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$97 Services Live Mentorship Programs The T2E 90-Day Jumpstart Build your unique teaching business from start to finish with a comprehensive digital course complete with printable resources; expert guidance of someone who's already done it; live weekly group meetings; and a community of like-minded teachers where you can ask questions and receive feedback. Program alumni receive lifetime access to all T2E resources and program updates, free inclusion on our Teacher Directory for 1 year, and discounted membership in our T2E Community which includes live weekly meetings and ongoing training. This training course is offered year-round but only admits a limited number of new teachers each month. Application Required, Free Zoom consultation recommended. Rolling Admission for Approved Applicants * Three plans to choose from. ** Payment plans available $3,000 PIF (Payment Plans Available) Learn More T2E Mindset Module Peek inside the T2E 90-Day Jumpstart Program AND ... Transition from exhausted, burned-out teacher to inspired teacher entrepreneur and develop a vision for your own unique teaching business. Inside the Mindset Module of the T2E Jumpstart Program, we’ll walk through: Burnout recovery + sustainable rhythms Vision + values-driven scheduling Rebuilding your self-worth before you set pricing Creating aligned and measurable short & long-term business goals Unpacking money baggage (every teacher has some) so you can feel confident sharing your pricing with others PLUS: The cost of this program will be deducted from the T2E 90-Day Jumpstart Program should you decide you want to keep going. * Pending approved T2E Jumptart Program application. ** No application required for the T2E MindsetReset. $97 Learn More Live 1:1 Coaching 30 Minute Coaching Session 30 Minute, live 1-on-1 mentorship session. We dive deep into your private practice teaching business. Upon scheduling, you will receive a form to complete about your business & specific questions you have. Form must be completed at least 24hrs before scheduled session time for best results. Bulk pricing available upon request. Coaching available after free initial consultation. I want this! $60 per 30 minute session Customized Mentorship Package This option is ideal for teacher entrepreneurs who have already started their business but are not experiencing the success they'd hope for. After an initial free consultation, I will analyze your existing business and create a customized improvement plan designed specifically for your business. This plan will include live coaching and recommended trainings from my other programs. Price will vary. Inquire Price varies based on client's individual needs. Digital Courses I want this I want this Intro to Private Practice Teaching Love to have your own private teaching and tutoring business, but have no idea where to start OR what all it entails? I got you with this self-paced digital mini-course with accompanying PDF workbook. This self-paced digital mini-course outlines each of the 4 main steps of building your unique private practice teaching business. Here's what you'll receive: 4 video lessons Finding your niche Creating your business Branding, and Finding students; and Workflow systems. 20-page, printer-friendly, PDF course workbook Business Start-Up Checklist Note: There is no live component for this course, but email support is available. I want this Empower YOUR Expertise Pricing can make or break your teaching or tutoring business . In this mini-course, I will teach you how to: • Calculate a base rate you feel comfortable and confident sharing • Create pricing strategies for 1:1, small groups, workshops, discounts, and more • Structure your terms and conditions of service so you can earn a consistent monthly income independent of student attendance. This product includes: 6 video lessons and the PPT® Pricing Guide ($7 value) Note : There is no live component for this course, but email support is available. I want this Finding YOUR Students Love to have your own private teaching and tutoring business, but worried about how to find students?! I got you with this self-paced webinar with PDF workbook. This self-paced digital mini-course outlines each of the 4 main steps of building a strategic marketing plan. Here's what you'll receive: Video Workshop Identify your audience Clarify your messaging Define your marketing funnel & Review marketing basics Putting it all together to create your marketing plan 18-page, printer-friendly, PDF Workbook The School Email Template Bundle included! Note: There is no live component for this course, but email support is available. I want this Digital Resources & Templates Business Start-Up Checklist Are you ready to start your own private practice teaching business, but don't know how or where to start? Well, not for long. Here's The Private Practice Teacher® Business Start-Up Checklist . In this printable pdf checklist, I will walk you step-by-step through the processes of: Finding your Niche Registering Your Business Name Planning Your Business Marketing (aka Finding Students) Creating Workflow Systems Free I want this Business Start-Up Bundle Want everything you need to get started and ready for your first client? Step-by-step instructions, digital resources to help you create, market, & manage your own unique teaching business. Includes : Intro to Private Practice Teaching Mini-Course ; Business Start-Up Checklist; PPT Pricing Guide; School