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< Back Pilar Vanderstelt ⭐️ PreK - Adult: Spanish, Spanish Immersion ** PPT® Verified Educator The Spanish Learning Nook offers: • Spanish immersion instruction to learners age 4 and up. • Spanish as a foreign language tutoring and support (ages 4 and up) • Family Support for family members of students in Spanish Language immersion programs Pilar, a native Spanish-speaking, bilingual teacher who is passionate about sharing the love for my language and culture.Her teaching experience extends from preschool to college and spans over 25 years, teaching Spanish immersion for 14 years. With a multi-cultural, creative and enthusiastic approach, she provides learners with literacy-rich learning activities to develop biliteracy skills. Go To Website

< Back Pamela Vasquez ⭐️ PreK - HS: French , French Copy Editing ** PPT® Verified Educator French Creek Language Academy Pamela holds a master's degree in French with a specialization in Culture and Civilization. She has extensive experience teaching all ages including students as young as 18 months through high school in public, private, and homeschool settings. Her passion is teaching in a way that engages students and infects them with her own enthusiasm for the French language and francophone cultures. French Creek Language Academy offers personalized French classes to students from 18 months to adult. The following programs are currently available: Private 1:1 French personalized French classes for children and adults Small group French classes for children and adults Homeschool French courses - both 1:1 and small group Preschool French programs Mommy & Me French programs French Tutoring for students enrolled in French classes in school or elsewhere Go to Website

< Back Teaching, Like Medicine, Is a Science-Informed Art Reading time 5 minutes Published May 22, 2025 Category: Education Reform Last week, in my doctor’s office—after discussing the next phase of my care plan for some ongoing health issues—I joked, “I feel like a science experiment.” She smiled and said something that stopped me in my tracks: “Well, you kind of are. Medicine is as much science as it is art. No matter how much research and testing we do, every human body is complex and different. We never really know how a medication or treatment will affect someone until we try it. But, like art, we get better with practice. It’s a science-informed art.” “So is teaching,” I replied.“I guess it would be,” she said. “Every student is different.” Every student is different. Each one who walks into our classroom is a complex human being with unique experiences, perspectives, strengths, and challenges. That conversation stayed with me. And the next day, while walking my dog, it hit me: In both education and healthcare, the people doing the real work are trained, thoughtful, and deeply committed. But in both fields, those professionals are often silenced by systems that prioritize money and metrics over care and wisdom. I’ve experienced this in both spaces—personally and as a parent. Decisions aren’t being made by the people doing the work. They’re being made by the people funding and profiting from it. The Parallel Between Education and Health Care Doctors get overridden by insurance companies. Patients are denied medications because of cost or bureaucracy—not based on what their physician recommends. In our family, it took nearly a year to get a specific asthma medication for my daughter because the version her doctor wanted her to take wasn’t covered by insurance. The name-brand version, which would have been available through a script-sourcing channel, was discontinued, rebranded as a generic, and thus became inaccessible through that channel as well. We tried workaround after workaround and various other medications for nearly a year before finally getting what she needed. In another case, I was prescribed the only medication available to me during a pregnancy complicated by hyperemesis gravidarum. The side effects were so intense and demoralizing that I seriously questioned whether I could go through another pregnancy. There was a better alternative with significantly fewer side effects—but it was $5,000 per pill. It wasn’t covered. It wasn’t an option. In the United States, over 25% of women with hyperemesis gravidarum report suicidal thoughts, and over 6% take their lives each year, according to the NIH. The suffering is that relentless. And while better care exists, it is often completely inaccessible. What This Has to Do with Teaching In education, the dynamics are heartbreakingly similar. Teachers—the professionals doing the work, implementing research, and studying best practices—are often treated as disposable. They are rarely invited to decision-making tables. Instead, curriculum is dictated by publishing companies. Policies are influenced by testing companies. Technology platforms tell us how students should learn, regardless of how students actually learn—or how detrimental all that screen time is to the developing brain. (Both teachers and pediatricians have been sounding the alarm on that one for well over a decade.) We’re seeing more and more school districts so beholden to standardized testing and government funding benchmarks that authentic learning is getting sidelined. Teaching to the test isn’t just happening—in some places, it’s mandated. But educators know better. We know that what helps students grow isn’t endless test prep; it’s practicing the skills those tests are meant to measure, in real and relevant contexts. And yet, we’re forced to retrofit bad curriculum, limit our creativity, and ignore our professional judgment in order to meet external demands that often contradict what we know is best. So What Do We Do? We teach in spite of the system. Just like doctors who bend red tape to help their patients, teachers adapt, advocate, rewrite, intervene, push back, and resist. We do what we can for the kids in front of us. But imagine if we didn’t have to fight the system every day just to meet the actual needs of our students and patients. Imagine what education and healthcare could be if the people doing the work had the power to shape the work. Teachers are not “just teachers.” Doctors are not replaceable by software. These are professions. These are callings. These are forms of care work and craft that deserve respect, resources, and trust . We don’t need more tech. We need more trust in human expertise. We are the science-informed artists. And the longer we practice, the better we get at it—if only the system would let us. If you’re an educator seeking a way to reclaim your autonomy and build a life and business that reflect your values, check out the T2E Intensive or the Intro to Private Practice Teaching mini-course on YouTube. Let’s reimagine what’s possible—together. Previous Next

