< 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 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 Demi K B.S.Ed. Education With Mrs.K 🎉 Hello, families! I’m Mrs. K! I’m so excited to officially launch Education With Mrs. K — where young learners build confidence in reading and math through fun, personalized support! 📚 I’m a certified teacher with 5+ years of classroom experience, and a passion for helping 2nd–5th graders thrive. Whether your child needs help with tricky math concepts, wants to become a stronger reader, or simply needs a boost in confidence — I’m here to help. ✨ Services: ✅ 1:1 Private Virtual Tutoring ✅ Grades 2–5 ✅ Reading fluency, comprehension, and math support ✅ Progress monitoring 👩🏫 Fun fact: I loved reading in school — but math didn’t always come easy. That’s why I’m so passionate about making learning clear, encouraging, and enjoyable for students 💕 Go to Website

< Back The Heartbreak of Leaving the Classroom Reading time 2 minutes Published May 2, 2023 Category: Mental health I wish people understood how heartbreaking the decision to leave the classroom really is. All I ever really wanted to be was a teacher. The decision to leave was one that I labored over for years. I LOVED my students, coworkers, & the beautiful little corner of the world we created. BUT I couldn’t handle the micromanagement, increasing tasks, lack of respect, support, and flat-out hostility of my admin. Eventually, the dread I experienced walking into the building became insurmountable. Ultimately I left because my family deserved a better, healthier, happier version of me. But it was 2020 and times were very uncertain. I needed to earn something AND be able to get our girls on & off the bus. - At least until I figured out my next move. I took a job as a classroom aide where I could help students & teachers - but also leave work at work. The pay was crap, but I loved it and was happier. Then the unexpected happened- I was asked to teach a couple students privately, and the parents would pay me directly. I enjoyed it and was good at it, so I made a few posts letting people know I was available. I got a couple more students - then a couple more. Before long, I had to leave my aide position in order to take on more students. Now I only teach privately. I love my students, families, AND the respect, flexibility, & autonomy I have. I miss my beautiful classroom, but I love my life now. All this to say, the classroom is not the only place to impact students. Best wishes to you all, especially if you're figuring out your next steps. Previous Next