Email Template Bundle: and PPT Business Planner. $47 I want this Teacher Biz Starter Pack Not sure which to invest in first? Kind of want it all AND for less money? Makes sense to me! Not only do you get EVERYTHING in The Business Start-Up Bundle ($25 value) you also get: Finding YOUR Students Marketing Workshop with PDF workbook ($37 value) Empower Your Expertise: Pricing Strategies for PPT to help you calculate your base rate, discount, & package pricing ($37 value) $97 I want this PPT Pricing Guide Do have or want to start your own private practice teaching business but have no idea what or how to charge? Avoid the BIGGEST mistake I see private educators make with the help of The Private Practice Teacher® Pricing Guide . In this printable pdf checklist, I will walk you step-by-step through the processes of: Finding Your Base Rate Pricing Services Using Your Base Rate Offering Discounts Creating Your Terms and Conditions of Service $7 I want this Email Template Bundle Teachers, want to let schools know you're available to help their struggling & homeschooled students? This set of 4 customizable email templates (including subject lines) will help you quickly promote your private practice teaching business and services to targeted public and private school personnel. $7 I want this

< 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 Michelle Sorrells Simply Fun Simply Fun Dr. Michelle Sorrells is a passionate and accomplished leader in the field of education, with a wealth of experience in curriculum development, strategic planning, and instructional leadership. In her current role, she serves as a dedicated supporter of K-12 learning initiatives across multiple schools in her region. As an adjunct instructor at University of the People, Dr. Sorrells shares her expertise in education by teaching online courses and mentoring learners from diverse backgrounds. She also offers private tutoring services and specialized math and reading enrichment programs for students in homeschool, public, and private education settings. Her mission is to build confidence, make math enjoyable for every student, and show them that they are a math person, capable of mastering any challenge. She's dedicated to reducing math-related anxiety, fostering a growth mindset, and turning homework time into a positive, productive experience. Dr. Sorrells advocates for play based learning at all levels. Find her favorite games at https://simplyfun.com/?ref=michellesorrells Go To Website

< Back Stop Undervaluing Your Teaching Expertise: You're More Than a Tutor Reading time 4 minutes Published June 12, 2025 Category: teacher entrepreneur, teacher business When I first left the classroom to start my own private teaching business, I priced my services based on what I thought was "fair." I looked around at what other tutors in my area were charging and tried to stay in that range. That led me to charge $25 per 30-minute session. And I wasn’t alone. Just the other day, I had a conversation with a teacher-turned-online-tutor who told me she did the exact same thing. Her reasoning? She was just starting out, and $20 felt like the local going rate. But here’s what I told her—and what I wish someone had told me sooner: >> Pricing too low can actually hurt your business. It may seem like a smart way to attract clients in the beginning, but undervaluing your services causes two major problems: It doesn’t communicate your value. You are not just a tutor. You’re a trained, experienced, professional educator. Pricing yourself like an entry-level peer makes it harder for potential clients to see the difference between someone who knows the content and someone who knows how to teach the content. It sets you up for burnout. Even if you fill your schedule, you can’t make enough to live sustainably—especially when you factor in prep time, communication, admin work, and taxes. You’re working hard but still stuck. That’s a recipe for frustration and exhaustion. That’s when I asked her the question that shifted everything for me: "How much are private music lessons, dance classes, or sports training in your area?" When I stopped comparing myself to Craigslist tutors and started modeling my business after my daughter’s dance studio—everything changed. The dance studio had policies, registration fees, and consistent monthly tuition. They weren’t just charging for time. They were charging for professional instruction . And that’s what you provide, too. Anyone with an aptitude for a subject can offer tutoring. But teachers? We know how to deliver transformative instruction. We know how to scaffold, differentiate, assess, and build confidence. That’s not tutoring—that’s teaching . If we want to be seen, respected, and compensated as professionals, we need to stop marketing ourselves like bargain tutors. You didn’t go through years of training, licensure, and classroom experience to compete with a high schooler or college student on a tutoring site. So stop selling yourself short. You are a teacher. Own it. Lead with it. Price like it. If you’re not sure how to do that yet, I’ve created a free Pricing Strategies Webinar to walk you through exactly how to set sustainable, ethical, and confidence-aligned pricing. 🎥 Watch it now on YouTube → Watch HERE Because when teachers take back their profession, students, families, and society win! Previous Next

