Professional Education Test

Hooray! I've passed the PET and am now, in theory, ready for my professional teaching certificate!

The PET had lots of questions regarding English Language Learners (ELL), so be ready for that when preparing for it. Probably about 30% of the questions were related to ELL.

What I used to prepare for this exam:

• CliffsTestPrep, FTCE: Professional Education Test
• Professional Education Test Information Guide

The CliffsTestPrep book was quite wonderful, and was a very reasonable $15.00 on half.com. I highly recommend it.

MGIC-- Much harder!

Through much test anxiety, I can proudly say I have passed the FTCE Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum!

This one was much harder than my other two. The good news is, even though it covers four subjects, it's graded as one test! I was probably saved by the English and Math sections, because applied knowledge is far easier for me than the factual knowledge necessary for the Social Studies and Science section.


Materials I used to prepare:

• Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum Test Information Guide
• Mometrix Media "Test Secrets Guide" (NO! NO! NO!)
  

Now, off on a rant I go.See this yellow book to the left? AVOID IT LIKE THE PLAGUE! I spent all of last night cursing myself wishing I had spent the extra money for the Clif Notes guide!

This is a PIECE OF JUNK! It outlines the curriculum rather than explains it and offers very little help. The "secrets" are nothing you can't read on an amateur-written eHow page. "Don't cram the night before. Get plenty of rest." These "secrets" have been hammered into my head since I was in grade school!

Thanks, MoMetrix, for scamming me out of my money. You won, congratulations!

GKT-- Check!

My General Knowledge Test went wonderfully! I wasn't very worried about this one. It's layout appeared very similar to the GED I took a few years back, and it tests non-specific knowledge skills which are used in everyday life.

The essay section was tense, but I feel I did well. They allow you to choose from two topics, which helped me feel like I was more "in control." Just remember these essay basics:

• Stay on topic
• Use transitions
• Various sentence structure
• Good grammar and spelling
  

Now, the math. I understand that many people have math-phobia, but don't worry about this test! You get a calculator, a cheat sheet with formulas, and a ton of time (1 hour and 40 minutes!) to finish it!

What I used to prepare for this exam:

• The FTCE General Knowledge Test Information Guide
• And this lovely .PDF from Study Guide Zone! Thanks guys!

Passed my first exam-- the Elementary K-6!

Yaaay! I've passed my first FTCE! It was not very difficult, but I can certainly see that Teach First Coast is already helping me-- there was a question using the key phrase differentiated instruction, something I had just learned today! Haha! Whooo!

So, what did I use to prepare?

• The Elementary K6 Test Information Guide

And, that's it. I guess I was kind of confident for this one. =)

Hooraaah!

I've made it into Teach First Coast, FCCJ's Educator Preparation Institute! I was getting pretty worried when I couldn't contact the office, but Dr. Kathleen Foley, the director, put my mind at ease. The interview went wonderfully-- she told me I have a very professional demeanor! *squees like a school girl*

Now, what exactly are the benefits of an EPI? Well, I'll tell you what I know.

• First year teachers who choose Alternative Certification must complete a Teacher Induction Program before they can get their professional certificate, gaining FEAPs or Florida Educator Accomplished Practices. This program requires the new teacher to give up their Saturdays for an entire school year with minimal absences. An EPI bypasses the TIP completely. This EPI is very intense and crams all the information into a month and a half of constant classes.
  
• But, it set me back about 1500 smackeroos which is something you must consider before entering an EPI.
• Additionally, it looks great on a resume if you don't have a job yet. School districts love to see EPIs on an applicant's resume. You are required to get volunteer hours and the reading class qualifies you for the Competency 2 of your Florida Reading Endorsement!
  

Diplomaaaa!

Hooray! My diploma came in.. along with two transcripts! But.. The Teach First Coast director isn't answering the phone! D=

I'm really starting to worry. The final interviews are set for Friday May 29th!

Sitting on my bum.

I've been chilling, waiting for my diploma to come through the mail. I need it to be posted before I can apply to my Educator Preparation Institute at FCCJ. It should be soon, but I don't know for sure.