Story 06: Sarah (NJ): Homeschooling since 2015

My name is Sarah and I've been teaching homeschool off and on since 2015.

What made me happy this week >>>

…I finished my daughter's 7th grade homeschool year this week! We had our last day of school and started summer break.

Teacher pressure feels like >>>

I am a homeschool mom, so 'teacher pressure' feels like a huge amount of pressure to do everything right to perfectly raise a notably exceptional human being. Because I homeschool, the pressure doesn't end at academics or one subject- it's the whole of my daughter and our home environment that feels like it's always on my shoulders. I am always tempted to live under the weight of that pressure- and I would never be able live up to it in such a way that would make it ease.

Teaching in 3 words >>>

so many possibilities

What made me decide to be a teacher was>>>

I got my elementary education degree in college. I wasn't naturally suited to teaching, so I substituted a bit after graduating to gain some necessary skills I didn't already have. Then I became a mom. We decided to homeschool off and on throughout the years to give our girls a mix of both some years of a public school environment, and also some years of a strong and grounding foundation of being at home with me.

A frustrating moment >>>

My daughter is in a weekly co-op. A few times this year, there were academic requirements added that weren't communicated well, and I felt overwhelmed by the added expectations for my daughter's output (which translates to something I have to add to my weekly responsibilities to prep and prepare her).

A proud moment >>>

I feel proud that I know there is so much pressure that I could take on as a homeschool mom, with my particular personality, but I am growing in accepting reality and prioritizing what I am actually able to accomplish in life, and I'm proud any time I give myself grace and compassion.

Currently (on a scale from 1 to 8) I am a two of being burned out.

A sad moment >>>

When we came to the last day of school and I realized some of my last day traditions weren't fun for my 7th grader anymore.

Currently (on a scale of 1 to 8) I am a 3 of feeling supported at school.

It helps me replenish if I >>>

…take breaks away from my kids, be in nature, read, get enough sleep.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? …10 years??? >>>

I see myself done in ONE YEAR (!!) with my homeschool commitment- both of my daughters will be in public high school, and I will be SO happy to pass the academic load of their development off to others.