HEM Editorial: While the public school programs have effectively served the needs of some families, it is unwise to allow the perception to grow that they are equivalent to homeschooling. The very construct of these public school programs runs counter to the ability of families to handcraft an education for their children.

This is my final News and Commentary post. Leaving this job – one that I have loved doing and that embodies such important work – is very difficult for me. I am loathe to go, but the time has come to move on. I want to thank you, the readers, for your feedback and comments that have helped me make Newscomm better than I could have dreamed. I also thank Mark and Helen Hegener for believing in me and for both the opportunity and the freedom to do this work as I saw fit.

I’ve learned, I’ve grown, I’ve gotten angry, I’ve learned, I’ve grown, I’ve been dumbfounded, I’ve learned, I’ve grown, I’ve laughed until tears came “what a good time I’ve had, learning and growing! I hope that my next projects are even half as interesting and fulfilling as writing the Newscomm column has been.

My life has pulled me on to other good and interesting activities, including a couple of writing projects that have tugged at my sleeve for years, but already I miss this important work and the many friends I’ve made while writing this newsletter/blog/column for Home Education Magazine.

One thing is certain: I’ll still be hanging around in the homeschooling world. My fascination with homeschooling issues has not dulled one iota, and I expect I’ll be watching and opining on homeschooling issues for years to come. You can always write me at Ann Lahrson Fisher or visit me at Nettlepatch Press.

Now, please help me give Valerie Moon a warm welcome as she steps up to the News and Commentary Editor’s Desk.

Although we’ve not met in real life, Valerie and I have been e-friends for years. Like me, she is a long time homeschooler with grown kids and a love for living the learning lifestyle. Valerie has also been writing about important homeschooling issues for years. Valerie is a keen blogger who also maintains an extensive website, The Military Homeschooler.

Valerie brings so much to this job! Her knowledge and awareness of homeschooling news is topnotch. She is an gifted writer with a knack for making me giggle. Besides being insightful and witty, she has a flair for getting to the nub of an issue and applying her outstanding researching skills, digging deeply into core issues.

Some readers may remember that I’ve quoted Valerie’s wisdom <in Newscomm from time to time – with good reason! The work she did following the Akron Beacon Journal series on homeschooling last fall was a fascinating analysis.