Because “Winging It” Only Works for Birds
Running a homeschool business means juggling a lot: curriculum planning, enrollment, emails, snack duty… and instructors. Whether you’re leading a team of seasoned educators, passionate parents, or enthusiastic volunteers who just really love Shakespeare, training your instructors is what turns chaos into cohesion.
Let’s be honest—teaching in a homeschool setting isn’t quite like teaching in a traditional classroom. It’s a beautiful hybrid of structure and flexibility, creativity and practicality. And to make it all work? Your instructors need the tools, support, and confidence to thrive.
So grab your clipboard (or let’s be real, your favorite coffee mug), and let’s talk about what effective instructor training really looks like in a homeschool business.
Define the “Instructor” in Your World
In homeschool businesses, the word instructor could mean:
- A certified teacher leading a microschool class
- A homeschooling parent teaching co-op science
- A retired engineer teaching algebra “just for fun” (yes, they exist!)
- A teen mentor running coding club sessions
Before diving into training plans, get clear on roles, responsibilities, and expectations. What do you need them to know, do, and be ready for? Are they guiding, instructing, or facilitating? Each role deserves tailored prep, not a one-size-fits-all “you’ll figure it out” shrug.
Give ‘Em the Big Picture
Start every training by walking through your homeschool business’s mission, vision, and vibe—yes, vibe matters.
Do you:
- Prioritize secular, inclusive education?
- Lean into project-based learning?
- Support neurodiverse learners or follow specific teaching frameworks?
- Avoid worksheets like the plague?
The clearer you are about your values and approach, the better your instructors can align with the experience you’re promising families. Plus, it sets the tone: “We’re not just here to get through a book list. We’re building something awesome.”
Teach the Tools
Every instructor needs a working knowledge of your:
- Curriculum and pacing plans – So they know what they’re teaching and how it fits into the big picture.
- Communication systems – Emails? Portals? Carrier pigeons? Make it clear how they’ll get info and stay in the loop.
- Classroom norms – Are phones okay? Do kids call them by first names? What’s the policy on glitter?
- Tech platforms – From Google Drive to Canvas to a whiteboard and dry-erase marker, make sure instructors are comfortable with the tools they’ll use.
Pro tip: give them access to a cheat sheet or quick-start guide so they don’t have to scroll through a week of Slack messages to find that one Zoom link.
Offer Tips for Teaching in the Wild
Let’s face it: homeschool business classrooms can be unpredictable. You might have mixed ages, mixed abilities, and a mix of students who want to be there… and others who just really miss Minecraft.
That’s why your training should include:
- Classroom management basics – You don’t need military discipline, but some routines and redirect strategies go a long way.
- Engagement strategies – Think movement, discussion, hands-on projects, and “please don’t just read from the slideshow.”
- Flexibility mindset – Sometimes the best learning moments happen outside the plan. Let instructors know that’s okay (and sometimes magical).
Encourage Collaboration, Not Isolation
No instructor should feel like they’re on an island—unless they’re literally teaching geography with island simulations, in which case… neat.
Set up systems for:
- Mentorship or buddy support – Pair new instructors with veterans.
- Regular check-ins – Weekly or monthly chats to celebrate wins and troubleshoot challenges.
- Shared resources – Dropbox folders, curriculum libraries, group chats… whatever keeps everyone sharing and connected.
A strong team culture doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when instructors know they’re supported, seen, and part of a community with a shared purpose.
Keep the Door Open for Feedback
Instructor training isn’t “one and done.” Keep it alive by asking:
- What’s working in the classroom?
- Where do they feel underprepared?
- What additional tools or training would help?
Use that feedback to refine future trainings, create mini refreshers, and show your team that you’re listening (and not just sending out another survey for fun).
Training is Teaching Too
Great homeschool instructors don’t appear by magic or caffeine alone (though both help). They’re trained, trusted, and supported by homeschool businesses that know investing in people is what truly powers quality education.
So whether you’re onboarding a new instructor or refreshing your dream team, keep it warm, keep it clear, and maybe throw in a joke or two. Because when instructors feel equipped and empowered, they bring their best to the classroom—and that’s what every student deserves.
And if all else fails, remember: snacks and coffee are training tools, too. Never underestimate the power of a well-timed muffin.