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 Circle community of like-minded teachers where you can ask questions and receive feedback. The T2E 90-Day Jumpstart Let's work together to build a teaching business as unique as you are from start to finish! Book an interview Complete Application This is for you if.. You still LOVE teaching but feel drained by everything else that comes with it. You are working long hours only to end up feeling unappreciated and exhausted. You're struggling to find balance between your career and home life.. Fall in love with teaching again. Have the freedom to do teach in the way you know it should be done. Enjoy a better work/life balance. Be yourself fully as a teacher & a person. I want you to have time for the things that matter to you. Chose when, where, & how you work. Set your own schedule & boundaries allowing for productivity, efficiency, and FUN. Best for: Teachers ready for rapid results and customized support Support Style: Hands-on, group and private 1:1 mentorship with priority scheduling Live Coaching Schedule: Weekly 1-hour group for 3 months • Monthly 1-hour, private coaching sessions with Rachel. Includes: Online course with pacing guide, workbook, templates, and PDF resources, private Slack community, weekly check-ins, PPT® Teacher Directory listing for 1 year, and lifetime access to program curriculum, including updates Investment: $3,000 PIF (Payment Plans available) Book an interview Complete Application Barb McCluskey Owner/founder of The Reading Cube ''Rachel, thank you for your guidance, coaching and patience with me. I love my business and my life now!'' In T2E Jumpstart you also get: Access to our Program Alumni. You don't just get access to me, you get access to the rest of our community. We are available to answer your questions & support you along the way through our Online Community and via email. I created the Private Practice Teacher® in order to help other teachers create their own joyful & sustainable teaching practice working for themselves! AND to show the world what great teachers (and our students) are capable of when teachers have the freedom to practice our profession the way we know it should be done. In this program we will cover: Mindset Transition Transition from a teacher to a teacher/entrepreneur & understand the value of what you offer. Online Marketing Tools Learn Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and how to leverage other free online tools like social media and AI to market your business. Building Your Business Create your business model, analyze competitors, establish sustainable systems, & develop a marketing strategy. Open For Business Handle sales calls, student onboarding, registering your business, accounting & time management systems. Book an interview Complete Application Frequently Asked Questions What’s the investment? The T2E 90-Day Jumpstart Program is $3,000 all inclusive with life-time access to all course resources. Payment plans are available. Individual coaching starts at $60 per 30 minute session with discounts available for multi-session purchases. T2E Community members may schedule free 60-minute coaching session each quarter for as long as they maintain community membership. A free discovery call is recommended before any services are purchased to determine which services are right for each person. How long is the Mentorship program? The T2E 90-Day Jumpstart Program is designed to to have you confidently running your business in 12 weeks or less. After your 90 days, continued online group and 1:1 mentorship is available at a discounted rate for Jumpstart Program Alumni.. However, we are here for you for as long as you need us. You have lifetime access to program resources and program updates. T2E Jumpstart Members also receive a permanent home on our Teacher Directory for 1 year at no additional charge and special pricing on T2E Community Membership. Are refunds available if this is not the right fit for me? Of course. We work very hard during the initial assessment interview to ensure program compatibility and to answer all questions a potential mentee has. However should a teacher chose to leave the program within 14 days of the course open, a full refund will be issued upon written request and completion of an exit form. ** Although we have the Refund Policy stated above, not one participant has requested a refund since we began working with teacher entrepreneurs in June 2022. This is because we take the time to make sure that we are a good fit and answer all questions before any money exchanges hands. It is very important to me that NO ONE ever feels pressured into purchasing anything here. We are educators NOT salespeople. At The Private Practice Teacher®, our goal is to care for and support our teachers - NOT make as much money as possible. What about benefits? Just because you're a solo-entrepreneur doesn't mean you can't have benefits. You can shop for health care plans on the healthcare.gov marketplace. All of the plans on the marketplace MUST provide coverage for preventative care, life-saving care, & CANNOT discriminate because of a pre-existing condition. You can also speak with a marketplace broker for FREE if you need help deciding which plan is right for you.As for your retirement savings, I encourage you to speak with an investment advisor about your options for rolling over your retirement plans. This type of financial advising is also FREE, and I encourage you to speak with multiple institutions and an accountant before making a final decision.*** NOTE: This is NOT LEGAL or FINANCIAL ADVICE!! I am not a lawyer nor an accountant. I am a professional French teacher. The above information is from my experience starting my business.I highly recommend that all new US business owners consult a free SCORE mentor for advice on the legalities of setting up their business. What if I already have my own teacher business? If you already have an existing teacher business, than the whole T2E 90-Day Jumpstart Program may not be the best choice for you. In that case, I would encourage you to consider either À La Carte Coaching and/or becoming a member of The T2E Community. I encourage everyone to book a free strategy call to discuss which option is best for you. Are the programs live, or pre-recorded? The T2E 90-Day Jumpstart Program includes pre-recorded training videos, downloadable pdfs, and resources links, so you can work at your own pace. However, it also includes weekly live group Q&A sessions, guest speakers, and an online T2E community for both accountability and support.Live 1:1 coaching is purchased separately, at a discounted rate, scheduled by you as needed. How much feedback and accountability do I get? It's important to me that my mentorship courses NOT sit in your inbox until you "have time to do it".In the T2E 90-Day Jumpstart Program, you have a live group accountability meeting and a live workshop meeting. I, program alumni, and your fellow mentees will all "lovingly kick your butt" to make sure you are maintaining forward movement toward your goals.In the T2E Mindset Reset we meet twice a week to workshop the content in the prerecorded course, so that each participant is able to get timely answers to their questions and brainstorm with me and fellow participants.We will also hold you accountable and provide support via messaging, email, and our online T2E community. I have little to no online experience, is this program for me? Yes. If you can manage an online grade book and learning management system, then I can help you set up and run all the online components of your business.Whether you want to only do in-person classes or teach 100% online, you will still need to have some online presence. This program is designed to teach you how to set up and manage your scheduling, invoicing, marketing, online learning hub, and website. Can I do this by myself? Of course you can. I did. It took me between 18-20 months to learn how to create a sustainable and profitable business. I created my courses and programs to teach other teachers everything I learned during that time (and since) in the hopes that it will ultimately save you both time and money by helping you turn a profit more quickly.The bottom line is that it takes some combination of TIME and MONEY to start a business. It's up to you to decide what combination is right for you and your situation. I offer different levels of support no matter what you decide is right for you. Is this an MLM? NO! I help teachers create their own businesses completely independent of me. I'm happy to add them to my Teacher Directory and market for them, BUT those teachers are completely independent business owners. They do not work for me, nor do I take any portion of income they generate. ** I may ask some teachers if they would like to co-coach new teacher mentees. In that case, I pay them as independent contractors. Hi, I'm Rachel, the founder of MyFrenchU and The Private Practice Teacher®. I'm very excited to share with you my T2E Empowerment Intensive. Teaching has always been my passion, and I know firsthand the challenges that teachers face. That's why I created this program – to help educators like you heal burnout and develop an entrepreneurial mindset, so you can get excited about the very real opportunities our profession holds. Apply Apply today Thank you for your interest in the T2E Empowerment Intensive! This program is designed to help you transition from classroom teacher to thriving teaching entrepreneur. Your responses to the questions below will help me determine if this program is the right fit for you and how I can best support you. Please answer honestly and thoughtfully. This is what you'll get: Expert guidance Live weekly group meetings Comprehensive digital course with printable resources Online community with like-minded teacher entrepreneurs Support & accountability Continuing education Accommodations at our yearly retreat A Free Zoom Interview OR Program Application is required for Program Acceptance. Book an interview Program alumni receive lifetime access, inclusion on our Teacher Directory, and lifetime membership VIP Community which includes live weekly meetings and ongoing training. Complete Application First name* Last name* Email* What subjects or skills are you interested in teaching? What aspects of teaching bring you the most joy or fulfillment?* What kind of impact do you hope your private teaching business will have on your students or community?* How much money do you want to earn monthly from your private teaching business? How does this compare to what you currently earn or earned in the classroom?* How many hours are you willing to work weekly to achieve your financial goals? Starting a business also requires an investment of time and money. What are you prepared to invest in the next 3-12 months in order to build your business? * What concerns you most about owning your own private practice teaching business?* What strengths do you bring to starting a private teaching business, and what areas do you feel you need the most support in?* What type of mentorship do you thrive under (e.g., structured guidance, collaborative brainstorming, independent reflection with feedback)?* Submit

