Home schooling offers a personalized and flexible approach to education for some families, and with programs like the Home School Enrichment Academy (HSEA), families can easily bridge the gap between home-based learning and structured classroom experiences. D38’s HSEA offers students unique opportunities for hands-on learning, creativity, and a sense of community. As Jill Robey, Secondary Classroom Teacher, completes her fifth year at HSEA, she reflects on her journey in education, the special role HSEA plays in students' lives, and the deep connections she's built with students.
How did you get your start in teaching?
I grew up in Michigan, and after finishing my Bachelor's degree, got my first teaching position in Grand Rapids. My family moved to Colorado twelve years ago, and I began working for D38 the following year. I have worked in various positions including as an office aide, paraprofessional, substitute teacher, classroom teacher and in assessment support. This year, I will complete my fifth year as a classroom teacher at HSEA.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the HSEA community and your students?
One of the best aspects of teaching at HSEA is the ability for me to follow my students year after year to see their growth as amazing individuals. I get to know my students well and get to develop relationships with their families. Building strong relationships motivates me to do what I can to see each student succeed. I have a current sophomore student who I taught as a paraprofessional when he was in kindergarten!
HSEA provides a unique learning environment for students. What makes this program so special?
HSEA provides programming for 160 homeschool students. This program uniquely meets needs for homeschool families by providing outstanding opportunities to build community, grow as individuals and develop essential life skills. More than anything, my students express the fun that they have week after week. Many of my students tell me that their HSEA day is by far their favorite day of the week. When learning is coupled with fun, it is without a doubt, more accessible and successful.
How does HSEA support and enrich the homeschooling experience for families?
HSEA's programming offers families experiences that are not easily obtained at home. Some of the programming that we offer includes PE, art, music and drama. These offerings are very difficult to do in the home, so we provide the opportunity for students to come and play dodgeball, create ceramic masterpieces, learn to play the guitar in a group, and perform plays for large live audiences. Homeschoolers in D-38 get an opportunity through HSEA to see where their gifts can blossom through our school. And even better, they develop lifelong friendships along the way.
What is one thing you wish more people knew about HSEA?
Personally, I wish that more people in D38 understood what an absolute jewel HSEA is for our community. The students, families and staff here at HSEA are some of the best people I have ever known, and the community is a strong and supportive one. HSEA is a vital piece in D38's education puzzle even though it may seem to be a small one. We have students who come through our program in and out of traditional schools every year. Sometimes our students come for a semester for various family and personal reasons, and sometimes they stay for their entire educational experience, but either way, HSEA fulfills its important role to elevate homeschool students in D38.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Easily, my students' successes are the most rewarding part of my job. Seeing students grow in confidence and communication skills through accomplishing difficult tasks and building strong relationships makes everything I do worth it. Watching students develop into awesome young adults throughout the years has been one of the greatest privileges in my life. The students are the reason I teach. They are the reason I love what I do and am so very grateful to HSEA and D38 for the opportunities that I have as a teacher.