She Was a Principal. Now Her Kids Are Her Students. How This Mom Made the Dramatic Switch to Homeschooling
When Mandy Davis first made the decision to homeschool her own children, some thought she was crazy. After all, how could an experienced school principal abandon the traditional education system to take on teaching her kids at home full-time?
Yet Mandy’s journey from school administrator to homeschooling parent was more of an evolution than a snap decision. Over years of working in education, she began to see limitations in the conventional school model for nurturing each child’s unique potential. So began her winding path to homeschooling — driven by a deep desire to craft a personalized education journey for her own children.
In A Matter of Principal, Mandy Davis takes readers on a heartfelt voyage from the corridors of traditional schooling into the nurturing embrace of homeschooling.
Rooted in her experience as an elementary school principal, Mandy highlights the gaps in a system that often overlooks the diverse needs of individual children. As a dedicated mother and educator, she felt the call to transition to homeschooling, seeking a more personalized and meaningful educational experience for her own children.
This book is not just about Mandy’s transformative journey. It’s an inspiring call to action for families everywhere to rethink the essence of education. Mandy shares her challenges, triumphs, and invaluable insights, encouraging parents to explore the vast potential of learning beyond traditional boundaries. Dive into her world and discover a universe where education is tailored to the unique rhythm of every child.
In this interview, Mandy gives us an inside look at her transition from managing a school to managing her own homeschool. She explains the pivotal experiences that led a former principal to take the leap into homeschooling. Mandy also shares the ups and downs of shaping her children’s education within the walls of her own home.
For anyone curious about the realities of homeschooling, this is an insightful glimpse behind the scenes. Mandy reveals how her background in education influenced her approach as a homeschooling parent. Her story will resonate with all parents seeking to foster their children’s growth and learning in the most supportive environment.
Can you tell us a bit about your background as a former school principal and how you transitioned into homeschooling?
My journey as a school principal was deeply enriching and challenging. It gave me invaluable insights into the intricacies of education — from curriculum development to managing diverse stakeholders to understanding the learning needs of students. The decision to transition into homeschooling was driven by a desire to have greater flexibility and personalization in my children’s education. I felt the one-size-fits-all model of conventional schooling was not optimized for their growth and learning preferences. Homeschooling provided an opportunity to craft an educational journey tailored to their interests, abilities, and dreams.
What inspired you to start Homebuilt Education and offer resources for homeschoolers?
The inspiration behind Homebuilt Education stemmed from my firsthand experiences with the education system, both as an administrator and homeschooling parent. I realized there was a need for comprehensive, accessible resources to guide homeschooling families, especially those just embarking on the journey. With my background in education, I felt compelled to create a platform to support homeschoolers with thoroughly researched advice and encouragement. My goal is to make homeschooling feel achievable for parents through trusted resources.
How do you believe your experience as a school principal has influenced your approach to homeschooling and the resources you provide?
My experience as a principal greatly shaped my approach to homeschooling. It provided me with invaluable perspective into diverse learning needs and the importance of adapting teaching methods to each child’s unique requirements. I learned that a personalized approach is key to helping students thrive. This has made me a flexible homeschooler, constantly tweaking our methods to my children’s evolving interests and strengths. My time as an administrator also taught me the importance of creating engaging, multisensory learning experiences — a key feature of our homeschooling journey.
What are some of the key challenges that homeschooling parents often face, and how does your website address these challenges?
Homeschooling parents often face challenges like choosing curricula, managing time, and balancing educational and familial responsibilities. At Homebuilt Education, I share guidance on curriculum planning, effective time management strategies, and integrating learning into daily family life. I also offer daily inspiration and support on social media. My goal is to provide helpful resources so families feel equipped while also building a nurturing community. Knowing firsthand the stresses of homeschooling, I’m committed to supporting families through the ups and downs.
Your website mentions offering free guides. Could you tell us more about the specific resources and guides you provide for homeschooling families?
My website offers a wealth of free resources to help guide families’ homeschooling journey. These include step-by-step “how to start” guides, recommendations by subject, and tips on creating an engaging learning environment at home. I also share free videos on YouTube and daily inspiration on Instagram. My goal is to make helpful information accessible to parents at no cost, empowering them to give their children a rich education.
How has your own homeschooling journey been, and what lessons have you learned from it that you’d like to share with other homeschooling parents?
My homeschooling journey has been filled with precious moments of joy and periods of challenge. It’s been a learning curve understanding my children’s evolving needs. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is staying flexible and adaptable. I can’t cling to a rigid plan when my kids’ needs change. Each year brings new strengths and interests to nurture. Homeschooling has taught me to appreciate each moment and respond with creativity to support my children’s growth.
In what ways do you use your Instagram and other social media platforms to connect with and support homeschooling families?
I use social media, especially Instagram and YouTube, to share glimpses into our homeschooling life and build a supportive community. It’s a place to offer practical tips, inspiration, and resources to homeschooling families. My goal is to provide a positive space for parents to gain ideas, feel encouraged, and know they aren’t alone in both the triumphs and trials of homeschooling. Social media allows me to support families far beyond my local community.
What tips or advice would you give to parents who are considering homeschooling but are unsure where to start?
For parents considering homeschooling, I suggest first understanding your child’s unique learning preferences. Reach out to local homeschool groups and experienced homeschoolers to gather advice and resources. Start small — you don’t have to plan everything upfront. And give yourself grace; homeschooling is a journey of growth for the whole family. Above all, focus on figuring out what works best for your child’s needs and your family’s lifestyle.
How do you stay updated with the latest developments and trends in homeschooling, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your website’s content?
I continuously research educational developments, attend workshops, and engage with other homeschoolers to stay updated. Acquiring new knowledge allows me to improve and expand the resources on my site. I’m committed to incorporating the latest insights and innovations that can empower homeschooling families. Staying current ensures I’m providing families with the highest quality, most relevant support.
What future plans do you have for Homebuilt Education? Are there any new resources or initiatives in the works that you’d like to share?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to grow Homebuilt Education’s offerings through expanded subject-specific resources and interactive online workshops. I’m also developing a collaborative platform for homeschoolers to share ideas and experiences. My goal is to continue improving homeschoolers’ access to professional-grade support and community. There is always more I can do to smooth families’ homeschooling journey!
What advice would you offer to people who want to start their own blog or write their own book?
For anyone starting a blog or writing a book — find a topic about which you are truly passionate. Be authentic in sharing your experiences and advice. Consistency in creating content and engaging your audience is so important. And remember, every big endeavor starts with one small step, so don’t wait for perfect conditions to begin. Just start and continue learning as you go, and your unique voice will emerge.
For more information, visit https://www.homebuilteducation.com/.
Interested in sharing your story? Contact me today for more information.
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