So here it is...all happened today... First...I found out that two certifications that I took Praxis II test for (and passed) did not go on my teacher licensure because I had to pay some application fee that I had no idea was required. Pay for and pass the test, and then pay to have it added to your license...what a way to nickle and dime you right? (what really started my day off bad here is how disinterested the lady I was talking to on the phone was, she obviously felt she had much more important things to be doing) Secondly...my license expired today (beginner teacher license), so now they can not be added to my license. I knew my license was going to expired; however, now it won't even show I am eligible for certification if an employee wants to hire me unless they see my Praxis II scores. Thirdly...found out late tonight that I didn't get the job that I felt I had the best shot of getting by someone who just graduated from college. Advice? Words of encouragement? Today has really been discouraging for me.
I know that feeling - I had one of those days just this week. Your time will come - and it will for all of us. Keep your chin up and the everything will fall into place, eventually.
Quote: " Crushing day for me today.... So here it is...all happened today... First...I found out that two certifications that I took Praxis II test for (and passed) did not go on my teacher licensure because I had to pay some application fee that I had no idea was required. Pay for and pass the test, and then pay to have it added to your license...what a way to nickle and dime you right? (what really started my day off bad here is how disinterested the lady I was talking to on the phone was, she obviously felt she had much more important things to be doing) Secondly...my license expired today (beginner teacher license), so now they can not be added to my license. I knew my license was going to expired; however, now it won't even show I am eligible for certification if an employee wants to hire me unless they see my Praxis II scores. Thirdly...found out late tonight that I didn't get the job that I felt I had the best shot of getting by someone who just graduated from college. Advice? Words of encouragement? Today has really been discouraging for me. " OK, it sounds to me like you've got to get organized. It's a holiday weekend, so I'm not sure who will be in offices; your best shot is probably at 10 am sharp this morning or next Wednesday. Call the state board of education, armed with all the info you need-- certification numbers, dates, papers saying you passed, and so on. And ask them what you do. I can't imagine you're the first person whose certification has expired. But obviously this is something you need to be on top of. This paperwork is annoying. But as an adult, it's your responsibility to take charge of your own career-- to know about the fees and the deadlines. Hang in there, and don't sweat it if nothing much gets done today or Tuesday. But gather the info, put it into a folder, and try. You might also want to write a letter and send it (or email it), though of course you can probably expect faster results over the phone. But make this easy for them. Include ALL the information they need to make this better for you. Good luck. ETA: In re-reading, I do have a question. You say you've just graduated from college. How on earth could your licence have expired???
Alice - I THINK the OP meant someone that just graduated from college got the job instead of the OP. OP - Do what Alice says.
OK, KU-- that makes sense. Sorry, it was early, my mind is on getting on the road. I wasn't awake enough for creative reading.
Walk into that certification office this morning with all your paperwork and check book. You can fix this, you just need to get organized to do it! Good luck and once the certification is taken care of, get right back to applying for jobs!
Thanks for the advice; unfortunately, I'm really not sure there is anything I can do to re-activate my license myself. I called the department of education several months ago to ask them about having my license extended because I knew it was getting close to expiring, but the lady then told me there was nothing I could do, that only a school can do that if it runs out. I do take some responsibility for not knowing there was a fee to have a certification attached to my license, but in my defense I called the department of education a month or so ago to ask them if there was any way I could verify my certification was with my license and the lady I talked to then did not say a word about having to resubmit paperwork or pay a fee. I'll most definitely try to make some more phone calls to get some information on my options. I only recalled them this time because the principal in my interview asked me about my certifications being on file, and I told her they were as far as I knew.
I'm confused about a school needing to renew your license. When my teaching certificate is in an expiration year, I need to go to the regional office of education and pay to renew my license. I also need to fill in my professional development on-line, whether this is classes I took or workshops I attended.
I just got off the phone with them again. The lady said the same thing everyone else has told me; only thing I could do is become employed by a school system, and they could have my license reactivated.
I would suggest you call the university when you recieved your degree and speak with someone in the Education dept. As mopar posted, in my state, at least in the past, we have to update our license through the university that issued our degree. In my experience, the people at the university are very helpful, and understand the nuiances of licensing issues. Good Luck
The license is whatever all starting teachers with a teaching degree get. For the state of NC it is "Standard Professional I (Class Code A)"
It is extremely important that you are aware of everything that you need to do to finish up receiving a full teaching certificate. Unfortunately it is your responsibility, and no one has to explain that to you. Just chalk this up to a learning experience and a really bad day. Tomorrow work on getting this all straightened out. It sounds like not only is it going to be a royal pain, but costly as well. I wish you luck and hope that the next few weeks are a lot more productive and the next interview is yours. All the best!
Make sure you do your homework by scouring the dept. of education website. In my state w have a provisional license that is granted when you graduate. This is valid for two years at which time you renew to a full license. In order tip renew the provisional you must be employed as a teacher and complete a mentor program or, if not employed as a teacher you can t renew to another provisional with additional college credits. I know that every state is different but with the current job market many states seem to be making such allowances. If nothing else, could you get a letter from someone at the dept. of ed. stating you are eligible for the additional areas upon renewal? Last of all, don't lose heart. If you find that you have exhausted your resources and what you've been told is true, you can't be the only applicant in this situation. Will you have to work even harder to be given a shot? Probably, but when have you been afraid to work hard?
I don't understand how only your school district can help; a lot of people are unemployed by choice or lack of available jobs, and they must have some way to renew their license.
I originally graduated with a certification in Physical Education. I took the Praxis II for certification in Special Education on my own accord. I never found anything in the process though that indicate I needed to pay to have it actually attached to my license once the department of education received my scores. Thanks again everyone for all the advice and encouragement. I think my best bet right now is asking the Department of Education to write a letter showing I am eligible for the certifications upon being hired for a teaching position. I've also emailed my University to ask them for their advice.
Sounds like you are making the best of the situation and working to problem solve so that you can find a job.
I've done substitute teaching in VA for the last 2.5 years. A lot of my sub jobs were special ed., including two long term sub positions at a school that had all students with severe to profound ID and severe autism; each long term position lasted 3-4 months each. I'm originally from NC, which is where I've moved back to and am currently looking for a teaching position. The two long-term positions I did at VA is what made me want to go into special education.
