Read my Evaluations Page for more information about evaluations and choosing an evaluator.

Please think carefully about what you are looking for in an evaluator and seek out someone who is comfortable with your approach to homeschooling.  Read my evaluations page for more information about choosing an evaluator.  Ask questions before hiring someone. I have no personal experience with any of the evaluators listed here.  I list more-or-less anyone who asks to be listed, so please use the usual cautions when dealing with someone you don't know. Some of these folks are very experienced; others are new to evaluating.   Evaluators are listed by area code, but some of them will do “distance” evaluations.  See the end of the list for links to more evaluator lists!
I’ve started to add codes to this list: 
E = elementary (grades 1-6), S = Secondary (grades 7-12), SPED = Can pre-approve special ed students, T = offers testing.

Area Code 215

• Laura Goldman  (E, T)
  I am a PA Certified Homeschool Evaluator and Test Administrator in Philadelphia.  I am a Christian homeschooling mom of four and am accepting new families to serve.  I love meeting with parents and students to celebrate their accomplishments with them!  My graduate work in Reading Education helps me to provide guidance for families who request it.     (Added 5/03)
  Laura Goldman, 215-969-0099 or email laurag0099@yahoo.com

• Karen Devine (E)
  ”I am a Pennsylvania Certified Teacher K-6 with over ten years teaching experience. I live in the Ambler area outside of Philadelphia.  I hold a certificate in Reading Recovery and was a mentor teacher for my district leading many parent, and teacher seminars in literacy instruction. 
  Currently, I am a stay-at-home mother of two small children.  I believe strongly in the homeschooling movement and am considering doing it myself.”     (Added 4/05)
  Karen Devine, 215-542-1024, or email kdevine42@yahoo.com

• Emily Schnarr. (E,S,SPED)
  "I am a PA certified teacher with experience in both elementary and secondary education. I am also a certified Special Education teacher with a Masters in Reading. I have been home schooling my daughter for over two years and focusing on child-directed learning. I live in the 215 area, and I also do evaluations in the Susquehanna area where my family has a cabin." (Added 6/06, updated 3/09)
  Emily Schnarr, 215-947-5359, 570-806-1354 (cell), marillabernice@verizon.net, http://homeschoolevaluatorspa.com

• Gerri Orlando (E, S, T)
  "I have been evaluating for 17 years for the PHAA, Susquehanna and Mason Dixon programs. I come to your house if you live in Philadelphia, Bucks or Montgomery counties. I am available to evaluate K-12. I write a detailed report." (Added 11/06)
  Gerri Orlando, 215-464-0740, Teachergerri@yahoo.com

• Cyndi (E, S, SPED)
  "I am a Pennsylvania Certified Teacher K -12 and special education. I have 12 years of teaching experience, several years of tutoring and have been home schooling my children for 5 years. I live in Levittown, in the Lower Bucks area." (Added 6/08)
  Cyndi, dczehrung@aol.com, 215-269-8317. 

• Lisa Henry (E)
  "I am a Pennsylvania Certified Teacher for K-6.  I have taught 5 years full-time in Private Christian Schools and substitute taught for 6 years in Central Bucks, Hatboro-Horsham and Centennial School Districts.  I hold a Master of Science in Education degree from Philadelphia Biblical University. Presently I am a stay-at-home Mom of two toddlers.  I also teach piano lessons through which I have taught several home-schooled students.  I previously lived in France and could evaluate for French language." (Added 6/08)
  

  Lisa Henry, 215-491-1019, dmlmhenry@aol.com

• Kristine Ford (E)
  "I am a PA Certified Evaluator in Lower Bucks and Philadelphia counties. My history as a former home schooled student in Pennsylvania and my current position teaching 5th grade creates a deep excitement in me for working with parents educating their children! I am a committed Christian and love to work with families who are passionate about their child's development!" (06/08)
  Kristine Ford, 215-620-5891, KristineRF@comcast.net

• Uppatinas does home education evaluations.

