Wanted: Homeschool Teacher
Posted in Daily Focus on Monday, June 2, 2014
"Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us" (Psalm 68:28).
Have you ever thought about how an advertisement would read for a homeschool teacher? If truthfully stated, the ad would probably go something like this:
Now accepting applications:
Family seeking fun-loving, godly homeschool teacher. Applicant will be responsible for providing total educational development and daily personal care for children of multiple ages. Applicant will assume the following roles: cook, housemaid, nurse, taxi driver, administrative assistant, accountant, athletic coach, social director, computer technician, household and automotive repairman, gardener, course instructor in multiple subject areas and grade levels, and various other responsibilities. This is a full-time position — approximately 120 hours or more per week. Qualified candidates must be able to work well under pressure, multi-task, and prioritize work loads while maintaining a friendly, enthusiastic attitude. Quick thinking, good memory, and a varied background in extensive subject matter are a must. Promising candidates will be resourceful, adjust easily to distractions, and display creative, hard-working leadership abilities. Organizational and problem solving skills are a plus. Previous teaching experience and/or college preferred, but is not required. If you're interested in working in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, this is the position for you! For more information on this exciting opportunity to earn fulfilling, one-of-a-kind rewards, please apply in person today.
After reading these qualifications, no wonder many parents walk away from this employment opportunity. Who can measure up to these standards? Praise God, you can! As you step out in faith and yield your weaknesses to God's strength, you'll not only get the job, you'll also successfully homeschool and discover the fantastic benefits of teaching your children at home. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might" (Ephesians 6:10).
Lord, homeschooling seems overwhelming, and there's so much to learn. Like the new guy on the job, teach me what I need to know to successfully homeschool with Your wisdom, strength, and power. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Comments(26 comments)
RENEE R 06/02/2009 10:06:40
That was hillarious!!! I was just wondering where the zero salary part is :)
REBECCA D 06/02/2009 16:18:58
This is ME! We are at the beginning of our journey. I quit my job, am reorganizing my whole house, and will be starting July 6th! And the only way this will work is by trusting God everyday for our educational, financial, emotional, spiritual, everything....all our needs. Homeschooling has already changed my life and we're just getting started. It is more than homeschooling. It is the way our family life should be. Of course I am a little scared and overwhelmed, but I am more scared to be out of God's will and if he has called me to do this then I will walk by faith everyday knowing he will be there for me.
MARIA MIMOSA P 06/02/2010 02:19:30
May I please re-post this article in my facebook account with proper acknowledgment?
Laura M 06/02/2010 05:27:40
Thank you for this uplifting message. I have been homeschooling for over 20 years and need to hear this. I love God's little messages sent through His people. Thanks, the prayer at the end was fitting.
JESSICA K 06/02/2010 05:38:02
The daily postings are an encouragement...daily. Thank you. Besides the salary not mentioned (as suggested above)...how about "being 'on-call' the other 48 hours of the week" :)
TRICIA T 06/02/2010 06:43:46
I really like this! I work full time at my church and am planning to homeschool in the fall. My boys are 17 (senior) and 13 (8th grade). Both of them are coming fresh out of the public school system because I don't feel that they are connecting. I am excited about the SOS system and what it will offer my boys. But I am more excited because this opportunity to homeschool them will be a challenge for my abilities to organize and keep a business-like structure in my home. If the Lord impresses on you, pray for us as we enter this new "career change".
ED U 06/02/2010 07:24:24
Not to mention the sub, I should know my dad is my teacher and I thank God that he is cuz makes it an adventure!!!!
Amy U.
FRAN F 06/02/2011 04:03:43
When my computer broke, and I was unable to restore our schoolwork done on it..upset and flustered, my grandson looked calmly at me and said "it's okay, this is part of God's plan for us." Praise God..this is worth every effort it takes..Fran F
TONI ANN S 06/02/2011 05:17:01
For Rebecca D; what a walk of faith. I will be praying for you and your family. I left my supervisory position in a growing health-care, billing office, 2 years ago and took my then 10 and 12 year old children out of public school. People thought we were "crazy" but we kept walking out our faith as our path was laid before us and have been very blessed. Keep walking out your faith and be joyful in all that will come. I am still amazed at the impact I actually have on my children. Surely, God's design is perfect! I am renewed today and am thankful for the article and the comments. Tricia T; be encouraged and stand tall as you walk out your faith, in our Father! What a treasure to be able to guide and instruct our precious blessings from God. I am also thanking God for AOP without which my children would have learned next to nothing. It was great to use the Switched on Schoolhouse curriculum the first year so I could concentrate on "getting the hang" of what my new role entails.
