We were lucky to catch up with Mary Resenbeck recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

I want to share some experiences from my family’s life that underline the urgent need for a change in our education system. It’s a change that can provide a more supportive and inclusive environment for children with diverse learning needs.

My husband’s lifelong struggle with dyslexia serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding for students facing reading difficulties. His school days were marked by teachers who couldn’t recognize that his slow progress wasn’t due to laziness but rather dyslexia. This lack of understanding resulted in him becoming a target for bullying, both from teachers and peers, creating a traumatic school experience.

My journey through the education system was fraught with difficulties as well. I struggled to keep up with my classmates despite putting in my best effort. Teachers often dismissed my challenges as laziness and urged me to focus more. They believed that if I tried harder, I could do better. But the reality was that I needed help to overcome my learning hurdles, rooted in ADHD and mild dyslexia. Back then, there was little awareness and understanding of these neurological differences. Just like my husband, I was seen as a problem child who needed to put in more effort. Despite our struggles, we managed to find our inner confidence and leverage our unique talents to succeed professionally. But it’s disheartening to think about why we endured such difficulties in school.

Given the rising number of children diagnosed with conditions like ADHD and dyslexia, we must reevaluate our education system. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) indicates that the percentage of children diagnosed with ADHD in the United States has increased significantly.

My journey as a parent started with the birth of my children in 1995, 1998, and 2013. Like any parent, I wanted the best for my kids, but the fear of dyslexia loomed over me. It didn’t take long for me to notice differences between my children and their peers. Testing revealed that my son not only had dyslexia but also dysgraphia, making reading and writing nightmarish tasks. Despite these challenges, he excelled as a comedic actor and demonstrated an early ability to discuss complex world events. Yet, recognizing letters and writing his name posed significant challenges. My daughter, on the other hand, faced dyslexia and dyscalculia, which made traditional reading and math methods exceptionally challenging. Her coping mechanism was art, expressed through various mediums. Although she had exceptional artistic and verbal abilities, a standard classroom environment didn’t meet her needs.

Understanding and acknowledging these challenges was crucial as a parent. It led to the identification of potential learning disabilities in my children and the importance of advocating for the support they needed. I was determined to ensure they wouldn’t face the same difficulties my husband and I encountered during our educational journeys.

In 2000, I took a life-changing step to become an educator, primarily to support my dyslexic son’s struggles in the classroom and to advocate for my children on campus. While teaching, I discovered innovative approaches to engage students with varying learning needs, including those with “Invisible Learning Differences,” gifted learners, and twice-exceptional kids. One approach I used involved academic musicals to teach essential facts to students with diverse learning profiles in a multi-aged classroom setting.

As my two eldest children were identified with high IQs and labeled gifted but disabled, the challenges of their education increased. I was determined not to let these obstacles hinder their learning. During my research, the Montessori method emerged as a promising option for my children’s education. Developed by Maria Montessori in the early 1900s, this approach prioritizes self-directed learning, hands-on activities, and mixed-age classrooms. It emphasizes cognitive, social, and emotional growth, encouraging children to explore and learn through discovery using manipulatives. Fine arts, music, and theater were integral parts of the curriculum at their Montessori school, providing them with a well-rounded education.

Despite the challenges faced by public schools, such as overcrowded classrooms and standardized testing, it’s crucial for parents not to let their children’s education suffer due to issues beyond their control. For children with learning disabilities, traditional schools can be incredibly daunting, causing stress for the entire family and disrupting the learning process. This is why many parents opt for alternative education methods like Montessori, Waldorf, homeschooling, or unschooling to provide their neurodivergent children with a more suitable educational environment. By tailoring their child’s education to their unique interests, needs, and learning styles, parents can help them develop essential life skills in a compassionate and supportive learning setting.

The shift to homeschooling brought a transformative change in my children’s lives. It allowed them to explore alternative educational methods, such as unschooling, which fosters free learning without the constraints and negative perceptions of traditional classrooms. This change enabled them to excel in their areas of expertise, gain a deeper understanding of their abilities, and confidently work toward mastery. The impact was visible as our family and friends observed a significant improvement in their self-confidence regarding learning.

During my son’s senior year of high school, he secured a job as a professional stagehand at the Community Theater Company. Following high school, he earned a partial scholarship to attend one of the country’s most prestigious performing arts colleges. My daughter, too, flourished in her artistic abilities during her homeschooled high school years, taking two college classes to further her confidence in her art. After graduation, she gained acceptance into a top fine arts college. Both are now successful adults and as parents, we couldn’t be prouder.

Navigating the various educational options for your child can be a daunting task, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Many communities are dedicated to providing assistance and answering your questions, guiding you to create a personalized curriculum that caters to your child’s unique needs. With over two decades of experience in this field, I understand how overwhelming the process can be. That’s why I’ve spent the past ten years working as an educational consultant, homeschool liaison, and IEP advocate, helping families like yours explore the endless possibilities when customizing your child’s education. Remember, you don’t have to go on this journey alone. Reach out to experts who can offer compassionate guidance every step of the way, and your children will thank you for it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My business primarily focuses on providing support and guidance to parents who have decided to homeschool their children. I understand that every child is unique and that one-size-fits-all education doesn’t work for everyone. Therefore, I offer various services to help parents tailor their homeschooling approach to their child’s specific needs and learning styles.

One of the key problems I solve for my clients is helping them navigate the complex world of IEPs, which can be overwhelming and confusing for many parents. I work closely with them to understand their child’s needs, set clear educational goals, and advocate for the appropriate services and accommodations. This empowers parents to ensure their child receives the best possible education.

