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< Back Would you rather? Summer Edition Reading time 5 minutes Published June 3, 2024 Category: Teacher life In my neighborhood, summer break is almost here, and it has me reflecting on the summer break after my last year in the classroom. ! It felt like a breath of fresh air after an entire year of insanity. But we all know that summer break does NOT mean a summer off. I don’t know about you, but I honestly only ever really took off 2 weeks a year. The first week of summer break and the week of our family vacation. What summer break actually meant was that I got to make my own hours. It meant that I got to work at a pace that allowed me to not feel overwhelmed while also feeling like I was “setting myself up” for a less overwhelming school year next year. (This never really happened because there was always some new something added to my plate.) And thus the cycle of The Teacher Hamster Wheel continued year after year after year. But what if I told you there's an exciting alternative? Let's dive into how much time teachers typically spend on summer prep and compare it to the mere 5 hours a week it takes to kickstart your own teaching business using The Private Practice Teacher® 90 Day Jumpstart Mentor Program. Trust me, this could be a game-changer for you! 1. Traditional Summer Preparations :The summer break turns into a whirlwind of planning, curriculum development, resource curating/creating, and professional development (all while attempting to recover, relax, and have fun). According to the National Education Association (NEA), teachers usually devote around 12 to 20 unpaid hours a week to school-related tasks during their well-deserved summer break[^1^]. It's a significant (unpaid) time commitment that eats into our precious downtime. Even though everyone tells us we don’t “have” to do it, when else are we supposed to do it? And so we do it during breaks. 2. The Private Practice Teacher® Alternative: Now, I want you to imagine reclaiming your summers and life by creating your own teaching business. With just 5 hours a week, you can make it happen! This is exactly why I created The 90-Day Jumpstart Mentor Program the way I did. This program provides everything you need to create, market, and run your teaching business. Say goodbye to the teacher hamster wheel and hello to more personal time for relaxation and enjoyment year-round. So, dear teacher friend, I believe it’s time to think outside the traditional summer prep box. Instead of sacrificing so much of your break to school-related tasks, why not invest 5 hours a week in yourself and build a career that fits your life? I and all the Jumpstart Alumni are here to guide and support you every step of the way. Best wishes always, Rachel References: [^1^] National Education Association (NEA). (n.d.). Teachers’ Summer Break: How Often and How Long? Retrieved from https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/new-from-nea/teachers-summer-break-how-often-and-how-long Previous Next

Free 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 Why You Need to Connect with Your Summer Self Year Round Reading time 7 minutes Published January 18, 2024 Category: Mental health In the hustle and bustle of teaching, whether in a traditional classroom or as a self-employed private practice teacher, it's easy to find ourselves caught in the web of All or Nothing. We oscillate between periods of all-consuming work and moments of indulgent relaxation, both of which, in the long run, can lead to burnout or boredom. The truth is, neither extreme is sustainable, and as educators, it's crucial to strike a balance that ensures our well-being and longevity in our chosen profession. Burnout is a looming danger, regardless of our teaching setting. Whether we're managing a classroom or navigating the challenges of a private teaching business, the risk of burning out is real. It's a state where the demands and pressures of our work surpass our capacity to cope, resulting in physical and emotional exhaustion. It's a pitfall we must be vigilant about, recognizing the signs and proactively addressing them. One fundamental principle often overlooked in the pursuit of professional success is the importance of boundaries. As teachers, we are adept at setting boundaries for our students, but extending that skill to ourselves is equally crucial. However, let's take a more delightful approach to self-care – let's spoil ourselves a little every day. Not with expensive treats or indulgent meals, but by tapping into the love languages and rediscovering what brings joy to our Summer Selves. Consider what activities spark joy during the summertime – those moments when you feel most alive and connected. Whether it's a simple walk in nature, a creative endeavor, or spending quality time with loved ones, these are the things that nourish our souls. The key is to carve out just 10-20 minutes each day to indulge in activities that resonate with our Summer Selves. It's about finding balance and intent, creating a daily ritual that rejuvenates our spirit. Distinguishing between burnout and exhaustion is crucial. While burnout is a state of chronic depletion resulting from prolonged stress, exhaustion is a temporary state that can be remedied with rest. Engaging in activities that spark joy serves as a powerful antidote to both. When we prioritize our well-being and infuse our days with moments of happiness, we find ourselves recharged and better equipped to tackle even the less joyful aspects of our work. So, dear teachers, let's commit to spoiling ourselves a little every day – not as a luxury but as a necessity. By embracing a balanced approach to work and play, we not only safeguard ourselves from burnout but also cultivate the energy and resilience needed to thrive in our teaching endeavors. Here's to nurturing our inner teachers beyond the classroom and ensuring a fulfilling journey in education. Best wishes always! 💕 Previous Next