Numbers 6:24-26; 24 May Adonai bless you and keep you; 25 May Adonai make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; 26 May Adonai lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. -Toni Ann
SUSAN M 06/02/2011 06:10:45
I'm so thankful for a "homeschooling dad" who shares the work load and responsibility with me ...and also for a great mother-in-law who is always there to teach music/voice, read to and encourage my children and their teachers.
PRISCILLA B 06/02/2011 06:38:50
To Rebecca D: I am also just starting this journey! My last day of work is June 20th, and I will be starting homeschooling at the beginning of the next school year in August. It is a scary decision, but I have faith that God will provide all the help that we need, and give us the tools that we need to make this happen. My daughter has special needs, and she is at the point in public school where she is having so many challenges with learning and with her behavior, that we really feel urgency to "Train up a child the way he should go...." I feel very convicted about this, that now is the time to lead and train her spiritually and educationally, on a full-time basis at home, before it is too late....
I admire your faith and determination, and I so feel for you, because I am in the same exact place. We will be praying for your family. -Priscilla
JASON AND JE B 06/02/2011 06:58:12
It's not 120 hours, it's actually 168 (24 hours a day 7 days a week). What homeschooling mom has any time off, even when sleeping?? I sure don't in a house of 3 going on 4 in a few short months. Great article!!! I wish I had a sign outside my house that states all the jobs I do, or even just a business card to hand out to others who ask "What is it you do as a stay at home homeschooling mom?" LOL
MAYA T 06/02/2011 07:29:22
I am so thankful for this today. I almost wanted to quit. I have had some people think that I needed to quit this and return my kids to public school. Thank you God for this devotional today!
DIANA C 06/02/2011 07:48:00
My grandson just finished 3rd grade from the Christian school he has been at since kindergarten. They had an "awards" assembly the lst day of school. Through his tears and told with a broken heart he said he waited and listened for his name to be called because "Mamaw,I worked really hard this year and did my best. " He then choked back a few more tears and with a voice laddened in tears said "I think they only made school to break a kids heart." We made the decision during the winter to homeschool. My husband and I have chaged our work schedules so one of us will always be home with him. We are giving up much in the worlds standardsBUT we are stepping out with God and "training up a child in the way he should go"
MARSHA L 06/03/2011 08:52:38
Even through all the years that I know about homeschooling, I have never thought I would seriously go into it. I left work when my eldest boy start elementary school and through the whole journey with him, I realised that we are not giving the best to him and actually not "training up a child in the way he should go" as what the Lord tells us. Therefore, I made the decision last year to start homeschooling my youngest child when she turns 6 (next year) and already started doing bits and pieces of homeschooling work with her thoughout this year. She likes learning with me more than with her teacher at school. I am leaving all up to the Lord so that I am able to homeschool her without problem from family and the authorities.
ELIZABETH S 06/05/2011 08:43:44
This is for Tricia T. It is hard when you first start out homeschooling. I didn't work but i no how you feel. My youngest son was picked on all through school even when in was in pre-k. So i started homeschooling him because of the public school system. He got in trouble when the other children didn't. He was under alot of pressure and wasn't doing very well. I think the one on one is the best thing that has happened to him. He also has ADD. But the teacher's wern't even concered. But it was the greatest thing that happened to me. And i think GOD for it all. Keep us in your prayers because of my health. God Bless you and ur family.
HOLLY S 06/05/2011 16:38:53
I was blessed to have been hired to teach two young boys last year. It was the best year of teaching ever! I learned just as much as the boys. I am looking for another family who'd like to hire someone like me to teach their children and become an important part of the family.
DARCY H 06/09/2011 07:01:32
I love your postings! I have been homeschooling for 10 years---2 boys----I am blessed to be able to stay home and do it. I didn't realize how much I really did, but now that the boys are older, my responsibilities are getting less as theirs becomes more. Asking for God's wisdom is the key to any successful homeschool day! Thank for your little gems of encouragement! Darcy H.
