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< 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

< Back Let's get real about wellness routines and self-care. Reading time 7 minutes Published October 16, 2023 Category: Self care Believe me, I get it. Balancing the classroom and home-life, the never-ending to-do lists, and the hustle and bustle of the school year can leave you feeling like there's barely any time for even your most basic needs - let alone a Wellness Routine . But that's precisely why we need to talk about self-care and wellness routines. Think of a wellness routine as a promise you make to yourself. It’s a daily practice of self-care that can help you feel better, look better, and be more present in your own life. It's not a sporadic endeavor; it's a daily commitment, even if it starts with just 15 minutes. Plus, when you keep promises to yourself, it boosts your overall confidence. Consider the constant juggling act in your life – the emails, texts, meetings, lessons, appointments, after-school activities, and other miscellaneous commitments that often leave you feeling stretched thin. It doesn't have to be that way, if fact it shouldn’t! I know the trap of sacrificing your “me time” to get more work done, but ultimately all that does is make you less productive because it depletes your energy moving forward. You CAN craft a highly efficient routine that leaves your body relaxed, your mind clear, your spirit calm, and your brain firing on all cylinders, without requiring any Herculean effort. In fact, I highly recommend having two routines : a short one and a long one. Here’s what my short 15 - 30 minute wellness routine looks like this: 1. Water and coffee with my partner 2. A brisk walking meditation with my furry friend listening to a podcast. This is the one is the bare minimum. I make sure I get at least this every day no matter what. These 15 minutes, usually chunked into two separate chunks, are the promise I make and keep to myself. The trick to intentionally do something for your mind, body, and spirit. Bonus if an activity serves more than one at a time. It’s more about the intentionality of caring for yourself daily than the total amount of time you spend. Honestly most days I manage a 30-minute walk with my buddy, but I’ve been self-employed for going on 4 years and worked up to that. Now, here's my long, luxurious 60 - 90 minute routine: 1. Water and coffee with my partner 2. Read and journal 3. Yoga 4. Meditation 5. A refreshing walk with my furry friend 6. Spa-like shower This routine I’m lucky to be able to do 1-2 times a month, and it’s wonderful when I can manage it. But it’s less about what you do than it is about doing something to care for your mind, body, and spirit daily. It's all about establishing healthy habits and sticking to them. That's what transforms you into an unstoppable force for good. Now, I won't sugarcoat it – sticking to a wellness routine can be challenging, especially when you're in the throes of a busy teacher's life. That's where the short routine comes to the rescue. It's your lifeline on those hectic days, and that’s what helps you keep the promise to yourself. The real magic comes from making yourself a constant priority on your own to-do list. Once you create a daily practice of caring for yourself as passionately as you care for others, you'll become a better, more energized version of yourself. You'll have the vitality to tackle not just your must-do tasks, but perhaps even more importantly, you’ll have the energy for the things and people you LOVE to do too. Follow Us Previous Next

< Back Lara Luft Profa Lara Luft Profa Lara Luft offers specialized 1:1 online classes for Brazilian Portuguese and ESOL. Our Mission: To provide effective, supportive learning while embracing diverse cultures. I am flexible to meet your unique needs, ensuring you feel safe and comfortable to ask questions and make progress. My passion is learning, and I love incorporating diverse perspectives into every class. As a native Brazilian with over 10 years of experience, I specialize in teaching literate students (teenagers and adults). Services: Immersion and communication-focused classes designed to help you achieve fluency in Portuguese or English as a second language. Contact Profa Lara Luft via Instagram

