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Rachel Cicioni discusses the ins and outs of her entrepreneurial journey from leaving the classroom, starting her private teaching business, and what's she's learned along the way. The Private Practice Teacher® Blog Education, Education Reform, Teacher Burnout Why Teaching Feels Impossible Right Now Teaching isn’t broken. The system is. Why test prep fails students and what’s possible when teachers reclaim their professional autonomy. Read More Published: April 13, 2026 4 minutes Reading time: Education Reform, Teacher Satisfaction, Teacher Burnout What Does It Mean for a School to Fail? Schools often fail teachers long before test scores dip. What if success was measured by teacher support and satisfaction? Read More Published: September 16, 2025 3 minutes Reading time: Teacher Entrepreneurship 7 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Starting My Teaching Business Practical lessons from a teacher-turned-entrepreneur: 7 things I wish I’d known before starting my private teaching business. Read More Published: August 14, 2025 6 minutes Reading time: teacher entrepreneur, teacher business Stop Undervaluing Your Teaching Expertise: You're More Than a Tutor Teachers — if you’ve ever looked at your hourly rate and wondered, “Why am I still exhausted and barely breaking even?” This is for you. Read More Published: June 12, 2025 4 minutes Reading time: Leaving the Classroom, Mindset, Business Coaching You're Not a Bad Teacher for Wanting More I want to say something you may not have heard—at least not loud enough or often enough: You're NOT a bad teacher for wanting more. Read More Published: April 4, 2025 4 minutes Reading time: self-care, mindset, entrepreneur Self-Care is Essential for Teacher-Entrepreneurs Teachers are notoriously bad at self-care. Here's why it's non-negotiable for entrepreneurs & how you CAN make it a part of your daily life. Read More Published: January 10, 2025 3 minutes Reading time: Retention Why Are Teachers Leaving, and Who’s Paying Attention? Teacher retention is at an all-time low, and it feels as though no one is paying attention—or worse, no one cares. Our schools resemble ... Read More Published: August 13, 2024 5 minutes Reading time: Teacher life Would you rather? Summer Edition In my neighborhood, summer break is almost here, and it has me reflecting on the summer break after my last year in the classroom. Read More Published: June 3, 2024 5 minutes Reading time: Leaving the classroom Nothing Beats Community Teachers need each other. It's one of those careers that can also be an identity. People say, “I work in retail" but say "I'm a teacher." Read More Published: March 25, 2024 7 minutes Reading time: Self-employed teacher What are your task avoidance behaviors trying to tell you? Are you finding yourself constantly sidetracked by tasks that seem urgent but are ultimately unproductive? As a self-employed teacher, I ... Read More Published: February 9, 2024 3 minutes Reading time: Goal setting Crafting the Magic of Your Year Ahead 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..... Read More Published: January 2, 2024 3 minutes Reading time: Mental health Lessons from Fall ~ Rest, Recovery, & Productivity I am very fortunate to live near a park and every morning that the weather permits, Yeti and I take a nice long walk. Some mornings I .... Read More Published: November 9, 2023 5 minutes Reading time: Self-employed teacher How My Morning Routine Transformed My Life as a Teacher and a Parent 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... Read More Published: September 22, 2023 12 minutes Reading time: Leaving the classroom Recovering from the Classroom It’s been just over three years since I left the classroom and here are a few things I’ve encountered that I wasn't expecting. Grief Read More Published: August 2, 2023 5 min Reading time: Teacher life “Old keys won’t open new doors.” “Old keys won’t open new doors.” I’ve been meditating on variations of this idea for a couple of weeks now, both as it applies to my life... Read More Published: June 8, 2023 3 minutes Reading time: Mental health The Heartbreak of Leaving the Classroom I wish people understood how heartbreaking the decision to leave the classroom really is. All I ever really wanted to be was a teacher. Read More Published: May 2, 2023 2 minutes Reading time: Private tutor What is Private Practice Teaching®? When I tell people that I own my own teaching business as a private practice teacher, the conversation that follows usually goes something Read More Published: March 5, 2023 5 minutes Reading time: Leaving the Classroom, Mindset, Community Teacher Traits That Last Long After Leaving the Classroom The quirks and habits of teaching follow us long after leaving the classroom. Some are funny, some heavy, and all worth talking about. Read More Published: October 2, 2025 3 minutes Reading time: Teacher entrepreneur; Teacher burn out; Leaving the classroom Finding Myself Again Through Teaching Freedom When I resigned, I blamed COVID. But the truth was that my job was turning me into someone I didn't recognize. Someone I didn't want to be. Read More Published: September 4, 2025 5 minutes Reading time: Private Teaching, Private Tutoring Teaching vs. Tutoring: Why It’s Time to Name and Own the Difference It started with a comment on one of my YouTube videos.They felt I was diminishing tutors by uplifting teachers. The exchange made me think. Read More Published: June 17, 2025 5 minutes Reading time: Education Reform Teaching, Like Medicine, Is a Science-Informed Art Both rely on science, practice, and intuition. Both are being suffocated by systems that sideline the professionals actually doing the work. Read More Published: May 22, 2025 5 minutes Reading time: Teacher entrepreneur Being a Self-Employed Teacher Costs Less Than You Think Are you yearning to break free from the confines of the traditional classroom but worry about the daunting start-up costs of launching your Read More Published: February 19, 2025 5 minutes Reading time: Mental health Beyond Tired? It Might Be Time to Rethink Your Career. 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. Read More Published: October 1, 2024 5 minutes Reading time: Teacher life The Subconscious Patterns of Teacher Life Since leaving the classroom I’m becoming increasingly aware of the subconscious patterns and coping mechanisms we develop due to the Read More Published: July 8, 2024 5 minutes Reading time: Teacher entrepreneur Life as a self-employed teacher 6 things I do, 6 things I don't, & 2 things I miss. As a self-employed teacher, I still get to do most of my favorite teacher things. .. Read More Published: May 13, 2024 3 minutes Reading time: Leaving the classroom Making the Decision to Leave the Classroom In the years leading up to my resignation from my beloved teaching position, I found myself making monthly and finally weekly pros and cons Read More Published: March 1, 2024 5 minutes Reading time: Mental health Why You Need to Connect with Your Summer Self Year Round 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 Read More Published: January 18, 2024 7 minutes Reading time: Business coaching I spent over 11K on a coaching program, and it almost killed my business. Offers for paid coaching are literally everywhere right now, & I want to have a very frank conversation about it. Personally, I have spent Read More Published: December 20, 2023 10 minutes Reading time: Self care Let's get real about wellness routines and 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..... Read More Published: October 16, 2023 7 minutes Reading time: Teacher life The Unexpected Impact Leaving the Classroom Had on my Family Maybe you can relate? I used to think that my students got the best of me and my family got the rest of me. While I hoped this wasn't ... Read More Published: August 16, 2023 7 minutes Reading time: Business coaching Personal Solution to a Teacher-Centered Movement When I started The Private Practice Teacher® in June of 2022, it was with the goals of helping other burned-out teachers enjoy the .... Read More Published: June 23, 2023 3 minutes Reading time: Teacher entrepreneur Can you be Risk-Averse AND an Entrepreneur? YES! 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 Read More Published: May 12, 2023 3 minutes Reading time: Business coaching The Pros & Cons of Paid Business Coaching Let's talk about the elephant in the room - paid coaching. Offers for paid coaching are literally everywhere right now, & I want to have a Read More Published: April 7, 2023 3 minutes Reading time: Leaving the classroom From the classroom to my own teaching business Leaving the classroom was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I began teaching in 2011, and I loved being a high school French teacher Read More Published: February 25, 2023 3 minutes Reading time: Filter by category: Business coaching Education Reform Education Reform, Teacher Satisfaction, Teacher Burnout Education, Education Reform, Teacher Burnout Goal setting Leaving the Classroom, Mindset, Business Coaching Leaving the Classroom, Mindset, Community Leaving the classroom Mental health Private Teaching, Private Tutoring Private tutor Retention Self care Self-employed teacher Teacher Entrepreneurship Teacher entrepreneur Teacher entrepreneur; Teacher burn out; Leaving the classroom Teacher life self-care, mindset, entrepreneur teacher entrepreneur, teacher business

