teaching. What’s the difference? Tutoring is important. It’s targeted, often short-term support meant to help a student succeed in a course or subject they’re already enrolled in. It fills gaps, builds confidence, and reinforces concepts and skills that students may struggle with. Anyone with an aptitude for a specific content area and a desire to help others can become a tutor — and many do a fantastic job. But teaching? Teaching is something else entirely. Teaching means being the primary instructor. It means developing curriculum, designing assessments, managing learning outcomes, and creating a full instructional plan tailored to the learner. It pulls on your understanding of pedagogy, developmental psychology, and often specialized training in areas like literacy, differentiation, and special education. In my own private practice, I do both. As a private tutor , I provide support for a course someone else designed. I don’t determine the learning goals or assessments. I help students meet someone else’s expectations. As a private teacher , I am the course. I create the framework, set the goals, design the instruction, and guide the learning from start to finish. Both are valuable. But they are not the same. Why this matters—especially for teachers Most people don’t really know what teachers do. They know what it felt like to be a student, or what they see during parent-teacher conferences. But they don’t see the lesson planning, the data analysis, the behavioral and academic differentiation, the scaffolding, the ongoing assessment, the professional development, the hours of invisible labor. So when teachers leave the classroom and say they’re now “tutoring,” it creates a disconnect. Not because tutoring is less-than — but because calling it that fails to communicate what’s actually happening. And that misunderstanding contributes to the devaluation of the entire teaching profession. It’s the same reason we differentiate between a physician and a physician's assistant. Both are educated professionals. Both help people. But they aren’t interchangeable – at least not in all areas. The private practice teaching model When I started my own teaching business, I didn’t want to be seen as a "homework helper". Not because that work doesn't matter, but because I wanted to be recognized for the depth of skill and experience I brought with me. So I took inspiration from other licensed professionals who go into private practice—therapists, doctors, occupational therapists, and more. That’s how The Private Practice Teacher® was born. I do all the things a classroom teacher does, minus the bureaucracy: I design the learning experience I teach face-to-face or asynchronously I build curriculum, assessments, and support materials I communicate with families and track student growth I pursue professional development and reflective practice The only difference? I work for myself, not a district. And just like other private practice professionals, I get to decide: Who I work with What I charge How I structure my time What kind of learning I facilitate Words matter If you're a trained educator providing a full-service learning experience for your students, I believe you deserve to call yourself a teacher. Especially if you're doing the work of teaching. Calling it tutoring because that’s the common term only reinforces the idea that teaching isn't worth much outside of schools. Let’s flip that. Let’s start using language that reflects the full value of our training, experience, and impact. Let’s make teaching something that can thrive inside and outside of the classroom. Let’s make it visible, viable, and valued. And if you’re not sure whether what you’re doing is teaching or tutoring, I’ve created a guide to help you decide—plus tips on how to price your services accordingly. 🔗 Click here to access the free resource: Are You Teaching or Tutoring? Want to hear more on this topic? Explore related posts like 'What is Private Practice Teaching?' or 'Stop Undervaluing Your Teaching Expertise' on my blog to dive deeper. Previous Next

< Back Steph Paturel ** Learn + Roam ** PPT® Verified Educator Lean + Roam Steph is an incredibly talented and innovative online teacher who is experienced in teaching a variety of content. As a French Immersion teacher, she teaches French, Visual Arts, Drama, Social Studies, Health, English Language Arts, and more to students in grades 1-8. (As per Ontario's curriculum standards) As a French teacher, Steph teaches grade 6-12 Core French, Conversational French, and French Pronunciation (accents from both Canada and France). Steph also offers programs for Educational Advocacy for Parents, "Bully Busting" & Self-Confidence for Kids, and "The Sex Talk". Go To Website

< Back Can you be Risk-Averse AND an Entrepreneur? YES! Reading time 3 minutes Published May 12, 2023 Category: Teacher entrepreneur Something you may not know about me is that I’m actually pretty conservative and kind of risk-averse . And I’m not sure that that’s from a quality that we expect from a lot of entrepreneurs, a title which I have fully embraced at this point. But going back to that being risk-averse, I’m fairly conservative I do not recommend that my teachers go all in 100% on their business when they start. I do not want you to be in a position where you were putting your financial security or your family’s financial security at risk. I didn’t, and I don’t recommend that you do that either unless you have a considerable nest egg that you can live on while you build your business. I actually recommend that all of my teachers have some sort of side hustle or side or part-time job in addition to their business as they’re getting started. This is because it takes a couple of months to build up your client book and replace a full-time income. Here are some things that I recommend my teachers do as they are building their clientele and their student schedules: I encourage them to sub if they still feel comfortable in their schools or other schools. You can research which schools pay the best for subs. All the schools are hurting for subs. We know that so you shouldn’t have too much difficulty getting in there. And in my experience as a sub, you can pick what days you’re available which is great because then you could say OK, Tuesdays and Thursdays I’m gonna sub Monday, Wednesday Fridays I’m going to work on my business and that’s perfect and reasonable. Another thing that I did was I worked part-time as a classroom aide. I learned a ton from the teachers I supported that I was able to use to teach the students in my business. Another option is to work for somebody else like OutSchool or to include tutoring among your services if that something that you enjoy doing. The reason I refer to these part-time jobs as your side hustle is because your business is still going to be your business. If you’re anything like me, I had to leave my part-time job within about three months. I had to put in my notice because I had a wait list of students that I need to open up my schedule for, so I could be making more money seeing my own students then I was making at my part-time job. Previous Next