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< Back From the classroom to my own teaching business Reading time 3 minutes Published February 25, 2023 Category: Leaving the classroom I loved being a high school French teacher! I worked in a small private high school and was the only French teacher. Teaching 5 levels of French was challenging, but I enjoyed that no two lessons were ever the same. Our school was a very close community. I got to know the families well, and many of my students I taught for all 4 years. It was amazing being able to witness them grow in the language and as people. When COVID hit in 2020, everything changed. Childcare became a major issue, and we decided it would be best if I found a way to work from home. Even though I knew it was the right decision, it was still very hard to leave the classroom – even after such a challenging spring. I felt guilty being away from the classroom, seeing my colleagues struggles, and feeling like I couldn’t help. I missed working with students and tried to find a job teaching part-time while my children were in school. Enter my friend, Abby, Director of Education at a local, private, secondary school. Abby approached me about creating and teaching a French program for a couple of their high school students. However, it would have to be online, and the school didn’t have enough students interested in French to hire me. The families would have to hire me themselves. Thankfully- they did. It wasn’t long before I discovered I really enjoy working with students this way, and I’m really good at it too! I made a post on social media telling my friends what I was doing, and a few of them shared my post and told their friends. A couple months later, I started working with my first adult learners. I was a little surprised how much I truly enjoy working with adults. All of my students, regardless of age, are so different, and I love designing lessons around their unique interests and learning goals. My students have been asking me when I’m ready to take on more students. I kept saying, “Wait until I finish my Masters.” Well, I just finished last month and here we go! Now I have a waitlist of students and get to help other teachers on their path to owning their own private teaching businesses too. I never thought opportunity to own my own teaching business existed. Now, I can’t wait to see where it can go from here! Previous Next

< Back Beyond Tired? It Might Be Time to Rethink Your Career. Reading time 5 minutes Published October 1, 2024 Category: Mental health October has arrived, and if you're still in the classroom, you're probably starting to feel it: that first wave of exhaustion creeping in. This time of year can be especially tough for teachers, as the excitement and optimism of the new school year wear off and the reality of long days, demanding students, and mounting expectations set in. You can see how the rest of the year will likely play out and what if anything you can do about it. If you're here, reading this, you're probably wondering if this is more than just the usual tiredness. As a former classroom teacher, I know this feeling all too well. October was always when I felt the first cracks in my energy and enthusiasm. And for many teachers, this first wave of exhaustion isn't just a sign that you're working hard—it's a warning sign that something bigger might be going on. Whether it’s burnout, a growing dissatisfaction with the school system, or the feeling that your career no longer aligns with your values, this exhaustion could be trying to tell you something important. For those nearing retirement, you might be wondering if there’s another way to continue teaching without sacrificing your well-being. Or maybe you're one of the many teachers who love working with students but simply can’t sustain the physical, mental, or emotional toll of the classroom anymore. The good news? You don’t have to stay stuck. There is a way to teach on your terms while regaining the flexibility, fulfillment, and balance you've been craving. After I left the classroom, I started my own private teaching business. It took me a few months to figure out my marketing, pricing, and systems, but in less than 6 months it allowed me to replace my monthly income while working far fewer hours. It gave me back my time, my energy, and my love for teaching. Later, I began helping other teachers do the same. You deserve a career that makes you feel appreciated, energized, and respected. If this October's exhaustion feels deeper than normal, it may be time to explore a new path—one that doesn’t drain you but instead revitalizes your passion for teaching. If you're ready to take control of your teaching career—whether that means working part-time, supplementing your income, or completely transitioning out of the classroom—I'm here to help. There’s life after burnout, and it’s possible to build a teaching business that works for you . Reach out to learn more about how I can help you navigate this transition. Best wishes always, Rachel Previous Next

