Jun. 23, 2006
A Bit Of Truth About Teaching At Home
I never lacked the confidence that I had enough education to teach my children. Not for a second.
I wasnt exactly sure how I could teach my children while at the same time run a smooth household, keep the laundry up, plan good meals, be a good wife, serve in the church, and be a good friend. I have had serious doubts about that several times over the years.
But as far as having the knowledge to teach my children? No doubt at all.
Perhaps some of my friends and family thought I had no doubts because I was trained to be a teacher.
But it was exactly that education and training that made me absolutely convinced that not only I could teach my children, but that any person with an 8th grade education could easily teach grade school children all they need to know, and that anyone with a 12th grade education could teach through high school.
Im beginning to change that opinion a bit. I now believe anyone with an 8th grade education can teach their children through high school and guide them through their college years.
The key being that the children are your children.
Ever since I received my degree in education, Ive wondered just what it was that the university thought they taught me about teaching.
The first two and a half years were spent primarily doing core requirements. The same requirements that anyone else getting my degree (science) was required to take.
Then the last year and a half was spent taking specialized classes that were supposed to help me know how to teach. Aside from maybe two classes, I learned nothing about teaching. I don't know what was supposed to be happening in these specialized classes. I thought I was going to be given the nuts and bolts about how to teach.
But mostly it was just theory. Idealized theory.
I believe most teachers learn to teach by...teaching. Odd concept, eh?
I did two stints as a student teacher in a public school. Again, I learned little about actual teaching. I learned to manage a classroom full of hyper middle schoolers. I learned to talk for a few minutes at a time to an audience who wanted to be doing anything but listen to me. I learned to walk the aisles, looking for confused or mischievous students.
But I didnt learn anything about actual teaching.
Basically, the teachers in the public school are being paid to manage groups of people, and to feed them information as best they can under the circumstances (which are far from optimal), and to test the few that tend to be gifted or motivated academically and grade and push through those who are not gifted nor motivated.
Its a pretty thankless
and difficult
job. My heart goes out to these men and women who, in many cases, have very unrewarding careers. But they keep on showing up in the classroom every day because they dream of honestly reaching some child.
For those of us who teach at home, it is not a thankless job. My husband thanks me frequently. My kids thank me with kisses and hugs and pictures they draw and stories they write and spontaneous lectures on the cool thing I just learned.
We know our students. Year after year, we have the same students. We know their strengths and weaknesses. They dont have to be motivated or gifted to learn what we teach them because we can sneak around to the back door to reach them. We know where that back door is because weve been teaching them and living with them long enough to know what doors are locked and which ones will swing open with a little push.
We arent faced with a large group of strangers every September. We dont have to send on the large group of precious kids weve just poured our lives into to another teacher every June.
If Janey cant learn math the Saxon way, we can teach her math the Math-U-See way. She doesnt have to hang around and do Saxon just because 28 other kids are doing it and its working well with 20 of them. She doesnt have to fall behind in math just because the school board said Saxon is the way to go and the teacher must use Saxon or she can find another job.
And if Sammy doesnt learn to read until he is 10 years old, hes not going to be put in a special class that makes him feel dumb and which will isolate him from the other kids. No way! His teacher, his mom, will just keep plugging on with phonics and reading aloud while extolling his amazing abilities to throw numbers around like a professional juggler and what great artistic qualities he has while showing off his architectural drawings. No need for Sammy to feel stupid, because his teacher knows he is not.
Government schools are just not set up to be able to teach all the children very well. They do the best they can. Most teachers are really committed to the job of teaching, to the dream of teaching. But their hands are tied by school boards and demanding parents and dysfunctional family situations and the sheer numbers and range of abilities of their students.
An almost impossible situation, especially after the 3rd grade years.
Anyone can teach their grade school children at home. And they can teach their children well. With or without a curriculum, every subject can be covered thoroughly and mostly without pain by any parent.
Comments
Jun. 23, 2006 - AMEN!
Posted by boo4baby
I only wish I had believed this the first few years I homeschooled. It has taken me five years to understand that I am the perfect teacher for my kids and God knew it from the beginning! Thanks for the post. It was very encouraging!
Blessings,
Becky
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Jun. 23, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Happyhome
Extremely well said Shurleen! I too was a teacher before coming home. The only thing that taught me anything about teaching was my first job as a jr. high teacher!
Teachers in our school system are doing (for the most part) the best they can with what they've been given. It's hard to understand how parents feel their child is possibly getting a quality education in such overcrowded, unproductive circumstances. Much of a teacher's class time is spent on discipline, crowd control, administrative tasks and transitioning, leaving little time for actual teaching. Students are not taught a love for learning, but how to get by enough to graduate. I know...I was "publikle edukated". Yes, I learned the basics, how to read, write and do some math, but above that there is little I remember.
OK, I'll get down off my soapbox now. Great post!
Blessings,
Angela
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Jun. 23, 2006 - Here, Here!!
Posted by redmom
So very true!
