My Educational Philosophy
Philosophy is developed over time, with experience and knowledge tried and tested Consequently, I have concluded that education is life long, it happens with or without formal instruction, and success is accomplished as much through strong character as high intellect.
Learning in the Home
While the need for teaching in masses requires that we teach groups of children in an institutionalized way, children also learn from the world around them without the need for a formal instructor. They learn to dress, to tie their shoes, to brush their teeth, and to make their bed. They learn the alphabet, how to ride a bike, and how to communicate with both adults and children all before they enter a classroom. Children learn shapes and traditions, customs, and the meaning of holidays at home. In addition, they grasp an understanding of God or gods depending on the worldview of parents. Character is also taught at home by purposeful training or unfortunate neglect. And all this is accomplished without the classroom teacher. Many educators hold to the assumption that parents are not qualified to educate their children at home. While this is true in some cases it is not the majority.
Parents as Educators
As a Christian and educator, I strongly believe that God has given all parents the responsibility to educate their children and to train them in the “way they should go” (Proverbs 22:6). Not every family has the desire or option to homeschool their children. Having children in a public or private schools does not negate the opportunity to be invested and involved in a child’s education. School involvement and purposeful interaction help to instill the family values. University Model® schooling is another means for blending traditional and homeschooling, giving parents more time with their children than a traditional five day program offers. My many years working in education has shown that purposeful parenting and interaction, whether practiced with children in public, private or homeschooling venues, helps to develop well educated, well-adjusted young men and woman.