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As to the idea that someday when you are no longer unschooling with your
children at home, would it be worthwhile to go back to the public school system,
I dunno.
Since I'm currently working in the ps system, I am trying to do the best job
I can for my students, be as gentle as possible with them, and yet still
keep my bosses happy. Most of my students have come from terrible home
situations, and I try to think that if they have to be in school, that they are
better off with me than many other teachers. Teaching to the test is so much fun,
NOT!
But, the ways schools work drives me crazy and so although I may be doing a
service to my students, I'm not necessarily doing a service to myself because
it's hard to take all the ps stuff all the time. For my piece of mind, it
may not be a career I'm in forever. At this time though, it pays our bills,
provides health insurance, and allows me time off with my children more often
than many other careers. And I'd like to think that I'm making a positive
difference in my high school student's lives.
Today they were complaining that because they are in special ed they aren't
getting "real" diplomas and should just drop out. We talked about how if not
going to college, then the "type" of diploma you earned isn't a big deal,
but the skills you're gained over the years- reading and writing, reasoning,
basic math, is what will help you live "in the real world"- practical stuff, not
just memorizing a bunch of crap you'll forget. We try to spend a lot of
time DOING real world stuff instead of just talking about it.
Thank goodness my mom is willing to unschool with my kids while I'm at
school. Although we don't call it that with her, but that's another story!
Amanda B.


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