When NCLB was first initiated we Elementary teachers in ND were told as long as we had a major in Elem. Ed we were ok. The State Dept. has been reassuring us not to be concerned, etc. Now the Federal Ed. and Practices Board has checked our state and they're saying there are 3800 unqualified teachers here! That we need to be fully qualified in all areas which means we could get our master's, take the test the college students take, or make a portfolio. Our state doesn't even have a format for a portfolio in place since they thought we were ok...the State Ed. & Prac. Board has been asking the Feds for 3 years what the elem teachers need, and never got a reply, so they thought we were ok! Now I have 4 years left to retire and I feel like I probably won't have a job after next year now...I won't go for a master's...and I don't know that I could pass the test! I'm not a good test taker and I've always taught the lower grades, so wouldn't feel comfortable with the math, etc, that would be on the test. I love my job and feel that I've done a good job all these years, and this happens...I just needed to vent. Anyone else with my problem?
I am certified to teach 1 to 8, but only "highly qualified" to teach 1 to 5. If I taught 6th or above, I would have to have a more specialized degree, or more CLU's, whatever they are making the middle school and high school teachers do. Because I teach 4th, I am fine. I know our middle school teachers are struggling. Most of them have an elementary ed degree. They are going back and taking courses, conferences, workshops, etc. Vent away, I know how frustrating it must be for you! We have some teachers who have taught for 20+ years and weren't required to make a certain score in the NTE. They had to take extra steps to be highly qualified. That makes no sense to me! Best of luck to you!!
I'm certified to teach 1-8 also...so how did you become "highly qualified" for the lower grades? My daughter in college took the test and she agrees with me, I'd never pass the harder math! lol I'm not offended..I know my shortcomings..my question is to the gov. is why do I need to know that more difficult math, etc, when I'm teaching 1st or 2nd grades. I can't stop thinking about this..
They looked at my transcript and that I had passed all 4 parts of the NTE and that was it. All of the teachers at my school are now highly qualified. (prek - 5)
In California I feel like the rules are changing all the time. I had to create a portfolio for my bachelors degree so I wouldn't have to take the test (CSET) but then the state decided to make the test mandatory. I took the test and passed! Now that I went through the credential program I have to do another porfolio, no other options. The last day of my last class before I started student teaching I found out about the portfolio, was told I would not have to create anything new and now have been working on it almost non-stop 8-12 hours a day since last week to finish this thing ( I should be working right now but am getting very burnt out!). I feel your frustration, have no good advice for you but hope you make it through!
I didn't stress over my highly qualified status only covering 1 -5 because, frankly, I wouldn't want to teach about the 5th grade level. (Jr. High is NOT for me!) It's a little frustrating, though, that I am certified to teach through grade 8, I paid (and am still paying) for the college education to get that certification and now, because someone changed their mind, I'm not qualified to teach those grades.
My daughter has a semester left, then she will student teach. She is majoring in Elem. Ed and Early Childhood with a minor in Special Ed. So she will be student teaching for a year. Anyway, she had to take the Praxis before she got into the program and now tells me she has to take a second test before she's finished! My worry is I'm what they call a "not new" teacher(a polite term for us older ones!)so I never had to take the test...and I'm pretty sure I'd not do very well on it...our state doesn't have a plan for a portfolio in place yet...so who knows, with luck I'll be able to retire before they figure it out! Thanks for your input!
