The Happy Homeschooler Podcast
The Happy Homeschooler Podcast is a digital support group for everyone interested in a learning lifestyle. Join us the second and fourth Friday of each month as our hosts Holly Williams Urbach, Melody Gillum, and Jennifer Jones discuss topics like the benefits of homeschooling, finding the right curriculum for you, navigating the line between parent and teacher, and more!
Episodes

Tuesday Jun 12, 2018
Why Change is Important Even When You’re Uncertain
Tuesday Jun 12, 2018
Tuesday Jun 12, 2018
Change may be hard, but especially in education, change is necessary. With the ongoing rise of distance education, the evolution of technology, and the continued desire for students to get into good colleges, high schools need to keep up with the times. Administrators in schools are typically the agents of change which means they are the ones who must push through the discomfort and take the steps to make the changes happen.
What can administrators do to help make change happen?
Part of why change can feel overwhelming is because of the size of the task and the number of people that the change potentially impacts. Administrators need to be prepared mentally and practically when it comes to making changes, whether that’s in how they’re running their school, the technology they adopt, or other decisions that affect their teachers and families.
I encourage agents of change not only to be brave, because that willingness for change gives you an edge over other schools, but also want to remind you that you can start simple. Even 15 minutes a day of planning and executing can help make change happen.
What if you’re making changes in technology
As distance learning continues to grow in popularity, and more technology is developed, there can be uncertainty about adopting it. When you’re faced with this sort of potential change, look to others who have gone through it, asking questions and getting support, along with trying out the technology to see if it works for you. Transcript Maker not only gives you a 14-day free trial, but we’re also very supportive in helping you get up and running, customizing your transcript if needed.
When it comes to making change, courage in leadership is necessary. On the podcast, we help you consider why and how you might want to take steps toward something new, even if it’s uncomfortable to begin with.
Resources Mentioned:Sign up for a free trial of Transcript MakerJoin our newsletter for blog posts, tips, and more

Thursday May 31, 2018
How to Create a Professional High School Transcript
Thursday May 31, 2018
Thursday May 31, 2018
On the first episode of Beyond Transcripts, we talk about why schools need to care about professional high school transcripts. Not only does an organized, good-looking transcript solidify the image of your school, but it helps to create more satisfaction for your students and their parents. Who knew transcripts could do all that?
With everything that could go into a high school transcript, I share what you probably want to include in your school’s transcript, along with what colleges would like to see. When students are applying to multiple colleges, it’s important to be able to have some flexibility with how you present the information, and it always needs to be accurate and error-free.
If you’re curious about best practices for a professional high school transcript to help support your student’s goals of getting into college, this episode is for you. We also share about Transcript Maker and how we can help simplify transcripts for your school. When transcripts aren’t just about grades, but also help to create your reputation, you want to take them seriously.

About Our Hosts
Jennifer Jones (left) is a dedicated homeschool advocate and community leader with over two decades of experience homeschooling her eight children in Marble Falls, Texas. After joining The Happy Homeschooler Podcast as a guest, Jennifer was thrilled to join the podcast as a co-host in 2022. She hopes that by sharing her own experiences on the podcast she is able to make homeschooling more approachable for new families. She believes homeschooling is truly a lifestyle, not just an educational choice, and encourages listeners to embrace it as an adventure for the entire family.
Holly Williams Urbach (center) is a dedicated homeschooling mother of six wonderful people (five of whom are now adults). She began homeschooling in Texas in 1993 when homeschooling was not yet fully legal. She is passionate about the benefits of the homeschooling lifestyle and shares her passion by mentoring new homeschoolers in person, through the local Facebook group she moderates with other seasoned homeschoolers in her community, and by being a co-host of The Happy Homeschooler Podcast.
Melody Gillum (right) and her husband Jon embraced a learning lifestyle back in the early days of the modern home school movement. Teaching and training seven children in all of life, from birth to graduation, was a grand adventure! While the learning lifestyle continues as their family heritage, 34 years of home schooling drew to a close in 2018. Melody seems unable to stop teaching, and currently supports her local community as the elementary director for a wonderful homeschool hybrid program. She is delighted to be a part of The Happy Homeschooler Podcast team!