As parents throughout the United States rethink their educational options this year, many are turning to parent-managed education, traditionally called homeschooling. Gone are the days of jean jumpers paired with white tennis shoes and children dressed in outfits from the same fabric bolt. Homeschooling has broken free of the 1990’s and emerged as a vibrant educational tool for college-bound students.
As their children’s educational managers, parents choose an academic regime with top teachers and resources that ignite a passion for learning. A morning of high school education might look like, 9am – 10am private Zoom Spanish taught by a US college-educated teacher in Venezuela, 10am – 11am online interactive Algebra II taught by a live teacher in Texas, 11am – noon, accredited science class online. 1pm – 3pm history and English book work. 4pm – 7pm sports that will lead to D1 or D2 college scholarships.
Working parents can seamlessly integrate their children’s education into their own work-at-home schedules… with a little help. Home education coaches gaining in popularity as parents consider options for this year.
A home education coach typically first meets with parents to determine the goals of the family. Goals might include long-term college or trade school, or sports scholarships. They include students in the conversations to determine their learning style and passions. Coaches then work backward from your goal determine the classes necessary for success.
With their vast knowledge of courses and activities, coaches can quickly develop a program that works best for your children. Schedules with combinations of online, live via zoom, and textbook work that is emailed to teachers are common for coaches.
Coaches are also an invaluable resource for local teen activities. Sports, groups, co-ops, and clubs are vital to home education. A good coach will point parents to programs in their area that they can explore with their teen.
Most coaches touch base a few times a month for the first few months to make sure the program is working. One of the advantages of home education is that classes that are not working can be changed immediately. If a class is not a fit because of academic level or is not capturing the interest of the student, a new program can be selected. A good coach knows that empowering students is a key to academic success.
Kim Glanowski and Candice Dugger, professional coaches near Washington, D.C., have grown their business into a full service academic service for parents. Their Reimagine Education Conference, online this year, offers coaching tips from top academic coaches, curriculum and classes, NCAA presentations on D1 and D2 college sports, and guides to help working parents. They recommend that working parents planning next year soon.
The Reimagine Education Conference will be online July 27 – August 1, 2020. It provides an opportunity for parents to learn how to homeschool, meet top-rated coaches, and plan for next year.
Sign up now to be connected with a homeschool coach!