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