We're going to back it up a bit here, and you will see why in a moment.
About a year ago I decided it was a good idea to try to get my PA teaching certificate. We didn't know that we were going to move for sure, but we knew it was a possibility. I figured it couldn't hurt to have it, and I didn't want to find out we were moving and then rush to try to get it so I could find a job. That all sounded a little too stressful for me. I did my research and after way too many phone calls and emails, all trying to convince myself it couldn't be true, I resigned to the fact that I was going to have to retake all of the Praxis exams that I had ALREADY taken AND PASSED in MN, to get my PA certificate. I hate tests. Really, really, a lot. Hate.
I went online and registered for the tests. I had to decide between 2 licenses; PreK-4 or 4-8 with a content specific license for 6-8. To be exact, I didn't HAVE to decide, but I didn't want to overwhelm myself with so many tests. I went with 4-8 with a science specialty. There were 4 tests that I had to take and I signed up to take them the first day of my spring break last year. I figured that way I wouldn't spend the break stressing out about it. We were going out of town so I just wanted to get it done and find out whether or not I passed. If I passed, I'd relax for the whole vacation and celebrate. If I didn't, I'd have some time in the car to study (and cry).
I studied. A LOT. I actually bought the study guides that I usually make fun of people for spending money on. I spent hours going over 4-8th grade math, science, social studies, literature analysis, and pedagogy. I watched Social Studies crash courses on You Tube and got made fun of ruthlessly by Andy for what little knowledge I have of history. And then he helped me study a lot. I studied physics, earth science, chemistry, and biology with the help from Andy and my coworker at Sky Oaks. I took practice tests, studied some more...you get the point.
At 7AM on the Friday of my first day of Spring Break, I took the science certificate test. As soon as I walked out, I googled what the passing score needed to be, and I realized I passed! I was super excited the whole drive home, and then sat down to study some more for the next tests I had to take the following morning. I spent the entire day cramming every last bit of knowledge that I could into my brain. The next morning, at 7AM again, I took the last 3 tests and did the same routine of googling my scores as soon as I walked out. And I passed! Oh my stress. Seriously, did I mention I hate tests? Andy and his cousin were hanging out so I met them out to celebrate. While some people are able finish their test and feel free, I finish my test and crash. My body finally takes over from all the stress and I am so exhausted.
The next day we left for Florida. We did our road trip to Memphis, New Orleans (where we got the official offer to move to PA!), and then Panama City Beach. It was lovely, fun, and relaxing. I was so relieved to have the tests done and know that I had my license so I could start applying for jobs.
I started applications online but there were NO jobs. I looked into 8-10 different districts and there was just nothing. Every now and then there would be a 'potential elementary teacher' position available, but I was only licensed 4-5 for an elementary position, so that was not extremely promising. Finally a 5th grade position opened up at the Unionville Chadds Ford School District, I applied, and got my interview. During the interview, right before I left, I was told that it would be in my best interest to get my PreK-4 license as that would give me more opportunities in the elementary school. The 5th grade position I was interviewing for was a 1 year position so I knew I would potentially be job searching again come the spring.
This has been on my mind for 6 months. It was mentioned again in my post observation conversation with the district administration and then my new principal suggested that I consider getting the license. I can take a hint. So I looked online and registered to take the test January 23rd. I got the practice test and spent hours going over it and studying the stuff that I didn't remember. The week of the 23rd was upon us and a huge blizzard was in the forecast for that weekend. After everyone telling me that a blizzard is a big deal on the East Coast and that everything would be shut down, I went online and rescheduled my test (and as we all know, the East Coast DID shut down). I was so bummed that I had to wait 2 more weeks with the stress of this test hanging over me. I just wanted to get it done with.
The first week of February was a bit stressful. I had another observation at school and the test on Saturday. Have I mentioned my hatred of tests? There really wasn't much I could do to study so I had to just sit on my hands and try to sleep at night. I got up early on Saturday, got to the testing facility early, and had to wait and stare at a blank brick wall as they got the computers up and running. I finally got to the computer. There were about 150 questions, all of them being long scenarios that I had to read through. I was given 255 minutes to finish the test. About half way through I'm pretty sure I was going cross eyed. There were a few questions I read through the first time and I wasn't even sure what the question was asking. That being said, I finished in 75 minutes and got my results printed right away. I passed! Really passed. With flying colors, not anywhere near the minimum score, passed. And it was awesome. I had plans with a friend that afternoon that we moved up earlier since I finished so quickly. We went out and explored Philadelphia and celebrated. I bought a beautiful new lamp as my "I passed my test" present, and then I came home and crashed. I slept so hard and so peacefully. I am so happy that I passed. If nothing else, I just didn't want the stress of having to take that test on me anymore.
Now I just need to fill out the paperwork for the PA Department of Education and get my license updated. I officially am licensed to teach more grades in PA than I am in MN. That being said, I really hope somebody doesn't think it's a good idea to put me in a room full of 4 year olds. Bless everyone's soul who teachers PreK-2. They are special, patient, wonderful, kind, amazing, strong people.
