Teaching in Alaska is quite a distance from now, so updating might be infrequent until I complete my teaching certification in Florida. December is when I should have my Professional Teaching Certificate in Florida. It is not too far away, but time has been moving slowly lately. Right now, I am taking two online courses in Diversity and the Teaching and Learning Process. Each of these classes is 12 weeks long, and then Fall classes begin. In the fall, I should be taking my final two classes: Reading and Professional Foundations for Educators. In the meantime, I will be studying for my last required FTCE - Professional Education. This test focuses on the psychology and methodology of teaching. After passing my first two tests, the General Knowledge and the Social Science subject area, I am confident that with hard work and vigorous study, I will pass the Professional Education test.
Along with studying for the FTCE Professional Education test, I have decided to take two more subject area exams to become certified in 6-12 Mathematics and English. Hopefully, by the time the next Alaska Educator Job Fair comes around, I will have mailed my complete application to the Alaska Department of Education. The good side to all of this is that when I attend the job fair, I will have everything completed to receive a Tier I certificate in Alaska. What is even more fabulous, is that Alaska accepts the FTCE Subject Area exams so I will not have to retest for my content area! I am hoping that having a certification in Social Science, Math, and English will make me desirable as an educator. Crossing my fingers!
Laura
5.26.2010
4.18.2010
Just an Article I found
I just read this article on teaching in the "bush" area of Alaska. I really wouldn't mind doing this! :D It was actually quite informational!
William (my fiancé, yeah I haven't particularly introduced him yet, but now I have) is actually quite excited! I'm not sure what he would do out in the "bush" but I'm sure we can figure something out. I was reading that some non-teacher spouses can do things like pick up the mail (sometimes requiring a 3 mile boat ride), be a substitute teacher (he will have his Associates Degree), or even just be a stay at home daddy (when the time comes for that - not trying to rush anything)!
So here is the article.
http://hiringopportunities.suite101.com/article.cfm/teach_in_the_bush_in_alaska
They forget to mention moose/muskox/caribou/BEAR hunting!
William (my fiancé, yeah I haven't particularly introduced him yet, but now I have) is actually quite excited! I'm not sure what he would do out in the "bush" but I'm sure we can figure something out. I was reading that some non-teacher spouses can do things like pick up the mail (sometimes requiring a 3 mile boat ride), be a substitute teacher (he will have his Associates Degree), or even just be a stay at home daddy (when the time comes for that - not trying to rush anything)!
So here is the article.
http://hiringopportunities.suite101.com/article.cfm/teach_in_the_bush_in_alaska
They forget to mention moose/muskox/caribou/BEAR hunting!
4.16.2010
Certification
Yesterday I printed out the 14 page application needed to obtain my Teaching Certificate in Alaska. I really only need about 5 of those 14 pages and my black ink for my printer was already depleted. I've learned that I can keep using "empty" ink for quite a while after my flashing ink light goes off. At least my printer is not like my grandmother's where the printer will not even WORK if one ink cartridge needs replacing.
So, I filled out the application. I need to e-mail the Alaska Department of Education, or the EED as it is known, and find out when I should send my application in, considering I do not plan on teaching there until 2011-2012. Technically, I could apply now, receive my certificate, and then finish up my teaching program. I am just not sure if it would be easier for my to get my FL Teaching Certificate and then apply. That's what the e-mail is for ^_^.
Another concern of mine is fingerprinting. I was just fingerprinted in FL about 3 months ago. Do I really need to get it done again? There will be a lot in this e-mail.
I have learned that teacher housing pretty much includes a couch, chairs, and kitchen appliances. Not too bad. It is kind of like living in an apartment. At least that is what a response on the forum said. I have also looked at cell phone coverage in Alaska and there really isn't coverage...not that I was expecting much coverage anyways.
Again, nothing too exciting, but jumping through hoops is never exciting. Unless you're on a motorcycle and it is through a hoop of fire....I think that would be pretty darn exciting. :)
So, I filled out the application. I need to e-mail the Alaska Department of Education, or the EED as it is known, and find out when I should send my application in, considering I do not plan on teaching there until 2011-2012. Technically, I could apply now, receive my certificate, and then finish up my teaching program. I am just not sure if it would be easier for my to get my FL Teaching Certificate and then apply. That's what the e-mail is for ^_^.