< Back Self-Care is Essential for Teacher-Entrepreneurs Reading time 3 minutes Published January 10, 2025 Category: self-care, mindset, entrepreneur How are doing? If you’ve followed me for a while, you know how passionate I am about self-care. It’s something I believe should be prioritized all the time, but if you’re like me, you might find it easier to practice when you tie it to a larger purpose—like your role as a business owner. Self-care isn’t just a nice-to-have for entrepreneurs; it’s essential. As small business owners, the health of our business is closely tied to our own well-being. When I was a classroom teacher, I struggled with self-care. I’d often push through sickness and exhaustion because the systems around me made it more convenient to go to work than to take time off. When I transitioned to self-employment, I realized how unsustainable those habits were. As a sole proprietor, I am my business. If I show up less than my best, the quality of service I provide suffers. And since I charge $80/hour for teaching services and $120/hour for coaching services, I owe it to my students and clients to give them my best—not my leftovers. For me, that means rescheduling when I’m not at my best and investing in my own well-being. But here’s the thing: I didn’t know how to create sustainable self-care habits. My default mode as a teacher was survival during the school year and recovery in the summer. I’d set up self-care routines every summer, only to have them fall apart by October. (If this isn’t your experience, you’re a unicorn—please share your wisdom!) After a lot of trial and error, I discovered a simple framework that has worked for me and many of the teacher-entrepreneurs I mentor: create two self-care practices—a s hort, daily practice you can commit to no matter what AND a longer, when-you-can practice you do when you have time to spoil yourself. Here’s how I break it down: Short/Daily Practice Example: Walk outside while listening to a podcast (15 minutes) Mind: Listen to a positive, inspiring podcast (no true crime!) Body: Move through walking and stretching Spirit: Engage with nature—notice birds, sunlight, wind in the trees Long/When-You-Can Practice Example: Yoga, meditation, journaling (1 hour) Mind: Meditate Body: Practice yoga Spirit: Journal to reflect and process There are two key components that make this work. First, these two practices are most effective when they intentionally care for your mind, body, and spirit. The second key? Recognizing that you—yes, YOU—are worth this time and care. It can be challenging for many of us to internalize that belief, so if it feels hard, pretend. Go through the motions until your mind and spirit catch up to your body’s actions. It took me over a year of self-employment to figure this out, but it’s made all the difference. As someone who manages my own schedule, I’ve realized there’s no excuse not to take care of myself. When I prioritize my well-being, it benefits me, my business, my family, and the clients who trust me with their time and money. If this resonates with you and you’d like help brainstorming your own self-care strategies, I’m here for you. Let’s talk about how you can start making self-care a sustainable part of your life and business. Previous Next

