2025 Dallas-Fort Worth Education Sessions

Structured Learning for Elementary Students with Diverse Needs

Discover strategies, interventions, and activities that are designed to promote structure and self-regulation within homeschooling. Learn how to promote communication, coping skills, and social skills development through intentional intervention. Through hands-on activity examples, homeschool families will explore and discover new ways of supporting their children to improve behavioral, emotional, and academic progress.  

Lori is a special education teacher in North Texas with 13 years of experience as a homeschool mom to 5 children.

Using Picture Books Across the Curriculum

Today’s picture books aren’t just for the little ones. Picture books can be used to introduce new topics and bolster curriculum all the way through high school. In this session discover books that will appeal to all ages and deal with social emotional issues, science concepts, math, and more. 

Wendy is a former elementary teacher of 18 years and an award-winning author of fiction and nonfiction books for children.

Enhancing Your Homeschool: Tailored Support for Neurodivergent Learners 

Explore how to leverage a wide range of resources, including Outschool, to support your homeschool and meet the unique needs of your neurodivergent child. From finding educators who align with your goals to accessing clubs, classes, and tutoring, you’ll learn how these tools help you build the ideal education for your child and help you create the customized, engaging learning experience you want for your child.

Cassie, a homeschool mom of three for over a decade, tailors her approach to meet the needs of her neurodiverse learner. She is a Partnerships Specialist at Outschool, championing innovative education solutions for families and educators. 

5 Core Habits to Practice with Any Subject

Come hear about how you can help your child develop the basic habits necessary to learn anything. In this talk, we’ll model these “core habits” giving you the opportunity to experience them for yourself. 

Shay has led programs as a licensed director with Classical Conversations for several years and has homeschooled her own children over the years.

Make Your Student a Real World Problem Solver

Everyone enjoys learning when they have the opportunity to feel successful, and success builds the confidence to stretch our skills and explore new ideas. We’ll discuss how parents can tap into their student’s strengths and interests to unlock critical thinking and creative problem solving. Tailoring content to your student’s needs and integrating experiential and nature-based learning will be the foundation of this session. 

Angela is the Registrar of Oak Meadow school and an experienced homeschool mom of three.

A Handcrafted Education

Drawing from her extensive experience as an educator, curriculum developer, and homeschooling parent, Blair provides insight into how a handcrafted approach to education nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning. This inspiring session explores the benefits of tailoring educational experiences to meet the specific needs, strengths, and interests of each learner. 

Blair will offer practical strategies for designing a flexible, student-centered curriculum that balances academic rigor with hands-on exploration and real-world applications. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or a seasoned educator, this talk will empower you to create a meaningful, customized education that truly fits your child.

Blair Lee, M.S., is the founder of SEA Homeschoolers, author of critically acclaimed science curricula including REAL Science Odyssey, host of a homeschool YouTube series, cohost of a homeschool podcast, and has over 3 decades of experience in education.

Creativity for All Ages: Low Floor, High Ceiling Activities

Homeschooling children of different ages and abilities can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a chance to spark creativity and connection in your family. In this workshop, learn practical strategies for designing "low floor, high ceiling" activities - projects that are simple for young learners to start but offer exciting challenges for older or more advanced students. 

Discover how to create engaging lessons that captivate everyone, from kindergarteners to high schoolers, nurturing a lifelong love of learning and creativity. From crafting geometric art in math to playing twister on the periodic table, you’ll leave with tools to engage all your kids and foster a love of learning. Join us to discover how multi-age homeschooling can be both creative and enjoyable!   

Kristin spent over a decade working in higher education and helped found the Independent Innovator Challenge. She and her husband homeschool their 4 children. 

Secular Homeschooling as Resistance

In the world right now, secular homeschooling is a radical act of resistance and hope. Just by homeschooling our kids, we can work to create a better, more inclusive, less prejudiced world. We'll talk about some of the ways homeschooling makes this possible, how to build a culture of resistance and resilience in our homeschools and homeschool community, and what we can do as secular homeschoolers to prepare our kids for whatever the future holds.

