Bridging the Gap: Understanding Mistrust in Education and the Role of Art Tuition

As a teacher who transitioned to working as a tutor, I have encountered an undercurrent of mistrust from some parents in home education communities. At first, this mistrust felt disheartening, given the years of effort I put into qualifying as an educator. However, as I have delved deeper into the concerns of these parents', I have come to understand that their scepticism often stems from systemic issues rather than personal animosity. Reflecting on these dynamics and embracing a more individualised, flexible teaching approach, has deepened my respect for these parents’ choices and my passion for arts education.

The Roots of Parental Mistrust in Traditional Education

Parents who choose home education often cite specific concerns about traditional schooling.

Research highlights several recurring themes, including:

Standardisation and Overemphasis on Testing

A 2019 study published in Educational Policyindicated that 62% of homeschooling parents expressed dissatisfaction with standardised curriculums. They often feel these curriculums prioritise test performance over critical thinking, creativity, or meaningful engagement. This focus can lead to a "one-size-fits-all" approach that neglects the diverse needs of learners. This is often difficult in art, as schools try and equate progression numerically, as well as using facts and theory-based questions to determine learning. This does not celebrate actual artistic progression.

Limited Individual Attention

The average teacher-to-student ratio in public schools often exceeds what is manageable for personalised instruction. Parents worry that their child’s unique strengths and struggles may go unnoticed in a crowded classroom.

Creativity Stifled by Bureaucracy

Many parents believe the rigidity of school structures can stifle a child’s natural curiosity, especially in creative subjects like art, music, and drama. According to a 2020 survey by the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI), nearly 70% of homeschooling families emphasised creative autonomy as a key motivator for their choice.

The Perspective of a Traditional Teacher-Turned-Tutor

As someone who worked hard to earn my teaching credentials, I have always valued the structure and discipline instilled in formal education. However, within that structure, I often felt constrained by bureaucracy—paperwork, timelines, and a prescribed curriculum that left little room for deeper exploration.

As a tutor, I have experienced the profound difference that comes with being able to teach at a child’s pace and even an adult's pace. There is no need to rush through a lesson to meet a deadline or worry about ticking boxes to satisfy administrative requirements. Instead, I can focus on making the learning process joyful, engaging, and meaningful. I will be honest, the first few lessons I taught online stopped me in my tracks! I found myself teaching as though I was still in the system, and I had to ask myself, why was I doing this? It was liberating to know that I was not going to be scrutinised from a learning walk, and I would not fall behind if this lesson lasted three or four sessions, instead of two! Do not get me wrong, I still maximise each lesson with learning opportunities but there is also a freedom to be had.

In arts instruction, this freedom is especially transformative. I can tailor lessons to each student’s interests—whether they are enthusiastic about abstract painting, graphic design, or mixed media. The arts thrive in an environment where curiosity and exploration are encouraged, and tutoring allows me to cultivate that environment without compromise.

Why Arts Instruction Excels in Home Education Settings

Art education is uniquely positioned to address many of the concerns that lead parents to choose home education in the first place. Here is how:

Fostering Creativity and Confidence: Research from Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts (2021) shows that children engaged in arts education demonstrate higher levels of self-expression and problem-solving skills. For parents wary of rigid curriculums, the arts offer a safe space where their children can experiment, fail, and grow.

Personalised Learning: In a tutoring environment, arts instruction can be customised to align with a student’s developmental stage and interests. For example, a young child fascinated by animals might explore painting wildlife, while a teen drawn to technology might delve into digital animation.

Holistic Development: The arts integrate cognitive, emotional, and social learning. Studies by the Arts Education Partnership suggest that students engaged in consistent arts instruction not only improve in creative skills but also show enhanced academic performance and emotional resilience. A student once asked me why they had to study art when they wanted to be a footballer? My response was, 'don't footballers need patience, collaboration and perseverance?' His answer was, 'fair play Miss.'

Community and Collaboration: Contrary to the stereotype of homeschooling as isolating, art education often involves collaborative projects, community showcases, and group workshops. These experiences help students build social skills and connect with others who share their passions.

A Call to Collaboration

As an educator, I understand the scepticism some parents feel toward traditional schooling. But I also believe there’s room for partnership. Parents’ commitment to their children’s education and teachers’ expertise can complement each other beautifully. Tutors like me, who have stepped out of the constraints of institutional systems, can function as bridges—providing professional guidance while honouring the flexibility and creativity that homeschooling families value.

Arts education exemplifies this potential. Whether through drawing, painting, music, or theatre, the arts offer a pathway to self-discovery and intellectual growth that transcends the limits of bureaucracy.

Together, parents, educators, and tutors can create learning environments where students not only succeed but thrive.

If you'd like to learn more about my online programs then don't hesitate to get in contact!

E Mail: artsinstruct@theevelynarose.com