< Back Teaching vs. Tutoring: Why It’s Time to Name—and Own—the Difference Reading time 5 minutes Published June 17, 2025 Category: Private Teaching, Private Tutoring It started with a comment on one of my YouTube videos. A viewer felt I was diminishing tutors by uplifting teachers. That wasn’t my intention — not even close. But the exchange got me thinking: why is this conversation so touchy? And why does it matter so much? Here's what I believe: tutors and teachers both play important roles in the learning process of their students. But they are not the same. And when we blur the line between them, we unintentionally undervalue the work, training, and responsibility that goes into teaching. What’s the difference? Tutoring is important. It’s targeted, often short-term support meant to help a student succeed in a course or subject they’re already enrolled in. It fills gaps, builds confidence, and reinforces concepts and skills that students may struggle with. Anyone with an aptitude for a specific content area and a desire to help others can become a tutor — and many do a fantastic job. But teaching? Teaching is something else entirely. Teaching means being the primary instructor. It means developing curriculum, designing assessments, managing learning outcomes, and creating a full instructional plan tailored to the learner. It pulls on your understanding of pedagogy, developmental psychology, and often specialized training in areas like literacy, differentiation, and special education. In my own private practice, I do both. As a private tutor , I provide support for a course someone else designed. I don’t determine the learning goals or assessments. I help students meet someone else’s expectations. As a private teacher , I am the course. I create the framework, set the goals, design the instruction, and guide the learning from start to finish. Both are valuable. But they are not the same. Why this matters—especially for teachers Most people don’t really know what teachers do. They know what it felt like to be a student, or what they see during parent-teacher conferences. But they don’t see the lesson planning, the data analysis, the behavioral and academic differentiation, the scaffolding, the ongoing assessment, the professional development, the hours of invisible labor. So when teachers leave the classroom and say they’re now “tutoring,” it creates a disconnect. Not because tutoring is less-than — but because calling it that fails to communicate what’s actually happening. And that misunderstanding contributes to the devaluation of the entire teaching profession. It’s the same reason we differentiate between a physician and a physician's assistant. Both are educated professionals. Both help people. But they aren’t interchangeable – at least not in all areas. The private practice teaching model When I started my own teaching business, I didn’t want to be seen as a "homework helper". Not because that work doesn't matter, but because I wanted to be recognized for the depth of skill and experience I brought with me. So I took inspiration from other licensed professionals who go into private practice—therapists, doctors, occupational therapists, and more. That’s how The Private Practice Teacher® was born. I do all the things a classroom teacher does, minus the bureaucracy: I design the learning experience I teach face-to-face or asynchronously I build curriculum, assessments, and support materials I communicate with families and track student growth I pursue professional development and reflective practice The only difference? I work for myself, not a district. And just like other private practice professionals, I get to decide: Who I work with What I charge How I structure my time What kind of learning I facilitate Words matter If you're a trained educator providing a full-service learning experience for your students, I believe you deserve to call yourself a teacher. Especially if you're doing the work of teaching. Calling it tutoring because that’s the common term only reinforces the idea that teaching isn't worth much outside of schools. Let’s flip that. Let’s start using language that reflects the full value of our training, experience, and impact. Let’s make teaching something that can thrive inside and outside of the classroom. Let’s make it visible, viable, and valued. And if you’re not sure whether what you’re doing is teaching or tutoring, I’ve created a guide to help you decide—plus tips on how to price your services accordingly. 🔗 Click here to access the free resource: Are You Teaching or Tutoring? Want to hear more on this topic? Explore related posts like 'What is Private Practice Teaching?' or 'Stop Undervaluing Your Teaching Expertise' on my blog to dive deeper. Watch my free Pricing Strategies Mini-Course on YouTube. Previous Next

< Back Can you be Risk-Averse AND an Entrepreneur? YES! Reading time 3 minutes Published May 12, 2023 Category: Teacher entrepreneur Something you may not know about me is that I’m actually pretty conservative and kind of risk-averse . And I’m not sure that that’s from a quality that we expect from a lot of entrepreneurs, a title which I have fully embraced at this point. But going back to that being risk-averse, I’m fairly conservative I do not recommend that my teachers go all in 100% on their business when they start. I do not want you to be in a position where you were putting your financial security or your family’s financial security at risk. I didn’t, and I don’t recommend that you do that either unless you have a considerable nest egg that you can live on while you build your business. I actually recommend that all of my teachers have some sort of side hustle or side or part-time job in addition to their business as they’re getting started. This is because it takes a couple of months to build up your client book and replace a full-time income. Here are some things that I recommend my teachers do as they are building their clientele and their student schedules: I encourage them to sub if they still feel comfortable in their schools or other schools. You can research which schools pay the best for subs. All the schools are hurting for subs. We know that so you shouldn’t have too much difficulty getting in there. And in my experience as a sub, you