Katlin
How does one go about gathering a Homeschool communtity for classes?
I am going to college this next semester for Education to become a Secondary Science teacher. I have been home-schooled for 8 of my 12 school years, giving me a deep appreciation for the option of homeschooling. During those years many classes were done in Home-school 'classes' with a teacher who got a degree in teaching or felt confident enough in a subject to teach students whether they be their own children or other's.
My dream is to follow in my Science Teacher's footsteps, teaching science in an exciting way that intrigues young adults allowing them to find their passions (whatever they may be), to appreciate the world around them, to do so in a way that glorifies God, and not to merely 'learn to the tests' but to gain knowledge.
My main concern is this: How to I find the home-schoolers around me after I graduate and begin my own classes? #science #teaching #teacher #secondary-education #home-school
2 answers
Vernon Turner
Vernon’s Answer
Well, teaching science in creative and enjoyable ways is as important to the teacher as it is the student. In light of the fact that our society has refused to accept (and pay for) public education as the main agency for educating our nation, home schooling has become the newest meme. It's a false meme. Home schooling only applies to the top tiers of socio-economic classes, because the poorer families don't have sufficiently educated adults to accomplish what is needed for the coming decades.
If you want to serve in the best interests of educating children in science, you will best serve the community and the country by teaching in public schools. If you're just in it for yourself, then you will burn out, no matter where you teach, in a very short time. Then what?
Meanwhile, you should be tuned in to the political environments surrounding public schools in your area. Ask annoying questions of the citizens like: "Why are teachers the lowest paid professionals in the country with a college degree?" Or: "Why don't we fund more vocational programs for those kids choosing not to go to or are unable to go to college?"
By the way, the "glory of God" in teaching science comes through the scientific method that shows humans how elegant the universe and the Earth really are. As a former biology educator, teaching evolution from that standpoint always defuses any backward-thinking religious attacks on that subject.
Whichever path you choose, remember who your "customers" are and what they will be doing in a few years.
Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
Hi Katlin:
Here is an example that you might want to follow;
https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/homeschooling-in-illinois/homeschool-organizations-support-groups/
https://www.parentmap.com/article/creating-a-homeschooling-community
http://www.homeschoogle.com/
Best of luck! Please keep me informed, I would like to follow you progress!
Thank you very much for your help, Mr. Simmons! It is kind of you to take such an interest in me.
At this point in time I still need to go to college and get my degree for teaching, but I will do the best I can in keeping you informed. You have been helpful!
Katlin
You are welcome. Keep me posted. I would like to follow your progress. It would be a good idea to connect with these sites, as the people there might be able to give you some very interesting insights that would help you along your educational journey. Always do as much networking as you can. You never know when you will hit that very interesting and beneficial person that could change you life. Contact the sites and let them you are starting on you educational journey and share you interests with them and see if they have any tidbits of wisdom that they would like to pass on. Some of it might be - this is what I would like to have know when I was in your shoes. Ask and you shall receive!
Ken Simmons