< Back Personal Solution to a Teacher-Centered Movement Reading time 3 minutes Published June 23, 2023 Category: Business coaching While I enjoy the opportunity I stumbled into of teaching privately and raising awareness of self-employed teaching as an option for other teachers, leaving the classroom, left me completely heartbroken. But my heart was mended by the wonderful, affirming, and human experiences I now enjoy with my private students, families, and the teacher-entrepreneurs in my community. I found my spark and my joy again as a private practice educator. My mission was to let teachers know that this was possible and help them create their own private teaching businesses. Since then it has been and continues to be my honor to do this work. The teachers I work with are brilliant and caring professionals. I am constantly amazed and humbled by the innovative and beneficial services and learning opportunities they create for their students and communities. If you have time, please check out the business on the Teacher Directory. They truly are inspiring. This last year has been so inspiring in fact, that we have evolved both in mission and number. The Private Practice Teacher® has grown from one teacher (me) to eight pioneer teacher entrepreneurs (we have space for just 2 more pioneer teachers) and from our two original goals to a movement. Yes, we still work to spread awareness of the possibility of being a successful, self-employed teacher. Yes, we still help teachers create their private practice teaching businesses. However, we’ve been so galvanized by what we’ve been able to accomplish this year that we now see it as an opportunity to elevate our profession as a whole. We believe that meaning and lasting positive change in education can’t happen until teachers are recognized and respected as experts in education. We see private practice teaching as a means by which teachers can finally be recognized as the highly educated, trained, and experienced professionals we work so hard to become. Private practice teaching provides the opportunity for teachers to demonstrate to society what we can create and what our students can accomplish when teachers have the autonomy to practice our craft the way we know it should and can be done. As such we have the opportunity to be recognized as authorities in education, and hopefully gain a seat at the tables discussing education reform. If not, we have already started building the foundations for our own tables. Previous Next

< Back Why You Need to Connect with Your Summer Self Year Round Reading time 7 minutes Published January 18, 2024 Category: Mental health In the hustle and bustle of teaching, whether in a traditional classroom or as a self-employed private practice teacher, it's easy to find ourselves caught in the web of All or Nothing. We oscillate between periods of all-consuming work and moments of indulgent relaxation, both of which, in the long run, can lead to burnout or boredom. The truth is, neither extreme is sustainable, and as educators, it's crucial to strike a balance that ensures our well-being and longevity in our chosen profession. Burnout is a looming danger, regardless of our teaching setting. Whether we're managing a classroom or navigating the challenges of a private teaching business, the risk of burning out is real. It's a state where the demands and pressures of our work surpass our capacity to cope, resulting in physical and emotional exhaustion. It's a pitfall we must be vigilant about, recognizing the signs and proactively addressing them. One fundamental principle often overlooked in the pursuit of professional success is the importance of boundaries. As teachers, we are adept at setting boundaries for our students, but extending that skill to ourselves is equally crucial. However, let's take a more delightful approach to self-care – let's spoil ourselves a little every day. Not with expensive treats or indulgent meals, but by tapping into the love languages and rediscovering what brings joy to our Summer Selves. Consider what activities spark joy during the summertime – those moments when you feel most alive and connected. Whether it's a simple walk in nature, a creative endeavor, or spending quality time with loved ones, these are the things that nourish our souls. The key is to carve out just 10-20 minutes each day to indulge in activities that resonate with our Summer Selves. It's about finding balance and intent, creating a daily ritual that rejuvenates our spirit. Distinguishing between burnout and exhaustion is crucial. While burnout is a state of chronic depletion resulting from prolonged stress, exhaustion is a temporary state that can be remedied with rest. Engaging in activities that spark joy serves as a powerful antidote to both. When we prioritize our well-being and infuse our days with moments of happiness, we find ourselves recharged and better equipped to tackle even the less joyful aspects of our work. So, dear teachers, let's commit to spoiling ourselves a little every day – not as a luxury but as a necessity. By embracing a balanced approach to work and play, we not only safeguard ourselves from burnout but also cultivate the energy and resilience needed to thrive in our teaching endeavors. Here's to nurturing our inner teachers beyond the classroom and ensuring a fulfilling journey in education. Best wishes always! 