In a world where education often feels one-size-fits-all, many parents seek alternatives that truly resonate with their children’s unique identities.
In today’s episode of Baddest Chaplain, we speaks with educator and homeschooling advocate Alycia Wright about her transformative journey from a traditional classroom to creating a personalized learning environment at home.
Alycia’s educational journey began in a traditional classroom setting, where she spent years teaching public school. However, the birth of her fourth child prompted a reevaluation of her children’s education. She shared, “With the birth of our fourth daughter, we realized really quickly that that wasn’t going to be feasible... My husband told me we were making negative dollars.” This financial strain, coupled with a troubling interaction at their local elementary school, led Alycia to decide that homeschooling was the best option for her family.
Alycia’s experience resonates with many parents who grapple with the limitations of traditional schooling. She noted, “We opted for a private Montessori school because we felt that was more in alignment with the types of educational experiences we wanted for our children.” However, the realities of family dynamics and finances often compel parents to explore alternative routes.
Transitioning from a public school teacher to a homeschooling parent required Alycia to unlearn many traditional teaching methods. “We are taught to teach large numbers of children. We are not taught to teach individual children,” she explained. This realization was crucial in creating a learning environment that felt more like home than a classroom. Alycia emphasized the importance of flexibility: “You learn very quickly that that’s not how life works.”
This conversation sheds light on the challenges and rewards of homeschooling, emphasizing the importance of culturally relevant pedagogy.
Learn more about Cultural Roots and support Alycia’s work here.