< 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 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 Making the Decision to Leave the Classroom Reading time 5 minutes Published March 1, 2024 Category: Leaving the classroom In the years leading up to my resignation from my beloved teaching position, I found myself making monthly and finally weekly pros and cons lists. Leaving the classroom was a decision fraught with inner turmoil, a dilemma I grappled with long before the pandemic's onset. Teaching had always been my calling; I reveled in the connections with students, the camaraderie among colleagues, and the joy of growing and learning together. Yet, beneath the surface, the dysfunction of the school system, culture, and environment grew. The mantra, "Shut the door and do what's best for your students," had long sustained me through many bureaucratic frustrations. But eventually, the dysfunction and toxicity penetrated my classroom walls and became impossible to ignore. Micromanagement, pedagogically unsound initiatives, and impotent responses to bullying eroded morale and disregarded the students' true needs. Despite my attempts at diplomacy, voicing these concerns rendered me an outcast. The hostility from administration during the Spring of 2020 was palpable and ultimately marked my breaking point. "They really don't care about us," echoed relentlessly in my mind during that grueling summer break. Dread, anger, sadness, and resentment consumed me. For the first time in nearly a decade, I couldn't summon excitement for the new school year. Tears and outrage replaced my usual optimism and silliness. The person I once knew, the one who savored impromptu dance parties and embraced life's adventures, I couldn't find her anymore. With a heavy heart, I finally tendered my resignation that July. Despite pouring my heart into my work, my employer's indifference stung. "We'll miss you, but I'm sure we'll find a replacement," they remarked casually. It was a confirmation of my fears: my efforts had been in vain. At that moment, I had clarity – I had made the right choice. Though heartbreaking, leaving the classroom was the best decision for my family and me. Two weeks later, my husband's embrace and our collective sigh again affirmed my decision to leave. It took nearly two years to heal all of the emotional turmoil I'd been through. Ultimately I emerged as a version of myself my children describe as annoyingly happy, confident, and proud of my accomplishments. And while there are still times that I miss having a classroom full of students, I truly love what I do now and the person it is allowing me to become. Best wishes always, Rachel Previous Next

