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In this episode of Ex-Homeschoolers Club, I sit down with my cousin Amanda, a second-grade public school teacher with 13 years of classroom experience, to explore education from the “dark side.” Haha!

Amanda shares what it’s really like inside today’s public schools: what works, what’s frustrating, and what’s changed over the last decade. From student teaching stories to advocating for kids who need services, she offers an honest look at the realities teachers face, including funding challenges, inclusion classrooms, and navigating parents who are (and aren’t) involved.

We also talk candidly about homeschooling; the myths, the shifts in perception, and the surprising reality that even a public school teacher might consider homeschooling her own children.

Key Points

• Why Amanda believes second grade is the “sweet spot” 
• What student teaching really looks like (including full classroom takeover)
• How public education has shifted in the last 13 years
• The reality of funding and where resources actually go
• Why parental involvement makes a massive difference
• The biggest myth Amanda had about homeschooling
• Why she’s now reconsidering homeschooling for her own kids
• What kids actually remember about school (hint: not the standards)

If this episode hit home, share it with a parent, teacher, or anyone who's ever wondered what's really going on in our schools. Leave a comment and tell Jacob what landed for you.

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Chapters

00:00 Why She Loves Teaching the Little Ones (Kinder–3rd Vibes)

00:42 Growing Up Public Schooled: Favorite Teachers & Loving School

02:40 When the ‘I Want to Teach’ Lightbulb Turned On

05:15 College Path + Getting Credentialed (5-Year Track)

06:36 Student Teaching Stories: Kindergarten, 6th Grade & Full Class Takeover

09:43 13 Years in the Classroom: Landing in 2nd Grade for Good

10:47 Why Second Grade Is the Sweet Spot: Independence & Interests Bloom

13:23 Which Grades Are ‘Best’ to Teach? (And Why Junior High Is a No)

15:19 Homeschooling From the Other Side: Myths, Social Life & Changing Views

18:19 Homeschool Reality Check: Isolation, Co-ops, and Different Kids Thrive Differently

20:00 How Public School Has Changed: Funding, Services, and Advocating for Kids

23:14 Fighting for Students Without Support at Home

23:40 Where the Money Goes: New Schools vs. Student Services

25:32 Is Public Education ‘Broken’? Advocacy & Community Support

26:21 Parents: Get Involved, Ask Questions, Know Your Rights

29:39 Beyond Parents: Voting, Bonds, and Showing Up to Board Meetings

32:03 Has a Public School Teacher Considered Homeschooling?

34:10 Homeschool Reality Check: Space, Structure, and the Mom/Teacher Blur

36:44 How Much Freedom Do Teachers Have? Standards, Pacing, and Customization

40:57 What Kids Actually Remember: Hands-On Learning Over Test Prep

42:36 Final Takeaway: Whatever You Choose, Stay Involved

44:29 Wrap-Up, Thanks, and Call to Action