In this episode, Rachel shares her journey from burnout to empowerment as an entrepreneur. She explores the emotional, physical, and logistical challenges of life after teaching, and the coping mechanisms to handle the habits that many educators develop in the classroom that don’t automatically disappear when they transition into entrepreneurship.

Rachel breaks down the subconscious patterns teaching often rewards and how these habits can quietly impact emotional health, wellness, and sustainability in business and life. This episode reframes self-care and invites listeners to shift their mindset in a way that honors their energy.

Articles Mentioned During The Episode:

Mindset Reset Enter code PODCAST at checkout
The Subconscious Patterns of Teacher Life
Recovering from the Classroom
The Unexpected Impact Leaving the Classroom Had on My Family

Chapters
00:00 From Burnout to Empowerment
02:26 Coping Mechanisms in Teaching
04:46 Patterns of Over-Functioning and Isolation
07:14 Urgency and Self-Sacrifice in Education
09:49 Redefining Wellness and Self-Care

In this powerful conversation, Rachel chats with fellow coach and client Denise Honaker, founder of Better and Brighter, whose mission is to help women—especially teachers—launch meaningful, heart-centered businesses teaching life skills to kids.

They dive into the moment that sparked Denise’s journey, how she turned a single after-school class into a national movement, and why teaching outside traditional systems can be one of the most liberating and impactful choices you’ll ever make.

If you’ve ever felt called to keep teaching, but on your own terms, this episode will remind you that your skills, your compassion, and your courage can light up an entire generation.

You can learn more about Denise and the work that she does on her website https://www.betterandbrighter.net/ and her Instagram @betterandbrighter4u.

Sign up to receive Denise's a free PDF of positive affirmations for kids.

In this episode, Rachel Cicioni discusses her experiences and insights as a private practice teacher. She emphasizes the importance of centering students and families in education, building trust, and the flexibility that private practice allows. Through personal anecdotes, she shares lessons learned from her early teaching experiences, the significance of choosing the
right students, and the value of human connection in teaching. Rachel advocates for recognizing teachers as educational experts and highlights the diverse paths available in the teaching profession.

Links and Resources Mentioned In The Episode:

PPT Teacher Directory
Blog Post: What is Private Practice Teaching?
Blog Post: Life as a Self-Employed Teacher

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Gratitude
01:57 Understanding Private Practice Teaching
04:01 Building Trust with Students and Families
06:50 Choosing the Right Students
09:11 Lessons from Early Experiences
10:50 The Importance of Flexibility in Teaching
13:07 Balancing Professionalism and Humanity
14:57 The Value of Private Practice Teaching
17:36 Conclusion and Future Conversations