TV SHOW 10.01.2013.: WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION? Gleamer Sullivan Founder Raw Learning Staunton, VA
Gleamer graduated from Clemson University in 1999 with a degree in Financial Management, and worked as a Financial Advisor until 2008. During this time, she gave birth to a daughter and a son; events that would soon lead her in a new direction. In 2007, she began the search for available educational options.
Unable to find schools in the area which were a child led and learner centered non-hierarchical community environment, she began homeschooling. During this time, Gleamer enrolled in the Educate VA program, and in 2009 was awarded a teaching certificate by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Building off this momentum and a desire to provide to others the same type of educational opportunities she sought for her own children, she founded Raw Learning, a Free School, in September of 2009.
Raw Learning, now in its 5th year, is a place for children to come together using their own curiosity as a guide for what they will discover next. Adult facilitators provide resources and opportunities to promote deeper investigation into the specific interests of each child. Children and adults decide with equality by consensus the rules that would help their learning.
Children learn best through self-discovery when given the autonomy to follow their own interests. This education philosophy can be seen on a daily basis at the school, as the children engage in individual and collaborative, and both self-directed and assisted learning. In addition, children are coached on peaceful conflict resolution and in practicing kindness to others, which is important for maintaining good focus and general well-being.
Learn more about Raw Learning at www.rawlearning.org.