What is TEACH?

TEACH is a non-profit, all volunteer, Christian organization which has labored to establish and preserve home education freedoms in Connecticut since 1990. The purpose of TEACH is to support, inspire and work to protect families in their God-given right to direct the education of their children. It is the hope of TEACH that through the events we sponsor, our publications, and other services we offer, parents will not only be encouraged to educate their children at home, but will receive practical help, and advice to continue the education of their children throughout the elementary and secondary years. TEACH is actively involved in influencing legislation regarding home education in Connecticut and, when necessary, at the federal level. Regularly monitoring legislation, communicating accurate and timely information to its members, developing relationships with legislators, and maintaining an email alert system have been effective ways we impact public policy and advance home education freedoms.

THE TEACH BOARD

The Bloughs -- David and Cheryl Blough have been home educating their children since 1995. It is with conviction and diligence that they seek to impart the things that would honor Christ while they have been trusted in the guarding of and caring for the souls of their five children. Abigail is 20 and was homeschooled from 3rd grade until her graduation in 2005 and currently attends St. Joseph College in West Hartford, CT as a junior. She is a history major and is including an internship for Connecticut Republican Senator Len Fasano at the Legislative Office Building with her other course work this semester. Hannah is 18 and was homeschooled from first grade through her graduation in 2006. She is presently a freshman at Liberty University with a major in musical theatre. Noah is 15 and currently in 10th grade. He is an avid archer and weight lifter. Luke recently turned 11 and is in the fifth grade. Luke enjoys playing soccer and basketball. Elijah is our four year old and wants to do far more schoolwork than is necessary. We are thankful for all our children who bring us much joy and laughter!

The Kinskys – John Kinsky and his wife, June, live in West Granby. They have 5 children and have been homeschooling since the oldest turned five years old, 14 years ago. They began with the thought of homeschooling on a “year by year” basis, but quickly changed their philosophy when they became convinced and convicted that homeschooling is the best method of educating a Christian child! Jonathan, the oldest at 19 yrs old, is a homeschooled graduate and currently attends Norwich University in Northfield, VT. He is a freshman and will shortly complete his first year there. Jordan, 17 years old, will graduate from his homeschool studies this coming June at the TEACH convention. He plans to attend a community college for at least one year while he seeks the Lord’s guidance for a future vocation. Janna is 16 years old and will graduate next year. Joy is 10 years old and Josh is 7 years old. Our girls enjoy learning to sew, knit and do basket weaving through the Granby 4-H club. We are very thankful that the Lord has impressed it upon our hearts to homeschool our children all of these years. There have been many benefits and blessings that we could not have foreseen in the early days! It is by His Grace that we do what we do! John currently serves TEACH as Vice-President, Treasurer and Legislative Liaison.

The Martins -- We are Peter and Lydia Martin. We live in Glastonbury with our eight children. In 1992 we began homeschooling our oldest for kindergarten, and in June 2005, we had the incredible joy of seeing him graduate. In June 2007, our oldest daughter graduated, so we have gone from ‘soup to nuts’ with two of our children. Our plan to homeschool was to take it one year at a time, but it became so much a part of our family life that we are now committed long-term to teach all of our children at home. Our first graduate, Paul (21), is currently enrolled in an on-line university and works full-time for TeenPact as the North East Field Representative. Our next graduate, Ruth (19) has become very adept in the kitchen, at the sewing machine, and with children of all ages. She spent February in Uganda as a teaching assistant. Adam (17) will be graduating in June, and plans to attend Cedarville University in 2009. Anna (15), Hope (13), Luke (11), Noah (9), and Seth (7) round out our roster of students. Homeschooling is more than an academic choice - it is a lifestyle choice as it eventually impacts everything. We are so blessed by the freedom and privilege to teach our children at home. We look forward to continuing this adventure, trusting God to guide and to provide.

The Persons -- Peter & Donna Person family have 5 children age 15– 3 yrs and have lived in rural Stafford Springs since 1995. We have served on the T.E.A.C.H. board since 2001 in the areas of vendor coordinator and support group liason. Prior to that, Peter served as chairman of a local homeschool group for 3 yrs, encouraging other dad’s to step into leadership. We began homeschooling in 1997 with a conviction that this was what God would have us do. He has since affirmed that decision in countless ways. We use a classical curriculum that allows us to learn together at age appropriate levels. Erik (15) is active in Civil Air Patrol, William Wilberforce speech & debate club, enjoys hunting & fishing, Farmall Cub tractors and is trying his hand at a landscaping business. Aron (13) is our “grease monkey” and is active in a local 4-H club for small engine repair. Emily (11) is our local artist, loves ballet and is on her way to being an accomplished seamstress. Hannah (6) is gregarious, fun loving and never at a loss for words. Anneliese (3) is always very busy trying to keep up with everyone and helps to keep us from taking ourselves too seriously! We believe that there is no better way to instill a lifelong love of learning and a deep love of our Lord and Savior in our children than to, “walk by the way” (Deut 6:7), with them. We enjoy encouraging other home schooling families in that knowledge.

The Zitzmans -- David and Paula Zitzman have lived in Southbury since 1986. They have four children: Luke, second class at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT; Elena, freshman at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL; Ethan, junior in high school; and Adele, freshman in high school. Dave and Paula have homeschooled "from the beginning." We are thankful for the opportunity to educate our children in Godly wisdom and away from many of the pressures of government schools.

There is always a need for people who are willing to consider serving Connecticut Homeschoolers by joining us on the TEACH Board. Please speak with a board member if you are interested.

Thank you for your interest in home education!

God bless you!