1984 -- Began homeschooling his two children (and continued all the way through their high school careers).
1984 -- Appointed by the Commissioner of Maine’s Department of Education to the select group which wrote the regulations governing homeschooling in Maine.
1984 - 1989 -- Appointed by the Maine's Commissioner of the Department of Education to their Appeals Board to adjudicate issues concerning private schools and homeschools.
1984 -- Began a regional association of homeschoolers known as Homeschool Associates of New England, for which Steve still serves as Executive Director today. (www.homeschoolassociates.com)
1988 -- Co-founded the Maine Homeschool Association and was elected president for 3 terms, promoting additional benefits in the laws, and additional public awareness of homeschooling.
1989 -- Founded and incorporated the North Atlantic Regional Schools, Inc. to shelter homeschoolers who felt they needed additional support. (www.narhs.org)
1989 - 2006 -- Presented workshops and keynote addresses at homeschool conventions and workshops in 34 states.
1991 - 1993 -- Advocated for (and won) the policy change of the Maine Principal's Association to gain the right of homeschooled students to participate in curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities, including high school athletics.
1991 -- Interviewed and quoted in Time magazine concerning homeschooling
1992 -- Began the Homeschooler’s Bookmobile, travelling city-to-city buying and selling used materials from and to homeschoolers. This work expanded over 7 years to include 166 major cities from Maine to Texas, from Florida to Minnesota, and great places in between.
1992 - 1993 -- Elected to two terms on the 9-member governing council of the National Homeschool Association.
1989 - 2006 -- Developed and managed the business aspects of the school to accommodate growth -- 70 employees serving 26,000 families in 50 states and numerous foreign countries. In addition to the Maine facilities, Steve is responsible for managing the fully-staffed offices in Washington and Florida.
1989 - 2000 -- Published and distributed the publications, At Home In New England and At Home In America, reaching a consistent 20,000 families on our mailing list. (www.athomeinamerica.org)
1999 - 2000 -- Chosen to speak at the homeschool conventions in Wausau, WI, and the Homeschool Association of California's Annual Convention in Sacramento, CA.
2000 -- Spoke at the Canadian Homeschool Convention, Saskatchewan Home-Based Educators, Saskatoon, Saskatchuwan; the Emerald Coast Homeschool Association's Convention in Pensacola, FL; the Indiana Association of Home Educator's Convention at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, IN.
2000 -- Designed, edited, and published the North Atlantic Regional High School’s NARS High School Handbook to codify the work of NARS with high school students, allowing them to use their homeschool work to earn high school credits. The successful completion of the prescribed credits allows these students to graduate from NARS state-recognized private school with a real high school diploma from a real high school.
2001 -- Chosen Keynote Speaker for the 11,000-attendee Florida Homeschool Convention in Orlando; and Keynote Speaker for the 8,000-attendee Washington Homeschool Convention near Seattle.
(www.FPEA.com and www.WashHomeschool.org)
(www.FPEA.com and www.WashHomeschool.org)
2002 -- Designed, edited, and published the High School Resource Advisor to assist families in selecting and documenting homeschool work.
2002 -- Opened, staffed, and trained employees for our office in Palm Bay, Florida.
2003 -- Opened, staffed, and trained employees for our office in Yakima, WA.
2004 -- Edited and published the First Great Book of High School Course Descriptions, providing exciting and challenging “thinking and doing” courses for high school students outside the classroom.
2005 -- Authored and published the Tiny Book of Homeschooling, offering “Principles and Practice, Guidelines, Thoughts, Inspiration, and Experiences of Homeschooling.” This Tiny Book is only 3”X4” and has 160 pages!
2005 -- Partnered with HomeLink Education, acquiring as a division of NARS. Cloned the existing program in Washington and expanded it all the way to Florida the first year. (www.homelinkeducation.org)
2006 + -- Looking forward to the further development of NARHS families and students, the NARHS online store, and HomeLink Education courses in more locations in Florida and other states.
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STEVE's SPEECHES INCLUDE:
The 7 Goals of High School
High schoolers are different. And exciting. And scary. This workshop will dissolve the fears about homeschooling a high schooler. Steve will equip parents with 7 specific goals. These goals will point the way for a successful homeschool experience during high school (and for a lifetime thereafter)! Enjoy Steve’s humorous, practical, and real-life presentation.
High schoolers are different. And exciting. And scary. This workshop will dissolve the fears about homeschooling a high schooler. Steve will equip parents with 7 specific goals. These goals will point the way for a successful homeschool experience during high school (and for a lifetime thereafter)! Enjoy Steve’s humorous, practical, and real-life presentation.