Amy is the editor-in-chief of home/school/life magazine, creator of Deep Though curriculum, cohost of a homeschool podcast, founder of a high school microschool, and homeschooling parent of 2.

Beyond Heroes and Villains: Teaching Authentic History

Exploring how to teach authentic, non-whitewashed history by examining different theories of history, provide tips of what to look for when selecting history materials, and how to approach difficult conversations with your learners. 

Adam is the business manager and content editor for Curiosity Chronicles, a history textbook curriculum, the creative head of Drop Dead Studios, a tabletop rpg company, and a homeschooling dad of 4. 

Cognitive Load: An Important Homeschool Consideration

Managing cognitive load is vital for optimizing your child’s learning, engagement, and long-term success. We will unpack the different types of cognitive load and offer practical strategies for minimizing unnecessary mental effort while fostering deep understanding. You’ll learn how to craft lessons that balance challenge with support, tailor approaches for neurotypical and neurodivergent learners, and recognize signs of cognitive overload.

This session will offer actionable insights to improve daily learning outcomes. Whether your child is struggling to grasp new concepts or thriving and ready for the next challenge, this presentation will provide strategies to help you manage cognitive load effectively, maximizing both academic success and a positive learning experience.

Blair Lee, M.S., is the founder of SEA Homeschoolers, author of critically acclaimed science curricula including REAL Science Odyssey, host of a homeschool YouTube series, cohost of a homeschool podcast, and has over 3 decades of experience in education.

Integrating Historical Literacy Through the Stories of Our Past

Using the Dallas Civil Rights Movement as a case study, participants will gain an understanding of how the local (many) stories tell the (one) national story, and will walk away better equipped to teach the Civil Rights Movement while better understanding the role of teaching local history as part of it. We will use primary sources (images, video, and testimony) to walk through the history of the Movement and demonstrate how families can weave literacy into teaching history. 

Latricia is a 12 year veteran educator and the Director of Education at the Dallas Holocaust & Human Rights Museum, where she delivers curriculum and educational programs on what it means to be an Upstander, the history of the Holocaust, human rights, and American history.

Why Traveling for Homeschooling is the Ultimate Education Hack

Discover how to transform your homeschooling experience through the power of travel! We will explore how cultural immersion, hands-on history lessons, nature as a classroom, and the flexibility of a travel-based curriculum can revolutionize education. Learn how travel not only enhances learning but also strengthens family bonds and creates unforgettable memories. Join us to unlock the world as your ultimate classroom and start your educational adventure today!

Dawn is an experienced travel agent based in DFW.

RPGs and Homeschooling: Adventuring for Fun and Education 

Dungeons and Dragons is more popular than ever, and odds are your learners have heard of it and probably want to play it. In this lecture we break things down: What is a tabletop RPG, how do they work, how do you get into them, and best of all, how to use roleplaying as an educational tool for the benefit of your students and family!

 Adam is the business manager and content editor for Curiosity Chronicles, a history textbook curriculum, the creative head of Drop Dead Studios, a tabletop rpg company, and a homeschooling dad of 4. 

Homeschooling with Special Needs: Research-Based Strategies

Explore practical, research-based strategies for homeschooling children with special needs, including ADHD, dyslexia, and autism. Participants will learn how to create individualized learning environments that support academic and emotional growth. 

We will cover tailored interventions, multisensory teaching techniques, and adaptive curriculum planning. Attendees will also explore the use of assistive technology and strategies to foster social-emotional development. By the end, parents and educators will have actionable tools to help their children succeed in a homeschooling setting.

Alisha is the owner of EDmazing Learning, an online microschool, and has 20 years of education experience.

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Unlocking Writing Success with The Writing Revolution

Delve into the transformative power of the Hochman Method, AKA The Writing Revolution, for teaching writing. Known for its structured and straightforward approach, the Hochman Method focuses on clear, concise, and coherent writing, empowering students to express their ideas effectively across all subjects.

We will break down the key principles of the Hochman Method, including strategies for sentence-level work, building paragraphs, and crafting well-organized essays. Attendees will gain practical tools for implementing this method in their homeschool, along with insights on how it develops critical thinking and communication skills in learners of all ages.