💕 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 You're Not a Bad Teacher for Wanting More Reading time 4 minutes Published April 4, 2025 Category: Leaving the Classroom, Mindset, Business Coaching I want to say something you may not have heard — at least not loud enough or often enough: You’re not a bad teacher if you want to leave the classroom. You ’re not selfish.You ’re not giving up.And you’re definitely not the only one. You’re a human being who has been giving everything—your time, your heart, your evenings and weekends—for years. And now, maybe for the first time, you’re wondering… What would it feel like to build something that allows space (and energy) for the other parts of me, too? That wondering doesn’t make you a quitter.It makes you brave . Still a teacher. Just on your terms. The teachers I work with aren’t trying to escape teaching.They love it.They just want to do it in a way that feels sustainable . Aligned. Life-giving. Maybe that’s you.Maybe you’re sitting in your car during planning period, wondering how the profession that once lit you up became the thing draining you dry.Maybe you’ve googled “what else can teachers do” more than once.Maybe you’ve seen those TikToks of former teachers working remote jobs in yoga pants, and you feel… both envy and disbelief. Is that even possible for someone like me? Yes. But let’s be clear: I’m not here to sell you a fantasy of passive income and palm trees. What I am here to say is that there is more than one way to be an educator.And you deserve to explore what that might look like— without shame, pressure, or a 5-year plan. The tiniest spark is enough. You don’t need a dream right now.You don’t need to have a business name or a niche or a perfect pitch. You just need a little space to breathe.And maybe the tiniest flicker of curiosity. Because underneath the exhaustion and the overcommitment, you are still that wildly gifted teacher who knows how to change lives.And that part of you? She’s not lost. She’s just waiting for permission to come back in a new way. What if your next chapter felt better than this one? That’s the invitation I extend through the Teacher to Entrepreneur (T2E) Bootcamp — a gentle, two-week space to reimagine what your career could look like outside the classroom. Not because you have to leave. But because you deserve to know what’s possible. Inside the Bootcamp, we’ll replenish your energy, clarify what kind of business you might want to build, and take the very first steps — together. It’s low-pressure, high-support, and designed for educators just like you: curious, courageous, and craving something more sustainable. If you’ve been waiting for a sign… maybe it’s this one. You’re not broken.You ’re not alone. And you are absolutely allowed to want a life that feels better than the one you’re in. The question isn’t: “Am I allowed to want more?” It’s: “What would it feel like to say YES?” 💕 Learn more about the T2E Bootcamp here Best wishes always, Rachel Previous Next

$12 Services Live Mentorship Programs The T2E 90-Day Jumpstart Build your unique teaching business from start to finish with a comprehensive digital course complete with printable resources; expert guidance of someone who's already done it; live weekly group meetings; and a community of like-minded teachers where you can ask questions and receive feedback. Program alumni receive lifetime access to all T2E resources and program updates, free inclusion on our Teacher Directory for 1 year, and discounted membership in our T2E Community which includes live weekly meetings and ongoing training. This training course is offered year-round but only admits a limited number of new teachers each month. Application Required, Free Zoom consultation recommended. Rolling Admission for Approved Applicants * Three plans to choose from. ** Payment plans available $3,000 PIF (Payment Plans Available) Learn More T2E Mindset Module Peek inside the T2E 90-Day Jumpstart Program AND ... Transition from exhausted, burned-out teacher to inspired teacher entrepreneur and develop a vision for your own unique teaching business. Inside the Mindset Module of the T2E Jumpstart Program, we’ll walk through: Burnout recovery + sustainable rhythms Vision + values-driven scheduling Rebuilding your self-worth before you set pricing Creating aligned and measurable short & long-term business goals Unpacking money baggage (every teacher has some) so you can feel confident sharing your pricing with others PLUS: The cost of this program will be deducted from the T2E 90-Day Jumpstart Program should you decide you want to keep going. * Pending approved T2E Jumptart Program application. ** No application required for the T2E MindsetReset. $97 Learn More Live 1:1 Coaching 30 Minute Coaching Session 30 Minute, live 1-on-1 mentorship session. We dive deep into your private practice teaching business. Upon scheduling, you will receive a form to complete about your business & specific questions you have. Form must be completed at least 24hrs before scheduled session time for best results. Bulk pricing available upon request. Coaching available after free initial consultation. I want this! $60 per 30 minute session Customized Mentorship Package This option is ideal for teacher entrepreneurs who have already started their business but are not experiencing the success they'd hope for. After an initial free consultation, I will analyze your existing business and create a customized improvement plan designed specifically for your business. This plan will include live coaching and recommended trainings from my other programs. Price will vary. Inquire Price varies based on client's individual needs. Digital Courses I want this I want this Intro to Private Practice Teaching Love to have your own private teaching and tutoring business, but have no idea where to start OR what all it entails? I got you with this self-paced digital mini-course with accompanying PDF workbook. This self-paced digital mini-course outlines each of the 4 main steps of building your unique private practice teaching business. Here's what you'll receive: 4 video lessons Finding your niche Creating your business Branding, and Finding students; and Workflow systems. 