$37 Services Live Mentorship Programs The T2E Empowerment Intensive 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, inclusion on our Teacher Directory, and lifetime membership 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. ** 12 month payment plans available $1,500 ~ $2,750 (with PIF discount) Learn More T2E Mindset Module Peek inside the T2E Empowerment Intensive 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 Empowerment Intensive, 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 Intensive should you decide you want to keep going. * Pending approved T2E Intensive program application. ** No application required for the T2E Mindset Module. $47 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 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. Now Free on YouTube Watch Now 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. Now Free on YouTube Watch Now 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. Now Free on YouTube Watch Now 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. $27 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 Niki Mitchell ⭐️ K-12: Reading, Writing, Math ** PPT® Verified Educator Brain Boost Academy Niki is a K-12 reading specialist, level 1 Dyslexia specialist, and a 7-12 English & Honors English teacher. Niki is also an experienced Elementary teacher and offers instruction in K-8 math. She also offers writing instruction and editing services for college essays. Go To Website

< Back Ganaia Praema ⭐️ K-Adult: Writing, Music, Art ** PPT® Verified Educator Ganaia mentors aspiring musicians of all stripes. 🎸🎤 We might start with a guitar riff, piano chord, or vocal warm-up—but we don’t stop there. Her Pathfinders are also writers ✍️, visual artists 🎨, mixed-media makers 🎥, and Scrabble players 🧩 crafting their own creative process. Her specialty? Unmasking your blocks—the conditioned rules, rigid expectations, and “supposed to’s” that hold you back. 🚫 She’ll hand you a stack of index cards and the most flexible, fun permission to play—until you mash up mediums, break formats, and build a creative process that fits you like a favorite song 🎶—firing you up to create, even when you don’t know exactly what. 🔥✨ Go To Website

Transition from an exhausted, frustrated teacher to an inspired teacher entrepreneur with a unique vision of your life & business as a private practice teacher. Mindset Reset Transition from exhausted, burned-out teacher to inspired teacher entrepreneur and develop a vision for your own unique teaching business. START NOW JOIN NOW Kind words Sue Klapec "Module 1 is so worth it! I'm so glad I took the course..” Owner of Lantern Literacy Anna Heinritz "I really enjoyed the Mindset Module! It was a great first step toward thinking about my own business and realizing that it truly is a possible option for me. I loved the mindset work and goal-setting work. Highly recommend!" Math & Gifted Education Teacher Ganaia Praema "The Mindset Module is a shining ray of needed empowerment for innovative educators." Owner of The Music Mentor The Mindset Reset is the first module of the T2E Empowerment Intensive you will transition from an exhausted, frustrated teacher to an inspired teacher entrepreneur with a unique vision of your life & business as a private practice teacher. Refill Your Cup Create simple and sustainable wellness routines, so you can show up for yourself, your family, and your work. Examine Your Mindset Explore and challenge your fears, perceptions, biases, and hopes, so you canallow yourself to dream again. Create The Vision Identify the parts of teaching you love and answer key questions, so you can create a clear vision your business and life. START NOW Hi, I'm Rachel, the founder of MyFrenchU & The Private Practice Teacher®. Teaching has always been my passion, and I know firsthand the challenges that teachers face. Many teacher businesses fail to thrive because their owners didn't take the time to address their mindset, self-care, and beliefs about work and money first. That's why I decided to share this portion of my signature program separately – to help educators like you heal your burnout and develop an entrepreneurial mindset, so you can get excited about the very real opportunities our profession holds.

