I finally have this blog redone so I can give an update of my endeavors in trying to become a teacher. I have taken all of the General Education tests and past them. I did have to take the essay test over once, because I ran out of time on the first one, which resulted in a low score. Ugghhh! Honestly, I don't normally perform badly on tests, but that time I did :( Anyway, I also took the PK-3 certification exam and past it the first time, thank you :) Let me tell you, this testing process did not happen quickly. It was several months before all the tests were done and all the scores were in. So, I am now waiting on my Statement of Eligibility for Temporary Certification in PK-3. I sent the application, which was received. I also sent my test scores and transcripts together. Well, somehow they have my test scores and not my transcripts, even though they were both placed in the same envelope. The transcripts were also still in their original sealed envelope so they are still considered official. I sent an email asking about this discrepancy, and I am still waiting for a response. I hope that that will come soon. I am so excited about the prospect of becoming "Eligible" for Certification. Don't think this eligibility is unimportant. Once I have that, any school that hires me (in Florida) will send it in and I will then be certified to teach for the next 3 years. Within that time, I have to finish anything I need to become Permanently Certified. There is a two-year program in which I will have a mentor, hopefully to help me out a little ;) I will have a set of accomplishments I have to show that I have mastered in that time. If that time comes and I still have not achieved mastery on these accomplishments then this program is started over once more. I believe they give one more year to meet the accomplishments. I doubt that I will have any trouble with mastery the first time around, but you never know.
How much does all this cost? You may ask. Well let's see if I can make a little list: $62 fingerprints, $5 pk-3 test prep book, $25 General Knowledge tests, $40 late registration Essay test, $25 PK-3 test, and $56 Application fee. Those fees are OK for my situation, but I question how someone without the financial means would pay all of this on top of whatever they spend on college. Anyway, I will soon be Certified, or as my husband and I joke, "Certifiable." I am presently hired as a Substitute at Odyssey Charter School. I was just hired about a week ago. I haven't been called yet, so no work, but hopefully I will get a little work before summer starts up. I am taking my substitute teaching class in a week, so I will be qualified to substitute in the public schools also. I may try to sub a little in the summer, but I know there are far less classes and I will be unavailable during vacation up north and during VBS. I will be working in the preschool at our church during VBS (Vacation Bible School). Anyway, I think that's about enough for now. Talk again later.