can pick what days you’re available which is great because then you could say OK, Tuesdays and Thursdays I’m gonna sub Monday, Wednesday Fridays I’m going to work on my business and that’s perfect and reasonable. Another thing that I did was I worked part-time as a classroom aide. I learned a ton from the teachers I supported that I was able to use to teach the students in my business. Another option is to work for somebody else like OutSchool or to include tutoring among your services if that something that you enjoy doing. The reason I refer to these part-time jobs as your side hustle is because your business is still going to be your business. If you’re anything like me, I had to leave my part-time job within about three months. I had to put in my notice because I had a wait list of students that I need to open up my schedule for, so I could be making more money seeing my own students then I was making at my part-time job. Previous Next

< Back Life as a self-employed teacher Reading time 3 minutes Published May 13, 2024 Category: Teacher entrepreneur As a self-employed teacher, I still get to do most of my favorite teacher things. There are also a couple of things I never had while working for a school or anyone else that I’m not sure I’m willing to give up. Here are 6 things I LOVE about being a self-employed, private practice teacher: Help my students achieve their unique learning goal Design engaging lessons customized to my learner's needs and interests Enjoy positive relationships with my students and families Make my own schedule (this one might be my favorite 🤫) Choose who I work with Decide how much I get paid Here are 6 things I LOVE that I don't do as a self-employed, private practice teacher: Sub plans Go to work when I or my children are sick Turn in lesson plans or grades Work nights or weekends Attend meetings or PD that are not useful to me or my students No other duties. I only do what I believe is in the best interests of my learners. Threats of violence, active shooter drills, bomb threats Finally, here are the only 2 things I miss from my time teaching in a school: The unscripted moments with my classes. I miss our inside jokes and celebrating milestones like prom, getting their licenses, championship wins, musical performances, etc. I also miss the way so many personalities can come together to make a special and unique community both within the classroom and the school itself. I know you know that every choice has pros and cons. For me, at this time in my and my family's life, being a self-employed teacher provides me the time and financial freedom I need to enjoy a career I love AND have energy for the rest of my life too. Best wishes always, Rachel Previous Next

Private Practice Teachers and Tutors, Find the teacher right for you Welcome to The PPT Teacher Directory Find the independent teachers right for you & your family. The professional educators included in The PPT Directory are NOT employees of The Private Practice Teacher®. Each teacher is a private business owners and is 100% responsible for their conduct and business practices. Read Full Disclaimer Now Meet The Teachers ⭐️ Indicates a PPT® Verified Educator . These are teachers that I have personally worked with and whose teaching and business philosophies are similar to my own. Barb McCluskey ⭐️ PreK, Elementary: Reading The Reading Cube Read More Pilar Vanderstelt ⭐️ PreK - Adult: Spanish, Spanish Immersion The Spanish Learning Nook Read More Julie Mamunes ⭐️ MS, HS, Adult: Russian Speaking of Russian Read More Sue Klapec ⭐️ Elementary: Reading Lantern Literacy Read More Erica Triggs M.Ed. ⭐️ K-2: Reading & Dyslexia Lighthouse Learning Studio Read More Danielle Hobson ACT/SAT Test Prep Dani-the-ACT-Coach Read More Hilary Farmer PreK-12: Math, English Adventure Learning LLC Read More Geena James ⭐️ Elementary: Reading, Math Foundations First Learning Read More Steph Paturel ⭐️ PreK - Adult: French; Elementary French Immersion Learn + Roam Read More Beth Van Oss ⭐️ HS-Adult: Spanish Bravo Español Read More Niki Mitchell ⭐️ K-12: Reading, Writing, Math Brain Boost Academy Read More Cathie Guillebastre MS & HS: Math My Math Mindset Read More Sheryl Uehling K-8: Reading, Writing Tutoring with Sheryl Read More Demi K (B.S.Ed.) 2nd-5th: Math, English Education With Mrs.K Read More Ganaia Praema ⭐️ K-Adult: Writing, Music, Art The Music Mentor Read More Pamela Vasquez ⭐️ PreK - HS: French , French Copy Editing French Creek Language Read More Lance Green ⭐️ K-12: Science, Math, STEM, Music Green STEM Learning Read More Abbie Wence ⭐️ MS, HS: Life & Study Skills True YOU Coaching Read More Lara Luft Brazilian Portuguese & ESOL Profa Lara Luft Read More Rose Gause K-12: Reading, Literacy Reading With Rose Read More S tudents: 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? Click Here Click Here >> Disclaimer << Please read carefully The private practice teachers and tutors in The PPT® Directory are experienced, certified educators, & independent business owners. They have complete autonomy over both their business & teaching practice. Inclusion in this directory is voluntary and provided at no charge. * The teachers in this directory are not employed by nor pay a commission to The Private Practice Teacher®. The Private Practice Teacher® is NOT legally or morally responsible for the actions or inactions of the teachers included in the PPT® Directory. This directory serves only as a resource to help students and families find independent, private practice teachers and tutors. ** All liability resides with the independent teacher business owners and the students and families that choose to work with them.