Another concern of mine is fingerprinting. I was just fingerprinted in FL about 3 months ago. Do I really need to get it done again? There will be a lot in this e-mail.
I have learned that teacher housing pretty much includes a couch, chairs, and kitchen appliances. Not too bad. It is kind of like living in an apartment. At least that is what a response on the forum said. I have also looked at cell phone coverage in Alaska and there really isn't coverage...not that I was expecting much coverage anyways.
Again, nothing too exciting, but jumping through hoops is never exciting. Unless you're on a motorcycle and it is through a hoop of fire....I think that would be pretty darn exciting. :)
4.14.2010
Let's start this shindig...
I think I would cover some background information before I really get started here.
In December 2009, I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's in History. So, what does that mean? Absolutely nothing. What is a girl to do with a history degree?
Teach.
Okay, so I can teach with this history degree. Now, I just need a teaching certificate. More money, more classes, more COLLEGE. >.<
So right now, I am three classes into a seven class educator program. This program also requires three state tests: FTCE Subject Area (mine being History, or Social Sciences), FTCE General Knowledge (Reading, Math, English Language Skills), and the FTCE Professional Educator (the psychology and methodology of teaching). As of right now, I have taken and thankfully passed the Subject Area and General Knowledge. This summer, I am taking two classes and a Emergency Medical Technician Certification Program (so I can get a job to save money for my ultimate goal).
Now for the important part: Alaska. For some reason, I really want to teach in Alaska. In the beginning, I knew I wanted to teach somewhere besides Florida. My first thought was to join the Department of Defense Education Activity and travel to Italy, Germany, or some other country to teach on military bases. While that seemed like a good idea, I realized that before doing that, I should have a teeny bit of teaching experience. Alaska seemed like the perfect place to start my career as a teacher. The state is beautiful! The nature, the wildlife, everything just seems irresistible! I am so excited about going to Alaska, even though I am broke. All I know is that I will get there.
Certification in Alaska is pretty straightforward. Once I complete my educator program, I am eligible for a Initial Tier I certificate that can last up to three years. To obtain a Tier II certificate, I need to complete 6 recency credits. These are basically two college classes on Alaskan History and Culture. Fortunately, this does not sound too difficult.
So, what is the point of this blog? To chronicle my process of getting to Alaska. Once I actually get to Alaska, I will change the title of my blog to something more appropriate, such as Adventures in Alaska. I plan on having plenty of adventures involving bears, moose (MEESE), and snowmobiles.
In December 2009, I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's in History. So, what does that mean? Absolutely nothing. What is a girl to do with a history degree?
Teach.
Okay, so I can teach with this history degree. Now, I just need a teaching certificate. More money, more classes, more COLLEGE. >.<
So right now, I am three classes into a seven class educator program. This program also requires three state tests: FTCE Subject Area (mine being History, or Social Sciences), FTCE General Knowledge (Reading, Math, English Language Skills), and the FTCE Professional Educator (the psychology and methodology of teaching). As of right now, I have taken and thankfully passed the Subject Area and General Knowledge. This summer, I am taking two classes and a Emergency Medical Technician Certification Program (so I can get a job to save money for my ultimate goal).
Now for the important part: Alaska. For some reason, I really want to teach in Alaska. In the beginning, I knew I wanted to teach somewhere besides Florida. My first thought was to join the Department of Defense Education Activity and travel to Italy, Germany, or some other country to teach on military bases. While that seemed like a good idea, I realized that before doing that, I should have a teeny bit of teaching experience. Alaska seemed like the perfect place to start my career as a teacher. The state is beautiful! The nature, the wildlife, everything just seems irresistible! I am so excited about going to Alaska, even though I am broke. All I know is that I will get there.
Certification in Alaska is pretty straightforward. Once I complete my educator program, I am eligible for a Initial Tier I certificate that can last up to three years. To obtain a Tier II certificate, I need to complete 6 recency credits. These are basically two college classes on Alaskan History and Culture. Fortunately, this does not sound too difficult.
So, what is the point of this blog? To chronicle my process of getting to Alaska. Once I actually get to Alaska, I will change the title of my blog to something more appropriate, such as Adventures in Alaska. I plan on having plenty of adventures involving bears, moose (MEESE), and snowmobiles.
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