Inspired Life: Cheryl Carter

Cheryl Carter is a rarity in today’s fast-paced world.  While many struggle to find balance, the home-schooler, business owner and author says, “Balance is not a priority.  I just make sure to keep God first.”

The native New Yorker is the second oldest of seven siblings. Education and writing have always been her passions and she holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s in special education. Her learning philosophy is, “I believe all kids are smart and will rise or fall to the level of your expectations!”

Always a pioneer, Cheryl took on the challenge of home schooling before it became popular. “I first heard about it on ‘Focus on the Family.’ I was teaching full time and didn’t even have children, but I was intrigued by the idea. I kept our first child, my son, Jarrett, out of kindergarten because my life was in so much transition. I dealt with a lot of family pressure to put him in school because he was so smart. But he was doing so well because of what I was teaching him at home.”

“My husband, Derek, and I sent him to public school for the first grade,” she said. “We joined the PTA and got involved. Jarrett was doing well, but he wasn’t growing. He was bored. We decided to home school when it became clear that he was learning by memory and rote…not through understanding the concepts!”

“It wasn’t easy,” Cheryl said. “Our decision met with some family opposition. Often, we didn’t fit in with other families who didn’t understand our choice. We became a one-income family and had to make huge financial sacrifices and go without a lot of luxuries.  We stayed focused by envisioning the greater rewards.”

“My two daughters are still homeschooled. Derek and I actively serve on the boards of LEAH, Loving Education at Home, and the African American Homeschoolers Association. Our institution, the Christian Leadership Academy, is open to children from public and private schools. I consult with parents struggling to help their kids learn, as well as those considering home school.”

Despite her personal success, Cheryl acknowledges, “This doesn’t work for everyone. If your family is struggling and deep in debt, wait until things are more stable. The close proximity of home schooling can create additional stress in an already volatile or tense family situation.”

Home schooling was obviously the right choice for the Carters. “My husband and I enjoy a rich relationship with our children and our choice played a role in that. Jarrett is now a junior in college and on the dean’s list. God blessed him with a full scholarship covering all expenses through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.  Our 17-year-old, Janae, is a curriculum writer for Bright Ideas Press and has authored several guide books. Jolene, 13, is a graphic designer for a small press. A few years ago, they co-wrote and published, Home Schooling…A Kid’s Guide to Organization.”

As her children grow older, Cheryl is moving on to the next stage of her life and career as well. She recently completed her Master of Fine Arts and is an online adjunct professor for Liberty University. Her latest book, Organize Your ADD Child, was released on September 12.

Cheryl advises women, “Stay in tune with who you are. You have different seasons and you have to do the things that inspire you.”

For more information on Cheryl Carter, visit her websites www.momtime.net and www.add123.org.