$37 Services Live Mentorship Programs The T2E Empowerment Intensive 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, inclusion on our Teacher Directory, and lifetime membership 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. ** 12 month payment plans available $1,500 ~ $2,750 (with PIF discount) Learn More T2E Mindset Module Peek inside the T2E Empowerment Intensive 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 Empowerment Intensive, 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 Intensive should you decide you want to keep going. * Pending approved T2E Intensive program application. ** No application required for the T2E Mindset Module. $47 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 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. Now Free on YouTube Watch Now 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. Now Free on YouTube Watch Now 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. Now Free on YouTube Watch Now 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. $27 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 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 Julie Mamunes ⭐️ MS, HS, Adult: 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 The Unexpected Impact Leaving the Classroom Had on my Family Reading time 7 minutes Published August 16, 2023 Category: Teacher life While I hoped this wasn't true, this thought weighed heavily on me. I had no idea how much my unhappiness in the classroom affected them. Being a teacher/parent is by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done - on every single level, spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically. But it is not in my nature to give up, especially not on things that I'm passionate about. I fight for the things that are important to me. My students and my family are both important to me. I struggled so hard with divided loyalties. I tried so many ways to give my best to both of them. I turned myself inside out, often sacrificing my well-being to show up for ALL my kids - biological or otherwise. And I thought I was doing an okay job. I was certainly doing my best! So that had to mean it was ok, right? Isn’t that what we say, “As long as you do your best, that’s good enough.” I didn’t understand the cost my family was paying as a result of my unhappiness & exhaustion until I left. Within 2 weeks of not returning the following school year, my husband gave me the biggest hug and thanked me for not going back. He was working so hard to be supportive of whatever I decided, that neither of us knew the strain my unhappiness brought to our relationship. My kids and I both LOVE that I get them on & off the bus. Before the end of first week of school that first year, my teary-eyed, oldest child told me how much it meant to her to be able to give ME a hug and exchange “I love you’s” before heading off to school each day. The three of us love sharing snack together after school and talking about our days before rushing off to after-school activities. Then as I began really working my businesses, I explained to my girls that I was doing this for all of us - for myself, our family, & for them too. I want them to see that if they don’t like a situation they’re in, they have the power to change it. I explained that I missed teaching and that while I liked my new job, it didn't make me happy the way teaching did. I want to teach AND I want to be there for my family too. I want to do the bus, help in their classrooms, AND teach my own students. At the end of that conversation they both hugged me and said, “Thank you for choosing us.” Ooof! That hit me like a ton of bricks. Did they feel like I wasn’t choosing them before? Honestly, I haven't had the courage to ask. Maybe someday. Fast forward to last summer, I began to learn how my own personal transformation affects my daughters. I'd been so busy (as we often are) that I hadn't noticed certain changes in myself until she pointed them out. She told me that she'd gotten so used to "tired, angry Mommy" that this new "happy Mommy" is kind of annoying. She went on explain that she's just not used to me singing and dancing all the time and telling people about what I do now. She explained that she's just not used to me being proud of myself and being so confident. "It's like you know you're enough now." "Wow," I said. It took me more than a few moments to process everything she'd just shared. I AM proud of myself. I AM confident. I DO know that I'm enough. I didn't used to feel those things before at least not to the extent that my children could see it- not while I was so busy trying to be heard, trying to get my needs and my students' needs met, trying to keep up with all the impossible demands of the classroom and family. It makes me feel so good to see how proud they are to tell other people about me, what I do, and why I do it. They were always proud to tell people that I'm a teacher, but this is different. Because I'm different. Now I KNOW I'm ENOUGH. The results of this realization are still unfolding, but I do know one thing. My girls KNOW that they are ENOUGH too. * Above are pictures of our first First Day of School together. We were all so happy that I got to be a part of the First Day of School activities. This was the 1st time I got to walk them to the bus stop and wait with them, the 1st time I got to give them hugs and kisses right before they got on, and the 1st time I got to wave to them as the bus pulled away. The first time I got to do the First Day of School was when they were starting 2nd grade and Kindergarten. As a classroom teacher, having to miss these moments was just part of the job. We all still really LOVE that I get to do this now. Previous Next