With a background in education and a husband who was an educator, Rebecca Altman never thought of homeschooling. However, when her adopted daughter struggled in school due to issues related to her traumatic background, she knew something needed to change. Rebecca shares her experience pulling her kids out of school, then putting them back into public school years later. She talked about her experiences with both and how her primary mission was to help her children heal. She also shared where her kids are now and ended with a plea for compassion for all parents who are struggling to find their way forward. Follow me on Instagram @ifhomeschoolwallscouldtalk or email me at [email protected]

Amy Wilson has three dyslexic children, two who have graduated college and one who is college-bound. She shared with me her decision to homeschool when her children were failing to thrive in public school. Being a mom to dyslexic kids, we had so much in common, but I think you’ll find many aspects that relate to your situation, whether or not your kids are divergent learners. We talked about so many great parts of parenting, like getting out of your kids’ ways and believing in their potential. She is a wonderful example of advocating for your children and finding resources. We referenced these resources in the interview: Susan Barton, Laura Rogen and Wired for Reading,  The Dyslexia Empowerment Plan, Brain Integration Therapy, Rate My Professor, and the books Mindset, Grit, Presence, and Outliers. Follow me on Instagram @ifhomeschoolwallscouldtalk or email me at [email protected]

Meredith is my younger sister, so it won't be a shock to hear how invested I am in helping her feel successful in her first attempt at homeschooling. We discussed her experience with distance learning and why she’s thinking of homeschooling this fall. To help her prepare for the possibility of homeschooling, I grilled her with the questions she potentially could be asked. Hilarity ensues. Find me on Instagram @ifhomeschoolwallscouldtalk or email me at [email protected]

Sia is one of my oldest friends here in Washington. We’ve taught classes together, worked together as leadership for our commonwealth school, and spent countless hours talking about what we’re passionate about. I’m so excited that it worked out for us to sit together and talk about she’s learned over the years. Sia is inspiring, hard-working, and always striving to be better and learn more. Learn more about leadership education at www.tjed.org and read the LOLIPOP book by Amy Edwards. You can also learn more about North Star Commonwealth.

Find me on Instagram @ifhomeschoolwallscouldtalk or email me at [email protected]