Do I Need to Be a Teacher to Homeschool My Child?
These days, many parents are coming to homeschool their children reluctantly. Ask any parent right now if they want to teach their children at home and most will say, “No!” I, too, felt like I was plopped into the homeschool mom role, insecurities and all.
I needed to hear that I didn’t need to be a teacher to teach my child. When you come to the understanding that you are the best person to teach your child, the opportunities are endless.
So, I am here to tell you, you do not need to be a professional to teach your child. You can do this!
Do I Need a Degree to Homeschool?
The simple answer is no. There is no state in the US that requires a degree in order to homeschool. There are, however, some states that do require a high school diploma or GED. It is important that you check your state’s homeschooling laws to see if this is required in your state.
Can I Educate My Child If I’m Not a Teacher?
Would it surprise you to learn that even teachers wonder from time to time if they are doing a good job educating their students? I once interviewed a very experienced teacher, and he shared with me that he saw himself as a “practitioner of education” similar to that of doctors who “practice” medicine.
According to a study conducted by the National Home Education Research Institute, homeschoolers typically score 15 to 30 percentile points above public school students on standardized academic achievement tests and are frequently recruited to colleges.
Despite the studies that are available, many parents fear that they will somehow cheat their child of a successful education if they do not have the proper teacher training. Fortunately, there are many positives when it comes to homeschooling.
Many homeschooled students outperform in standardized tests and do well at the college level. Why? They experienced a customized curriculum. Providing an individualized, tailored curriculum for your child adds value to them in the long run.
The majority of parents who educate their children at home are not certified teachers. It is interesting to discover what it takes to be a successful homeschooling parent, so let’s uncover some of the ways that this is accomplished.
How Do I Make Homeschooling Work Without a Teacher Certificate?
Here’s the honest truth, there is no one way to homeschool. So, how do we know what makes homeschooling work?
As more and more parents are turning to Google to learn about homeschooling, many want to know just what makes homeschool work and how they can best manage without “messing up their kids.”
Know That You Are the Best Teacher for Your Child
Before I was a homeschool mom, I navigated the special education world in the public-school system. Often, I was asked by teachers what tactics and strategies worked at home. Do you know why they asked me for my opinion? There was no one on earth that understood my child’s needs like I did. The same is true as we have transitioned to homeschool. There is no one better at understanding my son’s unique learning style, gifts, strengths, and weaknesses.
Homeschool Is Not Public School at Home
This is a biggie! One reason you don’t have to be a teacher to homeschool is sometimes not so obvious. The goal is not to replicate a public school classroom at home. In the beginning, many new homeschool parents make the mistake of turning their homes into a classroom, but the truth is “homeschooling” is a completely different way of thinking about and approaching education. A common goal for home learning is to teach to the specific needs of a child rather than to a set of standards and guidelines, commonly found in public education.
More Than Teaching, Homeschooling Is About Partnering
Listen, I love teachers. They have incredibly difficult jobs and just about anyone who goes into the profession usually has a genuine love for children and a passion to teach. They work incredibly hard to partner with the child and his/her parents. The simple fact though—I am a mother, not a professional teacher. It is important to remember that my job is to come alongside my children in order to help them find their passions and discover natural curiosities that long for knowledge. My job is to love them and help them to learn.
Now What?
So now that you know that you don’t have to be a teacher to homeschool, what do you do next?
I want to encourage you!
One of my passions is to empower moms who are thinking about homeschooling or who have already made the decision and are wondering what to do next. I want you to know that you can do this thing! You can teach your child and enjoy the process while doing it. I have coaching sessions available where we can troubleshoot, and I can offer emotional support through our one-on-one sessions. More information can be found on my website, www.katiegibbons.com or by signing up for my newsletter!
In addition to finding support and encouragement from someone who has gone before you and has taken the plunge, it is important that you find curriculum and resources to help you along your journey.
Essentials in Writing is a great resource and education partner because they offer various levels of education for all types of learners. There is a placement tool and a scoring service that takes the hassle out of homeschool.
The Essentials in Writing curriculum creates a strong foundation in writing no matter where your child is headed. The company offers a wide array of curriculum that helps homeschool students succeed in writing, grammar, and composition.
By choosing expert level curriculum, like Essentials in Writing, you can be well on your way to designing a homeschool that works.