• Kathy Wilson (S, T)
  "I am a Certified Teacher with 34 years experience teaching in public and private schools, including 9 years homeschooling my four children. I am currently in my tenth year at a private Christian school, and my expertise is in science and math. I am certified for grade 7-12, and have been evaluating students for three years. I am also qualified for testing."
  Kathy Wilson, kathy.wilson34@verizon.net, 215-924-6229

• Sanford and Theresa Holden (E,S,T)
  "Sanford and Theresa have been homeschool evaluators since 1989 in the Bucks County area and both possess teacher certification in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. We homeschooled our three children from Kindergarten through high school and are committed to helping current and prospective homeschoolers successfully educate their children at home by providing evaluations as well as private and group testing. Sanford works with the following high school diploma programs: PHAA, Mason-Dixon, Erie. Contact us at 215-750-1768 and be sure to visit our website - www.holdenhomeschool.com - for valuable information."

Area Code 570

• Kelly Denlea (S)
  "My name is Kelly Denlea and I am a certified secondary education
  English teacher. I am a PA certified teacher with experience in both elementary and secondary education. I am currently working in the Wilkes Barre Area School District on the secondary level. I have no children of my own, but enjoy working with and have a great respect for families who home school. I would be willing to meet at a variety of places within Luzerne and Monroe counties, as well as doing long distance evaluations by phone." (Updated 05/08.)
  Kelly Denlea, (570) 236-7309

• Emily Schnarr. (E,S,SPED)
  "I am a PA certified teacher with experience in both elementary and secondary education. I am also a certified Special Education teacher with a Masters in Reading. I have been home schooling my daughter for over two years and focusing on child-directed learning. I live in the 215 area, and I also do evaluations in the Susquehanna area where my family has a cabin." (Added 6/06, updated 3/09)
  Emily Schnarr, 215-947-5359, 570-806-1354 (cell), marillabernice@verizon.net, http://homeschoolevaluatorspa.com

Area Code 610

• Renee R. Morris (E, S, SPED, T)
  "I am a former Special Ed. Teacher (10 yrs). and homeschool evaluator (K-12) living in Brookhaven, PA.  I have been homeschooling for almost 10 yrs. and evaluating for 9.  I am a PA Homeschooler Diploma Program evaluator, a Notary Public, and can administer standardized tests, including the WRAT, the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement, CAT, and IOWA.  I also do curriculum planning and can approve a special needs homeschool program."
  Renee R. Morris, Phone: 610-876-5013, Fax: 610-876-5749

• Gabrielle Contino (E)
  "For 18 years I have been an evaluator to many families in the Delaware Valley. My experience includes 14 years of classroom instruction, and homeschooling my own children for 13 years. I have graduated one son who was totally homeschooled. Currently I am homeschooling two high school juniors and a seventh grader. In the past, I have also helped parents plan their curriculum and write up their scope and sequence. I have a BA and MS in Elementary Education. References will be given if requested. This year I will be taking new families. It's not too soon to secure your evaluator for spring of '08." (Updated 02/08.)
  Gabrielle Contino, contino.tg@verizon.net, Prospect Park, PA, 610-586-9497

• Sharlene Goldfischer  (E, SPED, T)

• Sharlene Goldfischer (E, S, SPED, T)
  "I am a PA certified educator for both elementary and special education (grades K-12).  I have a B.A. in Psychology/Elementary Education and an M.Ed. in Special Education.  I have over 30 years of experience in classroom teaching, consulting to the Iowa State Department of Education (which included program development, teacher training, consulting to school districts and direct work with parents and children) and private tutoring.  For the past five years I have been a support teacher for grades K-4 for the Oak Meadow curriculum, providing guidance to families (and students) who have chosen that path.  I have been homeschooling my two children since 2000 and have been providing homeschooling families with evaluations (both special needs and non special needs) since 2000.  I've recently completed being on the homeschooling parent side of the PHAA diploma program (My son is off to Macalester College in St. Paul in the fall as a National Merit Finalist.) and I am registered with PHAA to evaluate for that program.  I am also trained in and certified to administer the Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT), an individualized test of academic progress.  Usually I meet with families in my home for both testing and evaluations, but I do travel on occasion.  I am open to and familiar with many different styles of home education.  Feel free to contact me with any questions."   (Added 3/04, updated 04/09.)
  Sharlene Goldfischer, Havertown, PA, 610-789-8156; goldfischer@verizon.net

