For the children, for the people, for myself

Truth be told, I started this blog to reach homeschoolers. I was ready to morph into someone else and become that support system for homeschoolers guiding them through getting started teaching at home and helping them to encourage their child’s passions and interests along with lifting them through their weaknesses. I was ready to share my experiences, resources, and be their support system; kind of in a teacher to student-teacher model. It didn’t work. None of it.

 

Sure, I had people who were curious, but no one was interested in a former classroom teacher’s experience. Some said it was that I didn’t homeschool (a few months later I began to-though not for that reason), some said it was too costly, most just never answered the call. Yet, I’d attend homeschool get-togethers and listen to them talk nonstop about the struggles their children had learning A, but not B. They’d speak of how their children resisted the workbook pages or seemed totally lost and wondered how they could help. I spoke up, offered my business card, probed for details, and offered ideas. They seemed grateful at the time, but it never went any farther. Some spoke of looking for a tutor, but I never heard from them. Was I seen as a “know it all”; a busybody? Why had they spoken of their concerns and not wanted help? Was it me? I felt more lost with the adults than I’ve ever been with a group of students.

 

People don’t know where to peg me and honestly, I don’t know how to classify myself. In short, I’m different. I straddle the line between teacher, homeschooler, and all around guide. I’m either a “know it all” or someone who doesn’t understand. lol.

 

I have the classroom experience of more than 20 years and though I sampled various styles of pedagogy, the one I’m most comfortable with is one that presumably lends itself best to the gifted students (though is seemingly uncomfortable to most); stand back and watch. Be there as a guide. Perhaps that’s the purpose of my blog.

 

Whatever my future holds, I know it’s not in the current climate of schooling. Though they talk of Common Core, Big Ideas/Essential Questions, of student-centered and innovation, the reality is that the schools I’ve been involved with are very rarely innovative. Most are as traditional as the schools I grew up in. They failed me in the ways I needed most and I was looking forward to change in schools. I wanted to be a part of the great resurgence. I still do.

 

So, as I continue to search for innovative learning opportunities where I can be of support (and make some money), I’ll continue to spout to those of you curious, similar, or just willing to listen.

 

I’ve done the ordinary. I’m searching for the extraordinary.
 

I appreciate you accompanying me on my journey.