Rachel Cicioni discusses the ins and outs of her entrepreneurial journey from leaving the classroom, starting her private teaching business, and what's she's learned along the way. The Private Practice Teacher® Blog Leaving the Classroom, Mindset, Community Teacher Traits That Last Long After Leaving the Classroom The quirks and habits of teaching follow us long after leaving the classroom. Some are funny, some heavy, and all worth talking about. Read More Published: October 2, 2025 3 minutes Reading time: Teacher entrepreneur; Teacher burn out; Leaving the classroom Finding Myself Again Through Teaching Freedom When I resigned, I blamed COVID. But the truth was that my job was turning me into someone I didn't recognize. Someone I didn't want to be. Read More Published: September 4, 2025 5 minutes Reading time: Private Teaching, Private Tutoring Teaching vs. Tutoring: Why It’s Time to Name—and Own—the Difference It started with a comment on one of my YouTube videos.They felt I was diminishing tutors by uplifting teachers. The exchange made me think. Read More Published: June 17, 2025 5 minutes Reading time: Education Reform Teaching, Like Medicine, Is a Science-Informed Art Both rely on science, practice, and intuition. Both are being suffocated by systems that sideline the professionals actually doing the work. Read More Published: May 22, 2025 5 minutes Reading time: Teacher entrepreneur Being a Self-Employed Teacher Costs Less Than You Think Are you yearning to break free from the confines of the traditional classroom but worry about the daunting start-up costs of launching your Read More Published: February 19, 2025 5 minutes Reading time: Mental health Beyond Tired? It Might Be Time to Rethink Your Career. October has arrived, and if you're still in the classroom, you're probably starting to feel it: that first wave of exhaustion creeping in. Read More Published: October 1, 2024 5 minutes Reading time: Teacher life The Subconscious Patterns of Teacher Life Since leaving the classroom I’m becoming increasingly aware of the subconscious patterns and coping mechanisms we develop due to the Read More Published: July 8, 2024 5 minutes Reading time: Teacher entrepreneur Life as a self-employed teacher 6 things I do, 6 things I don't, & 2 things I miss. As a self-employed teacher, I still get to do most of my favorite teacher things. .. Read More Published: May 13, 2024 3 minutes Reading time: Leaving the classroom Making the Decision to Leave the Classroom In the years leading up to my resignation from my beloved teaching position, I found myself making monthly and finally weekly pros and cons Read More Published: March 1, 2024 5 minutes Reading time: Mental health Why You Need to Connect with Your Summer Self Year Round In the hustle and bustle of teaching, whether in a traditional classroom or as a self-employed private practice teacher, it's easy to find Read More Published: January 18, 2024 7 minutes Reading time: Business coaching I spent over 11K on a coaching program, and it almost killed my business. Offers for paid coaching are literally everywhere right now, & I want to have a very frank conversation about it. Personally, I have spent Read More Published: December 20, 2023 10 minutes Reading time: Self care Let's get real about wellness routines and self-care. Believe me, I get it. Balancing the classroom and home-life, the never-ending to-do lists, and the hustle and bustle of the school year..... Read More Published: October 16, 2023 7 minutes Reading time: Teacher life The Unexpected Impact Leaving the Classroom Had on my Family Maybe you can relate? I used to think that my students got the best of me and my family got the rest of me. While I hoped this wasn't ... Read More Published: August 16, 2023 7 minutes Reading time: Business coaching Personal Solution to a Teacher-Centered Movement When I started The Private Practice Teacher® in June of 2022, it was with the goals of helping other burned-out teachers enjoy the .... Read More Published: June 23, 2023 3 minutes Reading time: Teacher entrepreneur Can you be Risk-Averse AND an Entrepreneur? YES! Something you may not know about me is that I’m actually pretty conservative and kind of risk-averse. And I’m not sure that that’s from a Read More Published: May 12, 2023 3 minutes Reading time: Business coaching The Pros & Cons of Paid Business Coaching Let's talk about the elephant in the room - paid coaching. Offers for paid coaching are literally everywhere right now, & I want to have a Read More Published: April 7, 2023 3 minutes Reading time: Leaving the classroom From the classroom to my own teaching business Leaving the classroom was one of the hardest things I've ever done. I began teaching in 2011, and I loved being a high school French teacher Read More Published: February 