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

Accessibility Statement for The Private Practice Teacher This is an accessibility statement from The Private Practice Teacher®. Measures to support accessibility The Private Practice Teacher® takes the following measures to ensure accessibility of The Private Practice Teacher: Include accessibility throughout our internal policies. Conformance status The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) defines requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA. The Private Practice Teacher is partially conformant with WCAG 2.1 level AA. Partially conformant means that some parts of the content do not fully conform to the accessibility standard. Feedback We welcome your feedback on the accessibility of The Private Practice Teacher. Please let us know if you encounter accessibility barriers on The Private Practice Teacher: Phone: +01 484 713 4909 E-mail: rachel@theprivatepracticeteacher.org Instagram: @privatepracticeteacher We try to respond to feedback within 2 business days. Compatibility with browsers and assistive technology The Private Practice Teacher is designed to be compatible with the following assistive technologies: Provide captioning on all monetized video content. Date This statement was created on 4 December 2024 using the W3C Accessibility Statement Generator Tool .

< 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

Want to add your teaching business to our Directory? Or having trouble finding the right teacher for yourself or your student? Fill out a request form here. Welcome to The Private Practice Teacher® Teacher Directory Resource Page Access The PPT® Directory Here Students: Can't find a teacher for yourself or your student? Teachers: Would you like to add your business to the PPT® Directory free of charge? Meet the Teachers Click Here Click Here

< 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 Lessons from Fall ~ Rest, Recovery, & Productivity Reading time 5 minutes Published November 9, 2023 Category: Mental health 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 listen to a podcast, some mornings I listen to an audiobook, but most mornings I listen to the trees and birds and the traffic and my own thoughts. And I find that letting my mind wander and listening to my own thoughts , to be the most refreshing and rejuvenating. I didn’t used to be able to hear the musings of my mind over my running to-do list. It took time for that to come back. Even now as I embrace my 4th Autumn as a private practice teacher, I never take this opportunity for granted. I find it's important to give myself that time to process all of the information I take in from all the different areas of my life. We do this to some extent in our sleep, but if you are a parent and/or a teacher- sleep is not always super restful or consistent. That’s why giving myself the gift of time in the morning to walk and process and allow my mind to wander, to be an essential part of my day. One that never feels like work, but has become one of my most productive and creative parts of my everyday life. From that reflective and creative space, I want to share with you some of the insights that have been coming to me lately while walking with my sweet boy. Looking at the trees, this is probably common for a lot of us this time of year, I've been meditating on the beauty of letting go of things that no longer serve us. There’s a lot of beauty in that - in letting go. People travel all over the country to look for the most beautiful foliage in order to witness this spectacle celebrating the beauty of letting go. Next, I let my mind wander from this beautiful letting go that we are enjoying right now to the cycles of Nature. I’ve been reflecting on what follows this time, which is a period of rest and hibernation, a period of conserving one’s resources for what's to come, all in preparation for bursting forth with new growth again in the Spring. So I’ve been asking myself, “How can I bring this cycle of letting go and conserving my resources in preparation for new growth into my own personal practice?”. This cycle has been really successful for Nature for a long time, and I think we also need to have periods of pruning and periods of letting go. We need to have periods of recovery, introspection, and conservation of resources - all in preparation for the next bursting forth of growth. But this morning, as we were walking through the neighborhood, something new came to me. I was reflecting on how beautiful so many of the leaves are that are now on the ground. It occurred to me that it's okay to let go of things that are still beautiful when they no longer serve your higher purpose. And so a new question for myself emerged, “What beautiful things am I holding on to that are not serving my higher purpose and that I can let go of in order to conserve more resources in preparation for my next growth?” So that's it, those are my current musings inspired by Fall. I hope that you have a great day and that you find time to allow your mind to wander to new places. Best wishes always, Rachel Previous Next

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

< 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