Homeschooling can be overwhelming when you first begin. Thankfully, we are blessed to have local help for Indiana homeschoolers. Whether you are just beginning or have been doing this 10+ years, you are likely to have questions. You can crowd-source your request on social media. You may get inaccurate or irrelevant responses depending upon where the answerer resides. The best source? Your Regional Representative with the IAHE.
It is easy to contact your rep through email or phone. Not sure who your rep is? Just find your region on the map, and click to go to your rep’s page. Let’s learn more about what Regional Representatives do from Lead Regional Representatives, Jason and Stacy Hanaway.
1. Please tell us about your homeschool journey.
We were the Region 2 Reps but are now the Lead Representatives for the IAHE. Living in the Northeast corner of IN, we have a small farm and enjoy the country life. However with Fort Wayne being so close, we get to also enjoy all the befits of a city.
2. Are you still homeschooling? Did your children graduate from your homeschool?
We began homeschooling in 2009 when my oldest was a Kindergartner and have been homeschooling ever since. This year the boys are in 6th and 4th!
3. What is an IAHE Regional Representative?
An IAHE Regional Rep is the “go to” person in your region. They know of local support groups and coops to help families get connected locally plus they share information to keep families connected to the state as well. They serve all homeschool families in their region.
4. How does a Rep help homeschoolers? . . .someone thinking of homeschooling?
Reps build relationships with homeschoolers in their region so area groups know they are getting information from someone they trust to know the truth and has their best interest at heart. They know of events and opportunities in their region to help families get connected. For new homeschoolers, a rep knows the homeschooling laws and requirements in IN. They know where to find curriculum, support, and remember how overwhelming homeschooling can seem when you first begin. They help to get new families on the right track and simplify the process and assure parents that you can homeschool and do it quite successfully!
5. How have things changed as homeschooling has grown?
The biggest change that we have seen in the years since we started homeschooling is the blurring of lines of what is homeschooling and what is virtual public school. It is so important that parents understand the difference. One isn’t better than the other, families have to do what is best for their family, but they are 2 completely different types of school.
6. What things could improve?
There is always room for improvement on so many levels that to pin point one single thing isn’t always possible. We are always looking for those areas that we need to improve ourselves and our family. I would encourage everyone from curriculum, to the state, to regional groups, to every homeschool family to continually evaluate and improve what you do and why you do it.
7. How can other homeschoolers help?
Accountability is so important. Homeschool families need other homeschool families. We understand each other and need one another for help and support. To be watching out for each other and helping each other grow. Be accountable not only to your other homeschool friends but to all other homeschooling families by striving for excellence in your own personal homeschool and as a family.
Is there anything else you would like us to know about the IAHE Regional Reps?
Regional Reps work diligently to stay informed on issues that pertain to homeschooling. We do this by staying informed
with laws, current issues, curriculum, opportunities, classes, area groups, all things local, state and national that effect or could effect homeschooling. We are here to serve you and help you on your homeschool journey and help you be sucessful! It takes all of us, working together, to protect our homeschooling freedoms.
Thank you, Jason and Stacy
The IAHE Bloggers interviewed Regional Reps. Check out their posts.
- Annette at In All You Do
- Hillary at Walking Fruitfully
- Shalynne at Wonderfully Chaotic
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