25, 2023 3 minutes Reading time: Education Reform, Teacher Satisfaction, Teacher Burnout What Does It Mean for a School to Fail? Schools often fail teachers long before test scores dip. What if success was measured by teacher support and satisfaction? Read More Published: September 16, 2025 3 minutes Reading time: Teacher Entrepreneurship 7 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Starting My Teaching Business Practical lessons from a teacher-turned-entrepreneur: 7 things I wish I’d known before starting my private teaching business. Read More Published: August 14, 2025 6 minutes Reading time: teacher entrepreneur, teacher business Stop Undervaluing Your Teaching Expertise: You're More Than a Tutor Teachers — if you’ve ever looked at your hourly rate and wondered, “Why am I still exhausted and barely breaking even?” This is for you. Read More Published: June 12, 2025 4 minutes Reading time: Leaving the Classroom, Mindset, Business Coaching You're Not a Bad Teacher for Wanting More I want to say something you may not have heard—at least not loud enough or often enough: You're NOT a bad teacher for wanting more. Read More Published: April 4, 2025 4 minutes Reading time: self-care, mindset, entrepreneur Self-Care is Essential for Teacher-Entrepreneurs Teachers are notoriously bad at self-care. Here's why it's non-negotiable for entrepreneurs & how you CAN make it a part of your daily life. Read More Published: January 10, 2025 3 minutes Reading time: Retention Why Are Teachers Leaving, and Who’s Paying Attention? Teacher retention is at an all-time low, and it feels as though no one is paying attention—or worse, no one cares. Our schools resemble ... Read More Published: August 13, 2024 5 minutes Reading time: Teacher life Would you rather? Summer Edition In my neighborhood, summer break is almost here, and it has me reflecting on the summer break after my last year in the classroom. Read More Published: June 3, 2024 5 minutes Reading time: Leaving the classroom Nothing Beats Community Teachers need each other. It's one of those careers that can also be an identity. People say, “I work in retail" but say "I'm a teacher." Read More Published: March 25, 2024 7 minutes Reading time: Self-employed teacher What are your task avoidance behaviors trying to tell you? Are you finding yourself constantly sidetracked by tasks that seem urgent but are ultimately unproductive? As a self-employed teacher, I ... Read More Published: February 9, 2024 3 minutes Reading time: Goal setting Crafting the Magic of Your Year Ahead As we stand on the threshold of a new year, there's an undeniable sense of magic in the air. But here's the secret: that enchantment..... Read More Published: January 2, 2024 3 minutes Reading time: Mental health Lessons from Fall ~ Rest, Recovery, & Productivity I am very fortunate to live near a park and every morning that the weather permits, Yeti and I take a nice long walk. Some mornings I .... Read More Published: November 9, 2023 5 minutes Reading time: Self-employed teacher How My Morning Routine Transformed My Life as a Teacher and a Parent I want to take you on a journey through my life, comparing my morning routines as a teacher and parent. It's a story of evolution... Read More Published: September 22, 2023 12 minutes Reading time: Leaving the classroom Recovering from the Classroom It’s been just over three years since I left the classroom and here are a few things I’ve encountered that I wasn't expecting. Grief Read More Published: August 2, 2023 5 min Reading time: Teacher life “Old keys won’t open new doors.” “Old keys won’t open new doors.” I’ve been meditating on variations of this idea for a couple of weeks now, both as it applies to my life... Read More Published: June 8, 2023 3 minutes Reading time: Mental health The Heartbreak of Leaving the Classroom I wish people understood how heartbreaking the decision to leave the classroom really is. All I ever really wanted to be was a teacher. Read More Published: May 2, 2023 2 minutes Reading time: Private tutor What is Private Practice Teaching®? When I tell people that I own my own teaching business as a private practice teacher, the conversation that follows usually goes something Read More Published: March 5, 2023 5 minutes Reading time: Filter by category: Business coaching Education Reform Education Reform, Teacher Satisfaction, Teacher Burnout Goal setting Leaving the Classroom, Mindset, Business Coaching Leaving the Classroom, Mindset, Community Leaving the classroom Mental health Private Teaching, Private Tutoring Private tutor Retention Self care Self-employed teacher Teacher Entrepreneurship Teacher entrepreneur Teacher entrepreneur; Teacher burn out; Leaving the classroom Teacher life self-care, mindset, entrepreneur teacher entrepreneur, teacher business