Are Homeschooling Parents Also Teachers?

The role of parents in homeschooling can be multifaceted, and the answer to whether they are also teachers can vary significantly depending on the context and the laws in different regions.

Flexible Regulations Across Countries

Within the United States, there is no strict requirement for parents to hold a teaching certificate in order to homeschool their children. The responsibility of teaching can fall on the parents themselves, or they can utilize a combination of their own skills, tutoring services, and even community resources. However, it's important to understand that regulations can vary widely from state to state in terms of what is required for homeschooling.

Parental Professionalism and Special Needs

For some families, the homeschooling environment is more structured and formal, with multiple parents teaching different classes. For instance, in the case of a family of professional friends both with PhDs in education and teaching at a public university, they homeschool their six kids – all of whom have special needs. This unique arrangement shows that even highly educated individuals can effectively homeschool their children, providing them with tailored and specialized instruction.

Learning Materials and Personalized Education

The key principle behind homeschooling is the use of learning materials, whether through a structured academic program or self-study. While formal lectures by someone else are not always necessary, structured self-study can be more effective for some students. Some families opt for a hybrid model, where parents take the lead, but also engage tutors or community resources for specific subjects. This approach can provide a well-rounded educational experience for the children.

Options and Involvement

Home-schooled children have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities and community programs just like their traditionally schooled peers. The family previously mentioned had their children involved in band and swim teams, taking advantage of public school resources, and receiving tutoring. This indicates that despite the different educational approach, parents can still provide their children with a wide range of experiences and opportunities that complement their home learning environment.

Main Reasons for Choosing Homeschooling

For most parents, the primary reason for homeschooling is to protect their children from the environment and influence of public schools and teachers. This allows for a more controlled and values-aligned educational setting. Additionally, some parents may choose homeschooling to provide a personalized and specialized learning experience to address their child's unique needs or to avoid public school systems for various reasons.

Summary

While the answer may depend on local laws and the specific circumstances of each family, homeschooling parents can indeed be considered teachers, often in a more flexible and personalized capacity. This approach has proven effective for many families, offering a tailored and values-driven educational experience for their children.