Education Philosophy Teaching for me is about facilitation. As an educator I want to foster excitement about learning, wonder about the world, and the desire to think outside conventional belief systems. I encourage and value individual thinking, self-direction and self-discernment within a supportive environment that fosters open, respectful discourse and non-didactic instruction. Stories are the center point around which all of my courses spiral. Listening and sharing stories in any form involves the whole person creatively, emotionally, and logically. As we listen we imagine and as we dream, we grow. There is a story for every experience, age, subject and person. Story invokes the child in each of us who yearns to be entertained, educated, and understood. Additional information about my education philosophy can be found by clicking Education Philosophy.

OneWomansMind Copyright Paula Vaughan

Education Areas

Subject areas I teach involve growing the self through story. Courses can be considered enrichment, independent or gifted curricula that foster a deeper sense of place and person. Topics I teach can be tailored to meet almost any age group depending upon interest and focus. Subject areas include:

• world mythology
• folklore
• fairy tales
• women's studies
• self-awareness
• cultural understanding
• backyard wildlife sustainability

Education Applications

The educational experience provided through studying cultures, beliefs, environments, sacred land and stories from around the world opens hearts and minds to humanity and all living things. Lives are changed and personal foundations are grounded in subtle, gentle learning opportunities that support the well-being of the individual. Courses taught foster growth and learning through a combination of subject disciplines including:

• world literature involving myth, folklore, classical and sacred texts, fairy tales
• art history and recognition
• cultural anthropology and archeology
• the role of world mythology in history and religion
• global religious and spiritual awareness
• introduction to symbolic thinking and understanding
• introduction to Jungian psychology
• celebrating the feminine in both women and men
• creative thinking and writing
• critical thinking and questioning
• pattern and detail recognition
• naturalist study and observation
• wildlife and environmental conservation
• planetary awareness and resource sustainability

Educator Services

I am available for personal consultation when creating your own curriculum or unit studies based on the above mentioned subjects. I am also happy to provide on-line courses for homeschooling groups or document curriculum for courses currently being taught. Specific educational services I provide include:

• consulting via phone, Internet or email
• on-line course creation and interaction
• curriculum creation based on client and student interests and needs

Curriculum Creation

I enjoy the process of working with educators to create programs students will love. Curriculum creation costs are class specific depending upon consulting hours required, complexity of subject, and support documentation requested. Curriculum creation involves and includes the following:

• defining specific course goals based on student interest, population and desire
• recognizing student and educator concerns that may cause stress or anxiety that are barriers to joyful learning
• fleshing out subject details for discussion
• guiding educators toward engaging class participants in open-hearted, open-minded, challenging discussion
• creating assignments that inspire, enliven and engage class participants
• researching and listing resource books and internet sites
• supporting students and educators with web site pages of materials required
• acting as contact liaison with related businesses and artists if needed

Please note that I will retain the copyright to all and any curricula created and will reuse as needed.

Resume

I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Summa Cum Laude, Independent Major: World Mythology and Cultural Anthropology, from Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, Georgia. I enjoyed student teaching and independent research focus on Hopi Native American culture and cosmology; ancient Celtic culture, spirituality and mythology; and global goddess traditions. My major focus continues to be the worldwide evolution of story in all forms and the impact of story on the individual. Additionally, I am passionate about exploring and educating on the subject of the heroic in both women and men. Currently I am a homeschooling educator for primary through college levels, teaching both my daughter and homeschooling groups of adults and children. More information about my personal background and interests can be found at Paula Vaughan - Biography

Curriculum Example

Class curricula for programs being taught are available on-line to participating students. For an example of items included in class curricula, visit The Feminine in Myth, Women's Studies Series 1.

Cost

Homeschooling Educator Rates: $20 - $50 per family, program dependent
90 - 120 minutes class sessions
3 - 6 students per class
5 - 6 week program duration

Curriculum and Unit Consulting
30 minutes - $25.00
60 minutes - $50.00

Rates are negotiable. All who want to learn will be accomodated.

Contact

Please feel free to contact me for further information. I am happy to answer any questions or provide references upon request. Please note that I do not provide or endorse plagarized information, write homework assignments or create class papers.