Manisha Snoyer sits down with Blair Lee, the founder of SEA Homeschoolers, a community of 90,000 members, that has revolutionized the way we think about education. Blair, a professor, scientist, and author, delves into her journey from teaching college chemistry to pioneering a homeschooling movement. The conversation covers a range of topics, from the importance of a tailored education to the role of community in homeschooling. Blair also discusses the challenges and opportunities in the homeschooling landscape, including the need for evidence-based, secular academic materials. Manisha and Blair explore the concept of a paradigm shift in education, focusing on how well a child is learning rather than how well one is teaching. They also touch on the importance of inclusivity, debunk myths about homeschooling, and discuss the future of education. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in a more personalized, compassionate, and effective approach to education. Blair Lee, M.S., (@blairleescience) is the founder of SEA Homeschoolers and a seasoned educator with over two decades of experience. Initially a community college professor, she transitioned into curriculum development, authoring courses like "Microbiology" and "The Science of Climate Change." Blair is also the primary author of the critically acclaimed REAL Science Odyssey Series from Pandia Press. Passionate about innovative academics, she empowers home educators to create unique, academically-rich learning experiences. Her courses are hands-on and concept-rich, adhering to mainstream scientific consensus.
Blair Lee: X | Email | Facebook | Blog
Teach Your Kids: Website | X | Instagram | Substack
Manisha: LinkedIn | X | Instagram
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Time Codes:
[00:01:00] Manisha introduces her guest, Blair Lee, and discusses the value of SEA Homeschoolers, a Facebook group that serves as a rich resource for homeschooling parents.
[00:03:20] Blair Lee questions traditional teaching methods, inspired by her experience in teaching college chemistry to rethink how education should be delivered.
[00:09:40] The flexibility of homeschooling is highlighted by Manisha, who emphasizes how it allows for individual focus.
[00:11:17] Blair reveals her son's learning challenges, explaining that complex concussions necessitated a more tailored educational approach.
[00:13:02] The rapid growth of SEA Homeschoolers is discussed by Blair, who talks about its evolution into a comprehensive support community.
[00:18:16] Strict moderation ensures quality in the SEA Homeschoolers group, where only secular academic materials are allowed.
[00:21:06] Every child deserves a proper education, a point Blair drives home by discussing issues where some children in the homeschooling community are not being adequately educated.
[00:27:11] Lee advises listeners to start by writing down their reasons for homeschooling as the first step in the homeschooling process.
[00:32:40] Focus on learning skills like metacognition and reading, suggests Blair, advising parents to pay attention to these areas.
[00:35:20] The "SEA" community is introduced by Manisha as a resource that helps with specific curriculum needs.
[00:39:20] Blair Lee emphasizes the need for an evidence-based curriculum and warns against materials that redefine terms.
[00:48:05] Growth mindset and grit are introduced by Manisha as important principles in homeschooling.
[00:55:24] Volunteering's impact on mental health is discussed, as both hosts agree that service work can benefit children.
[01:03:08] Blair announces a conference where she will discuss the ages and stages of learning for elementary school, adding another layer of educational resources for listeners.
This podcast is made possible through a generous grant from the Vela Education Fund
VELA Education Fund is catalyzing a vibrant alternative education ecosystem. VELA provides trust-based funding to entrepreneurs, fosters community-building and knowledge-sharing, and increases visibility through storytelling that promotes cultural awareness and acceptance of the out-of-system space. Today, VELA serves the largest community of out-of-system education entrepreneurs in the country, with over 2,000 community members. About half of VELA’s community members operate small learning environments, and the other half are ecosystem and community builders offering direct services and support across the out-of-system space. Learn more at velaedfund.org.