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Episode 3: The Problem of Public School with Brenda Diaz
Welcome to the Peaceful Worldschooling Podcast – Episode 3. “The Problem with Public School” featuring Public School Government Teacher and founder of The Red Lipstick Rebellion, Ms. Brenda Diaz. Brenda is a Social Studies teacher in Montgomery County, MD, with a passion for American History, Latin American History, and government. Her academic career began at Georgetown University, upon which after graduation, she applied her love of learning as a Spanish language teacher and Spanish Language Coordinator at a private school in DC. After her daughters were born, she decided to become a homemaker to her 3 beautiful girls: Josephine, aged 17; Julia-Christine, 13; and Kara, 6-years-old. Brenda believes in medical,…
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My First and Last Day
Today was the first day of school for teachers… and quite possibly the last day of school for this teacher. I have been a teacher for over 12 years, and it has been the joy of my life to make a difference every single day with young people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. I have taught Spanish, ESOL, and currently I am working as a special education teacher in one of the largest counties in the United States. Today, I made the decision to go to work with a smile on my face instead of a mask. To my surprise, I was greeted with hugs by several co-workers which…
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Beat the “But”
In the wake of COVID, we have had a massive influx of parents and children that are considering alternatives to public and private school for the first time. Many parents and children want to homeschool, BUT it’s easy to get caught up in our reasons and excuses as to why we think we can’t. As peaceful parents, the only “butt” we beat is the B-U-T. So, let’s confront some of the biggest “BUTS” when it comes to homeschooling. I want to homeschool, but… I don’t know how to teach I don’t know if I can teach them ___________. I cannot afford it. I don’t want my kids to miss out.…
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The Hidden Cost of Public School
A free public education is anything but free or public. However, most people are not aware of the hidden costs of public school which are actually the most detrimental. Public school costs us: emotionally, physically, personally, relationally, and spiritually. Emotional Cost Public school has an emotional cost. Many studies (see below) have shown that attending school has a negative emotional impact on students. We may tend to downplay the impact of anxiety and depression on our children, but the reality is clear. No one escapes unscathed. Most if not all of us have experienced “test anxiety” at one point or another. Why is that even a thing? How have we…
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Public School is Not Free
Public school is NOT free. I first discovered this when I attempted to enroll my daughter in a Pre-K program in the school district where I taught while living in the neighboring county. “I’m sorry, how much?!” I blurted out while attempting to not spew coffee from my mouth. “Fifteen thousand two hundred and nine dollars,” the lady calmly stated through the phone. $15,209. For my daughter to attend a public Pre-K program. Public school is NOT free. While the average cost per student in the United States is $12,201 according to the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau, states like New York pay $23,091 per student to attend public school. While…