• Leslie Stack   (E, T)
  "I am a certified teacher, K-8, and a homeschooling mother in the Broomall area.  I encourage a wide variety of homeschooling approaches from unschooling to a prepackaged curriculum.  I believe whatever works for the child and the family is best.  Even though this is our second year homeschooling, I have been evaluating for three years.  I am also able to assist in standardized testing.  If I can be of assistance to anyone, please let me know."  (Added 5/04)
  Leslie Stack: 610-356-2531 stackharbor@comcast.net

• Patti Achee (E, S)
  "I am approved to evaluate both elementary and secondary grades, as well as the PHAA, Erie County, Buxmont Christian Educational Institute Susquehanna, and Mason-Dixon high school diploma programs. I direct HIS Academy in Chester County, and I am an SAT essay reader. As an evaluator, I see this end of year appointment as a time to celebrate your student’s accomplishment. With 12 years of homeschooling experience and 10 years teaching various classes to groups of homeschooled students, I offer support, encouragement, and advice as parents request that help. As an additional service, I also offer curriculum planning for new and seasoned homeschooling families. For students in the upper grades, I offer high school transcript planning, advice on completing some college work during the high school years, optimal timing of high school standardized testing and college admission liaison services. I love to help students make the most out of their academic endeavors and extra curricular activities. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to schedule an evaluation. Evaluations are primarily held in Chester Springs, which is about 10 minutes outside of Exton. I service Chester County, Delaware County, and a few miscellaneous school districts in surrounding areas (Twin Valley, Owen J. Roberts, KOP, etc)." (added 2/07)
  Patti Achee, achee@comcast.net, 610-827-7149, Chester County

• Lisa Hays (E)
  "First and foremost, I am a mom to 8 little ones. I have been lovingly home educating for 8 years. I have been through it all as a school at homer, Cyber Schooler, eclectic and now an unschooler by heart. I am a certified teacher for K-8. I have worked with children of all ages, gender and nationalities for years and children are my passion! I truly believe that children and people grow daily, it is part of our nature. This is my third year evaluating. I am also happy to do consulting and support of burnt out moms (I have been there!). I am opposed to over-compliance and I am happy to help you learn the laws. I will travel for groups, do distance or in-person evaluations. I would be happy to work out whatever system will make your child most comfortable with the process." (added 5/07, updated 4/09)
  Lisa Hays, 610-252-5533, emal02@hotmail.com, Easton, Pa 18045

• Roland "Jake" Jacobus (E, S, SPED)
  
  "I am a PA Certified Teacher employed by Catasauqua Area SD in learning support. I have been doing evaluations for 5 years, and my wife and I have home-schooled our 6 children for over 21 years. I enjoy meeting with parents and their children at evaluation time, and would look forward to meeting with you. In addition to a rewarding and encouraging interview for both you and your child, you will receive from me a professional and well-written narrative regarding your child's accomplishments throughout the school year. I normally travel to your home, but will perform interviews at our home when convenient. I am willing to travel distances, but do charge for extended travel time to offset fuel costs. I charge $45 for your first child and $35 for each additional child. Short forms are also available for a flat $30. Tutoring available.
  Contact: Roland (Jake) Jacobus, (610) 264-4955, savannaroland@gmail.com (added 3/09)

• Dawn Moore (E)
  "I am a PA certified teacher. I taught elementary and middle school for six years before I decided to stay home and homeschool my kids. I can evaluate grades K-8. This is my second year doing evaluations. I believe that the parents know what is best for their children. I like to keep the evaluation process as simple as possible while still complying with the homeschool laws."
  Dawn Moore, 610-406-9931, dawnsfryguy@iwon.com (Added 6/08)

• Ann Hazlett (E, S)
  “I am a PA Certified teacher for K-12 in Delaware County. I have taught 22 years full-time in elementary schools and 15 years at the secondary level in Pottstown, Abington, and Penn Delco School Districts. I hold a Doctorate in Education from Widener University and Masters in Home Economics. I have experience in evaluating writing samples for third through fifth graders throughout the Penn Delco Schools. I have mentored and evaluated student teachers from West Chester University, Neumann College and Widener University. As a classroom teacher I've assisted using work as well as show portfolios, and am willing to guide interested persons if needed. I am recently retired with three grown children, one a senior at the University of Delaware, a daughter teaching in Delaware, and  a son in  California. I have great respect for families who home school including my daughter-in-law in California and niece in West Virginia. I would be willing to meet with your child in Delaware County as well as New Castle County in Delaware. I can also do interviews as well as conduct long distance evaluations by phone. My evaluation will be as simple as possible while complying with the home school laws. It's never too soon to secure your evaluator for the winter or spring of 2009.” (Added 09/08)
  Ann Hazlett, drannhazlett@hotmail.com

• Upattinas does home education evaluations and offers testing.

