In my previous post, “I Want to Homeschool Your Child” I mentioned that making homeschooling your business could be difficult if you were not prepared for potential problems and challenges.
One of the biggest problems one might face in being responsible for the homeschooling of another persons child is managing expectations.
Expectations of the parents: If parent hire you to homeschool their child, they will have certain expectations of you, the teacher. Firstly, they will expect you to be familiar with the homeschooling rules and laws in your state so you can advise them appropriately. They will expect you to be aware of the state educational standards and to each to them. They also expect you to be able to teach in a manner that is consistent with the child’s personality. After all, in most cases, you will not be in a full classroom, so there is no reason why the child should not receive preferential treatment.
Expectations of the teacher/tutor: You may also expect certain things from the parents and children you homeschool. These expectations may be as simple as the child paying attention, or as stringent as the child dressing in a certain way and addressing you by the proper title. You may also require that the student finish assignments in your absence. You may want the parent to manage behavior while you manage education. Whatever your requirements are, you must communicate them effectively. Assuming people know what you expect of them is always a bad idea.
Expectations of the child: A homeschooled child will expect to be treated differently than a homeschooled child would. How differently they want to be treated will depend on the age and temperament of the child. The only way to know what a homeschooled child expects from a hired teacher is to discuss expectations with the child. Remember, homeschooled kids like to be treated like individuals, not like a part of a group.
Once you, the homeschooled teacher, has discussed and managed all expectations effectively, it might even be a good idea to sign an agreement so all parties are clear now, and in the future.
(This post is in response to inquiries on the internet from teachers seeking to work with homeschoolers).
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