Teaching credentials aren't taken very seriously because, I think, there is a longstanding belief that teaching is mostly babysitting and anyone can do it. Having been a teacher, I have to say my credentialling education (I have an M.Ed because it was more practical to get than going back and getting a second BA) wasn't very helpful. Student teaching was helpful and experience in the classroom (I taught for two years before I was required to get a credential) was helpful. Knowledge of my subject matter didn't budge an inch as a result of learning how to be a teacher. So while I agree in spirit that homeschooling isn't teaching and yes, credentials should be respected, there are a lot of problems with the way educating educators happens. It just wasn't very helpful for me and that's probably because I am a hands-on type learner. But I'd be curious to see how other teachers. moms, and homeschooling moms/teachers see it.