Blair Lee, M.S., is the founder of SEA Homeschoolers, author of critically acclaimed science curricula including REAL Science Odyssey, host of a homeschool YouTube series, cohost of a homeschool podcast, and has over 3 decades of experience in education.

You Can Work and Homeschool

If you are a working parent who thought homeschooling was out of reach, think again! Many parents homeschool while working, both in and out of the house.

This session will provide practical tips to help parents make a plan so they can work and homeschool successfully. 

Shaun is an Amazon best-selling author of inspirational homeschooling books, a homeschool coach of 9 years, entrepreneur, and a homeschooling mom.

Thinking Beyond the Essay

Essays are great! But they are not the only or even the most effective way to evaluate academic growth as students move into middle and high school. Let's talk about some essay alternatives, including mind maps, podcasts, picture books, and more, that help students build critical thinking and writing skills without resorting to the five-paragraph essay.

Amy is the editor-in-chief of home/school/life magazine, creator of Deep Though curriculum, cohost of a homeschool podcast, founder of a high school microschool, and homeschooling parent of 2.

Leverage PBS LearningMedia to Enhance Learning for Your Homeschoolers

Discover how PBS LearningMedia can enrich your homeschool experience with a library of free, standards-aligned resources for learners of all ages and grade levels. We'll show you how to access engaging videos, interactive activities, and customizable lessons to enrich your child’s learning. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas or ways to expand your lessons, PBS LearningMedia has something for every homeschool family! 

Erica is an Education Manager at KERA, while Valeria and Meagan are Family Engagement Specialists. All three have backgrounds as bilingual educators for DFW school districts. 

The Role of Critical Thinking in Homeschooling

Explore the importance of fostering critical thinking skills in homeschooling, helping parents guide their children to become independent, analytical thinkers. Parents will learn how to incorporate inquiry-based learning, Socratic questioning, and problem-solving exercises into their daily routines. We will discuss practical strategies for encouraging intellectual curiosity, promoting deep thinking, and challenging assumptions. 

Participants will also explore ways to integrate critical thinking across subjects, from math to literature, and in everyday life. By the end of the session, parents will be equipped with tools to cultivate a thoughtful, reflective mindset in their children.

Alisha is the owner of EDmazing Learning, an online microschool, and has 20 years of education experience.

How to Start Homeschooling

If you are interested in homeschooling but not sure where to start, this is the session for you! Learn about how home education in Texas works, and get the tools you need to start homeschooling. 

Shaun is an Amazon best-selling author of inspirational homeschooling books, a homeschool coach of 9 years, entrepreneur, and a homeschooling mom.

High School 101

Many parents are intimidated at the thought of homeschooling a teenager through high school. The idea of teaching physics, chemistry, and calculus can elicit fear and trembling. Throw in grading essays and creating transcripts and you’ve got a complete recipe for a true mental breakdown!

 Homeschool high school veteran Jean Burk’s two homeschooled students were offered numerous full-rides to college, grad school and law school. She joyfully testifies that the high school years were the most rewarding! She’ll share her successes and failures and everything else you need to know to homeschool through these last crucial four years.

Jean is the creator of the College Prep Genius curriculum and a homeschooling mom.

How to Write Your Own Curriculum

While there are dozens of excellent curriculum options available to homeschooling families, not every topic has been covered and you are the best judge of what your children need. Come learn how to turn an idea into a full curriculum and customize education for your learners.

Shaun is an Amazon best-selling author of inspirational homeschooling books, a homeschool coach of 9 years, entrepreneur, and a homeschooling mom.

Build an Amazing Homeschool Transcript

There is only ONE secret ingredient to giving credibility to a homeschool transcript. Discover the insider criteria that Harvard uses to judge applicants and why summer break needs to be more than just a vacation. Learn the differences between AP, Dual Enrollment, and CLEP courses, and the pros and cons of adding them to your schedule. Find out about the 3-Tier credit plan, so you can correctly build a portfolio that will impress any admissions counselor. If your kids are planning to go to college, you cannot afford to miss this session.

Jean is the creator of the College Prep Genius curriculum and a homeschooling mom.