Options for doing the teaching

One of the reasons a parent who may be interested in homeschooling is hesitant to move forward, is because they are anxious about teaching. They may not feel confident in their own ability to direct their student’s learning experience, and do not want to hinder or even damage their student’s schooling. Or, if they are not feeling incompetent, perhaps they do not have the time or flexibility in their work schedule to teach and supervise their student, especially if they work outside of the home. Are there any solutions for a parent in these situations?

The good news is that parents do have options when it comes to teaching their student at home. One stumbling block some parents have is feeling inadequate. Be reassured; a homeschooling parent does not need to possess the same educational background, skillset, and classroom experience as does a traditional teacher. A teacher trains for years to direct a classroom full of different students every year.

By comparison, a homeschooling parent only needs to know their own student(s). While you as the parent may not have a precise knowledge of your student’s academic knowledge when you start, you likely know what interests them, or how they learn. This type of knowledge will be more helpful for you in your homeschooling environment than all the traditional teacher training in the world; your classroom consists of the same student(s), year after year. You do not need training to guide your student’s learning.

Another reason a parent may search for assistance with teaching, is if their work schedule does not permit it. Whether you are a single parent working outside of the home, or you and your spouse both work outside of the home, or you are ill or in some way unable to be your student’s teacher, you may need assistance with the supervision of your student’s home learning. There may be options available to you that you have never considered, or ones you are unaware of. For example, you may have a family member who is able and willing to be your student’s teacher, or at the very least, supervise their schooling. Or maybe you know a homeschooling parent who would be willing to work with your student in addition to their own student(s). Another option you may have in your area is a learning center, where there are teachers that oversee a number of different student’s learning processes. Do not expect that any of these options will be free; even if your family member is able to help and does not ask for compensation, you should offer it. This is no small undertaking. For all options, it is probably best to work with the person who will be supervising your student’s learning in the curriculum selection process.

The best option is for you to homeschool your student yourself; no one is going to care as much or be as invested in your student’s education as you are. Perhaps the other options can be viewed as temporary, while you build your confidence or while you make adjustments to your work situation to accommodate your student. You made the decision to homeschool your student; it is your responsibility to see it through.