As for next year, I will just have to wait and see what falls into place. Until then, no more tests for me! (for now, at least)
About a year ago I decided it was a good idea to try to get my PA teaching certificate. We didn't know that we were going to move for sure, but we knew it was a possibility. I figured it couldn't hurt to have it, and I didn't want to find out we were moving and then rush to try to get it so I could find a job. That all sounded a little too stressful for me. I did my research and after way too many phone calls and emails, all trying to convince myself it couldn't be true, I resigned to the fact that I was going to have to retake all of the Praxis exams that I had ALREADY taken AND PASSED in MN, to get my PA certificate. I hate tests. Really, really, a lot. Hate.
I went online and registered for the tests. I had to decide between 2 licenses; PreK-4 or 4-8 with a content specific license for 6-8. To be exact, I didn't HAVE to decide, but I didn't want to overwhelm myself with so many tests. I went with 4-8 with a science specialty. There were 4 tests that I had to take and I signed up to take them the first day of my spring break last year. I figured that way I wouldn't spend the break stressing out about it. We were going out of town so I just wanted to get it done and find out whether or not I passed. If I passed, I'd relax for the whole vacation and celebrate. If I didn't, I'd have some time in the car to study (and cry).
I studied. A LOT. I actually bought the study guides that I usually make fun of people for spending money on. I spent hours going over 4-8th grade math, science, social studies, literature analysis, and pedagogy. I watched Social Studies crash courses on You Tube and got made fun of ruthlessly by Andy for what little knowledge I have of history. And then he helped me study a lot. I studied physics, earth science, chemistry, and biology with the help from Andy and my coworker at Sky Oaks. I took practice tests, studied some more...you get the point.
At 7AM on the Friday of my first day of Spring Break, I took the science certificate test. As soon as I walked out, I googled what the passing score needed to be, and I realized I passed! I was super excited the whole drive home, and then sat down to study some more for the next tests I had to take the following morning. I spent the entire day cramming every last bit of knowledge that I could into my brain. The next morning, at 7AM again, I took the last 3 tests and did the same routine of googling my scores as soon as I walked out. And I passed! Oh my stress. Seriously, did I mention I hate tests? Andy and his cousin were hanging out so I met them out to celebrate. While some people are able finish their test and feel free, I finish my test and crash. My body finally takes over from all the stress and I am so exhausted.
The next day we left for Florida. We did our road trip to Memphis, New Orleans (where we got the official offer to move to PA!), and then Panama City Beach. It was lovely, fun, and relaxing. I was so relieved to have the tests done and know that I had my license so I could start applying for jobs.
I started applications online but there were NO jobs. I looked into 8-10 different districts and there was just nothing. Every now and then there would be a 'potential elementary teacher' position available, but I was only licensed 4-5 for an elementary position, so that was not extremely promising. Finally a 5th grade position opened up at the Unionville Chadds Ford School District, I applied, and got my interview. During the interview, right before I left, I was told that it would be in my best interest to get my PreK-4 license as that would give me more opportunities in the elementary school. The 5th grade position I was interviewing for was a 1 year position so I knew I would potentially be job searching again come the spring.
This has been on my mind for 6 months. It was mentioned again in my post observation conversation with the district administration and then my new principal suggested that I consider getting the license. I can take a hint. So I looked online and registered to take the test January 23rd. I got the practice test and spent hours going over it and studying the stuff that I didn't remember. The week of the 23rd was upon us and a huge blizzard was in the forecast for that weekend. After everyone telling me that a blizzard is a big deal on the East Coast and that everything would be shut down, I went online and rescheduled my test (and as we all know, the East Coast DID shut down). I was so bummed that I had to wait 2 more weeks with the stress of this test hanging over me. I just wanted to get it done with.
The first week of February was a bit stressful. I had another observation at school and the test on Saturday. Have I mentioned my hatred of tests? There really wasn't much I could do to study so I had to just sit on my hands and try to sleep at night. I got up early on Saturday, got to the testing facility early, and had to wait and stare at a blank brick wall as they got the computers up and running. I finally got to the computer. There were about 150 questions, all of them being long scenarios that I had to read through. I was given 255 minutes to finish the test. About half way through I'm pretty sure I was going cross eyed. There were a few questions I read through the first time and I wasn't even sure what the question was asking. That being said, I finished in 75 minutes and got my results printed right away. I passed! Really passed. With flying colors, not anywhere near the minimum score, passed. And it was awesome. I had plans with a friend that afternoon that we moved up earlier since I finished so quickly. We went out and explored Philadelphia and celebrated. I bought a beautiful new lamp as my "I passed my test" present, and then I came home and crashed. I slept so hard and so peacefully. I am so happy that I passed. If nothing else, I just didn't want the stress of having to take that test on me anymore.
Now I just need to fill out the paperwork for the PA Department of Education and get my license updated. I officially am licensed to teach more grades in PA than I am in MN. That being said, I really hope somebody doesn't think it's a good idea to put me in a room full of 4 year olds. Bless everyone's soul who teachers PreK-2. They are special, patient, wonderful, kind, amazing, strong people.
As for next year, I will just have to wait and see what falls into place. Until then, no more tests for me! (for now, at least)
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