Homeschoolers Working with Former Teachers

Public and private school teachers disillusioned all of the rules, regulations and testing of schools; the homeschooling community wants you. You may have read in the news lately that a great deal of homeschoolers is outsourcing the teaching part to teachers. It is true. We are welcoming you with open arms.

In her article, For Teachers Who Want to Tutor by Ann Zeise written in February 2000, Ann responds to the numerous teachers who have sought her advice for getting teaching positions with homeschoolers. She advises these former teachers to spend some time with homeschoolers, use flexible scheduling, to find a niche, check your states homeschooling laws requiring teachers, and getting insurance if you plan to teach in your home. Her article also states that a teacher may have a difficult time getting homeschoolers to work with them because of past homeschooler-teacher friction.

That was then. This is now. While most of Ann’s advice is on point, teachers seeking to leave the school and work with homeschoolers will have a much easier time, and make a bit of cash as well. Former teachers who have left the public school system because they love teaching, but hate jumping through the hoops of the educational system, are actually sought by homeschool parents now. Homeschool parents see the value of having someone else for the children to be accountable to as this makes them more diligent about getting their work done. In higher grades, homeschool parents may find that they do not recall the advanced math and science that they learned years ago. Many may not even care to recall these lessons. Having a homeschool teacher who specialized in these hated subjects is not only easier for the parent, but also beneficial to the child.

Here are some tips for former teachers looking to break partner with homeschooling families.
� Pricing: For your, this is a business where your have to support yourself financially, for the parents, your costs must fit their budget. Do your research and price your services competitively.
� Specializing: Parents want teachers who really know their subjects. If science is your best subject, do not try to teach all subjects. Most parents do not want one-size-fits-all homeschool.
� Group Classes: If may be convenient for everyone involved and more profitable for you to do group classes. $20.00 an hour is a fair price to charge for one-on-one instruction, but you can make $100.00 in an hour if you teach a class of ten and more families will be likely to use your services.
� Location: Many homeschoolers may prefer you to come to them. You can, however teach more children in a day if they come to you. To keep your students and parents happy and to maximize your income you may want to be flexible in this area. You may want to group your lessons according to location for one-on-one students, and teach group lessons at home, in a rented room, or at a homeschool Co-op.
âÂ?¢ Respect: Last, but certainly not least, homeschool teachers must respect the homeschooling family. You cannot expect to stay employed by homeschooling families if you promote yourself as the authority in educating some one else’s child. Always give the parent the first chair in responsibility for their child’s education. You are after all, a hired hand.