Another area of concern is a parent's
teaching qualifications. On the surface, it seems as if all
parents are capable of teaching, especially when they are as
caring and devoted as homeschoolers. We all went to grade
school, didn't we? Yet teaching involves so much more than just
the content. Teachers attend college to learn everything from
subject matter to child psychology to teaching strategies.
Unless state law demands it, there is no need for
parent-educators to earn a B.A. in Education. But it is helpful
to learn what teachers have learned. One trick is to visit the
campus bookstore of a university which offers teacher
preparation courses, browsing the titles under "EDU." Hundreds
of teaching guides have been published.
Also, ask other
homeschooling parents for advice and tips. If you feel that you
are not able to teach a certain subject, you may consider
enrolling your child in school for that particular class. Groups
of homeschooling parents have been known to collectively hire a
teacher to work with their children. College newspapers are a
great place to advertise for tutors. |
