The Great Debate

School, it is funny thing.  Something I never really gave much thought to other than I liked it and I wanted to teach it some day.  I enjoyed my classes in college learning how to teach a variety of different grade levels, and fully thought I would be teaching in the public school system for the rest of my life.  And then I had a baby.  A wonderful little boy who came with so much responsibility, especially on teaching him about Christ, having the Truth settle in down deep in his heart that he may one day decide to live for the Lord on his own accord.  How do I do that effectively when I am gone from him most of the day?  This is the question that has been haunting me for the past few months now.

I wonder what we will do.  Though my son is only 1 I realize the time is quickly approaching and there is a decision I must make.  My husband and I have already made the choice that our son will not attend public school.  This is something I, a 5th generation public school teacher, never thought I would say.  I have heard too many stories from the youth we work with about what is being said and talked about at the tables and I know it is edifying.  I also know from first hand experience that a classroom can only move as fast as it's slowest learner (to a certain degree).  I know what I could teach one kid when I have them one on one, no matter if they are naturally gifted with smarts or not.  Regardless, it will probably be a whole lot more meaningful and stay with them longer than what the kids are now learning in public school.

I remember the thoughts I used to have about homeschooling parents, that they were halfway arrogant, thought they could do it better than those people who have been professionally trained, passed exams, had experience in multiple levels and resources at their disposal.  Now I know that is not the truth.  While I think it would be a good idea for a homeschool mom to get some sort of training on how to teach, to better yourself and the result of your kids, I know that it is not done so much out of arrogance, but out of need.  You need the time with your children to reiterate the characteristics you want them to know, the lessons, not just academic, that they must get in those extra hours they are in your care.  It is because you want to be sure they are getting the best education possible.

So yes, my decision becomes a little more muddled.  I am glad to know that public school will not be an option.  My husband (a homeschool graduate) and I are still discussing whether we will homeschool or try a private school, one that I can teach at, and our children can attend.  I am anxious to see how this works out, what God has planned for us.  I enjoy being at home, but I also enjoy being in a classroom.  I am completely open to the path God leads us down.  I am nervous about how my family might take it, how we will be looked upon by most, but in reality it is our choice, not theirs.  And for that I am excited.