MELVIN D 06/12/2011 20:21:15
Wow! If I went job-seeking and saw these requirements I would have felt so discouraged because I know I could not measure up to do all that. Only God knows what we are REALLY capable of doing, somehow I AM all of That by the Mercy of God. Praise Him who sees and knows more than what we can ever imagine. YD
HEATHER P 06/02/2012 08:37:34
That is so true! Sometimes i feel totally incapable of meeting all of the jobs of a homeschool parent! But then God meets me where i need help every time I ask him! And its better than what I planned anyway! Heather P.
TERRI K 06/02/2012 09:44:03
I was "let go of" at work, I worked at my kids Christian school as a custodian. I am going to homeschool next year and I am already feeling the pressures that are described in this article. Thank you Alpha Omega for your daily stories and devotional prayers at the bottom of each. I am encouraged each time I read them. I have an 11 year old son going into 6th grade and am very nervous about being able to "teach" him. I also have a 6 year old daughter going into 1st grade.....which will be fun to teach. I am in agreement with everyone about we are to "train up our children...."
JUDI B 06/02/2012 12:21:40
God called it to my attention three years ago to home school. I had thought about it...but never believed I could since I was not college educated. God lead me to change my mind....toughest most loved job I have ever had! I am closer to my kids, than ever before. I know that they are learning what they need.... not just passed through the system. Also, God is allowed in our class room :)
DARYN S 06/02/2012 14:03:30
How about parent teacher days?? My children were suggesting recently that it may be a good idea. I said I would love a parent/ teacher day.
KATHY S 06/02/2012 18:26:22
Everyone gets a thumbs up rating from me today!!
All Homeschooling Moms and Dads deserve a round of applause.
It's a very hard, but very rewarding job. And I wouldn't give up my Hiomeschooling teacher/Mom job for all the money in the world.
It brings so much Joy to my son and myself. Thank you Jesus for making a way for me to Homeschool my son. Amen.
LISA R 06/03/2012 13:30:37
As I was leaving church this morning, after my second son was recognized for his graduation accomplishments, I was approached by a grandfather wanting to know how to get his grandchildren enrolled in my "Family Homeschool". We both laughed.
It is so true, too many parents will walk away from that which is HARD.
It is a marathon and not a sprint. The grandchildren referred to above are homeschooled by a wonderful mother, the daughter of this man. I encourage both of them to stand strong and hold onto this verse:
He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 ESV
BARBARA SCOTT 06/05/2013 13:32:31
This devotional is so uplifting and motivating, as are all the comments. I needed this today. Thank you. God has always been a part of my life, like breathing. Sometimes I forget to breathe. Thanks for the reminder.
Although we're "finished" for the school year, I'm never really finished. Each summer break brings new challenges. Just when I think there's a pattern to repeat, something changes. Every year has been different and that's "OK" to me now.
I've homeschooled since my eldest was in 5th grade; he begins his senior year this Fall and almost all of it will be taken at the local community college thanks to his hard work. He's off this summer at various college campuses and an internship. He's flooded with college recruitment mail ever since he took the ACT and PSAT, a list he's narrowed to 10 top institutions that want him. I say all this not to brag as the proud parent (that I am), but more so to say I feel relieved that I, the teacher, passed the test - but only with God to help and guide me. (I should also add that, although I go it alone and not in a co-op, I have been encouraged by other homeschooling parents. If it weren't for their example, I may have never stepped out into the water of homeschooling.) If I can do this, then I believe anyone can with enough determination and faith.
I never dreamed I would be a stay-at-home mom, much less a TEACHER. Until homeschooling, I'd never had a job without measurable milestones and well defined short-term and long-term goals. Of all the jobs I've had, this is the most rewarding, the most demanding, and the most important job. I have two more - three boys total. It has been and continues to be a walk by faith.
Kudos to you seasoned 'schoolers and my love and encouragement to those new 'schoolers.
Don't forget to breathe.
Thanks again for these devotionals. BTW - my email tagline reads:
"Teacher and Mentor, Logistics Specialist, Life Coach, Spiritual Advisor and Research Associate of Child Development and Human Relations for the Scotts of Houston, Inc.
aka Mom"