About Us
Who is MPE?
In the fall of 1986, a small group of 17 homeschooling families gathered to pool its resources and to provide encouragement and fellowship for one another. This was the beginning of the Johnson County Parent Educators (JCPE). In late 2001, the JCPE membership voted to change the name of the organization to the Midwest Parent Educators (MPE). JCPE/MPE has experienced growth commensurate with that of the homeschooling movement nationally. We serve home educators in the greater Kansas City metro area, including many from Wyandotte, Miami, and Douglas counties in Kansas and from counties in Kansas City, Missouri.
Cluster Groups
In an attempt to restore the warmth and friendliness of a small group, the formation of cluster groups was initiated in the fall of 1990. These groups are, in essence, small support groups within the larger structure of MPE. Cluster group members plan field trips and other group activities; these activities provide opportunities for both parents and children to build relationships.
A cluster group list is mailed to every new member family. Most new families will visit a few of the cluster groups before settling on the one that suits the family best.
Board of Directors
MPE is governed by a ten member board, from which an executive committee of officers is chosen. Husband and wife serve as one member of the board, with each family unit receiving one vote. All members of the Board of Directors must agree to endorse and support MPE’s Purpose and Statement of Faith. MPE has incorporated as a non-profit organization and has adopted official by-laws.
The 2012 – 2013 Board of Directors are:
| Curtis and Trisha Aubrey, Treasurer | Larry and Jennifer Laporte |
| Gary Gallimore and Karen Allison | Dave and Beth Layman, Secretary |
| Michael and Susan Gimotty | Mike and Sarah McLaughlin |
| Todd and Pat Kangas, President | Michael and Tara Traw |
| Tim and Wendy Krause | Michael and Dixie Uhl |
The Midwest Parent Educator Conference
The Midwest Parent Educators Conference and Curriculum Fair began as a joint effort between Families for Home Education (FHE) and JCPE. It was originally called the MO-KAN Conference and began in 1992. Since 1994, the conference has been sponsored solely by MPE. The goal of the conference is to provide families with motivation and tools for continuing the home education process.
Well-known speakers from across the nation are brought to Kansas City for the conference each spring. Over 150 distributors participate in the curriculum fair, and multiple workshops are offered to address issues facing homeschooling families. The conference has an average attendance of over 2500 people.
The Office
A part-time office manager works several hours per week in the Lenexa office. Hours are posted each week on the office phone at (913)599-0311.
Other Activities
Members of MPE receive ten issues of a newsletter, The Parent Educator, each year. Each issue contains news of events, classes, and activities of interest to homeschoolers. MPE also sponsors several support group meetings each school year. Seniors of those families who have been members of MPE for at least two years may participate in an inspirational high school graduation ceremony in the spring.
Published August 2004: MPE Draws Attention of Then-US Senator Brownback!
Senator Brownback sent this letter to the MPE office. Click the link below to read it: