OT: Im not as stupid as I thought I was

p@mast3rs wrote on 5/19/2007, 3:50 PM

As my first full year in the classroom is coming to a close, I found myself really wondering if I had what it takes to be a teacher. I wonder whether I would bond with the students and earn their trust so that they could learn. I wondered if I was even smart enough to be in the classroom. I have always believed that teachers were some of the smartest people in this word. No way would I ever dream of thinking to include myself in such a group.

Back in October, I took the first four of six required tests to get my certification. I passed two of them with no problems and failed two just by the skin of my teeth. After retaking them in january, I had passed all four subtests of the General Knowledge test. That only left my professional exam and my Business Subject Area Exam which I took in April. I figured Business I would probably pass since that is my subject area. I was really worried about the Professional exam.

So imagine my surprise today when I opened my test results and saw that I had passed all six sections now to gain my certification. This is the best feeling I have had in such a long time. I had almost forgotten how good it felt to work so hard and have it pay off. More importantly, I can now smile when I think of including myself in that group of people that I have always admired as being smart.

Sorry for the off topic but Im just so excited and proud and wanted to share it with someone as I sit hear at home alone. :)

Comments

rmack350 wrote on 5/19/2007, 4:02 PM

Congratulations! This is a big deal!

Is this for k-12? Community college?

Rob

p@mast3rs wrote on 5/19/2007, 4:19 PM

K-12. Much thanks.

BigBadBz wrote on 5/19/2007, 4:42 PM

I believe teaching to be a very noble profession. It needs more people with your enthusiasm. It sounds like your students are very lucky. Good luck, and may you continute to find such satisfaction from your endeavors.

- Paul

kkolbo wrote on 5/19/2007, 7:19 PM

Congratulations. The first year is always the hardest. It takes until the fifth year normally to start to get things really rolling and for it to start to get easier.

I may not be able to get my certification. Since I do not have a degree, I can not take the exams. I have been doing the ACP. Unfortunately I may not be able to finish all of the classes by August which is my deadline. Although I have offers for double the pay, after four years in the classroom I would like to stay a couple more years. Since my district has a policy of paying non-degreed teachers at first year pay for as long as they stay teaching, I will have to move on at some point. I just hope it isn't for another year or two.

Enjoy your students.

Serena wrote on 5/19/2007, 7:29 PM

Fantastic! Or cool, or whatever the right word is these days. Congratulations.

Actually one of my observations of teachers (university et al) is that the smartest are not always the best. Really bright people often have difficulty understanding students, because they themselves found it all so very simple. People who have had to work at it have greater empathy and in comprehending where the difficulties lie.

riredale wrote on 5/19/2007, 8:58 PM

Congrats.

Regarding your subject line: I said the same thing to my wife the other day, and she said I was wrong.

Grazie wrote on 5/19/2007, 10:50 PM

Patrick, I've kinda got to know you over the years here, I've never met you, but during this time I can honestly say/believe that this acknowledgement means LOADS to you. Patrick, very, VERY well done - you MORE than deserve it!!

Any chance of seeing you, WITH your charges WITH your gown or certificate or anything? So good to hear HERE good news!! Off topic? No way!

Regards - g

TomG wrote on 5/20/2007, 5:35 AM

Way to go, Patrick

As a fellow Southwest Floridian, I think we really need people like you to help our kids feel what it means to learn and achieve.

Are any of your kids showing interest in photography yet?

TomG

vicmilt wrote on 5/20/2007, 9:07 AM

Since I remember you from the "old days"...

you asked for help
you took the advice
you moved your "head" and yourself into a better place...

you are now realizing the benefits of those steps.

We are all proud of you -
keep up the good work.

v

craftech wrote on 5/20/2007, 6:23 PM

Congratulations Patrick. I can still remember my first year of teaching. I retired five years ago after almost 40 years of teaching and still liked "the teaching part" of it right up until the end.

Best of luck.

John