Former Airline Pilot Embraces Homeschooling Through Travel
Kim Cooper, a former airline pilot, has taken an unexpected turn in her career path by transitioning from the cockpit to the classroom. Cooper, who initially found the role of a stay-at-home mom monotonous, has now embraced homeschooling her children, incorporating travel as a key component of their education.
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in Cooper’s decision to homeschool. Concerns over pandemic-related school conditions prompted her to explore alternative educational options for her twin children.
Cooper’s journey began when she left her fulfilling career as a pilot to manage family responsibilities following her pregnancy with twins. The transition to being a stay-at-home mom proved challenging, often leading to feelings of boredom and unfulfillment.
However, as the pandemic disrupted plans for traditional schooling, Cooper’s initial reluctance to homeschool transformed into a novel approach to education. She integrated travel into her homeschooling strategy, aiming to foster a love of learning in her children.
The family’s first educational trip to Chincoteague Island focused on natural sciences and space exploration. Subsequent trips included visits to historical sites and natural wonders, providing hands-on learning experiences for the children.
Cooper’s travel-based education approach includes both exotic destinations and local explorations. This method has not only revitalized her perspective on homeschooling but has also made the educational journey engaging and meaningful for the entire family.
The Cooper family now enjoys shared experiences and learning together, demonstrating how unconventional approaches to education can yield positive results. As more families explore alternative schooling options in the wake of the pandemic, Cooper’s story offers an inspiring example of adapting to change and finding new ways to educate and engage children.