• Nicole Hanlon (E, S)
  "I am a Pennsylvania certified teacher that has grading experience in both elementary, secondary schools and for the Mason Dixon Diploma program. My BA is in elementary education. I am currently taking classes for my MA in classroom technology. I have been teaching since 2000 in the Reading School District.  I was introduced to home schooling through my sister Angie Staudt (director of Lighthouse Learning Co-op).  In the past, I have completed evaluations for the Light House Learning Co-op families. My sister home schools all six of her children and has proven to me that home schooling is a personal choice that can have great results.  I have 3 boys in the Wilson School District.  My number one hobby is photography.  Please feel free to contact me and/or set up an appointment for evaluation." (added 05/09)
  Nicole Hanlon, (610) 804-4254 or nkhanlon@comcast.net

• Carol Madagan (E) 
  "I am a PA certified teacher with 5 years of previous teaching experience in the public schools.  I am currently a homeschooling mother of 6 children.  I have been homeschooling for 8 years and I have been evaluating homeschoolers for 10 years.  I am happy to assist you with an evaluation or any questions you may have about homeschooling in PA.  I have a relaxed attitude and accept all kinds of homeschooling families. As an evaluator, I feel it is my role to support the program you have chosen and your child's accomplishments.  I live in Coatesville in Chester County.  I usually do evaluations in my home, but have also done phone (distance) evaluations.  Please feel free to contact me with questions." (added 7/09)
  Carol Madagan 610-383-4832 emadagan@aol.com
  
  

Area Code 412

• Gloria Molek   (E, S)
  "Mother of two forever-home-educated autodidactic children, private-tutor, evaluator, speaker, consultant and support group leader. Able to evaluate for elementary and secondary children. Willing to travel for groups. Able to do distance evaluations. Accepting new families. Able to comfortably evaluate any learning style. Advocate of compliance with, as opposed to over-compliance of, our home education law.   The following is a link to the text of my part of an article about evaluating:
  http://www.homeschoolheadlines.com/PAconnectionp2.htm#gloria "
  Gloria Molek, 412-922-8344, pasage@juno.com  

• Caranina Policiccchio   (E)
  ”I am PA certified K-8, and am available to do evaluations in the Pittsburgh area.  I have been evaluating homeschooled children for the past three years.  My mother homeschools my younger siblings, providing me with a familiarity with the homeschool process.”  (Added 2/03)
  Caranina Policiccchio, 412-621-4954, caraninap@yahoo.com 

Area Code 717

• Kim Travis  (E, S, needs prior approval)
  ”I evaluate both elementary and secondary students and for the Mason Dixon Diploma program.  I am an evaluator with "other qualifications".  I have a BS with a concentration in Secondary education.  I am a home school parent of 6 children from K-12, including one special needs child.  I am familiar with most teaching styles, unschooling, Charlotte Mason, unit approaches etc.  I do need prior approval but am already approved in many school districts.  I am in the Chambersburg area, but do travel to the Hanover and Huntingdon areas.”   (Added 2/03)
  Kim Travis, KTravis476@aol.com or call 717-375-2662

• Bonnie Shue   (E, T)
  ”I am a certified elementary teacher with over 30 years of teaching experience.  I have a masters in elementary education and a reading specialist degree.  I am available to do (K-6) evaluations and to assist in standardized testing.  I am in the East Berlin area.  Please contact me to set up an appointment or to answer any questions you may have.”
  Bonnie Shue, Shueteachusa@aol.com or call (after 5)  717-259-7780.  (added 2/05)

• Nancy Meyer (E)
  "I have completed homeschool evaluations for families since 1989. My PA teaching certificate is permanent, active, and includes kindergarten through 8th grades. I also hold a Masters in Elementary Education from East Stroudsburg University and a BS in Bible from Lancaster Bible College, and I am an approved provider of educational and biblical courses for Christian school teachers through ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International). Having taught full time in both Christian and public schools since 1984, I still substitute in my local public school district a few days each year to keep attuned to current educational issues and mandates. I am also experienced as a homeschool mom--I taught our daughter's pre-K and 8th grade school years. My full-time ministry involves speaking, writing and singing (find out more at www.hope4hearts.net). Each year I evaluate during the months of April, May, and June at my home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania." (added 6/06)
  Nancy Sebastian Meyer, (717-392-2978), nancy@hope4hearts.net