10 Myths of Socialization
The 2nd-most-asked-question. Homeschool detractors try to make this the focus of conversation; but they are suffering under 10 myths which can easily be revealed. This workshop will encourage, embolden, and empower you to respond with kindness, yet conviction. Hear the best and most delightful responses to that question.
The 2nd-most-asked-question. Homeschool detractors try to make this the focus of conversation; but they are suffering under 10 myths which can easily be revealed. This workshop will encourage, embolden, and empower you to respond with kindness, yet conviction. Hear the best and most delightful responses to that question.
A Real Education -- Don’t Leave Home Without It
The goal of an education is contained in one simple sentence -- it has not changed in all recorded history. Steve’s popular workshop reveals the goal, and the 5 steps to achieving it. Too often we spend time teaching and miss the goal. If we state it, remind ourselves of it, and equip our children to reach for it, our jobs as parent-teachers will be incredibly enjoyable.
The goal of an education is contained in one simple sentence -- it has not changed in all recorded history. Steve’s popular workshop reveals the goal, and the 5 steps to achieving it. Too often we spend time teaching and miss the goal. If we state it, remind ourselves of it, and equip our children to reach for it, our jobs as parent-teachers will be incredibly enjoyable.
The Emotional Nuts & Bolts of Homeschooling
Sometimes things come together perfectly. Sometimes they DON’T. As the dynamics of homeschooling families go, there are certain principles that make your emotional investment pay off. This workshop will explore the fluctuation, and explains why some days are diamonds and some days are stones! The session is quite practical, with real demonstrations and solutions.
Sometimes things come together perfectly. Sometimes they DON’T. As the dynamics of homeschooling families go, there are certain principles that make your emotional investment pay off. This workshop will explore the fluctuation, and explains why some days are diamonds and some days are stones! The session is quite practical, with real demonstrations and solutions.
The Humor and Heart of Homeschooling.
When you invest yourself into a venture like homeschooling, you begin by thinking it is almost impossible to pull it off. impossible to keep living your “normal” life and ADD homeschooling to it -- impossible, you think. But very soon it becomes clear that it IS possible, because it all blends together -- but it DOES take time. And in the process, you experience some great moments of humor and great moments of the heart. Steve shares some of these special insights in this presentation.
When you invest yourself into a venture like homeschooling, you begin by thinking it is almost impossible to pull it off. impossible to keep living your “normal” life and ADD homeschooling to it -- impossible, you think. But very soon it becomes clear that it IS possible, because it all blends together -- but it DOES take time. And in the process, you experience some great moments of humor and great moments of the heart. Steve shares some of these special insights in this presentation.
17 Secrets for Homeschoolers
Yes, there are secrets we’ve learned since we began homeschooling in 1984. And yes, there are more than 17. In this workshop Steve has picked 17 BIGGIES to share in a humorous fashion. This workshop is not just inspiring, but offers practical, real ways to make your homeschool days go smoother than ours did in the early years!
Yes, there are secrets we’ve learned since we began homeschooling in 1984. And yes, there are more than 17. In this workshop Steve has picked 17 BIGGIES to share in a humorous fashion. This workshop is not just inspiring, but offers practical, real ways to make your homeschool days go smoother than ours did in the early years!
A Real High School Diploma -YOUR Way !
(vendor workshop)
There’s a high school diploma program for homeschoolers that offers it all. Use YOUR materials, YOUR to earn real high school credits. 17-1/2 credits are required to graduate. Start anytime in any academic year. There’s no age limit and NO speed limit! Maximum flexibility, minimum hassles -- fully accredited and state-authorized private school. The North Atlantic Regional High School has students in all 50 states.
(vendor workshop)
There’s a high school diploma program for homeschoolers that offers it all. Use YOUR materials, YOUR to earn real high school credits. 17-1/2 credits are required to graduate. Start anytime in any academic year. There’s no age limit and NO speed limit! Maximum flexibility, minimum hassles -- fully accredited and state-authorized private school. The North Atlantic Regional High School has students in all 50 states.
Textbooks as Tools
Textbooks are tools. Only tools. Having used textbooks with their homeschooled children since 1984, and having consulted with 1000’s of parents about their specific programs, Steve has learned ways to ease the “shackled” feeling we often feel with textbooks. He will demonstrate how you can master the text, rather than the text mastering you. Humorous and practical.