< Back Recovering from the Classroom Reading time 5 min Published August 2, 2023 Category: Leaving 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 ~ Grief and relief are normal and can exist at the same time. So many tears. So much anger and resentment. I was furious with the system that drove me out and away from the students, families, and coworkers I loved so much - the admin and policies that made me choose between my community and my family. I missed my classroom, my students, co-workers, my career that I'd invested so much of myself into only to have it proven to me how little my bosses cared about me, my family, and my contribution to the school. I was heart-broken but also relieved that I never had to go back there again. So much relief and room to breathe. My dread was lifted. I enjoyed the more manageable pace of life and took all the time I needed to recover. Almost instantly I noticed that I had more energy and patience, and within weeks my family noticed that I seemed much lighter and relaxed than they’d seen me in years. We enjoyed the last days of summer at the pool instead of setting up my classroom. Then I got to take my kids to the bus stop and participate in all the First Day of School festivities for the first time ever. I still love that every year. Our whole family dynamic shifted and continues to shift in really positive ways. However, the time freedom and decreased external structure that once caused relief and deep relaxation also started to cause isolation and depression. t was a very strange and somewhat disorienting mix of emotions. With the lack of externally imposed structure, I needed a new way of approaching my day-to-day life. It felt like my identity was eroding. It took me almost a year to find myself and my footing again. Discovery ~ Discovering myself. I’m not the same person that went into the classroom in 2011. She was just married, didn’t have children yet, and was in her early 30’s. The hobbies and leisure activities I enjoyed back then don’t hold much interest to me anymore. The me who left the classroom in 2020 had 2 young daughters (6 & 8 yrs old), lost her mother, survived postpartum depression, and spent most of her weekends at sports and dance. I felt old and tired from living in survival mode for so long. I didn’t even know who I wanted to be anymore outside of all the responsibilities piled up around me. I hadn’t had time to think about it. And so, when I had some downtime, I started exploring my inner and outer worlds. I started reading and listening to podcasts. I finished my masters degree and accidentally started a teaching business. I started volunteering with the PTO and in my daughters’ classrooms. I’m still discovering myself, but for the first time in a long time, I’m happy, proud of myself, and excited about the future. The best part is that my daughters and spouse are proud of me too. Unlearning ~ The most recent part of my recovery has been unlearning the unhealthy coping strategies I developed during my years in the classroom. Without even noticing it, I recreated the unhealthy work/life balance I left. I love the work I do now, but I didn’t know how to turn it off. I found myself driven by both passion and fear. I worked myself right back into survival mode and burned myself out. I became irritable and impatient. I started abandoning my self-care routines in favor of one more client, one more lesson, one more post, one more training, one more thing. And so I circled back to my grief and discovery but with more understanding and compassion than before. I took time to recover and recenter. I re-discovered myself, my joy, and my why. I’m learning what I need to unlearn in order to create the life I want for myself, the life I want to enjoy with my spouse and our family, and the life I want to role-model for our children. Best wishes always, Rachel Previous Next