< Back I spent over 11K on a coaching program, and it almost killed my business. Reading time 10 minutes Published December 20, 2023 Category: Business coaching Offers for paid coaching are literally everywhere right now, & I want to have a very frank conversation about it. Personally, I have spent over $20,000 in paid coaching & courses over the last 3 years. That's how I learned A LOT of what I teach my clients. I also learned a lot about what works (and doesn't work) for me both as someone being coached and as the coach I strive to be. I wish I could say that all of it has been worth the money, but sadly that wasn’t the case. In my experience, the phrase “You get what you pay for!” doesn’t apply to business coaching. When I started my first my business, MyFrenchU, it was by accident. I didn't pay for any coaching. I learned EVERYTHING as I went. It felt like a second job sorting through the constantly-changing, free advice of so-called gurus. On my own, it took me over 18 months to get my business to the point where I was consistently earning 4-figure months and my business was running smoothly. With my second business, I didn't want to take that long. There was still a lot that I didn't know, and I wanted to educate myself. That's exactly how I approached it too. I researched coaches and their programs the way I researched grad programs. I also met with them to make sure that we were philosophically aligned and someone I would enjoy working with. Finally, I met with one or two people who had been through their program and asked them my questions too. For my first business coach I paid $6,000 for a 6 month program that included a self-paced digital course with resources and live group coaching. That program was worth every penny. I made back my $6,000 investment and begin earning a profit in less than 6 months of opening The Private Practice Teacher®. I do not believe I would have been able to accomplish so much so quickly without her guidance and feedback. I was able to experience much faster growth in that businesses and with significantly more confidence. I believe in my ability to learn and put into practice what I learn. I also really appreciate having someone "lay it out" for me rather than having to do ALL the research and trial & error on my own. It was also incredibly helpful to have other people to bounce my ideas off of and to learn from. Then, about a year after starting The Private Practice Teacher®, I started looking for coaching again to help my business grow AND help me have a bigger voice when advocating for teachers and education. The algorithm heard me and started sending me ads for a coaching program co-developed by a well-known TedX speaker. I thought, “This could be perfect. I’d love to do a TedX talk about all the wonderful programs the teachers I work with have created for their students and communities.” Sadly, this time I did not do my due diligence. I researched the Ted-X speaker who acts as the face of the program, but I didn’t push for clarification about the particulars of their program during my discovery call. Nor did I meet with any of the actual coaches/trainers or ask to connect with current program members or alumni, so I could ask them my questions. My discovery call was with a masterful sales person. I trusted him and in my naivety and fear, I went for it. I spent almost $12,000 on that coaching program, and it almost killed my business. They pushed me to use sales tactics that I believe to be unethical and intrusive like “pain-point marketing”, cold DM'ing, and told me NOT to explain any of particulars of my program and what it includes - instead lean into their hopes and fears. I found myself questioning if there even is a place for transparent and ethical business practices in business coaching. Because if it’s all sales tactics, manipulation, and a “numbers-game”, than it's not for me. I don’t want to be someone who makes money that way. If it wasn’t for the wonderful teachers I’d coached up to that point and the community we created together, The Private Practice Teacher® wouldn’t still be here. They lifted me up, reminded me of who I am and why they chose to work with me instead of other teacher coaches. They also reminded me of the inspiring businesses and lives they created during our time together. Now , last but not least, the $2,000 coaching program I most recently invested in. This 9-week digital course plus live coaching and community gave me everything that the $12,000 program promised it would but failed to deliver. The least expensive coaching program I ever paid for was exactly what I and my business needed . As a result of that program, I have been able to: Make my Jumpstart program less expensive and more accessible for more teachers Create the Teacher 2 Entrepreneur Bootcamp to help teachers make the mental transition necessary to create a successful teaching business Learn marketing strategies and operating systems that allow me to work for efficiently, be more productive, and provide better service All of which is exactly what I need to grow The Private Practice Teacher® into the business I want it to become. The bottom line is this: You're going to have to invest some ratio of time and money when starting a business. Only YOU know what ratio is right for you! Before you invest any money in anyone’s programs I encourage you to do the following: Make sure you are comfortable with the person/people you will actually be working with in the program. (ie. not a sales team or onboarding member - the actual coach/coaches) Ask to preview the course or for a course outline Reach out to people who are in their program or have complete their program Familiarize yourself with their refund policy Don’t be afraid to ask “too many questions” or “dumb questions”. This is your hard-earned money. You have a right to ask as many questions as you need to in order to make an informed decision about how you spend it. Listen to your gut not your fear or self-doubt. Thank you for reading. I hope this helps. Best wishes always, Rachel Previous Next

< Back Julie Mamunes ** Speaking of Russian ** PPT® Verified Educator Speaking of Russian My name is Julie Mamunes, and I am the teacher/educator at Speaking of Russian. My goal is to take Beginner level language speakers of Russian to the next level in fluency and proficiency. I offer weekly classes and cultural experiences. Go To Website

