What's Your "Why?"

I have said many times, "I would never want to..." and then fill in the blank. "I would never want to teach upper elementary." "I would never want to teach middle school or high school." "I would never want to be a principal." I would never want to be a Head of School." I would never want to homeschool my kids." Yet here I am, having done all of these things. And I have to say, looking back I am extremely thankful for the wealth of knowledge I have gained through each stage of my educational journey.

As a teacher of students in all different grade levels, I was able to see one side of education. I was focused on academics. I made sure to follow the guides and standards. I prepared relevant and meaningful assessments. I kept up with discipline, parent communication, and grades. I built relationships, collaborated with other teachers, and genuinely enjoyed the classroom. I had found my calling.

Once I moved into administration I saw a second side of education. A side that involved accountability, mentoring, goal setting, and leading others to a common vision and mission. It was in this role that I realized working with teachers and parents presented both a joy and a new challenge. And one that, in the end, actually brought me to this space and time. I walked alongside families that desperately wanted to help their child succeed in a traditional classroom setting but struggled to make that happen. I heard stories of trauma, of hurt, and of triumph. I had a front row seat to teachers setting their needs aside for the good of their classroom. And it humbled me. I am forever grateful for the time I had to lead teachers, parents, and schools.

Which leads me to my why. Why do I homeschool? And why am I passionate about walking alongside others in their own homeschool journeys. Put simply, I want a front row seat. My children have some diagnoses that would make it difficult to thrive in a traditional classroom setting. Through homeschooling, I see daily what my kids are learning, how they are learning, and what they need from a parent perspective. I love to learn new things and homeschooling is just as much a learning ground for me as it is my kids. If something doesn't work, I pull new strategies from my extensive toolbox. If I am lost, I seek help from others. I reach out and make friends with other moms who are also lost.

And I want to be that for others. Homeschooling can be hard. Really hard. No one should have to go it alone. So, I want to be in the front row...cheering you on!