Lighthouse: Homeschooling in Oregon with OCEANetwork

This episode offers encouragement for homeschool parents in every season—from worrying less and enjoying their children more to trusting God as their children grow into adulthood. Zan Tyler shares practical wisdom for creating a rich, individualized education while keeping relationships, faith, and family life at the center. Main Topics: Worrying less, praying more, and enjoying the homeschool yea...

From Reluctant Homeschooler to Lifelong Advocate (Interview with Zan Tyler - Part 1) Zan Tyler shares her homeschool journey, from starting in 1984 when almost no one was homeschooling to becoming a longtime advocate for homeschool freedom, community, and resources. Get encouraged and perspective on what matters in homeschooling -- a small preview of what Zan will share with Oregon homeschoolers a...

Where do you begin once you've decided to homeschool? How much curriculum do you really need? And how do you teach multiple children without burning out? In this episode, you'll find practical encouragement for new homeschool families, covering everything from choosing curriculum and creating a simple daily rhythm to teaching multiple ages together. We also address common homeschool misconceptions...

What are Oregon's homeschool testing requirements? Do you have to keep records? What's the difference between independent homeschooling and a charter school? In this episode, learn the Oregon homeschool requirements every family should understand—from standardized testing and record keeping to options for students with special needs. You'll also hear the legal distinction between independent homes...

Thinking about homeschooling but wondering if it will really work for your family? NOTE: This is part 1 of 3 of a Getting Started Homeschooling in Oregon series, from a recent live OCEANetwork webinar. In this episode, OCEANetwork shares why so many families choose homeschooling, what research says about homeschool outcomes, and why parents are uniquely equipped to educate their own children. You'...

Sheri English shares practical advice for homeschooling high schoolers, focusing on life skills, character development, and avoiding common pressures that can distract families from what matters most. Main Topics Teach essential life skills early: chores, cooking, car care, and work ethic. Prioritize character and social growth through intentional family routines and activities. Don’t get pressure...

Homeschooling high school can feel intimidating, but it does not have to be overwhelming. In this episode, we’re talking with veteran Oregon homeschool mom Sheri English about her family’s homeschool journey, what parents often overcomplicate about high school, and how to encourage teens academically, spiritually, and practically during these important years. Main Topics: Sheri English’s homeschoo...

The OCEANetwork internship program gives homeschooling teens practical experience, confidence, and valuable skills. In this episode, we’re chatting with our current interns to explore the application process, student experiences, and the benefits of real-world internships for homeschoolers.  Main Topics: Overview of the OCEANetwork internship program and its benefits for homeschool teens The appli...

Homeschool High School in Oregon (Part 2) Tips and Motivation with Shelli Wanvig Hear practical strategies for homeschooling high school students with Shelli Wanvig. Discover how to motivate teens and organize their educational journey effectively. Key Topics: Teaching high school subjects alongside your teens Utilizing co-ops and online courses for diverse learning Motivating students by connecti...

Homeschool High School in Oregon (Part 1) Tips, Requirements, and Planning Strategies with Shelli Wanvig Are you homeschooling your teenager in Oregon and feeling overwhelmed by requirements and planning for the future? Join us in part 1 of our conversation with Shelli Wanvig from OCEANetwork as she shares practical advice on understanding state requirements, setting educational goals, and prepari...

In this episode of The Lighthouse, Aaron Meyer inspires homeschooling fathers to recognize their unique gifts and strengths. Through biblical stories, he encourages dads to embrace their roles with confidence, trusting that God can use their ordinary tools for extraordinary results. Key Topics Recognizing what you already have Simple obedience through biblical examples Identifying personal skills...

In this episode of the Lighthouse series, Aaron Meyer speaks directly to Christian dads involved in homeschooling. Discover why your role as a dad is vital beyond academics, centered on faith, leadership, and intentional presence. Key topics: The true meaning of "leading your homeschool" — ownership and setting the right tone The importance of dads being present and committed, not perfect, in thei...

Episode 8: Testing Requirements for Oregon Homeschoolers This episode provides an overview of Oregon's homeschool testing requirements, including the necessary tests, timing, and preparation tips. It's an essential guide for both new and experienced homeschoolers seeking clarity on state regulations. Main Topics: Frequency and timing of required tests Approved standardized tests Qualifications for...

In this episode, we explore how focusing on a child's spiritual development and building a personal walk with Christ can transform parenting, discipline, and family relationships. Joyce Padilla shares practical insights from her homeschooling journey, emphasizing the importance of prayer, modeling faith, and eternal versus temporal goals. Key Topics: Winning a child's heart through a relationship...

Episode 6: Homeschooling with an Eternal Perspective—Wisdom from Joyce Padilla (Part 1) In this episode, Joyce Padilla shares her profound insights on homeschooling rooted in eternal values. She discusses how viewing education through a spiritual lens shapes daily family life, decision-making, and long-term discipleship. Whether you're just starting or navigating different stages, Joyce’s experien...

In this episode of The Lighthouse, we address common questions about the Letter of Intent required for homeschooling in Oregon. The discussion covers the legal requirements, best practices for submission, and reassurances for families who may have forgotten to submit their letters. Takeaways Know when your LOI is due. If you forgot to submit the letter, it is usually fixable by submitting it promp...

In this episode, we recap Capitol Day 2026 and share what happened when around 300 homeschoolers gathered at the Oregon Capitol to engage with legislators and stand for homeschool freedom. We walk through the highlights of the day, the conversations that took place with lawmakers, and why showing up in person makes a measurable difference. We also discuss the materials distributed, the questions l...

Our conversation with Wes Butler continues with a focus on practical engagement, real impact, and how homeschool families can support homeschool freedoms in Oregon. We discuss how to engage with legislators and the impact of the Freedom Watch Team's efforts in defending and expanding homeschool freedom. Takeaways Effective engagement with legislators Impact of personal stories on legislators Mista...

In this conversation, Wes Butler discusses the vital role of the Freedom Watch team at OCEANetwork in advocating for homeschooling rights and monitoring legislation. The discussion covers the team's activities during legislative sessions, the importance of community engagement through events like Capital Day, and encourages homeschool families to participate in the legislative process to ensure th...

Introducing the new podcast, Lighthouse: Homeschooling in Oregon with OCEANetwork! We are excited to launch this new resource for Oregon homeschoolers. Here's what to expect: Answers to your questions about homeschooling in Oregon Interviews with homeschool leaders and parents Accurate and complete information about homeschool laws and requirements Discussions about homeschool freedom in Oregon an...