I am being driven to home schooling based upon the school system and it's inability to accommodate my child's personal requirements. I do understand the burden the school system bears and wish it was otherwise. I just cannot allow a child who is so motivated to self educate to be "bounced" out of a system that demands a "intellectual social conformance".

We had to enroll our children in public school this year due a difficult pregnancy and my Mother diagnosed with ovarian cancer (who died two weeks ago) decided that we could not at this time homeschool. A decision I wish that we would have NEVER made. Our children are bored and way ahead of the game. My straight A sixth grader grades dropped due to boredom. The first grader is just now doing what we were at the beginning of the year. I was promised that my children would get extra done for them yet never materialized. One teacher YELLED at me for getting my daughter so far into the school year she didn't know what to do with her. I have worked with them at home on the side and have been told to stop that it was interfering with her learning at school because she is once again way ahead. My children are not disruptive in class. Even the teachers tell us they wish they had classrooms of them. So we will bide our time to the end of school and prayer that next year will be better. Oh, by the way...I volunteer a ton of time trying to make a difference in their classrooms. Instead I am seeing teachers fooling around, wasting time, yelling at children that they can not get to behave. What a wonderful learning environment. Your right, I should have my kids in this learning environment rather at home where yes, the are times of frustration and tears but also love, one on one time, and the feeling of accomplishment. My children have had to endure problems with teasing of those in public school but 9 times out of 10 the response is "Gee, I wish my Mom would do that for me" or "can I start coming to your house for school?". Every job has it ups and downs, whiners and complainers...why is it that we hear more on this level from teachers than any other profession? I am a social worker, but do you hear me complain of the clients, low pay and the fact that I could qualify for federal and state assistance if I applied? Do you hear how I to work weekends-and holidays to make sure that my patients have a place to live or medication? No. So please step down, take note that God has given you a wonderful gift in working with beautiful children. There are people you will never approve of whether it be their religion, lifestyle or even the way the talk. So instead of complaining why not take the time to learn about them, reach out and embrace them. You might actually see that there is something there after all.

You do sound like a very overworked teacher but as I see it you have more influence as a teacher on the political side of the issue than any parent or child will ever have.

I think you should get out of teaching now as I have seen it change teachers for the worse.

I have yet to meet a homeschooling parent (moans and groans being part of our dealing with others expectations just as much as anything else), who pass their stresses onto their children. But I have experienced many teachers transfer their stress onto their pupils.

It took me 15 years of having 5 children in the system before I realized they did not have to suffer.

You on the other hand must know that you have other options.

I do wish you all the best as I know I could not personally at this stage in my life return to dealing with upwards of 30 energetic young people in one room,

Lynn

In fact, I recommend it for some. Public school teaching is low paid and all the other complaints that go with it are true too. Instead of griping about it, maybe some p.s. teachers should look for another job. Homeschooling can only be a godsend however; I say thank you to homeschooling parents/guardians. Not that many are doing it my job is in no danger.

On your idea about voicing our opinions for all children. (Because that would work and you know how our government always listens and works so fast! sarcasm) What are we supposed to do, let our children fall behind, loose interest in learning, etc, while we WAIT for the government to change things? The government ALWAYS has red tape to go through, and that can take years.

I went to school to be a teacher, I have a teaching license. Once I had my first son, I decided that I wanted to teach my own children. I CHOSE for this to BE my part of my personal and family life. I am so PROUD of my children and my teaching them. In all honesty, even if schools were perfect, I would still want to do this. It doesn't bother me that you feel no sympathy for homeschoolers. I don't want or need your sympathy. But I am glad that I can get help and understanding from other homeschoolers.
Sincerely,
A. P. - from Oklahoma

While you may think that I should have "stayed in the system" and fought to have what my children need provided by the public schools, MY CHILDREN ONLY HAVE ONE CHILDHOOD. Yes, I agree that more teachers would help - but while we try to change the system I will NOT sit by and watch my children lose precious years of education.

Thank you for staying in the game for all those parents who don't have or don't choose other options - hopefully one day the school system will work for ALL children.