• Anne Morgan (S)
  "I am a PA Certified teacher with experience in middle school and high school education.  My certification is in Biology, General Science, and K-12 Environmental Education.  I am a Christian mom with 4 years of teaching experience and a tutoring experience in various subjects K-12.  I live in northern Lancaster County, but am willing to travel to Lebanon or York counties." (Added 06/08)
  Anne Morgan, morgan03@ptd.net

• Barbara Morrison (E,S)
  "I am a former homeschool mom and have enjoyed completing homeschool evaluations for 14 years. I have experience in both elementary and secondary evaluations and have worked with the Mason-Dixon and Susquehanna Valley Diploma programs.  I hold a PA teaching certificate and have tutored and taught all grades from kindergarten through 11th grade. I also hold a Masters in Elementary Education from Millersville University and a BS in Elementary Education from The Kings College (NY). Presently, I am teaching English (ESL) in private schools on the high school level and am certified with the National Institute of Learning Development(NILD) as an Educational Therapist to work with students who have learning disabilities. I am also able to assist your student using various standardized tests if needed.  Though most families come to my home in Lancaster for evaluations, I currently travel to several home-schools for evaluations.  I would love to help you as well."
  Barbara Morrison, mlbamorrison@verizon.net, 717-397-1722 or 717-413-0377 (added 3/09)

• Jayne Cable (E,S)
  "My name is Jayne Cable.  My residence is in the West York area of York. I am a Pennsylvania and ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) certified teacher.  My teaching experience of thirty years was in the Christian School setting. Twenty-eight of those years was at Christian School of York instructing elementary, resource, enrichment, and middle school. I have been an evaluator of homeschoolers since 1994."
  Jayne Cable, 717-845-6720, cell 717-858-4671, or email jaycab3@earthlink.net (added 3/09)

• Nanette Blank (E,S,T)
  "I provide evaluations for all levels, testing, and classes. I hold current PA certification in secondary math and biology, private elementary, and specialist in educational technology. I earned a MS in Educations at Drexel University and BS in Biology Education from Millersville University. I have an eclectic teaching experience." (added 4/09)
  Nanette Blank, 717-653-6931 or email nanetteblank@hotmail.com

• Kathryn Walker (S)
  "I have a B.A. in English and Classics from Hillsdale College, an M.Ed from Eastern University, and current PA Teaching Certification in Secondary English. I taught English for three years at Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, PA, and recently moved to Lancaster, where my husband teaches Classics at Veritas Academy. I was homeschooled during my own middle school years and currently work preparing and evaluating schools for accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools, so I am open to and familiar with a wide variety of subjects and academic approaches." (added 5/09)
  Kathryn Walker, kathrynlynnwalker@gmail.com, 267-980-7287

• Mary Beth Schachte  (E,T)
  "I am a Pennsylvania certified teacher K-6, who specialized in early childhood and literacy. I have three years teaching experience at the elementary level, ten years experience running and teaching in a local daycare center, and have also been a private tutor. Presently, I am homeschooling my five children while providing evaluations, testing and tutoring services to local homeschoolers."
  Mary Beth Schachte, (717)554 1564 (cell), mbschachte@comcast.net

Area Code 724

• Tara Pienkosky (E, S, needs approval)
  "Homeschooling mom of two for fifteen years. I do not meet the qualifications, so am available with approval from the superintendent. I
  am currently approved for Rochester School district and am willing to seek approval from any district. Supportive of ALL educational styles!"
  Tara Pienkosky, 724-312-8102, rainbowtvp@yahoo.com (added 6/08, updated 3/09)

• Christopher J. Smith (E, SPED)
  "I am PA certified in elementary teacher (K-6), special education (K-12) and special education supervision.  I have over 25 years of experience with nineteen years of classroom experience, K-12. I have been in special education supervision since 1998.  I am currently the Supervisor of Special Education for the Sharpsville Area School District.   I am very receptive to both highly structured and eclectic non-traditional programming.  I have provided support for both home education and cyber charter programs." (Added 06/08)
  Christopher J. Smith, M.Ed., 724-981-6164 or email cng11@earthlink.net