< Back Barb McCluskey ** The Reading Cube ** PPT® Verified Educator The Reading Cube Barb is a retired elementary school teacher with 20 years teaching experience. During that time she noticed that it has become an ever increasing challenge for teachers to address the individual needs of learners. Barb created The Reading Cube to do just that! For Pre-K parents looking to get their child a jumpstart in reading. For homeschooling parents who want a reading teacher. For K-2 parents looking to get their child additional reading instruction after school. For parents of children ages 8-12 that need reading remediation. For parents looking for a reading tutor to help with homework and studying for tests. Go To Website

< Back Danielle Hobson Dani-the-ACT-Coach Hello, I am a dedicated educator with extensive experience as a high school English teacher and vetted test prep coach. I provide expert instruction in all ACT and SAT subjects, in addition to problem-solving, analytical thinking, and critical thinking skills. My enthusiastic and motivational teaching style fosters a positive and productive learning environment. I look forward to seeing you in class. Go to Website

< 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

< Back Teresa Badalamenti, M.Ed. K-12: ELA and special education At EduSteps, we turn learning challenges into manageable steps. We build custom learning programs for your child. I am a certified and experienced ELA and special education teacher with a master’s degree in education. I help students primarily with executive functioning coaching and the college essay. Go to Website

< Back Rachel Cicioni M.Ed. ** MyFrenchU Professional French Educator for English-speaking Learners Professional educator since 2011, specializing in all levels of French as a Foreign Language (FLE) for English-speaking learners ages 12 to adult. Private & Small Group Lessons Independent Study Conversation Tutoring Test Preparation: AP French Language & Culture, TCF 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 Geena James ** Foundations First Learning ** PPT® Verified Educator I am Geena, the owner of FoundationsFirst Elementary Learning , where the focus of learning begins with foundational skills used to empower students in reading, writing, and math. I have 8 years of classroom experience teaching Transitional Kindergarten (TK), Kindergarten, 4th and 5th grade. I specialize in creating tailored lessons catered to individual learning styles, I conduct small group sessions to encourage collaborative learning, and offer one-on-one tutoring for personalized homework assistance. I am passionate about helping children feel confident in their learning and empowering them with skills that will last a lifetime. Go To Website

< Back Cathie Guillebastre My Math Mindset My Math Mindset As a certified math teacher passionate about personalized learning, I specialize in helping students transition from concrete understanding to abstract thinking. My 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. I'm dedicated to reducing math-related anxiety, fostering a growth mindset, and turning homework time into a positive, productive experience. I offer tailored math tutoring and homework help, with flexible options for virtual sessions or in-person meetings at a local library. Go to Website