Embracing Homeschooling: Getting to Know Cate Godlewsky

What does the future of Catholic homeschooling look like, and how can Homeschool Connections continue helping families navigate it? In this episode of the Homeschool Connections Podcast, host Kaitlin Zara sits down with Cate Godlewski, the new Associate Director of Homeschool Connections. A homeschool graduate herself, Cate brings a lifelong love of education, years of teaching experience, and a deep commitment to Catholic families to her new leadership role. Cate shares her own homeschooling story, how Divine Providence led her to Homeschool Connections, and why she believes homeschooling is much more than an educational method. For Cate, it is a family calling, one that gives parents a unique opportunity to form the whole person while recognizing the individual gifts God has given each child. Kaitlin and Cate also look toward the future. They discuss the challenges presented by rapidly changing technology and artificial intelligence (AI), the importance of preserving genuine human connection in online education, and Cate's vision for providing homeschool parents with even more guidance, resources, and support. It's a wonderful opportunity to get to know one of the people helping carry the Homeschool Connections mission into its next chapter. This Episode Is Sponsored by Homeschool Connections At Homeschool Connections, we believe parents are their children's primary educators. Our job is to make their homeschool journey easier. From live interactive classes to hundreds of recorded courses taught by experienced Catholic instructors, Homeschool Connections gives families the flexibility to choose the support that works for them. Explore courses and homeschool resources at: https://homeschoolconnections.com/ In This Episode Kaitlin and Cate discuss: Cate's experience growing up as a homeschooled student How she discovered her love of teaching while still a homeschooler herself The unexpected path that brought her to Homeschool Connections Her journey from administrative assistant to teacher, mentor, and Associate Director Why Cate sees homeschooling as a family calling, not simply an educational method Why parents remain the primary educators of their children Helping children discover and develop their God-given gifts What Cate has learned from working with Homeschool Connections families The creativity Cate witnessed in HSC's student Makers Fair Why HSC events and resources can serve the wider homeschool community—not only enrolled HSC families Cate's work developing scope-and-sequence resources to help parents see the bigger educational picture How Catholic homeschool families can thoughtfully approach AI and changing technology Why technology should support—not replace—human connection in education Building real community through online classes, siblings, friends, and homeschool co-ops What excites Cate about the future of Homeschool Connections Why homeschool parents can trust in God's Providence even when the path feels uncertain One Big Takeaway The tools available to homeschool families may change, but the heart of education does not. Cate sees tremendous opportunities ahead for Catholic homeschoolers. New technologies, new educational models, and new resources will continue to change how families teach and learn. But the fundamental mission remains the same: parents know their children, families are central to their formation, and education should help each child grow intellectually, personally, and spiritually. As Homeschool Connections moves into its next chapter, Cate hopes to help families navigate those changes while keeping that mission firmly at the center. And for parents who sometimes wonder whether they can really do this, Cate offers a simple reminder from Scripture: “Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid.” Trust God's Providence for your family and your children. About Cate Godlewski Cate Godlewski was homeschooled herself and joined Homeschool Connections in 2021 as an administrative assistant. Since then, her work has expanded to include teaching, mentoring, and leadership, and she now serves as Associate Director of Homeschool Connections. Cate has published poetry in literary journals, self-published three Shakespeare adaptations written specifically for homeschoolers, and hosted a poetry podcast devoted to the works of Emily Dickinson. She believes passionately in the power of Catholic education to strengthen families, elevate the culture, and glorify Christ through His Church. About Your Host Kaitlin Zara is a veteran educator, homeschool mom, and host of the Homeschool Connections Podcast. She combines her classroom experience with the everyday realities of homeschooling to encourage parents to approach education with confidence, flexibility, and joy.