• Patty Waltermyer, E,S,T
  "I am a Pennsylvania Certified Teacher and will do elementary or secondary evaluations. I have homeschooled three children and am coming to the end of the process -  my youngest is a senior! I have worked with children in many capacities over the past 30+ years, including teaching piano, directing choirs, and teaching Sunday school. I've been told I have a good rapport with children and teens. I will write a detailed report for you, and I offer a class in February on putting together portfolios. I'm also available to offer advice on curriculum. I'm looking forward to working with you and your children." (added 3/09)
  Patty Waltermyer, 724-223-0514, Washington, PA, mrsrev@gmail.com

• Rhonda Paglia
  "I recently retired from the Hermitage School District, Mercer County, PA with 26 years of classroom teaching experience. I was an elementary teacher for 18 years and served as Hickory High School’s Gifted Support teacher for 8 years. As an elementary teacher, I taught all subjects including preparation work for the PSSA tests. As gifted support teacher, I worked with the students, parents, and school staff to provide for and implement acceleration, class compacting, course modification, and provided enrichment opportunities to meet each gifted student’s individual educational needs and to meet PA state guidelines. Currently, in addition to doing home school evaluations, I am offer tutoring services in all subject areas, K to 6." (added 07/09)
  Rhonda Paglia, 724-342-0793

Area Code 814

• Jennifer Ledford   (E)
  ”I am a PA Homeschool Evaluator in Elementary.  After several years of teaching in private Christian schools I am now a homeschooling mom of three.  My degree, and Michigan teaching certificate, is in Elementary Education and Art Education.  My experience at a variety of grade levels aids in my evaluation of students and families.  I am excited to minister to families in this unique way.  I am willing to serve the families throughout this area.”
  Jennifer Ledford, (814)236-9058, djled4rd@curpres.org (added 2/05)

• Elaine Chamberlin (E)
  "I am a PA Certified Teacher (K-8) with 9 years teaching experience. I taught Kindergarten for nine years in the public school. When my son was born, I stayed at home to care for my son and two daughters that followed. I have homeschooled for 15 years. My oldest has graduated and is in college, and my girls are in high school.  I enjoy meeting new families and helping where I can to make their educational path enjoyable and worthwhile."
  Elaine Chamberlin, jekkk_626@windstream.net, 814-328-2364 (added 6/08)

• Matthew and Jennifer Guisler (E, S)
  " We are both certified teachers who teach in the public school system in Pennsylvania. I graduated from Tennessee Temple University in 1997 with a degree in history/political science with a concentration in secondary education. I have a secondary teaching license in Tennessee and Pennsylvania. I currently am teaching 8th grade Social Studies. My wife is 2002 graduate of Shippensburg University with a degree in elementary education with a concentration in reading. She has an elementary teaching license and is currently employed as a Title I reading teacher at the elementary school level. We are able to evaluate students at all grade levels. We have experience working with homeschool evaluations." (added 2/07)
  Matthew and Jennifer Guisler, 814-644-6873, guisler@pennswoods.net

• Natalie Livella (E, S, T)
  "I am a PA certified teacher with 12 years teaching experience in public and private schools, along with 18 years experience in private tutoring. I have a masters degree in Secondary Education and my teaching background is in Secondary Mathematics. I have also been homeschooling my three children for the past 9 years. Additionally, I offer the Peabody Test for standardized testing. I thoroughly enjoy helping homeschooling families in their endeavor to educate their children at home. I live in the Johnstown area and am willing to travel." (added 5/07)
  Natalie Livella, jlivella@atlanticbb.net, 814-479-2634

• Lynne Shaffer  (E, S) 
  "The 2008-2009 school year will be the beginning of my 8th year of homeschooling.  I have experience with gifted, learning disabled, and autistic students.  From by the book following the curriculum, to a mix of unit studies and textbooks, to creating your own courses I am familiar with a variety of homeschooling approaches.  I am a certified Elementary teacher, I taught in public school for more than 7 years including high school vocational school.  This experience allows me to evaluate high school students as well as elementary students.  I am approved to evaluate for the Mason-Dixon, Erie, and PHAA diploma programs.  I am continually involved with teaching or leading groups of students in a variety of academic and extra-curricular areas (soccer, Odyssey of the Mind, 4-H, Junior & Teen Bible Quiz,& other church programs). I understand the value of projects and pursuing passions in the development of a child."  (added 6/08)
  Lynne Shaffer, deepwellfarm@frontiernet.net, 814-934-2940

