10 Reasons to Consider Having Your Nanny Homeschool Your Children

While the term “governess” began to fall out of style over the latter two-thirds of the twentieth century, the position is enjoying something akin to a modern resurgence today. Working parents that seek the homeschooling experience for their children but aren’t able to manage the task due to their own strenuous schedules are in search of nannies that can double as in-home teachers, causing what was once considered an archaic career path to gain popularity. The reasons for choosing homeschooling over public or private school educations are as varied as the families that make such decisions, but here are 10 of the reasons why you might want to consider this arrangement for your own children.

1. She Meets the Qualifications of Your State – Among the states that do allow non-family members to homeschool children, the qualifications are still rather varied. More lenient states allow a non-family member with a high school education or its equivalent to homeschool children, while others have more stringent requirements. If your nanny meets the qualifications set forth by the state you reside in and homeschooling is a subject of serious interest, considering the idea further may prove to be a wise decision.
2. She Holds a Degree in Education – Many career nannies hold degrees in education as an incentive for hiring. If your nanny is among them, you already have a highly trained and qualified teacher caring for your children. Moving into a homeschooling agreement may be the next logical step.
3. Your Child is a Victim of Bullying – Harassment and severe bullying are very real problems for some children, causing some tweens and teens to consider taking drastic measures to escape the torment of their peers. If your child is among them and you’re unable to homeschool her due to the demands of your career, then a private, in-home educator may be the best solution.
4. Your Child Requires Special Attention – If your child excels in a highly specialized area of study and requires the attention of an educator with an in-depth understanding of the subject or if she needs a teacher with experience in special needs education, then a private teacher may be the best option.
5. Behavioral Problems are Affecting Your Child’s Academic Performance – Acting out in school can be the result of a behavioral disorder, or a reaction to an environment in which your child cannot thrive. In either case, receiving an education at home may allow your child to receive the education she’s entitled to, regardless of her behavioral problems.
6. You’re Prepared to Give Her a Sizable Raise –When your nanny makes the transition from private childcare provider to full-time private educator, you should be prepared to offer her a raise commensurate with the task.
7. Traditional School is Not Compatible with Your Family’s Lifestyle – Families that travel extensively or lead a lifestyle that is otherwise incompatible with traditional public education may require the services of a private educator.
8. You’ve Chosen Not to Vaccinate – As controversies regarding vaccinations and exemptions rage on, many parents that have chosen not to vaccinate their children are considering the homeschool model to avoid it. If you’ve chosen not to vaccinate your children, navigating the complex waters of private, in-home education may be less difficult than those of exemptions and enrollment requirements.
9. To Provide a Hands-On Learning Experience – Freed from the standardized tests and rigid curricula of public school, homeschooled kids are free to learn in a more hands-on, interactive environment than many of their publicly educated peers are exposed to.
10. To Encourage Individuality and Independence – The very small class sizes of private, home-based education allows your children to approach their education in a way that’s tailored to their needs and desires. Independence and individuality can be badges of honor for homeschooled children, where those same traits could leave more unique children feeling ostracized in public school.

Before rushing out to find your own modern-day governess, make sure that you take the time to carefully research the laws in your state regarding both homeschooling and employment taxes. Depending on the laws of your individual state, a private in-home educator may not legally be able to teach your children full time. Some states are much more lenient than others, and this wide variation makes it necessary for you to determine what is and is not allowed in your area. Determining whether or not a private educator is technically still considered a nanny or is actually eligible to file her taxes as an independent contractor will also depend upon the arrangement particular to your family, so be sure that you have a clear understanding of the situation before making a definite decision.

Taken From Nanny Jobs