Comments | tapis_tree: Time to get serious

tapis_tree

Time to get serious

Jul 26, 2007 13:38

Took the enrollment packet to Rio Salado this afternoon (during lunch) since it's so close to work. Fingers crossed, all. I'd really love nothing more than to start screamin' through my education classes now so's I can get the heck out of the office setting.

Comments 12

ladykerridwen July 26 2007, 21:01:10 UTC

fingers crossed for ya as well babe
id love to see you get back into a class room as well

tapis_tree July 26 2007, 21:47:18 UTC

I can't wait to get the last courses finished. I haven't taken courses since just before the AEPA 'cause they can be expensive. I was planning on taking the Constitution courses so I could finish the state exams, but that may have to wait until the summer after my first year teaching. (Once I'm certified, I have three years to take and pass those US and AZ constitution exams before they'll revoke my certificate.) It's too expensive to take the classes while my work situation is still uncertain.

silverknight July 26 2007, 21:08:49 UTC

Rio Salado rocks! You'll love it!

tapis_tree July 26 2007, 21:51:41 UTC

I've been working my way through these Rio Salado teacher prep courses for the past few years now. The challenge is finding time to get everything done while I'm working full time. And I was unsure about how to work things with my student teaching. But now, I'm a little less worried about that. I'm just dumping as much money into savings as possible in case I have a lag between jobs or I have to quit working to complete my student teaching.

I'm going to ask the temp agency about their policy on continuing my health insurance if I don't have a job... that or I'll work part time while I student teach. *shrug* I'm not so worried about figuring it out these days. I'm more concerned with getting it done and getting the hell out from behind a desk.

silverknight July 26 2007, 22:17:47 UTC

I hear ya. As soon as I get a few more paperwork issues squared away, I can finally get back to classes as well. Cool thing is that work will foot the bill for tuition & such.

tapis_tree July 26 2007, 23:07:27 UTC

Well, if I was working for a school like Tim... too bad I can't take the hit to the old insurance. Perhaps I should check on some alternatives so that I can get back into education-land.

If it weren't for my stinkin' Bachelor's degree, I'd be getting grant money right about now. The government will pay for my Bachelor's, but if I want a Master's (which, btw, is more expensive), I'm on my own. Jerks.

I keep promising myself I'll look into scholarships. Perhaps I'll have to make an in-person visit to the advisor at Rio Salado. I'd rather discuss my options with a person than surf the 'net looking for a scholarship.

tropical_madnes July 27 2007, 23:51:56 UTC

Best of luck with the schooling. If you're looking for someone with whom to take the AZ constitution class, let me know. It wouldn't be a bad idea to get my certification up to date.

tapis_tree July 28 2007, 14:06:25 UTC

Are you teacher certified, sweetheart?

I need to take both AZ and US constitution classes. Since there's only one exam (I think), I figured I should probably take both at once. Thing is, I have bills this week, so it might have to wait for a little while 'cause I have to dig up the cash.

tropical_madnes July 29 2007, 22:44:21 UTC

K-8 in a self-contained classroom, 6-8 in math and social studies in MI.

I was certified K-8 in a self-contained classroom and 6-8 in math here, but I let my certification slide when I didn't take the AZ history and constitution courses. I don't think I need to take the US constitution course; I believe that was covered in my SS methods class back in college.

tapis_tree July 30 2007, 23:21:57 UTC

Oooh, I'll definitely be calling you when I enroll for those courses. Nothing helps me more than a study buddy. You certainly MUST get your cert. up to date. If you were already certified in MI, you shouldn't have too much trouble passing our AEPA exams down here. Heck, I passed the professional knowledge exam before I even took the methods courses that teach the bulk of the material on that exam. You may have to retake them if you're lapsed, but we can fix that. Get yourself into one of the study sessions, and I'm sure you'll do fine. I may not be taking the constitution courses right off the bat, but I will be taking them as soon as I can figure in the time and money.

I'm with ya, babe! Prospective teachers of the world unite!

evamagick July 28 2007, 03:16:20 UTC

I loved going to Rio Salado! I miss it. Believe it or not, there isn't any internet only colleges up here, so enjoy it while you can. :)

tapis_tree July 28 2007, 14:08:43 UTC

Hey, if it weren't for Rio, I wouldn't be able to take any of these certification classes. Rio Salado is the only community college in AZ that even offers a Post Bacc teacher certification program for Secondary students... well, besides ASU, that is. I'll probably do my Master's at ASU. It'll just have to wait until I'm a teacher since most districts will help fund your continuing education. There isn't much else available in the way of grants, etc. for people who already have one degree.