Yes, the storm is over now! Now you may be wondering, why did you make such a big deal about this test. Well excuse me Dr. Skeptical, but I haven’t taken a history course in over 10 years. Now if you tested me on changing diapers, breastfeeding, potty training, homeschooling, or even Zumba I would pass without breaking a sweat. This however, was not that simple. The NES History Exam is no joke. I purchased the $50 practice test which was invaluable because it showed me my weak areas (I was weak all over). I have to give mad props to Khan Academy. I completed about 75% of their lessons and quizzes which reduced my anxiety levels significantly and I do not think I would have passed with out it. Also, I purchased NES History Secrets Study Guide: NES Test Review for the National Evaluation Series Tests (Mometrix Secrets Study Guides)
Schools of Thought
The course I’m taking right now reviews the three school of thought for student learning. Cognitive, Humanistic, and Behavioral. I have to say, I fall into all three.
My passion is for teaching History. I hate that in my formative years and throughout college I have had only TWO amazing history teachers. Everyone else was either okay or boring AF.
Why? Why would a teacher do that to a student? History is amazing. History explains why things are the way they are.
So is Mr. Chesterton saying the students or the teachers are causing utter universal boredom? I’m not sure what happens to teachers that kills their passion of the content, but I am not going to let that happen. And I sure wont be boring children to death with facts and terms.
School in the Snow
“School in the Snow”
It’s been a while since I’ve been a working professional. Now that I’m slowing getting back in the groove, I’m now trying to navigate business casual attire during these cold winter months. Since I can’t bring myself to dress casually like most teachers, here are some things I have =
1) Shoes in your bag: Wear your boots to and from the classroom, but have your dress shoes in your bag or at your desk.
2) Wear a dress or skirt with tights if you want to rock your fave dress boots.
3) Layer up: It’s tempting to rock a hoodie on cold days. RESIST and layer up with a sleeveless shirt, cardigan or sweater, scarf and your coat. Gloves and hats are also a must-have.
christmas scram to cram
Last week I was very discouraged. I decided to just go for it. If I fall or fail, I will get back up and try again until I reach my goal. With that said, I have just registered to take the NES History Exam. I have four weeks to study, and I am pretty sure I’m going to fail.
I have not taken a history course in over 10 YEARS!
I keep asking myself why I chose to do this. I bought a $50 study guide so we will see. I am afraid of the written portion, what if the topic is something I have very little knowledge of? Let the crunch time begin. Of course, I would be trying to study during the holidays right? Christmas should totally be stress-free.
a marketable history teacher
I am all in my feelings right now, so this post is super emo. Honestly, I just want to teach high school history. Is that so wrong? But when I google, “How to be a marketable history teacher,” all I get is that the path I am on puts me on a long list of applicants with minimal positions available.
People are advocating, “We need good teachers!” But where the jobs at?
When I look for openings in the many districts, I am interested in there is maybe one position open. It is all about the Math and Sciences, Special Education and ESL endorsements. Instead of the History AEPA (Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment) exam, I should be taking the Social Science Exam. Instead of getting my masters in Secondary Education, I should have pursued an English degree. Seriously, who wants to hire a teacher with zero years experience and a Masters degree?
Is anybody out there?
I am so discouraged.
Have I done all this for nothing?
Should I quit?
p.s. A friend just sent this to me and I’m in tears.
teachquelle 