A Letter to Formal School Teachers: With Love From A Homeschool Mom

Growing up as a home-educated kid, my siblings and I quickly became accustomed to the shock and the questions that came along with the statement: “I am home-schooled.”  

Unlike now, in the late nineties, my family was in the stark minority as far as education goes.

I definitely consider myself a lucky girl to have encountered a potpourri of experiences when it comes to learning. I attended a private school through 3^rd grade, was home-schooled through freshman year and the remaining high school and college years were at public institutions.

 I have had countless, phenomenal teachers. In fact, I can’t think of a single teacher that wasn’t good.

Now that I’m a parent, and have decided to be my own kids’ primary educator, I’ve reflected on the social interactions that often result whilst discussing education.

There are several formal school teachers in my life. Family members, old and new friends. To be honest, each time anyone of them asks me about homeschooling, a part of me wants to shrink away.

 Oh the tangible awkwardness that ensues.

My husband is always saying: "you're kinda quick on your feet kid" but when I’m discussing education with a teacher, I often come across as a sputtering fool. I am fumbling for clear thinking and good words.

So let me attempt to chuck my social weirdness out the window. Teachers, I want to exemplify in writing, just how much I truly respect and admire you. Oh and I am entirely confident that I could not do what you do. I have a measly four children to keep in order and on task (and one of them I just need to keep alive) and many days I honestly feel like I’m treading water.

Seriously, how do you do it? You are true superheroes.

Here’s why: The work you do is arduous and hard. It can be heart-wrenching and tedious. You spend your days with kids who are hurting, whom may have awful home situations and you believe in them. You take the extra time to show that you do. You stay after working- hours and tutor.

You think and analyze what specific method to help the struggling ones.

You stop fights and you risk your life (sadly, nowadays).

You listen to kids’ fears and walk through it with them. You root for your kids and you show up.

If it were up to me, your summers and your salaries would both be increased.

And I can not even begin to imagine the stress that you all have endured as a result of the pandemic.

You show up largely in ways that our government and society has not.

The pinnacle of a person’s integrity, I would argue is demonstrated when you make the right choice even if no one is watching.

My own children sometimes make me want to scream and jab a pencil in my eye tbh. And these are babies that I’ve carried inside my womb. They look like me (well one of them does) and I know them and am obviously intrinsically rooting for them. So it’s fairly easy for me to do the hard thing for my kiddos.

But you teachers, love all these youngsters immensely, some of whom that you only invest in for nine months.

My father-in-law is good friends with my first grade teacher. And she is still so interested and invested in my life. She sent me gift cards after I gave birth and she regularly prays for my family. Incredible.

Teachers, I can imagine it may feel like no one notices.

I can tell you, the God of the universe notices.*

And I notice and want to point out that you spend your days investing in what truly matters in this life. People and Relationships.

I could go on and on. I wholeheartedly support you and view a good teacher as absolutely invaluable to the world today.

I have several reasons for keeping my kids’ home. But YOU are NOT one of them. Take a moment to recognize your worth.

The kids need you, the world needs you. You are amazing! Please, keep on keeping on.

With love,

Megan



*Matthew 25:40“And the King will answer them, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'"