THSC Helps Homeschool Group Leaders with the Law
How can groups offer great programs and not exhaust the servant-hearted leadership volunteers who take on the difficult administrative tasks of navigating Texas laws?
How can groups offer great programs and not exhaust the servant-hearted leadership volunteers who take on the difficult administrative tasks of navigating Texas laws?
Home school group leaders have the tremendous job of multitasking! Leaders tackle an array of tasks every week ranging from housework, errands, finances, meal preparation, church ministries, extracurricular programs, part-time jobs and running home school groups. Additionally, we are wives and moms, and we are teaching our children! I am continually amazed when I talk to leaders who balance all of these things, and yet still take the time to mentor a new home school mom or have a cup of coffee with a dear friend. What are these leaders’ secrets?
This year has been a year of abundant joy, but it has not been free of its share of struggles.
Leaders are often faced with personal trials that they do not share outside of their closest inner circle. This can leave them feeling overwhelmed as they listen to complaints and criticism from others. Many are unaware of how leaders take these words to heart as they strive to continually improve the groups they serve.
Leadership in a co-op can be stressful. Though I was concerned about teaching this semester, I decided to teach a class of six- to eight-year-old children. I teach first hour, and it feels like the perfect time because the tender hearts of these children leave me better prepared to deal with some of the crazy things that happen in our co-op. On a recent cool, sunny morning in late September, I arrived early, with great plans to get into my classroom ahead of schedule. When I arrived, however, I noticed a terrible blackness all over the walls of the church. The church was engulfed in a swarm of crickets!
Home schooling across the country is booming. Our home school groups are growing too. For example, co-op enrollment in my group jumped about 33% from last semester! This is good news for a country clearly in need of strong leadership from the next generation. This alternate form of education we call home schooling, with discipleship starting inside the home, has proven to be an excellent tool for growing leaders that are willing to stand for what they believe.
Isn’t it fun to see God’s hand in the colors of fall? We have such a unique opportunity as home educating families to embrace this season with the purpose of learning. Whether your children are just beginning their educational journey or they are making plans for post-graduation, make this fall a season they will remember for years to come!
Last fall, over 80 leaders crowded into the 2016 South Texas Leader’s Conference held at The Woodlands, Texas to enjoy informative workshops and see Ely Butuyan of LIGHT Katy Co-op selected as the 2016 South Texas Leader of the Year! It was exciting that she had been selected, because having met her, it was easy to see what an impact she has in Katy, Texas.
I spent several days at the Convention in The Woodlands and was privileged to meet many dedicated home school group leaders at the Texas Leader’s Conference on Jul. 21, 2016. Afterward, I spent the evening and the next two days at the THSC booth. Although my feet were tired, I was constantly refreshed as I enjoyed the stories that so many shared. I love meeting people, and through these encounters this weekend, it was evident that most home school parents seek community. New moms and dads came seeking answers about the right curriculum, but during the conversations they expressed a great need for connection, guidance, and wisdom. I strongly believe local home school groups can meet these needs.
Have you noticed the exciting new changes for home school groups on the THSC website this year? We listened to you and went to work to better meet the needs of home school group leaders!
North Texas home school group leaders recently attended the North Texas Leader's Conference. Along with informative sessions from Andrew Pudewa, Tim Lambert, and David Gibbs III, we had the pleasure of meeting Abby Longley. Chad and Abby Longley of Big Country Home Educators (BCHE) were selected as our 2016 North Texas Leaders of the Year. They received many glowing nominations from the membership and leadership teams of BCHE!