• Nina M. Tedeschi, M.M., B.S., S.S.C. (E, S, T)
  "I am an qualified educator with over 30 years of teaching experience.  I have experience as a PA certified teacher in the PA Public Schools as a Substitute teacher in the areas of K-12 teaching music, english, history, french, reading, and art.  I have served as an interim music teacher and substitute teacher for a private Catholic high school.  Most recently I have been the Director of Music (vocal and instrumental) at a private Catholic high school teaching Music Appreciation, Music Theory, Band, Chorus, and Computer Keyboarding.  I am a member of PMEA and MENC along with the National Catholic School Teachers Association.  In addition, I am a Student Support Counselor with two years experience in foreign exchange studies.  My experience also involves over 40 years as a church pianist/organist, choral director, and accompanist.  I have over 30 years studio teaching experience in piano, voice, guitar, violin, and clarinet. In addition to holding a Masters degree in Music (pedagogy/performance) I have my Bachelors degree in Music along with a Minor in Art.  Currently I am pursuing my PhD in counseling.  I have done research in the psychology of music teaching and continue to be involved in studies within that area. I am both a freelance performer,composer/arranger, and freelance artist.  I have been involved in Home Education since 1995, teaching both of my daughters from pre-school through grade 12.  Since their graduations I have continued to be involved in homeschooling as a consultant and evaluator.  I am familiar with and supportive of a variety of teaching styles as well as keeping informed and updated with the PA homeschool guidelines and laws.  I provide an interview, written report, and letter of certification upon completion of each evaluation.  Additional forms, information, standardized testing, and consultation services are available upon request.  My evaluation services are available in all area codes as I am willing to travel (rate charts available upon request.)  Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to schedule an appointment by phone or email." (added 07/09)
  Nina M. Tedeschi, M.M., B.S., S.S.C, musicprof2@yahoo.com, 814-941-6242

Other Areas

• Wendy Bush  (E, S)
  "I am qualified to evaluate both elementary and secondary grades and have been involved in home schooling since the early 1980s as a parent and home school advocate.  As an evaluator, I see my role as the family's consultant and advocate, not their judge.  I support all learning methods from A Beka to Unschooling, and am able to help families navigate the homeschool law and go to bat for them when districts impose unauthorized requirements.  I also help families with high school, college admissions and financial aid, career exploration, and military enlistment, including doing transcripts and letters of recommendation, and offering non-state accredited diplomas.  It is my goal to bring encouragement to weary home school moms by lightening their load, giving them needed affirmation, and helping them think 'outside the box'. I also do distance evaluations for families who cannot meet with me in person.  These are conducted by mail and telephone.
  You can get more information about evaluations on my website at: http://www.theexcelsioracademy.com/penn.htm
  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to schedule an evaluation in your area or by distance.”
  Wendy Bush: see the web site above for current contact info.
  (Previous contact info: connect@pobox.com, 410-654-6760.)

OTHER PLACES TO LOOK FOR EVALUATORS

The best way to find an evaluator is often word-of-mouth -- ask local homeschooling friends and support group folks for recommendations in your area.

• The PA Homeschoolers newsletter periodically includes a large list of evaluators.
• http://www.phaa.org/evaluators/index.html is the Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency (PHAA)'s statewide list.
• http://www.mdhsa.pa.net/PA Evaluators.htm is the Mason Dixon Homeschoolers Association’s statewide list.
• http://www.harmonyhomeeducators.org/evaluators/evaluators.htm is the Harmony Home Educators’ list, covering NE PA.
• http://www.countrypreacher.com/homesch/evaluate.html lists one evaluator in Carlisle.
• http://www.ncphomeschoolers.org/Support%20Services.htm#evaluators (scroll down) – lists evaluators in North Central PA.
• http://www.hsresourceexchange.com/resources/evaluators.asp  - a list from Homeschool Resource Exchange in central PA.