< 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 Claudia Hall Spanish Class With Mrs. Hall Spanish Class with Mrs. Hall I am dedicated to providing engaging and effective Spanish lessons for kids, fostering a love for language learning while nurturing their curiosity and confidence. Through interactive and culturally immersive experiences, I aim to empower each child to become proficient communicators in Spanish, equipping them with valuable skills for a multicultural world. Go To Website

< Back “Old keys won’t open new doors.” Reading time 3 minutes Published June 8, 2023 Category: Teacher life “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 own life and the teaching profession as a whole. In my life, I seem to vacillate between two versions of myself: Version A, bold, optimistic, inspired, calculated risk-taker, and Version B, timid, more pessimistic, worried, and risk-averse. I can’t help but wonder which of these versions has been making most of my decisions lately, and if it’s the version best suited to carry me into the future I want to create. Despite leaving the classroom 3 years ago, I still repeat the same cycle: inspired, work up to near burnout, pausing only to find myself disoriented, reorienting myself again, and thus the cycle continues. The awareness of repeating this cycle is what leads me to the question above. And so, I’ve decided it’s time for a different approach. When discussing my most recent dance with burnout with my counselor, she suggested I describe in excruciating detail what I want my life to be like five years from now. She called the exercise “Contemplation”. I’m still getting to know this future me, but I’ve decided that if I want to have her life, I need to start making the choices she’d make now. As for the teaching profession, many teachers go directly from someone else’s classroom to their own. The current career path laid out for teachers is a very narrow one. We’re only taught one way to seek and apply for a job - one way to market ourselves to only one type of employer. Then if you’re able to secure a teaching position, you essentially stay there regardless of how much education you have or professional development you do. The path to professional advancement is even more narrow unless you want to leave the classroom. I believe that’s why it’s hard for many teachers and non-teachers to visualize teaching options existing outside of educational institutions. Teaching, while being my dream job, is my third career. I worked in sales and healthcare before returning to school to get my teaching degree. I think that’s why I’ve refused to accept the poor treatment of teachers by schools and society, and why I dared to think I could open my own business to teach 3 years ago. Other professional careers do not have these limitations. No one blinks an eye when someone with an advanced degree in almost any other field goes into private practice. Think finance, counseling, marketing, interior design, nursing, technology, engineering, trades, … the list goes on and on. Education doesn’t have to be any different. With so many seeking options outside of traditional, institutional learning, now is the perfect time for teachers to consider the same entrepreneurship options that other fields have been enjoying for decades. I started the Private Practice Teacher® as a way to help other teachers enjoy the freedom, respect, joy, and consistent income that I enjoy as a private practice teacher. As I reach the first anniversary of starting my teacher mentoring business, I see even more potential for private practice teaching. Now, I see it as a way to elevate our profession as a whole - a way to show society what we and our students can accomplish when we have the autonomy to practice our craft the way we know it should be done. Previous Next

Transition from an exhausted, frustrated teacher to an inspired teacher entrepreneur with a unique vision of your life & business as a private practice teacher. T2E Mindset: Claiming Your Identity as a Private Practice Teacher Transition from exhausted, burned-out teacher to inspired teacher entrepreneur and develop a vision for your own unique teaching business. 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. Join Self-Paced Course Work at your own pace with Slack Messaging Support & Real-Time Feedback Join VIP Course Claim your PPT Intdentitty in just 10 days with VIP Slack Messaging Support, Real-Time Feedback, & 4 Live Group Meeting Testimonials 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 T2E Mindset: Claiming Your Identity as a Private Practice Teacher is the first module of the T2E Business 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. Join Self-Paced Course Work at your own pace with Slack Messaging Support & Real-Time Feedback Join VIP Course Claim your PPT Intdentitty in just 10 days with VIP Slack Messaging Support, Real-Time Feedback, & 4 Live Group Meeting

< 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 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