Why the NEA Can Kiss My Grits - My Home Schooled, Home Made Grits that Is

As the leader of a homeschool social group for the last couple of years, it has been interesting to notice that some of the LEAST educated of the parents are among the BEST of the homeschoolers. You don't have to know everything to be a teacher. You don't have to be educated to teach your kids how to learn. Teaching academics ad nauseum does not a good citizen make.

Great thoughts for those considering homeschooling. I enjoyed your article.

Cindy Vee - Thank you for you comment. I agree that Homeschooling is not for everyone, just as I believe that Public School or Private School is not for everyone. My argument has never been that everyone should homeschool - simply that it is a completely valid option and that it should be respected. I do believe that there are still good teachers out there who care and give their students 100%, unfortunately, I think that they are few and far between.

I guess I'll be the lone dissenting opinion. I have no doubt that home schooling can be wonderful for some children and their parents. And in a perfect world, all parents would be able to provide all children with all the education and training they need. Our country, however, has a long tradition of educating ALL children, not just those who were blessed with supportive, educated, intelligent parents who are financially able to stay home with them each day and teach them. While it's true that the public education system is not perfect, it offers numerous opportunities that so many children would not otherwise have.

I appreciated your article and am glad you have taken a stand to speak out for homeschooling! My daughter tried public school for preschool, kindergarten, and the first seven years of grade school. We finally took her out to homeschool because we no longer felt public schooling was the right choice for her and our family situation. Certified teachers? Well, I know for a fact that two public schools in our vicinity recently had to let two of their teachers go because of lewd behavior with students! One teacher was let go about two years ago for giving alcohol to a student. A child was caught for bringing a fake gun to school and threatening other kids. There are constant fights and bullying at the schools among students. I could go on and on. So, why does certification or public school make a better teacher or learning environment? That just shows it takes more than a just a certificate and a public school to provide a good education. The public schools are so intent on making

Well said. Home schooling is a huge commitment managed by many parents. I admire your patience and ability to see past all the red tape. Keep up the good work!

I enjoyed your article. I wish I could home school my children.

Many homeschooled children do well. Also, the tone of the letter they sent you bordered on downright rude. Good for you for not accepting a mediocre (at best) education for your children and taking it upon yourself to make sure they grow up with the knowledge required to make it in the world.

That's the NEA for you! They are so arrogant and repugnant to issue something like this. But hasn't that been the consensus of the NEA and teacher unions in general? That parents don't have a clue as to the educational needs of the children, but the NEA and teacher unions certainly do, right? Suuuure they do! Home schooling isn't the only thing supposedly threatening the NEA and its ilk; they also shriek at the mere mention of school vouchers or school choice. Can't have parents choosing which public school to send their children to, right? Such a situation would create...:gasp:...competition among schools!!! Schools would be forced to strive to be better than they are now! Can't have that; it damages the self-esteem, supposedly... The NEA and teacher unions actually cannot comprehend why home schooling exists? Perhaps some parents don't want their children forced into putting condoms on cucumbers or hear the rants of a leftist History teacher badmouthing America. Go fi

LOL...her comment was more about you than the very valid points you make. I hear no anger in you. you know how these schools are and you spoke it clearly and with respect. your son is very lucky to have a strong fair minded mother(MOM)

I enjoyed this article, After visiting my local public elementary this week, you have several valid points. Homeschooling is a great option.

More power to you. That is fantastic. Great article

Great article! I homeschool as well.

My wife showed me your article, and let me just say that you are so right on. Even private school can have it's problems, sometimes it simply boils down to not knowing how to teach one individual student. In my case, that was me. I went to private school, and could hardly read in 2nd grade. My parents took me out for one year, and I feel I learned more in that year than any other (including college). I went from testing in most subjects on a kindergarten level, to a 12th grade level. You sound like a wonderful, devoted Mom who puts her kids first. BRAVO.

Fantastic article! You sound like a wonderful mom. Your son is lucky to have you.