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< Back Beth Van Oss ** Bravo Español ** PPT® Verified Educator Bravo Español Bienvenido a Bravo Español! More than Words - It's Your Passport to Connection Bravo Español is dedicated to providing engaging and personalized Spanish instruction for high school students and adult learners. Our tailored approach supports high school students in succeeding in their current coursework, while our enriching community education classes are designed for travelers and lifelong learners who seek to enhance their cultural experiences, strengthen cognitive abilities, and find joy in language learning at any stage of life. Go To Website

< Back Finding Myself Again Through Teaching Freedom Reading time 5 minutes Published September 4, 2025 Category: Teacher entrepreneur; Teacher burn out; Leaving the classroom I officially resigned from my full-time teaching job in July 2020. I said, “It was no longer a good fit for our family because of COVID,” but the real truth was harder: my job was turning me into someone my family and I didn’t recognize . I loved my students, my colleagues, and my content area, and still, the school system was draining the joy out of me. Worse, it was replacing it with hurt, anger, and resentment. COVID made the toxicity, hostility, and school politics impossible to ignore. During that first month of COVID teaching, I got sick, juggled online teaching with two little ones at home, and kept showing up anyway. The school had no protocol for what to do if/when a teacher got COVID. Support was minimal, subs were non-existent, appreciation was back-handed, and the mandates often worked against good teaching. When my seniors, many of whom I’d taught for five years, noticed the changes in my personality and started trying to take care of me , I knew I had to make a change. The moment I chose myself (and my family) At the end of that year, I was beyond exhausted, incredibly angry, and heartbroken. I couldn’t keep masking it at home, and I couldn’t keep pretending in class. I cried all summer and my dread grew the closer it got to August. My husband understood that I couldn't bear to go back there. But it was COVID. So much was uncertain, and we didn't know if the company he worked for would survive. I couldn't leave without having something else to go to. Finally, I landed an aide position that would allow me to get our daughters on and off the bus. It was a pay cut, but it was just barely enough. So, on the last possible day, I submitted my resignation. It was the scariest and kindest decision I’d made in years. What happened next surprised me. An opportunity that wasn't anywhere on my radar. I was approached by a very small local private school. They asked if I would teach two of their students. It wasn't enough for the school to hire me, but their parents agreed to pay me directly. I could make it whatever I wanted and charge whatever I thought was fair. Unbeknownst to me at the time, this became the beginning of my private teaching business. My first goal was simple: replace the part-time “offer” I’d received from my former employer (half the pay for the same course load). Within six months, I was earning $2,000/month in about ten hours a week. A month into the following school year, I fully replaced my former salary FT salary working approximately 20 hours a week. What changed when I stepped into private practice At home, my kids noticed first. One day, my oldest daughter said, “Mom, you’re so…happy now and proud of yourself. It's kind of annoying.” She was right. I was singing again, dancing in the kitchen, proud of myself and my work, and fully present for our day-to-day life. When I asked my littlest about what she thought about Mommy having her own business, she said that she was glad I got to take care of them now instead of Nana or Miss Kristin. Professionally, everything started to fall into place too. I stopped over-delivering and under-charging and started pricing sustainably. I learned that this model of teacher entrepreneurship works when you value your expertise, set clear terms and conditions, and build simple workflow systems. I also learned how much respect flows when families choose you directly. All of which led me to referring to myself as a private practice teacher or a teacher in private practice. Because if other highly educated and highly trained professionals have private practice models, why not teachers? Lessons you can borrow right now Whether you’re burned out or simply ready for a healthier pace, here’s what helped me build a private teaching business that felt good and paid well: Start before you’re “ready.” Share what you offer, even in a simple post. Momentum beats perfection when launching a private teaching business. Price for sustainability. If your rates require 60+ hours to pay the bills, they’re not sustainable. A private teaching business needs a margin for planning, admin, and real self-care. Design for respect and fit. Clear policies and a thoughtful intake make your business run smoothly for you and your students. Keep it human. Relationships and results are your best marketing. A values-aligned private teaching business grows through trust and results. Only take students you know you can serve well. Find a Community. Entrepreneurship can be isolating. Having a community of like-minded teacher entrepreneurs for collaboration, co-working, and support can be a game-changer. (We have one inside the T2E Intensive, but I'm working on building one for other teacher solopreneurs, too. Stay tuned.) As more of us create our own teaching/tutoring businesses, the “teacher = school employee” stops being the default. Being a private practice teacher allows us to show what’s possible when we have autonomy to teach the way we know our students learn best. Why the words matter I use the term private practice teacher rather than tutor intentionally. First, it names teachers as the educational experts we are and reframes our work alongside other professionals who are able to serve clients directly. Second, it differentiates us from other tutors who aren't teachers, like high school and college students who do it for extra money rather than as a career. When people see a private practice teacher in action, they see personalized instruction, safe learning spaces, evidence-based teaching methods, and students achieving their goals. They witness what real teaching and learning can look like without counterproductive mandates, policies, and constraints. My bigger mission After rebuilding and rebranding my teaching career, I created The Private Practice Teacher® to accomplish three main goals: Make teachers aware that this path exists and can be a viable option for those who still have a heart for teaching. Mentor those who want help building their own private teaching business. Elevate the profession of teaching so teachers are recognized as the educational experts they are. Every thriving private practice teacher is a living case study in what's possible for students when educators have agency. If this resonates You don’t have to stay stuck in a system that asks you to betray your best judgment. If you’re curious about becoming a private practice teacher or starting a private teaching business, I’d love to connect. Bring your story; I’ll bring strategy, compassion, and clear next steps. Best wishes always 💕 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 What are your task avoidance behaviors trying to tell you? Reading time 3 minutes Published February 9, 2024 Category: Self-employed teacher Are you finding yourself constantly sidetracked by tasks that seem urgent but are ultimately unproductive? As a self-employed teacher, I understand the struggle of managing your own business while trying to stay focused on important goals. Let's delve into a recent realization I had and how it might resonate with your own journey. Last week, with a looming deadline for a presentation proposal, I caught myself engaging in a classic task avoidance behavior: productive procrastination. Instead of tackling the proposal head-on, I found myself engrossed in mundane tasks like transferring events between planners. Sound familiar? It was a wake-up call. I had to confront the root cause of my avoidance. Was it self-doubt? Fear of failure? Uncertainty about my abilities? As I dissected my thoughts, I realized that none of these reasons held true. I am qualified, experienced, and fully capable of delivering the presentation. So why the hesitation? The answer was fear. Fear of stepping out of my comfort zone, fear of the unknown, fear of failure despite ample evidence of success in my teaching career. Recognizing this allowed me to push past the paralysis and submit my proposal before the deadline. If you're experiencing similar challenges, know that you're not alone. Self-reflection is key to understanding and overcoming task avoidance behaviors. Remember, growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Embrace the discomfort, trust in your abilities, and go for it! Remember ... Nothing extraordinary ever happens by staying in your comfort zone. Best wishes always, Rachel Previous Next