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Jun. 23, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by kleo30
Thank you for this post. It affirms everything I thought about the public schools. I know my middle one would have fallen into the "I think I'm dumb" group of kids. My youngest one would be bored because he's not challenged. Only my oldest would do well in a group setting. But PTL that we have the privledge to hs our kids. It is such a blessing. One that I am so glad we chose every day, even the tough days. A bad day of hsing is better than a great day at ps is a motto around here.
Thanks for sharing~Kelly
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Jun. 23, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Titus2woman
WOW! I am REALLY enjoying your blog tonight~AWESOME post! (((((HUGS))))) sandi
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Jun. 23, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by drewsfamilytx
That is precisely why I quit pursuing my teaching certificate while I was in college! And when I finally had children, I thought back to some of the (pardon me here) IDIOTS that were going through the same program. I kept thinking that These are the future teachers of America? And these professors are the ones training the future teachers? Now they weren't all bad, but there were enough terrible ones to make me feel like the whole bunch was tainted.
You are absolutely right, just about every parent can teach their child. They did very well the first 5 years of their life (learn to sit, walk, talk, play, potty)...and then they send them off when they just go to some of the very best parts!
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Jun. 23, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by contented
I agree wholeheartedly!! I taught for 5 years and I could have skipped my college education and just started in the classroom. Not because I'm so smart, but because they taught me nothing!!
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Jun. 28, 2006 - As a teacher...
Posted by Anonymous
I am a public school, 8th grade English teacher. I must say that you are all looking at public education through a very narrow set of blinders. It is NOT a thankless job, and 99 percent of the teachers I work with are 150 percent dedicated to the children. Of course, there are a few bad examples, but I am sure there are a few bad homeschooling parents... but those are the exception for sure. I love going to work each day and I come home at the end of the day KNOWING that I have made a difference in many childrens' lives. I run a volunteer club at my school... and I have over 150 7th and 8th graders each and every year that spend countless hours of their time volunteering in our community. They visit nursing homes, hospitals, work at the food pantry, and much, much more. What do they GET out of it? Nothing... but they still desire to do more and more to help others... and they don't need material rewards to make them want to give to others. I know you all find this hard to believe... but these kids are the product of PUBLIC schools and yet somehow they are still wonderful, caring, loving and amazing children. Their parents love them every single bit as much as those of you who homeschool and think that there is no other "right" way to raise and educate children than yours... and these parents are not sitting around and blogging putting down your choice of education for your children... yet I read many homeschooling blogs and every single one of them "looks down" at parents and families that choose public education. Both of my children are educated in the public school setting and they are thriving. They are happy, well-adjusted children who are receiving an AMAZING education... as hard as you all find that to believe. My six-year old, who just finished kindergarten is reading on a 4th grade level and guess what? The school has adjusted programs specifically for him to keep him challenged and learning... just as they do for each and every child who struggles in school. Every child has a chance to learn at their own speed and at their own level... and the teachers are MORE than willing to help each child individually.
Of course, there are some public schools out there which don't measure up and are not performing as they should... but that is the minority. Yes, you read statistics and figures showing that homeschooling is MUCH better than public schooling... but do you realize those facts and figures are almost always written by those who are believers of homeschooling? There are just as many facts and figures promoting public schooling as the best way to go... and guess what? They are usually written by proponents of public schooling. Amazing, huh? If you want I can send you MANY statistics showing that public education is far more beneficial than homeschooling... as I am sure you could show me many of the opposite opinion.
My point is, don't be on such a high horse and assume that you are better parents just because you homeschool... there are many ways to raise children to be loving, caring, Christians and ummm... last time I checked, many of the greatest people, leaders, and Christian leaders of our time were not homeschooled... and somehow they still managed to turn out not just "ok" but to be wonderful adults.
Each Christian parents needs to pray and ask God what he feels is best for their children and family... and if he guides them to public schooling are they wrong for following his word? Think about that...
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Jun. 28, 2006 - ps...
Posted by Anonymous
As far as being thankless, I could show you at least a hundred letters, cards, notes and emails I have received from parents and students thanking me for working with and caring about their child and from the students, themselves. I have saved each and every one because I know that I have reached so many children throughout the past seven years of teaching. The word "thankless job" would never even enter my vocabulary... because if I thought that way, my students would be the one who suffered from my bad attitude... and I refuse to let even one of them think that I don't WANT to be there with them, teaching them, learning with them... I cannot imagine being anywhere else.
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Jun. 28, 2006 - <i>Untitled Comment</i>
Posted by
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for your perspective on public schooling. Yes, I do believe that homeschooling my children will be better for them than sending them to public school. But like you, I know some really remarkable children who are attending public school. I myself attended public school, and don't think I turn out too badly.
I provided some links to a few blogs belonging to some public school teachers, and after reading some of their entries, I don't think anyone, including myself, would argue that some children benefit highly from those of you who are passionate and commmitted to your calling, your job.
