My background is in education. I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was 11 years old. I used to read textbooks for fun. As a tween. What the hell was wrong with me?! I knew I wanted to teach high school, but went back and forth between wanting to teach English or history. I actually taught preschool for one year and quickly realized that I do not have the patience, creativity, or coloring and cutting skills necessary for teaching that age group. I ended up deciding I wanted to teach history, which is what I completed my B.A. in last month.
Ironically, I do not want my child to attend school. My husband and I have both talked about it many times. We absolutely do not want our child going to school where we presently live. I’m not totally opposed to her ever attending any school, but I detest the way the public education system emphasizes testing and rote memorization. There are also no private schools in my area except the one that I attended which is (a) supported by evangelicals and teaches fundamentalist Christian doctrine as fact and (b) isn’t even accredited. So, yeah, we’ll definitely be passing on that one!
This has put me in quite the odd position. My daughter will be 4 in November. I’ve decided to do what I’m calling unpreschool. I’ve been researching and creating activities for my daughter to do according to her interests. In the process I’m having to deschool myself. I’m also simultaneously studying academic theory as it applies to teaching secondary school, and looking for a job as a high school history teacher.
If I don’t go insane from reading information from two very different perspectives, I will be immensely proud of myself. And probably reward myself with a glass box of wine.
Bruja Jess 
A few of my kids’ teachers homeschool their kids. Someone who works in education understand how the public system works better than anyone, I think.
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I agree with you. On one hand I feel like a hypocrite, but at the same time I know that the opinions I have about school aren’t just something I woke up and decided one morning. It’s almost surreal. I’m writing out a loose lesson plan overview type thing for the next year and I remember doing the exact same thing a few years ago for my preschool class. It feels great to know that everything we’re working on stems from her own interests and totally customized to her own needs and desires.
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You are my kinda mom. My son has been struggling with math (despite my assistance–I was an adult ed teacher for years, and I can tutor anything the school will throw at him). His main issue is that he doesn’t test well, and of course that’s the criteria for his passing into high school: rote memorization and regurgitation. He wants to go, though, so in the coming weeks I am having to appeal to have him included in a process that’s not been great for him. The second they give me grief, I’m yanking my tax dollars out of there and homeschooling.
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Thank you! I actually worked at Adult Ed myself. I worked there as a tutor whenever I was attending college. I hate the way math is taught in high school. As an adult, if I need a formula to figure something out, I’m not forced to memorize it under a high-pressure, often timed, pass-or-fail situation. To me this sort of false setting doesn’t prepare people for the real world. I can see it’s importance for somebody wanting to work in a field which required a lot of math, but definitely don’t understand it’s necessity for the typical person. Best of luck to you and your son! I’m very worried about having to teach my daughter math once she reaches high school, but I know if she ever wants to attend college that she will need to be familiar with algebra. College algebra is the reason I didn’t finish college with a 4.0 so it’s a sore spot for me! (lol) And if you guys do end up homeschooling, I wish you the best with it as well!
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Thank you. Have you looked into Khan Academy? ( http://www.khanacademy.org ) It starts at 1+1 and gets into the seriously theoretical math involved in high finance. It’s brilliant (and free) and will track progress, as well. The vast majority of the curriculum is video-based, so great for visual learners.
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That’s the first time I’ve heard of Khan Academy. Thanks for the information.. I’ll definitely check it out!
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