Two years ago, on the first day of school, Susie Theule, our director, presented a seminar on creating mission statements. People left feeling inspired, encouraged and reminded of why we have chosen this path of home education. We would like to encourage you to sit down and write a mission statement (or two or three!) that encompasses your mission as a home educator, as a parent, as a family. You may be surprised at what a powerful exercise it ends up being.
To get you started, here is SLO Classical Academy's mission statement:
“SLO Classical Academy engages students in the diligent, creative pursuit of wisdom, beauty and virtue through a classical, rich, interdisciplinary approach to academics, a nurturing community and a commitment to inspiring each student to reach his or her full potential.”
Your personal mission statement as home educator is the statement you want hanging on the wall or written in your heart to come back to when you are discouraged, when your child is giving you difficulties, when you are so tired you can’t see straight, when you entertain whether or not you want to keep doing this…
To assist you in finding the answer, you may find it helpful to start by asking some questions and by listing some of your favorite words.
Start with questions.
Why have you chosen to educate your children this way?
By what do you want your home to be characterized?
What do you want for your children? Your family? Now? In the future?
What do your children want?
What do you believe about the family’s role in a child’s life?
What do you believe about education?
What do you want for yourself in educating this way?
What do you want for the community?
Look at your favorite words. Examples:
flourish vibrant dynamic
alive lifelong learners thrive
grow reach inspire
persevere love of learning intimacy
prepare leaders serve
Mission Statement Samples:
- Our belief is that learning is a lifelong adventure in which the whole family shares; and that children's minds readily absorb knowledge when they have stability in their surroundings, love, encouragement, and discipline, together with the freedom to wonder, explore, imagine, and ask questions.
- Our goal is for our children to be independent thinkers, able to learn at their own pace, pursue their own interests, and develop confidence and self-discipline in the comfort and security of their own home.
- Our hope is we will raise our children to do their best, to realize their special talents, to be concerned for the needs of others, to become responsible citizens, to wise, to be skillful and knowledgeable in every area that will be useful to them in their future, and to grow up to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Susie’s Mission Statement (as director):
I want to be a part of creating and maintaining a vibrant community that seeks to inspire children to develop an absolute zest for learning, attain the tools they need to think for themselves, and grow in virtues that will allow them to flourish now and in the future. I want to be in a community that faces challenges and celebrates successes together for the sake of not only children but for our growth and development as parents and adults and for the community at large. I want to be a part of something bigger than myself – I want my life to matter, even if I am never remembered for it.
Let's make a commitment as a community, to sit down individually, as a couple, as a family, and write mission statements. If you'd like to share yours email it to: [email protected] and we will post them.
When you discover your mission, you will feel its demand. It will fill you with enthusiasm and a burning desire to get to work on it.” ~ W. Clement Stone