What sets me apart from others in my field is my personal experience as a homeschooling parent and my extensive background in education. I’ve been in the trenches, facing the challenges and celebrating the victories of homeschooling, and I bring that firsthand knowledge to my clients. Additionally, my expertise in Montessori education, theater instruction, and reading resources gives me a well-rounded perspective on teaching methods and strategies.

I’m most proud of the positive impact I’ve had on the lives of the families I’ve worked with. Watching children flourish and gain confidence in their learning journey is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I’ve played a role in helping parents make informed decisions about their child’s education and future is a source of great pride for me.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my approach is rooted in empathy, understanding, and a commitment to tailoring education to the unique needs of each child. I’m here to support parents on their homeschooling journey, demystify the IEP process, and provide guidance and resources to help their children thrive academically and personally. If you’re looking for a compassionate and experienced guide to navigate the world of homeschooling and special education, I’m here to help. Reach out to me on maryresenbeck.com

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I have been on a personal and transformative journey in the field of education, which has taught me valuable lessons. One of the most significant lessons I learned was to unlearn the notion that traditional schooling, with its structured curriculum and standardized approach, was the only way to provide a quality education. This realization was closely connected to my decision to reject the traditional approach and embrace individualized education.

As a teacher who taught the Montessori approach, I support a more flexible and child-centered approach to education. I believe in nurturing a child’s innate curiosity and allowing them to learn and explore at their own pace. However, when it came to my own children, I initially succumbed to societal pressure to follow the traditional path. It was expected that they would attend a conventional school and pursue a one-size-fits-all curriculum.

During my journey, I discovered that my children were unique learners with individual needs. They were twice exceptional, meaning they had extraordinary abilities, but essential reading and writing skills were significantly challenged. Traditional schooling couldn’t address their specific requirements, and it was disheartening to see them struggle within that system.

I had to unlearn that there was only one right way to educate a child. I realized that traditional schooling was just one option, and there were better approaches for my children. It was a tough decision to reject the status quo, but it was also liberating.

Embracing individualized education became my guiding principle. I chose to homeschool my children, allowing them to explore their interests and passions while addressing their unique learning needs. This shift in perspective led me to explore various educational methods and approaches, Unschooling, Worldschooling, and other strategies that catered to their exceptional abilities and learning differences.

Through this process, I discovered the power of personalized learning plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). These tools allowed me to tailor my children’s education to their strengths and challenges. I became their advocate, working with educators and specialists to ensure they received the support and accommodations they needed.

Rejecting traditional schooling and embracing individualized education became a driving force in my work as an educational consultant and IEP parent coach/liaison. I use my personal journey to guide and support other parents navigating the often complex and overwhelming world of education.

The lesson I had to unlearn was that there’s a single, fixed path to education. I’ve learned that the best education is tailored to the child, embracing their uniqueness and individuality. My passion is to help parents recognize that they, too, can take charge of their children’s education and provide an environment where their children can truly thrive. This lesson has not only shaped my own life but has become the core of my work, inspiring me to empower other parents to do the same.

Book: Take Charge of Your Child’s Education
maryresenbeck.com

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building an audience on social media has been a rewarding and challenging journey. As I ventured into the world of educational consulting and advocacy, I recognized the importance of establishing a strong social media presence to connect with parents, educators, and others interested in individualized education. Here’s the story of how I built my social media audience and some advice for those just starting on the same path:

Identifying my target audience: The first step was to understand who my ideal audience was. In my case, parents sought guidance on homeschooling, IEPs, and individualized education. Knowing my audience’s needs and interests, I could tailor my content to resonate with them.

Creating valuable and informative content: I began by sharing my personal experiences, insights, and educational tips. I provided practical advice on navigating the complex world of individualized education and homeschooling. The content was designed to be both informative and empathetic, addressing the pain points and questions my audience might have.

Consistency is key: I established a content calendar to ensure regular and consistent posting. Consistency is crucial for building and maintaining an engaged audience. I made sure to post at times when my target audience was most active on social media.

Engaging with the community: I actively engaged with my audience by responding to comments, answering questions, and participating in discussions. Building a sense of community and trust was essential. I also collaborated with other influencers and experts in the field to expand my reach.

Visual appeal: Visual content, such as images, infographics, and videos, plays a significant role in capturing the audience’s attention. I ensured my posts were visually appealing and aligned with my brand’s identity.

Hashtags and keywords: I used relevant hashtags and keywords to increase the discoverability of my content. This helped me reach a broader audience beyond my immediate followers.

Learning from analytics: I regularly analyzed the performance of my posts using social media analytics tools. This helped me understand which types of content were resonating with my audience and adjust my strategy accordingly.

Staying authentic: Authenticity is crucial in building a loyal and engaged audience. I shared not only my successes but also my challenges and setbacks. People appreciate real, relatable stories.

Adapting to platform changes: Social media platforms are constantly evolving. It’s essential to stay informed about platform updates and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Patience and persistence: Building a substantial social media audience takes time. It’s essential to be patient and not get discouraged by slow initial growth. Over time, your efforts will pay off.

For those just starting to build a social media presence, my advice would be to find your niche and understand your target audience. Provide valuable content that addresses their needs, and don’t be afraid to share your authentic voice and story. Engage with your followers, learn from your analytics, and be consistent in your efforts. Building a social media presence is a journey, and it’s important to stay committed and patient as you work toward your goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: maryresenbeck.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryresenbeck/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mary.resenbeck/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-resenbeck/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/resenbeck_mary

Image Credits
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