20-page, printer-friendly, PDF course workbook Business Start-Up Checklist Note: There is no live component for this course, but email support is available. I want this Empower YOUR Expertise Pricing can make or break your teaching or tutoring business . In this mini-course, I will teach you how to: • Calculate a base rate you feel comfortable and confident sharing • Create pricing strategies for 1:1, small groups, workshops, discounts, and more • Structure your terms and conditions of service so you can earn a consistent monthly income independent of student attendance. This product includes: 6 video lessons and the PPT® Pricing Guide ($7 value) Note : There is no live component for this course, but email support is available. I want this Finding YOUR Students Love to have your own private teaching and tutoring business, but worried about how to find students?! I got you with this self-paced webinar with PDF workbook. This self-paced digital mini-course outlines each of the 4 main steps of building a strategic marketing plan. Here's what you'll receive: Video Workshop Identify your audience Clarify your messaging Define your marketing funnel & Review marketing basics Putting it all together to create your marketing plan 18-page, printer-friendly, PDF Workbook The School Email Template Bundle included! Note: There is no live component for this course, but email support is available. I want this Digital Resources & Templates Business Start-Up Checklist Are you ready to start your own private practice teaching business, but don't know how or where to start? Well, not for long. Here's The Private Practice Teacher® Business Start-Up Checklist . In this printable pdf checklist, I will walk you step-by-step through the processes of: Finding your Niche Registering Your Business Name Planning Your Business Marketing (aka Finding Students) Creating Workflow Systems Free I want this Business Start-Up Bundle Want everything you need to get started and ready for your first client? Step-by-step instructions, digital resources to help you create, market, & manage your own unique teaching business. Includes : Intro to Private Practice Teaching Mini-Course ; Business Start-Up Checklist; PPT Pricing Guide; School Email Template Bundle: and PPT Business Planner. $47 I want this Teacher Biz Starter Pack Not sure which to invest in first? Kind of want it all AND for less money? Makes sense to me! Not only do you get EVERYTHING in The Business Start-Up Bundle ($25 value) you also get: Finding YOUR Students Marketing Workshop with PDF workbook ($37 value) Empower Your Expertise: Pricing Strategies for PPT to help you calculate your base rate, discount, & package pricing ($37 value) $97 I want this PPT Pricing Guide Do have or want to start your own private practice teaching business but have no idea what or how to charge? Avoid the BIGGEST mistake I see private educators make with the help of The Private Practice Teacher® Pricing Guide . In this printable pdf checklist, I will walk you step-by-step through the processes of: Finding Your Base Rate Pricing Services Using Your Base Rate Offering Discounts Creating Your Terms and Conditions of Service $7 I want this Email Template Bundle Teachers, want to let schools know you're available to help their struggling & homeschooled students? This set of 4 customizable email templates (including subject lines) will help you quickly promote your private practice teaching business and services to targeted public and private school personnel. $7 I want this

< 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 What is Private Practice Teaching®? Reading time 5 minutes Published March 5, 2023 Category: Private tutor When I tell people that I own my own teaching business as a private practice teacher, the conversation that follows usually goes something like this: "Oh, so you give private lessons? "– Sort of. It’s more than lessons. I teach. I do all the parts of teaching including develop the curriculum; determine the desired learning outcomes; assess where the learners are currently and then develop a plan of how to get them to the next levels all while tailoring instruction to their unique interests and learning styles. "How is that different from tutoring?" – Tutoring is more like homework help. With tutoring, students already have a primary instructor that does all of the teaching, planning, etc. When tutoring, I provide additional instruction and practice to support what’s being done in their actual class. In private teaching, I AM the primary instructor. It occurs to me that part of the confusion may be that most people don’t really know what teachers do inside the classroom or not. To be honest, how could they? What students see in the classroom is only one part of what we actually do. Most adults only experiences with teachers was as students themselves or as parents during Back-to-School night or parent/teacher conferences. Even as teachers, I think we can be so caught up in just doing everything we do, that