“Mom, if you keep doing it for me, I’ll never learn to do it by myself!”
Those are words Missy Willis heard long ago from her 3 year old son. Words that she has heeded and respected in their learning journey. She has chosen to be a Conscious Educator.
Conscious Educator
Missy used the term “Conscious Educator” when she had created a list to reflect on the question ~ What is an Educator? Many times she sees the system force a change on what many educators set out to do. Conscious Educator has been her goal over the years. From Autopilot to Awake. Listening vs talking. Responsive vs Reactive.
Psychology to Special Education to Unschooling
Missy Willis is a mom to two kids, ages 15.5 and 11, who have never been to school.
She has a degree in Psychology and a masters in Special Education. Before children, Missy imagined a life devoted to education in the traditional sense. For over 20 years she worked in daycares, public and private schools, and universities. At Duke University Medical Center Missy worked on the landmark MTA study led by the late Dr. Conners, the father of ADHD.
Through the MTA study she worked with many kids that were struggling in the classroom. Missy wondered if these kids could be more successful in a different environment. She wanted to help these kids. She also had watched her brother dropout early because he struggled through school. These factors influenced her to pursue special education.
Once Missy became a mother though, her traditional path changed. Her passion for raising engaged, connected, self-aware children brought unschooling into their lives.
Missy decided early to home educate but it was her son that started them on the unschooling path. She had everything all planned out. How she would organize their environment. Resource lists, and what they would do. But her son didn’t follow the plan. She soon realized that fighting with him was not the intention. It was interfering with their relationship. Peaceful, respectful parenting was the goal.
Missy let go of a lot of pre-conceived notions and beliefs. Deschooling became important. Being willing to listen. Being a better observer. Guiding and supporting vs Dictating.
Mental Heath became a priority.
Listen to Hear More
Listen in on the episode to hear why Missy feels mental health is a key focus to every life.
Why autonomy and self awareness is a key factor.
And how she learned to step back and watch. Allowing her kids to have ownership in their education.
Missy continues to grow her community of self directed learners. Her goal is to create a space for connection in the Self Directed Learning Space. She is a member of the Alliance for Self Directed Education and organizes a local self directed education group.
You can connect with Missy through her blog Let ’em Go Barefoot, Instagram and Facebook.
Resources
ADHD Stats~ https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html