Textbooks are tools. Only tools. Having used textbooks with their homeschooled children since 1984, and having consulted with 1000’s of parents about their specific programs, Steve has learned ways to ease the “shackled” feeling we often feel with textbooks. He will demonstrate how you can master the text, rather than the text mastering you. Humorous and practical.
For Fathers Only
Some dads are in the homeschooling arena eagerly. Some willingly. Some passively. Some scratching and clawing all the way -- seemingly against their will. Steve offers 21 years of insight as a homeschooling dad who’s “been there, done that!” Today his children are married, accomplished adults. He has some “Dad Things” to share.
Some dads are in the homeschooling arena eagerly. Some willingly. Some passively. Some scratching and clawing all the way -- seemingly against their will. Steve offers 21 years of insight as a homeschooling dad who’s “been there, done that!” Today his children are married, accomplished adults. He has some “Dad Things” to share.
“Am I Doing Enough?”
This silent, reflective question gnaws away at most homeschooling parents. We have developed a quick checklist parents can use for a realistic answer. Even after 18 years of homeschooling we still hear ourselves asking. With this checklist you can fortify, modify, or perhaps nullify some of the things you’re doing as homeschoolers.
This silent, reflective question gnaws away at most homeschooling parents. We have developed a quick checklist parents can use for a realistic answer. Even after 18 years of homeschooling we still hear ourselves asking. With this checklist you can fortify, modify, or perhaps nullify some of the things you’re doing as homeschoolers.
The Three Types of Homeschooling
Homeschooling styles differ. But most fall into 3 broad categories. This lively, humorous workshop will explain each of the three, then show how to move comfortably among them. As you become more skilled in seeing them work, your children can shine in areas that were weak & dull before. Come and see how practical, real, and easy it can be to glean from all three types of homeschooling.
Homeschooling styles differ. But most fall into 3 broad categories. This lively, humorous workshop will explain each of the three, then show how to move comfortably among them. As you become more skilled in seeing them work, your children can shine in areas that were weak & dull before. Come and see how practical, real, and easy it can be to glean from all three types of homeschooling.
The Left Brain / Right Brain Surprises!
It’s no secret. Some areas in life are LEFT brain dominant, some are RIGHT. This workshop is a refresher course on the differences. Steve’s workshop will explain why some things are easy for some, yet difficult for others. Why do your children understand some things, and not others? This is a fun workshop with useful, practical application to your homeschool.
It’s no secret. Some areas in life are LEFT brain dominant, some are RIGHT. This workshop is a refresher course on the differences. Steve’s workshop will explain why some things are easy for some, yet difficult for others. Why do your children understand some things, and not others? This is a fun workshop with useful, practical application to your homeschool.
How To STAY Married While Homeschooling
This session will be both humorous and serious...much is at stake when the adventure of homeschooling is added to a marriage. Steve will offer his 22 years of homeschooling experience in his 33-year marriage and share how he and his wife "worked it out" when the issues seemed too big and when the energy seemed too small. Find out why this happens: "When your output exceeds your input, your upkeep becomes your downfall!"
This session will be both humorous and serious...much is at stake when the adventure of homeschooling is added to a marriage. Steve will offer his 22 years of homeschooling experience in his 33-year marriage and share how he and his wife "worked it out" when the issues seemed too big and when the energy seemed too small. Find out why this happens: "When your output exceeds your input, your upkeep becomes your downfall!"
For speaking arrangements in your area or for your group, you are invited to call Homeschool Associates, toll free, at 800-882-2828.
Steve writes:
“Conference coordinators face quite a balancing act -- they must choose speakers that are fresh and vibrant, but experienced and seasoned. They need to avoid “overused” speakers from the homeschool speaking circuit, yet, they want someone who will do a reputable, respectable job for them. Those responsible for the speakers are also accountable to the attendees, so all the parts have to “fit” just right, including the speaker’s fee and the cost of the project. I understand, and I will do what I can to assist. Choose from these presentations -- or assign a new topic and I will write an appropriate lesson for it. Give me your “topic gaps” and I’ll get to work.”
“Conference coordinators face quite a balancing act -- they must choose speakers that are fresh and vibrant, but experienced and seasoned. They need to avoid “overused” speakers from the homeschool speaking circuit, yet, they want someone who will do a reputable, respectable job for them. Those responsible for the speakers are also accountable to the attendees, so all the parts have to “fit” just right, including the speaker’s fee and the cost of the project. I understand, and I will do what I can to assist. Choose from these presentations -- or assign a new topic and I will write an appropriate lesson for it. Give me your “topic gaps” and I’ll get to work.”