iLEAD AV Exploration Team Spotlight: Meet Mrs. Booker!

Talena Booker is a dedicated and passionate member of the iLEAD AV Exploration team. Serving as the Family Liaison, Office Assistant, and a member of the Student Support Care Team, Mrs. Booker brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing educational environment. Let’s get to know Mrs. Booker!

Q: Please tell us about your background and how you came to be at iLEAD AV Exploration.

Mrs. Booker: My intentions after high school were to become a teacher, but my passion quickly turned to having a family and being a mom. According to my kids (ages 18, 16, and 15), I am a helicopter mom. From day one of their schooling, I have always been very involved. I volunteered regularly in their classes and became very involved in their school’s PTO in order to provide an enriched learning environment for them and other students in their school.

Being involved in the school and my interest in education led to me getting a job at my kid’s school as an instructional aide. I then spent seven years working in special education, providing support in a moderate/extensive support classroom.

In the midst of working at the school, our family decided that it was time to homeschool. I have homeschooled my kids since 2018 through a home study charter. Through that experience, I have become a top fan of the individualized education that is available through home study charter schools.

Fast-forward to January 2024: my homeschool mentor and dear friend (an EF for iLEAD AV Exploration since its inception) let me know that the program was looking for a Care Team member. As she described the position, my first thought was, “This job is for me!” I am loving working here and getting to be involved in others’ home study charter experiences as a support member.

Q: What is your role at iLEAD AV Exploration? What’s the best part about it?

Mrs. Booker: This school year I am filling the roles of Family Liaison, Office Assistant, and Student Support Care Team member. The best part is getting to support our in-person workshops. I love working with kids!

Q: What do you LOVE about iLEAD AV Exploration? What sets it apart from other schools?

Mrs. Booker:  I love iLEADs AV Exploration’s team! This team is loving and caring to each other, their learners, and their families. The shared goal of seeing families successfully achieve personal and educational goals within the homeschool setting is what sets them apart from other schools. Because of that, I have seen supports for families far beyond what I have ever seen before as a parent and as an employee.

Q: Are you involved in other activities (e.g. clubs, tutoring, community engagement) at iLEAD AV Exploration? 

Mrs. Booker: This is an area I plan to grow in this year as I connect with parens in our iSUPPORT group. I am looking forward to partnering with families to provide some engaging events for our school.

Q: In your opinion, what makes a great leader?

Mrs. Booker: A great leader is someone who leads by example. They get in the trenches with everyone else and lead the way.

Q: What does a day in your school life look like (pick a day, any day…or a composite of a day)?

Mrs. Booker: Lately, my days have looked a little chaotic! I spent the summer and first few weeks of school working hard to ensure that curriculum boxes (large totes full of books) were ready to go for our 180+ learners. This included lots of moving of items, organizing and organizing again, putting many orders together, and many inventory counts!

Now that curriculum is beginning to settle, my days alternate between office work and student support.

Q: Please name four fun/interesting facts about you. Extra credit for lots of details.

Mrs. Booker:

1. I enjoy reading historical fiction.
2. I enjoy bike rides and hikes with family and friends.
3. I love to help others.
4. I do NOT enjoy cooking.

Mrs. Booker’s journey is a testament to her dedication to education and her love for creating a supportive community. Her enthusiasm and commitment to iLEAD’s mission shine through in everything she does. Join us in celebrating Mrs. Booker!