even WE don’t realize all the different things we’re actually doing! So what exactly is private practice teaching ? It’s doing all the things we need to do to help our students achieve their learning goals, but working for ourselves – not a district, not a private school system, not a charter school, not an online learning community – ourselves . As a private practice teacher, I … develop curricula design lessons and projects create resources create and maintain organizational systems to manage workflow teach face to face and asynchronously provide meaningful feedback am accessible and responsive to my students’ needs pursue my own professional development set my own hours and schedule chose who I work with decide how much my time is worth manage my own business and marketing As a private practice teacher, I do not … grade submit grades turn in lesson plans attend faculty meetings or professional development that has nothing to do with my job have bus duty, cafeteria duty or cover study halls write disciplinary reports Other Master’s level professionals are able to own private practice businesses. With a Master’s degree in psychology or social work I could be a private practice counselor or therapist. Doctors, lawyers, occupational therapists, financial advisors, and more can all take their expertise, knowledge and skills to open their own private practice businesses working for themselves. So why not teachers? We are highly skilled, highly educated professionals. Why shouldn't we be able to to open our own private practice teaching businesses too? I can tell you from experience, there IS a market for what we are uniquely qualified to do. Previous Next

< Back What Does It Mean for a School to Fail? Reading time 3 minutes Published September 16, 2025 Category: Education Reform, Teacher Satisfaction, Teacher Burnout Every fall, I notice the same pattern: teachers start strong, riding on back-to-school energy, excited to try all the ideas they saved on Pinterest over the summer, but by October, the burnout begins to creep in. This year, though? It’s already showing up, and it’s only mid-September. The teachers I talk with are reporting exhaustion faster than ever, and that should make us all pause. So it begs the question: What does it actually mean for a school to fail? How We Usually Define “School Failure” When we hear the phrase “failing school,” most people think of: Low standardized test scores Poor state report cards High dropout rates Accreditation warnings Those are the metrics policymakers love to point to. But ask any teacher, and you’ll get a very different picture. How Teachers Experience “School Failure” Failure isn’t just numbers on a page—it’s the lived reality inside classrooms. It looks like: Teachers are so burnt out that they’re leaving mid-year Students’ basic needs (safety, mental health, belonging) are going unmet Administrators are pushing compliance over creativity (and connection) Mandates that strip away joy and professional autonomy The truth is, schools often start to “fail” teachers long before test scores ever dip. And when teachers don’t feel supported or valued, it directly impacts students, families, and communities. New Definition of “School Failure” Now, when I think of schools failing, I think of schools no longer able to keep enough adults on staff to keep their doors open. It makes me sad to consider it, but I've already seen it happen because of shortages of substitute/supply teachers. I've heard stories of one elementary school teacher "covering" two classes in the gym because only 2 of 4 third-grade teachers were able to come to work that day.Local and state governments put together committees to address "The Teacher Shortage" or "The Teacher Crisis" years ago. How many of us can say we've seen any improvement? 🙋🏻♀️ (If you have, please email me and share your story. I would really love to share what your school/district is doing in the hopes it inspires others.)My fear is that until schools start to really experience my new definition of failure, they'll continue to exhaust and exploit teachers. Then, when they've finally driven out too many teachers to keep their doors open, they'll finally listen to teachers and/or look to schools that appear to be thriving and learn from their examples. What If We Flipped the Script? If my new definition of failure is when schools can no longer staff enough adults to keep classrooms running, then maybe the opposite is also true: a thriving school is one where teachers want to stay, grow, and do their best work. Instead of defining failure only by numbers, what if we defined success by the people at the heart of it? Think about the way magazines run their “Best Places to Work” lists. Why couldn’t we have a “Great Place to Teach” designation ? Imagine if schools were recognized not just for test scores and data points, but for things like: Teacher job satisfaction Professional autonomy Administrative support Respectful work culture Opportunities for growth Balance between work and life Wouldn’t that shift the conversation—and the incentives? Your Turn I’d love to hear from you: What criteria would you include in a “Great Place to Teach” designation? Drop your ideas in the comments or share this blog with a fellow teacher who has thoughts. The more voices we add to this conversation, the harder it is to ignore. Because at the end of the day, schools don’t fail because of bad teaching; schools fail when they stop listening to teachers. Previous Next