The Private Practice Teacher ®, I’ve turned my teacher entrepreneur journey into a step-by-step mentorship program for innovative, passionate, student-centered teachers who want to do what I do and start enjoying life like never before. Hi, I'm Rachel Founder of MyFrenchU & The Private Practice Teacher® For me, a teacher is much more than a content delivery specialist. A teacher is a mentor, a resource for their students to help them thrive, see their own potential, & help them achieve their goals. Sadly, current education systems make that kind of teaching harder and harder to accomplish - especially if your life has demands outside of the classroom. Self-Authored Success I don’t believe there is a single right way to build a teaching business or a single definition of success that applies to everyone. I don’t coach teachers towards my version of success. I mentor them as they clarify and build their own. That means we start with your life, not a predetermined framework. Your values. Your energy. Your responsibilities. Your goals. I share my systems, strategies, and real-world experience, then help you adapt, remix, or discard whatever doesn’t fit. The goal isn't to make copies of my business; it's to achieve autonomy, sustainability, and a business that actually supports the life you want to live. My Core Philosophy If other educated professionals can go into private practice, so can teachers. Rachel Cicioni M.Ed. This is my Story I moved around a lot as a child, living in 3 different states, and attending 8 different schools in 7 different districts. I attended schools in areas that were low-income, high-income, rural, urban, and everything in between. One of the few things that was consistent in my life was a great teacher. No matter where I found myself, I always had at least one great teacher who helped me feel wanted and safe. That's why I've wanted to be a teacher ever since I can remember. Finally, COVID made it impossible for me to manage the demands of both school life & home life. I made the heartbreaking decision to leave teaching, BUT I missed it so much! That's when I decided to try to create my own private teaching business & MyFrenchU was born. Now, with The Private Practice Teacher® , I took what I learned building my own private teaching practice and turned it into a structured mentorship, not so others could copy my path, but so teachers could design businesses aligned with their own lives, values, and goals. Schedule Free Consultation Teachers deserve to have the autonomy to practice their profession in a manner that is consistent with why they chose teaching in the first place. Rachel Cicioni M.Ed. Why My Mentorship is Different Many coaching programs are built around a single system or path to success. Mine isn’t. While I’m happy to share exactly what works for me, my role isn’t to have teachers create copies of my business. My goal is to support them in building something that fits their lives, values, and goals. Mentorship with me blends education, guidance, and real-world support. It's grounded in the belief that teachers are capable professionals who deserve autonomy over their work. Some of my teachers follow a path similar to mine. Others create something entirely different. Both are valid. What matters is that the business you build aligns with your values, your goals, and your definition of success, not anyone else’s. What This Means for You If you’re looking for a rigid formula, this probably isn’t the right place. But if you want: Support without pressure Guidance that honors individuality Structure with flexibility My goal isn’t to be indispensable. It’s to help you build clarity, confidence, and systems so you can move forward independently and eventually no longer need me in the same way. That’s not an ending. That’s the point. ** But just like with my students, I would love for you to keep in touch. If This Resonates If what you’ve read here feels grounding, relieving, or familiar, the next step isn’t choosing a package; it’s having a conversation. The T2E Empowerment Intensive is where I work most closely with teachers who want to build sustainable, self-directed teaching businesses aligned with their real lives. It isn’t a formula or a fast track. This is mentorship designed to help you clarify what success means to you and build toward it with support. 👉 Explore the T2E Empowerment Intensive Looking for a different type of support? 👉 Explore all current offerings Nikki Mitchell Owner/founder of Brain Boost Academy ''Rachel always says that we could figure this all out on our own, but I really don't think that I could have. The information in the course, the sequencing of it, and the support was exactly what I needed to create my business.'' 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! Get in touch Email me rachel@theprivatepracticeteacher.org Connect with me

< Back Lance Green ** Green STEM Learning ** PPT® Verified Educator Green STEM Learning provides several options for parents of students (Grades 5-8) who either want their child to: Receive additional support in Math and / or Science, Develop an interest in STEM, Obtain a comprehensive year-round high-quality education in math, science, and STEM. Green STEM Learning was created to address learning loss that may have occurred during the pandemic and to offer an alternative pathway to close the achievement gap to get students back on track in math, science, and STEM. With the use of literacy, cross-curricular support and project-based learning, Green STEM Learning ensures that your child will walk away with the knowledge and skills to become STEM masters! Go To Website

