Homeschool Iowa CONFERENCE
SPECIAL TRACKS

STARTING
HOMESCHOOLING

Scott Woodruff, Homeschool Iowa Conference Speaker

Scott Woodruff has worked as an attorney for Home School Legal Defense Association since 1998, assisting thousands of home educating families in dealings with social workers, police officers, truant officers, principals, superintendents, and prosecuting attorneys.

Scott has represented HSLDA members in court and has appeared before many state legislatures to fight against repressive homeschool legislation. He is a frequent speaker at homeschool conferences and on radio programs across the country.

Learn more at: https://hslda.org/bio/scott-woodruff

Nancy Bjorkman, Homeschool Iowa Conference Speaker

Nancy Bjorkman began as the ultimate homeschool skeptic. Now, after 20+ years teaching her own four children, she has become the “go-to lady” for many and a champion of the cause.

She's a certified teacher and has spoken at homeschool conferences in over 10 states where she is known for her enthusiasm, energy, and encouragement.

Having graduated all of her children, Nancy finds it exciting to have graduated herself to being a mentor for other homeschool families.

She and her husband own HEPPNER’S LEGACY, a homeschool store in Elk River, MN, where they delight in ministering to the unique needs of families year round, and where parents say, “Come for the books. Stay for the therapy.™”

Learn more at: https://legacyhomeschool.com

HIGH SCHOOL
& BEYOND

Diana Plorins, Homeschool Iowa Conference Speaker

Diana Plorins serves as the Homeschool Iowa Regional Representative for Region 14, the Polk County area. She and her husband, Jim, have homeschooled three children through high school. They recently adopted two young children and began a second season of homeschooling.

Diana and Jim were initially reluctant about homeschooling. Over time (and through speakers at H.I. conferences), they realized God’s desire for them to use homeschooling as a means for discipling their children. They have now been homeschooling for fifteen years.

Diana has provided leadership as a support group board member. As a Regional Representative, she provides guidance for homeschool families and presents workshops for homeschool groups. Diana hopes to encourage and equip families, so they can confidently homeschool through high school.

You can find her website here.

Rory Groves is a former technology consultant and founder of multiple software businesses.

Several years ago he moved his family from the city to the country to begin the journey towards a more durable way of life.

Rory and his wife Becca now reside in southern Minnesota where they farm, raise livestock, host workshops, and homeschool their six children.

He is author of Durable Trades: Family-Centered Economies That Have Stood the Test of Time, and director of Gather & Grow, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to rebuilding the family economy.

You can find more information at: gatherandgrow.us/

Homeschooling 101 Mini-Conference

Thinking of homeschooling? Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t know where to start?

Take advantage of our Homeschooling 101 mini-conference.
Introductory workshops will
• walk you through Iowa homeschool law,
• give you guidance as you choose curriculum, and
• encourage you as you step into home education.

Homeschool Iowa is pleased to offer this Mini-Conference
at an special low admission rate for those who are exploring the option of home education.

Admission to this Mini-Conference is included in full-conference registration.

Learn More

Homeschooling 101 Workshops

WHAT'S THIS ALL ABOUT & WHERE DO I BEGIN?

PRESENTER: POLLY LILLY
Retired NICHE Board Member & Regional Representatives Coordinator

1:00 - 2:00 p.m.

This workshop will help you think through the important steps needed to successfully homeschool. Polly will include how to overcome some of the obstacles and challenging questions that many will meet as beginning homeschoolers. The diverse approaches to homeschooling will be presented as well as examples and stories from her 17 years of home educating her children and 6 years as an supervising teacher. Resources will be shared and questions will be answered at the end of the session. We’ll cover some common roadblocks and misconceptions about “what school should look like” and also discuss many of the stages that homeschool families experience as they walk through the years. There will be a time for interaction and questions.

HOMESCHOOLING WITH CONFIDENCE: UNDERSTANDING IOWA’S HOMESCHOOL LAW

PRESENTER: Scott Woodruff
HSLDA Attorney for Iowa

2:15 - 3:15 p.m.

Iowa's homeschool laws can seem quite complicated and overwhelming. With multiple options, and varying requirements, the legal maze can seem like an obstacle course.
Home School Legal Defense Association attorney, Scott Woodruff, will provide you with everything you need to know about Iowa's homeschool laws so you can homeschool with confidence.

CAN HOMESCHOOLING REALLY TURN OUT WELL?

PRESENTERS: HOMESCHOOL GRADUATE PANEL

3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Most parents who are considering home education ask questions about the end results of homeschooling. They want to know about socialization, about college admission, and about employability.

This presentation will allow you to meet and hear from a group of Iowa homeschool graduates. Hear them tell about their own experiences as homeschooled students. Find out what homeschooling has meant to them.