Janie Gibson | Ep. 117

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About this Episode

How can homeschooling parents persevere in building community in the midst of daunting challenges? In today’s conversation, Zan Tyler and Janie Gibson encourage parents to weather these obstacles in order to provide their children the opportunity to experience the joy of community and the heart of homeschool connection. As Janie shares candid stories about launching co-ops in various locations and Zan reflects on starting one of South Carolina’s first homeschool fine arts co-ops, they offer understanding and practical wisdom about navigating barriers and learning to trust God’s timing. From calling dozens of churches to find meeting spaces for co-ops to learning to support the unique interests of children in group settings, these women agree that the effort pales in comparison to the joy children can find in community when their parents have a heart for connecting families with each other. Successful homeschooling isn’t always about having a huge community, but rather finding a meaningful community, even if that involves  just “a buddy or two” to journey alongside.

LISTEN TO PART 1

• Growing Strong Homeschool Communities | Janie Gibson | Ep. 116

Meet My Guest

Janie Gibson–a follower of Christ, wife for 38 years to her husband Gene, mom to five, and grandmother to two– just wrapped up 24 years of homeschooling. She worked with homeschooling families in support group leadership for 15 years with Family Education for Christ in Savannah, GA, and co-founded Savannah’s Coastal Homeschool Athletic Association to benefit homeschooled high school athletes. Chartering both an American Heritage Girls troop and a Trail Life troop, she served on the AHG troop board as a unit leader. She enjoyed being a Development Associate for the 2021 documentary film Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution. Having started two homeschool co-ops in the South Carolina Upstate, she still volunteers as the Director and a teacher for one. Janie and Gene are South Carolina Home Educators Association board members, the state-wide organization protecting homeschooling freedom laws and encouraging home educating families. Janie also serves on the advisory council for the National Alliance of Christian Home Education Leadership which equips leaders of Christian state organizations. Paddleboarding, cheering on her fellow Baylor Bears, strong cups of hot tea, and precious time with family are a few of her favorite things.

Mentioned in this Episode

• SCHEA (South Carolina Home Educators Association)

Podcast Sponsor

At BJU Press Homeschool, we’re committed to providing children an education from a biblical worldview that is academically sound and challenges them to advance, think critically, and live like Christ. This type of education is not often possible in public schools because of the number of children taught in a classroom, a difference in worldview, and peer and societal pressure to conform. Homeschooling allows parents to instruct and disciple their children without daily fighting messages from an opposing worldview taught in the classroom. And with tuition costs and fees for private schooling or tutoring, homeschooling may be the only option for parents who are concerned for their children’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
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