But I do believe that the government school system overall is a system that fails it's students. Yes, there are success stories and kids who succeed in some of the worst schools in America. Yes, there are good schools and great teachers. But overall, I don't believe it's the best place for my kids.
Since I homeschool, I talk about homeschooling and sometimes about why I choose to avoid other types of schooling. I haven't thought about my expressing my opinion as being "on a high horse". Perhaps I should. But my first thought is that just because I think the school system is a mess and is going downhill and express those thoughts, well, that doesn't necessarily mean I'm looking down my nose at public schools. It just means I don't think it's all it's cracked up to be, or at least, it isn't what it used to be or what it should be.
For the record, I don't think I'm a better mom than those who send their children to government school. All of us are trying to do the best we can by our kids. This is my best, as far as I know it. My nieces and nephews go to public school, and they have excellent parents.
But maybe by coming across as disagreeing or not liking something looks like I think I'm better than those who are involved in that thing.
OK. I can live with that I suppose. I don't feel that it's true, but I can live with someone thinking it's true.
I agree that there are some lousy homeschooling parents who aren't really homeschooling...and they make the rest of us look bad when they get headlines in the news.
I agree that most teachers are committed and passionate about their job and pour their lives into doing the best they can for the children in their classrooms.
I agree that a lot of parents who send their children to government school really love their kids and are very involved, doing the best they can for their children.
I also believe that virtually every classroom has children whose parent just want something done with their kids. They don't care what, as long as someone else is doing it.
I believe overall the government school system is not about teaching each child academics individually, but about a transfer of values and a herding of a group of transient peoples thru hoops and gates that the parents and/or children have no interest in.
I believe that there is no way that the people who make the decisions on the administrative level of the school system give two figs about my specific children.
You as the teacher might care to a degree. Maybe even a great degree. But I know you don't care about what happens to my children as much as I do.
And I'm glad you came here and shared your perspective in my comment section. Especially that you cared enough to write your thoughts at length. I'm glad you feel appreciated in your calling. I'll be more careful in the future about calling teaching a "thankless job". I wasn't necessarily talking about being thankless from the parent/student perspective, tho that was certainly a part of it. More along the lines of pay and benefits and always getting the rough end of the stick when the administrative powers make poor or difficult choices...the teacher is usually the one that takes the fall-out.
I'm glad you aren't one of those teachers.
Thank you for commenting.
Edited by OreoSouza on Jun. 28, 2006 at 12:26 PM
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Jun. 29, 2006 - Thank you...
Posted by Anonymous
Thank you for understanding. I just sometimes get upset that all public schools are looked at so negatively when there are many, many teachers that are totally, completely committed to their students.
I also understand and respect your points about homeschooling and can see why you choose to homeschool.
So I think it is up to God first and then of course, the parents to decide what is right for their families. That may not be the same for all of us... and I apologize for the "high horse" comment because after reading what you had to say that was definitely not your intention.
And I also agree that there are parents in the public schools that just want to dump their kids off to get rid of them and have someone else do the work... thankfully this is a small percentage but it breaks my heart every time I see a child without a loving family to support and encourage him/her. I cannot imagine loving my own kids more than I do... I think until you are a parent no one truly understands that amazing, take your breath away kind of love and devotion that you feel every second of their lives. Your kids are very lucky to be with parents who care as much as you do.
I guess what I am saying is that we can disagree about how to educate our children but it seems we are very much on the same page as far as loving them and caring for them and teaching them... so I would say that both my kids and yours are very lucky AND loved, not matter how they are educated.
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond... I think I understand a little more and am sorry I may have seemed so harsh at first. Just please, remember that there ARE teachers out there that care and that want the best for each and every child. Is it hard in a class of 25 kids? Yes. Impossible... definitely not.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend and enjoy your family!
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Jun. 29, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by OreoSouza
"I think until you are a parent no one truly understands that amazing, take your breath away kind of love and devotion that you feel every second of their lives."
This gave me goosebumps. Absolutely amazing is this love we feel for our children. I often think to myself, "Does *everyone* else feel about their children like I do? That drop-dead love at first sight that never ends?"
I love hearing other parents say about their own children what I feel for my children.
Thank you for your gracious reply. I usually don't respond to anonymous comments, but your first comment was so sincere that I felt it a disservice to just pass it by. I know that my post got under your skin. Sometimes that happens when we dont have a chance to hammer things out face to face. With understanding comes more compassion...and more understanding. :)
I have only respect for good teachers. After all, all of my life that is what I wanted to be and what I went to college for. I still have the heart of a teacher...but have chosen to teach only my children.
One of the hardest things about homeschooling can be that some of us disagree with the government school system and its usefulness, but that disagreement comes across as judging folks we have no intentions of criticising.
Sadly, it isn't the poor teachers or the disinterested parents or the administration or the NEA who will come read my blog and respond to what I've written. Instead it will be people like you who care about what you do.
Tho we sit on different sides of the fence, I must agree: we both love our children deeply and want to do the best we can for these amazing, wonderful people.
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