< Back Helen Peguero ** Aprende Con Peguero ** PPT® Verified Educator Aprende Con Peguero Aprende Con Peguero was created from my passion for empowering families to raise confident bilingual children. As an educator and advocate for bilingualism, I believe language is more than communication — it’s identity, culture, and opportunity. My mission is to provide simple, practical, and engaging resources that help parents and families make Spanish a natural part of everyday life. Through books, guides, and creative tools, I support families in building strong language foundations at home. Go To Website

< 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 Why Teaching Feels Impossible Right Now Reading time 4 minutes Published April 13, 2026 Category: Education, Education Reform, Teacher Burnout I had a conversation this week that I haven’t been able to shake. I was on the phone with a former student of mine who is now a high school English teacher. (And yes, before you ask, we didn’t exchange phone numbers until after she graduated. Professional boundaries have always been important to me.) We were talking about how hard it is to actually teach around these standardized tests. How much instructional time is lost to them, not just during testing windows, but all year long. She also vented about how frustrating it is that students don’t, or can’t, read for any real length of time anymore. We talked about the role of technology, both in and out of the classroom. But more than anything, we kept coming back to the same thing: It’s nearly impossible to get students to those upper levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy when everything is driven by test prep. And here’s the part that’s been bothering me… Every teacher knows this. And somehow, the system keeps pretending it’s not true. More test prep and more practice tests are NOT how we improve test scores. I learned that in one of the very first grad classes I ever took. Students who practice the skills the test measures in a variety of ways consistently outperform students who spend all their time doing practice tests. Students who interact with content in different formats, who think, who explore, who engage… they do better. And in order to reach those top two levels of Bloom’s, Evaluation and Creation, students need the two things we are giving them less and less of: Time & Space. They also need l low-pressure environments where their brains can actually play with ideas, make connections, and think critically. You know, like all the electives that keep being cut to make room for more tested subjects like math, English, and science. So what do we do? Well, the really good teachers try to force real learning into a system that prioritizes test performance above everything else and then to prepare for those tests in the least effective way possible. And it’s exhausting. It’s disheartening. It feels like pushing an ever-growing ball uphill. Add in the lack of admin support, the behavior issues, the constant data collection, and all the non-teaching tasks… and it’s no wonder so many teachers are burning out, giving up, or leaving altogether. This job used to get easier each year. Now it feels like the opposite. And here’s where things shift. As a private practice teacher, I’m no longer bound by a rigid schedule or a scripted curriculum. I get to teach in ways that actually promote critical thinking, creativity, evaluation, and exploration. I provide the structure and the guardrails, but the learning itself is much more student-led. And it’s fun. Genuinely fun. (And yes, teaching a world language helps. We can do almost anything as long as we do it in French, but I see this same shift with the teachers I work with across subjects, too.) While I do miss certain dynamics that only exist in a traditional classroom, the professional freedom, autonomy, and respect I have now are worth it. At least until classroom teachers are given the same level of trust and professional autonomy. So here’s the thought I keep coming back to: You don’t need to become a better test-prep tech. You know how to teach and, miraculously, you still want to teach. The problem is you’re barely given the opportunity to. And all those skills and knowledge you have that actually help students learn: Autonomy. Creativity. Critical thinking. The very things the system is squeezing out. They’re the same ones that make a private teaching practice thrive. If you’re still in the classroom, let this be your reminder: You are not the problem. But you also don’t have to keep forcing yourself to operate inside a system that makes good teaching feel impossible. If this resonates with you, you have lots of company. What’s one thing you wish you had the freedom to do in your classroom? Drop it in the comments or send me a message. And if you’re starting to wonder what teaching could look like outside of this system… that’s exactly the work I do with teachers inside my mentorship program. Previous Next

< 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 Sue Klapec ** Lantern Literacy ** PPT® Verified Educator Lantern Literacy was established in 2024 by Sue Klapec, certified Reading Specialist and 19 year veteran classroom teacher. Her passion is teaching struggling readers to read fluently and with confidence using an explicit, systematic, and hands-on approach. Lantern Literacy provides customized reading intervention plans designed with the specific needs of each learner. In addition to 1:1 private instruction, each enrolled student has access to a digital classroom full of engaging practice activities, parent resources, story-time read alouds, and more! Website Under Construction ~ Not Currently Taking New Students Contact Sue at @lanternliteracy on Instagram or Facebook