Kagan Summer Conference–Complete!

Yay, one more thing to cross off the list. 60. work–go to Kagan one week training

This is one of those goals that I’m not sure would have happened this soon if I hadn’t put it on my list.  Because I had written it down I think I was concentrating harder on trying to find a way to get there.

Not too much to say about it–the Kagan Cooperative Learning structures are fabulous and if you are a teacher you should definitely learn more about them.  I had a great time at the conference, but the afternoons after the conference weren’t the best because it rained every day and I was all cooped up in the hotel by myself. But, it was still worth it for all the great stuff I learned.

NBCT pondering

Yesterday I went to the county information meeting on National Board Certification. To become board certified, you have to prepare a portfolio (video tapes, kids work, and writing) that proves you are a good teacher and then you also take a test. It is supposed to be a very difficult process, with tons of writing, silly hoops you have to jump through as far as formatting, and take tons of time. The speakers said to consider the process to be the same as taking on another part time job. The benefit is that it is a big deal, but also that you get paid more for the years your certification is current.

I have definitely decided this is something that I want to do, but the big question is when. You need to have 3 years of experience to be eligible, but they said they “strongly encourage” having at least 5 years of experience because they (“they” being the professional development coordinator and the teachers who have just gone through the process) believe it makes it easier to complete some of the tasks. This year is my fourth year of teaching.

So I have pretty much decided that I’m going to wait one more year before I try to start the process. This summer my roommates and I will move to separate places after living together for five years. That will be a huge change, and there is a good chance I’ll end up having to move again in November. So that’s two big changes right there that would make life stressful even without a ton of extra work. My type A-ness is wanting to do it anyway, but there is really no reason waiting one more year would make a difference. Although that year may be stressful too, doing it a year when I know for sure things will be changing seems silly. (If it sounds like I’m still trying to talk myself into it, its because I am, a bit. I’ve spent the past year thinking I would do this next year so it requires a bit of an adjustment.)

It seems like all the other 101 blogs are completing things left and right, whereas I am in the midst of goals, or deciding to postpone starting them. Oh well, I guess I’m the tortoise and not the hare.