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

< Back Steph Paturel ** Learn + Roam ** PPT® Verified Educator Lean + Roam Steph is an incredibly talented and innovative online teacher who is experienced in teaching a variety of content. As a French Immersion teacher, she teaches French, Visual Arts, Drama, Social Studies, Health, English Language Arts, and more to students in grades 1-8. (As per Ontario's curriculum standards) As a French teacher, Steph teaches grade 6-12 Core French, Conversational French, and French Pronunciation (accents from both Canada and France). Steph also offers programs for Educational Advocacy for Parents, "Bully Busting" & Self-Confidence for Kids, and "The Sex Talk". Go To Website

< 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 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 Crafting the Magic of Your Year Ahead Reading time 3 minutes Published January 2, 2024 Category: Goal setting As we stand on the threshold of a new year, there's an undeniable sense of magic in the air. But here's the secret: that enchantment isn't just confined to one day. The real wizardry lies within you – it's the power to create that magic whenever and however you please. Let's talk about New Year's resolutions. I've been down that road enough times to learn that it isn't for me, In my life, New Year's Resolutions too often led to a cycle of unrealized expectations and unnecessary pressure. So, instead, I've chosen a different route, one that I find liberating and immensely fulfilling. Rather than resolutions, I've embraced the art of crafting a vision for the year ahead. It's about dreaming big, envisioning the life I want to live, and painting it in vivid detail within the canvas of my mind. I jot down these aspirations in a journal and bring them to life on a vision board. This tangible representation serves as a beacon of inspiration, grounding me in times of uncertainty and reigniting that spark of passion whenever I need it. Starting the year with introspection, intention, and boundless enthusiasm has been a game-changer for me. It's not just about setting goals; it's about cultivating a mindset of empowerment and joy. This approach infuses each step I take with purpose, ensuring that every endeavor is aligned with my vision for a fulfilling life. As we step into 2024, I encourage you to consider this alternative to resolutions. Embrace the power of your dreams, the clarity of your intentions, and the joy of crafting your future. Let your vision be the guiding star that propels you forward, igniting your passion and fueling your journey. May this year be one of empowerment, inspiration, and unbridled joy. Here's to envisioning and creating a future that lights up our lives and the lives of those we touch. Wishing you a wonderful and fulfilling 2024! Best wishes always Previous Next

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 Niki Mitchell ** Brain Boost Academy ** PPT® Verified Educator Brain Boost Academy Niki is a K-12 reading specialist, level 1 Dyslexia specialist, and a 7-12 English & Honors English teacher. Niki is also an experienced Elementary teacher and offers instruction in K-8 math. She also offers writing instruction and editing services for college essays. Go To Website

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