Homeschool Iowa Capitol Day

Senator Jesse Green is a fifth-generation farmer, born and raised just outside of Harcourt. He farms corn, beans, oats, hay, bucking horses for rodeo and riding purposes, and longhorn cattle for roping with his father, brother and nephew. He also previously has taught Bible classes to 5th-8th graders at Community Christian School in Fort Dodge. Senator Green is currently volunteering by teaching Pilgrims Progress at Trinity Lutheran School in Boone.

Senator Green has been engaged in his community since joining the Webster County Farm Bureau and the Dayton Rodeo and Celebration Committee at age 24. He served the Dayton Rodeo for over six years in various positions including chairman for many of those years. He is the youngest chairman in Dayton rodeo history, which spans over 80 years. Additionally, he received the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Top 10 Under 40 Young Professionals Award in 2017.

Representing residents in Iowa Senator District 24, he serves on these Senate Committees: Local Government (Chair), Agriculture, Appropriations, Education, Natural Resources, and Environment. He has been a strong and consistent voice for parental rights and educational choice in Iowa. 

SENATOR JESSE GREEN will speak at the Noon Rotunda Rally.

Before taking office as Iowa Attorney General in January 2023, Brenna Bird served as a prosecutor for six years, first as the Fremont County Attorney and then, since 2018, as the Guthrie County Attorney. She was elected by her fellow county attorneys to leadership roles with the Iowa County Attorney Association, most recently serving as the Association's President.

Brenna has also engaged in the private practice of law, worked in the Iowa Governor’s Office and the U.S. House of Representatives, and taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Iowa College of Law.

ATTORNEY GENERAL BRENNA BIRD will speak at the Noon Rotunda Rally. 

Zan’s homeschool journey began in 1984 when homeschooling was illegal in South Carolina. The State Superintendent of Education threatened Zan with jail for insisting on homeschooling her son.

For the next eight years, she and other homeschool families battled for homeschool freedom and the establishment of landmark homeschool legislation in South Carolina. Her success in South Carolina has spearheaded legislation to ensure homeschool freedom in other states.

In 1990, Zan founded the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools and served as its president for ten years.

Her fight for homeschool freedom has led her to serve as the National Grassroots Director for ParentalRights.org, to advocate for homeschooling in the media (appearing on NBC’s Today Show) and at the nation’s capital, and to write profusely about the benefits of homeschooling.

ZAN TYLER WILL PRESENT A BREAK-OUT SESSION:
“Keeping and Growing Your Homeschool Freedom in Iowa”

Lauren Gideon is the Director of Public Relations and Affairs for Classical Conversations.  She has been a home educator since her first student was born 18 years ago.

She came to Classical Conversations for support when the student count in their home grew beyond what she thought she could navigate on her own. The Foundations curriculum brought their family together and provided a scope and sequence that was not only manageable but always directed their attention to Christ.

Lauren credits her experience as a home educator and as a leader within Classical Conversations for giving her the classical tools to tackle whatever opportunities come her way. In addition to homeschooling her seven children, she co-leads community classes that unpack our nation's founding documents and civic responsibility. However, she is happiest at home, preferably outside, with her husband of 18 years tackling their newest adventure of building a modern homestead.

LAUREN GIDEON WILL PRESENT A BREAK-OUT SESSION:
“Cultivating Meaningful Relationships with Your Elected Representatives”