It's Official....I'm A Teacher!

I guess I've been a teacher for a while but my certification was only provisional. (I can't believe that it has been five years already!) I had immaculate timing when I decided on a career change and started the teacher education program. New York State no longer has "permanent certification" for its teachers yet, I was in the last graduating class that offered it. I was grandfathered in to being eligible for permanent certification as long as (in addition to the board exams that are required for provisional certification) I obtained my Master's degree, acquired 2 years of classroom experience, and submitted a video tape to the State of New York for review (and consequently satisfactorily pass their review) prior to my provisional certification expiring.

I must say, getting the video tape accomplished was so stressful and near impossible because, due to my travel to Russia for the adoption and circumstances around my mom's illness and death, I had no time to think or plan for such an important thing. Yet, thanks to my dear friend and former co-worker, Jen, and my sisters, Marysia & Margaret, I was nagged to death (with love of course) to make time for this video before I lose the opportunity for permanent certification. I mailed my video tape to the state for review days before my last day in the classroom. (Knowing that I would be a stay-at-home after we came home with Madeline, time was truly ticking).

Thanks Jen, Marysia & Margaret, for all the gentle prodding. I received my permanent certification in the mail today. I am permanently certified to teach Pre-K, K-6 and Business in the State of New York.