Education Blog by DUO Inspirations: An Introduction

     Hi.  I am Jodi Desautels, owner of DUO Inspirations, a Christian and life-long learner, who knows the importance of education.  Even more so, I know the importance of education and wisdom in God’s eyes.  This initial education blog post is to introduce myself, my background in education, my views on education, some biblical points on education, and my business goals in education.
 
Who is Jodi Desautels? 
     I am a Christian, a daughter, a mother, a sister, and a wife.  I am other things as well, such as: a cousin, an aunt, a friend, a comforter, an author, an educator, and an encourager.  I enjoy both teaching and learning, and continually seek to be a better me.  And, if people so desire, I help and encourage them to be better them as well. 
 
What is Jodi Desautels’ background in education?
     I have enjoyed learning and teaching my entire life.  I can remember being upset when a friend and neighbor got to go to school before I did.  When I was about six, I started teaching my younger brother.  He could read and write six letter words and add and subtract three digit numbers before he went to kindergarten.
     For formal education, I have a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in elementary education.  My teaching includes a variety of experience from teaching my brother when I was young, to tutoring, homeschooling my daughter, teaching religious education classes, teaching in public schools, and helping adults get their GED.  I have also helped people study in personal development things such as get a driver’s license, a mariner’s license, and write a book.
 
What are Jodi Desautels’ views on education?
     I believe that education is an innate desire and necessity to learn, given to us by God, because He knew it’s importance and that we would need to be educated in order to live the life He planned for us.  The opportunity for learning is there since the beginning of our life.  When a baby cries, he or she might learn that a parent or caregiver will come running to give comfort, give food, or change a diaper.  A toddler might explore the world by looking at something, touching it, shaking it, or even chewing it.  The desire to learn might dissipate if it is not nurtured or is squelched all together.  And, like anything we do, teaching or learning might become more difficult if we don’t practice it.  However, learning is not just for the young.  People of all ages and abilities can learn.  God has given us different strengths and weaknesses, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that we can’t learn something.  It might just mean that we have to learn in a different way or at a different pace.
    
What are some Biblical points on education?
     We have probably heard about the importance of education by a parent, teacher, friend, or pastor.  However, we aren’t the only authority on the importance of education.  God’s word has many examples of the importance of education.
 
*”Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 KJV)
     It is important to give a child the best educational foundation possible.  A child may carry the successes and failures of learning, and at times even the unresolved feelings surrounding education, for the rest of his or her life. If a child is given a positive learning experience with a strong foundation of the basics, it will be easier for that person to struggle through learning the more difficult things later in life without giving up.
 
*”Take fast hold of instruction; let [her] not go: keep her; for she [is] thy life.” (Proverbs 4:13 KJV)
     There are many reasons why we should embrace learning.  Education is so important, that we could either be in danger or even die from the lack of it.  If parents don’t tell us not to touch the stove, we might get badly burned.  If we don’t learn not to eat things that are poisonous, we might die.  If we don’t learn how to control our temper and express our feelings in a healthy way, we could die from a stress related illness or use violence to kill someone.  If we don’t learn academic basics, it may limit our choices in getting a job and providing for our family. 
 
*”And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4 KJV)
     We all need to, but children especially need to, be taught in a nurturing way.  Children can’t be frustrated into learning faster or in a different way than is possible for them. God is not the author of confusion and neither should we be.  If a child is taught, disciplined, or spoken to in a harsh way, that child could get angry and quit trying to learn all together.
 
*”The fear of the Lord [is] the beginning of knowledge; [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7 KJV)
     God is in and of all things.  He is the beginning and the end of all things.  His word tells us to learn.  His words are the ultimate guide and instruction of life.  People who have been taught and nurtured to value education will learn, however people who have not may hate to learn.
 
     There are many scriptures that show us the importance of education, of what to teach, how to teach, and how we should learn.  My reason for sharing some of them is to not only tell you more about my beliefs, but to show that God is the ultimate authority on education.  Don’t believe it because I say it, but because God says it.
 
What are Jodi Desautels’ business goals in education?
     My goals for DUO Inspirations in education are to provide encouraging, effective education in teaching and learning through inspiration, encouragement, tips, blog posts, learning materials, teaching materials, resources, mini courses, courses, groups, tutoring, mentoring, and/or coaching. In whatever I do, it is my goal to do it with godly love and affection, in a way that will encourage and support the learner effectively. 
 
Here are a few final thoughts on Jodi Desautels, DUO Inspirations, and education:
     I see people struggle in education, lose hope in education, and even drop out of school, and I know that if only given a chance, I could help them learn.  I have taught students of all ages and abilities.  I have helped motivate high-risk students who have not been encouraged to learn.  I have seen parents be thrown into situations where they need to homeschool their children, but feel unequipped to do so.  I can help those as well.
     God has given me strengths and desires in faith, education, and creativity.  Many times they may be linked together.  One may need faith to instruct a difficult pupil or learn a difficult subject.  Sometimes faith (or love and trust in God) itself is the subject of the education.  Sometimes educators need to be creative in order to instruct a student in a way that is most effective for that student to learn.  Other times, we learn through creating and doing creative things.  So, DUO Inspirations is set up with these interacting and important categories in mind.  I do them all with godly love and affection, and according to God’s will for me.
    
Note:
     You may be wondering if I would quote the Holy Bible or push my faith on a student while tutoring.  The answer is no.  I am Christian and gave you an in-depth look at my beliefs and background regarding education.  However, while tutoring and serving others I teach what I was asked to teach.  My knowledge and behavior may reflect my Christian beliefs without wearing a cross or speaking of God.  While my target audience is Christians, you don’t have to be a Christian to utilize any of the products and services here.

Now, it is your turn.
     Let me know what you think.  What are your struggles in teaching or learning?  How can I help?  Do you look to God to guide your educational practices?  Please, comment below or contact me.  I would enjoy knowing your thoughts. 
     Also, please check out the Education page often for new information, tips, ideas, products, and services.  Thank you.

P.S.- If you would like to receive the Education Blog by DUO Inspirations in your inbox, please sign up below.  Thank you.

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