Why Are More Educators Choosing Homeschooling?

n 2020, I left my job at a school due to the COVID-19 pandemic and began learning full-time with my son at home. 

During this time, we engaged in various activities such as cooking, cleaning, exercising, participating in art, writing, and listening to podcasts, and we have continued learning since then.

After continuing with online schooling for two years, we realized that it was time to unplug from the traditional system and start learning on our own. 

My son learns valuable online skills such as writing, networking, and podcasting. As an educator, I know how to help my child, obtain resources, and guide my son, and that gives me the confidence to pursue this journey, experiment and explore.

Why Are More Educators Choosing Homeschooling?

Educators are the backbone of our education system, so it's natural to wonder why some choose to leave the traditional classroom setting and homeschool their children. This trend is becoming increasingly visible, and this blog delves into its potential reasons.

Exploring the Motivations:

Dissatisfaction with the System: Educators witness firsthand the challenges of standardized testing, large class sizes, and curriculum limitations. They may desire a more personalized and enriching learning experience for their children.

As a professor, I noticed that most of my students are not prepared to manage the demands of a university-level education. Students often struggle to communicate ideas effectively, demonstrate critical thought, and respond to the scheduling demands of college. - Calvina Ellerbe Ph.D.

Curriculum Control and Flexibility: Homeschooling allows educators to tailor the curriculum to their child's needs, interests, and learning styles. They can delve deeper into specific subjects, integrate passion projects, and foster a love of learning beyond the confines of a set curriculum.

It was not until the COVID-19 pandemic that I felt forced to try homeschooling and I was shocked to find that I gained clarity about how to best educate my children. - Calvina Ellerbe Ph.D.

Focus on Values and Socialization: Homeschooling allows educators to instil their values and beliefs into their children's education. They can create a safe and nurturing environment where socialization can occur outside the traditional classroom structure, potentially focusing on community involvement or project-based learning that fosters collaboration.

Burnout and Work-Life Balance: The teaching profession can be demanding, and educators may feel they lack time for their families. Homeschooling can offer a better work-life balance, allowing them to dedicate themselves to their children's education while managing other responsibilities.

With homeschooling, I found that my children were learning concepts faster and were more willing to engage with the material when they could help decide when subjects were addressed. - Calvina Ellerbe Ph.D.

A Personal Perspective:

This trend extends beyond dissatisfaction with the system. Many parents, including myself, share concerns about the safety and well-being of their children in traditional school settings.

The ever-present threat of bullying, exposure to potentially harmful influences, and the pressure toward early socialization can be daunting.

While I, as an educator, initially explored private schools with their smaller class sizes and potential for a more focused curriculum, it still needed to be as personalized as I wanted.

Now that we have options to explore and learn how we want from where we want, we decided to create our learning path.

Unplugging from the System, Plugging into Learning

During those early days, homeschooling wasn't just about academics; it was a chance to connect as a family. We delved into art projects, explored fascinating topics through podcasts, and even dabbled in writing.

This immersive learning experience ignited a constant curiosity in both of us. Two years of online school solidified our belief: it was time to forge our own path.

Harnessing Technology for Education

Fortunately, we were fearless in embracing technology. We were already comfortable navigating the digital world, and this became a springboard for creating something extraordinary.

Our shared passion for education led to "EducationNext," an online platform dedicated to enriching learning opportunities.

Why Homeschooling Worked for Us

As an educator, I understood my son's learning style and how to guide him best. The flexibility of homeschooling allowed us to tailor the curriculum to our interests, identify valuable resources, and work at a pace that fostered a love of learning, not a race towards rote memorization.

More than Just a Teacher, a Partner in Learning

This journey has been transformative. It's not just about homeschooling; it's about rediscovering the joy of learning as a parent and child. We've been fortunate to witness firsthand the benefits of kid approach, and we're excited to share our experiences and insights with you. 

My son and I work on many projects together whether is blogging, video making, podcasting.

Preserving the Love of Learning:

Children are naturally curious and possess an innate desire to learn. Traditional classrooms emphasizing standardized testing and large class sizes can stifle this natural curiosity.

As homeschoolers, we can tailor education to the needs of our children, fostering a love of learning that extends beyond the confines of a classroom. Learning becomes a part of life, integrated into daily experiences and fueled by curiosity, not standardized tests.

This autonomy and a more flexible schedule transformed learning from a passive activity to an engaging exploration. 

Homeschooling also opened doors for learning to extend beyond the confines of a set curriculum. Everyday experiences became opportunities to explore and reinforce concepts, making learning a continuous and enriching journey.