get my teaching credential

This has been my goal since I went to college for my undergrad degree, but extenuating circumstances put it off for five years. Now I’m two months into my program, currently taking 17 units for my Moderate/Severe special education credential. I am stressed out of my mind, but I can’t wait until this goal is complete in 2011!

So I still, though I meet all the qualifications now, haven’t gotten my substitute teaching credential. I’ve been slacking in the having 150 spare dollars to get the fingerprinting and registration done department, but I’m hooping to finally do it this Tuesday.

I have been working toward getting my real credential though. Been studying for the CSET now, and am taking a CA History & US Gov’t class – the Gov’t class because, well, I like studying Gov’t, and because I hope it will prepare me to take the Constitution test I need to pass for my credential.

After all that is taken care of, I’m hoping to get my teaching credential through Project IMPACT – http://www.impactintern.org/ – by teaching and taking classes at the same time.

They say 15 minutes a day is all it takes and eventually you can’t help but accomplish your goal – I’ve been putting in a lot more than that daily, so hopefully I’m well on my way :)

So I’m trying to sign up for the CBEST for June (late registration) but of course it’s hard because I haven’t found a job yet and it costs money. I have a little money from graduation gifts and I’m hoping my mother will help me pay for the rest.

I’m hoping to get my substitute teaching credential and do that for a year, so that next year I will have the “job experience” that CSU East Bay wants for their credentialing program. On the other hand, I might see if I can get my multiple subject credential through the district instead while I’m substitute teaching.

We’ll see. I really need to figure out how all this works. It’s pretty muddy and I’m having difficulties finding a clear cut guide that explains what I’m supposed to do.

It’s amazing to believe that after two long years working to get this credential, I’ve finally done it. It feels wonderful and relaxing and exciting to have accomplished this goal.

is on Saturday! I can’t wait to mark this goal as complete.

month and I will graduate. Yay!

putting together my digital portfolio this weekend. Yay! I present it on Tuesday night and if everything goes well, I will be basically finished. I can’t wait!

i do not live in the U.S. how can i get credentials on line?

It took some time- I had to take a couple of semesters off between classes- but I finally earned my credential! My semester of student teaching (Fall ‘07) was enlightening. My master teacher let me take over for far longer than the required three weeks. Additionally, I had a good variety of classes, a couple of CP & Honors classes (there’s no tracking at the school) and a lower achieving class. Having that mix really showed me how important differentiation is.

I was so happy when that credential arrived in the mail! There was none of the fanfare of a graduation ceremony but this was an achievement that pleased me just as much as getting my BA.

Now it’s time to find a permanent position. If you know of a social science/history opening in Southern/Central California, send me a message!! :)

March 18th. The end is near!