In this episode, Rachel Cicioni explores how self-doubt can follow teachers out of the classroom and into entrepreneurship. After years of burnout, she found that a lack of self-trust showed up in her branding, pricing, boundaries, and client selection.

Rachel shares the lessons she learned from underpricing, overdelivering, and making fear-based decisions as well as what changed when she began trusting her instincts instead of outsourcing her authority. This conversation highlights why building a sustainable teacher business requires confidence, clear boundaries, and self-trust.

Listen in to hear how Rachel's approaches and real life experience helped shaped her business and hear examples of tips and ways you can use them for yourself!

Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery in Business
02:33 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence
05:11 The Impact of Pricing on Business Success
07:13 Learning from Mistakes: The Importance of Boundaries
09:39 Trusting Your Instincts and Making Empowered Decisions
14:39 Transformations Beyond Business: Personal Growth and Relationships

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

In this episode, Rachel Cicioni shares her journey from being a classroom teacher to becoming an entrepreneur, reflecting on the challenges and transformations she experienced along the way.

Initially, Rachel never intended to leave teaching, but after nine years in the profession, she found herself feeling exhausted and undervalued. Despite her deep passion for teaching, the lack of respect and support from the educational system led her to question her career choice. Through her story, she highlights the importance of recognizing when a change is necessary for personal well-being and fulfillment.

Rachel discusses the pivotal moment when she decided to leave the classroom and pursue a part-time position as a paraprofessional while building her private teaching business. This transition not only allowed her to regain her sense of respect and autonomy but also provided her with the flexibility to balance her family life. She emphasizes the significance of trusting oneself and exploring alternative paths, ultimately creating a life that aligns with her values and aspirations.

This episode serves as an inspiring reminder for educators feeling disillusioned to consider their own journeys and the possibilities that lie ahead.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: A Teacher's Journey

00:55 The Shift from Classroom to Private Teaching

04:20 Recognizing the Signs of Burnout

06:23 Finding Respect and Autonomy

10:15 Balancing Work and Family Life

11:13 Creating a Space for Honest Conversations

The Teacher to Entrepreneur Podcast empowers educators to create freedom through innovative approaches to education. Hosted by former classroom teacher Rachel Cicioni, you’ll hear solo episodes and candid conversations with teacher entrepreneurs and T2E alumni. No hustle culture. No one size fits all. Just real conversations to help you build your next chapter.