Shelly - Hi Rebecca. I'm a new EC candidate this year.
Rebecca - me too, just got my box about 3 weeks ago
Rebecca - where are you located?
Shelly - lucky you, I got my verification forms in the mail today, so I assume the box will be here shortly!
Shelly - I'm in NC, in the mild/mod category
Rebecca - they will, i got my box first, and i finished my forms but haven't maile them yet!!,
Rebecca - great!!! where in N.C......i'm in n. ga.
Shelly - I live in Wake Forest NC, and work in Durham, NC
Rebecca - a bit of a ways from here, I'm in Blairsville, I'm also mild disabilities
Shelly - have you started doing much with the box yet?
Rebecca - I've been working on my entry 5 and 6 today, took a day off from work....first time I've taken off like that in 17 years!
Shelly - That's good....you can be real productive when you have a big chunk of time, huh?!
Rebecca - I'm working on my 6-yr. degree and fortunately it's a building block FOR national boards, so I did my entry 5 this summer
Rebecca - but I'm telling you, those entries 1-4 have me CLUELESS!
Shelly - I've been "gathering" stuff for Entries 5 and 6, but am not comfortable writing until I get the box and all
Rebecca - i've done no less than 7 or 8 rewrites on each of my accomplishments, they are kinda hard until you get the hang of it
Shelly - does the information in the box spell it out for you in terms of what they're looking for?
Rebecca - I bet I put 40 hours into just entry 5, that's what's scaring me because to me 5 and 6 are easy compared to the rest, yes, they do
Rebecca - you just have to get the "language" right....that is sooooo critical
Shelly - i'm half-scared to even get the box, but in a way I feel like i'm wasting time and i'd rather just dive in
Rebecca - I know the feeling, this whole thing has me so scared, we have no one to look to since we have a new area, i'm stumped on some of this
Shelly - have you been reading the e-group pages?
Shelly - some of the comments make me feel good that I know what's ahead but them some of the comments leave me feeling like "what did I get myself into??"
Rebecca - yes, as a matter of fact, i now copy them as they come to my email each day, file them in a folder, and can easily refer to them when I need to
Shelly - that's a great idea
Rebecca - how long have you been a teacher
Shelly - I'm actually a speech-pathologist, which has been difficult trying to "fit" into the NB areas
Shelly - 4 yrs to answer your question, what about you?
Rebecca - this is my 17th year....i'm interrelated now
Shelly - what do you teach?
Rebecca - what's the deal with speech teachers lobbying to get national certification without going thru this process due to some other activity they've done they feel is as rigorous as boards?
Rebecca - i teach 3rd-5th reading, math, and spelling/English/writing to learning disabled and behavior disordered students
Shelly - Speech-Pathologists are required to get a master's degree prior to working, and have 350 hours of documented "reflective" practice your first year after graduate school, collect documentation, and take 2 national exams in order to get their "certificate of clinical competence"
Shelly - when compared to NB guidelines, we actually do "more" than what is required by NB
Rebecca - wow!! no wonder they want this automatically!!
Shelly - i'm surprised you've heard about the lobbying.....are they trying to do it in GA?
Rebecca - i have a really good friend who is speech and she was trying to explain it to me....i read it online somewhere, but can't remember where
Shelly - NB has stated that they will never have an area for Speech Pathologists
Rebecca - well that makes no sense, they work with students on a daily and consisten basis
Shelly - you would be surprised how much I was discouraged from going through this process, even at my state Dept. of Instruction
Rebecca - why?? that makes no sense
Shelly - in fact, a big part of me just wanted to do it because "they" kept telling me I couldn't without giving me good reasons (now I look back and realize my "mission" led me to perhaps bite off more than I can chew!)
Shelly - they didn't want to pay the fee like they do for other applicants
Shelly - and they told me i may not be eligible for the salary increase
Shelly - fortunately the governor was on my side and it took only 1 phone call from his office for the Dept. of Instruction to send in my application (which took all s ummer.....i sent my stuff in in May and still haven't received the box)
Rebecca - they major reason i'm doing it is FOR the salary increase, and with the cost of the kit and the sacrifice i'm making i'd be FURIOUS if our governor didn't follow thru....hundreds, maybe thousands, are pursuing in ga. due to the 10% pay increase the gov. offered us this past summer
Rebecca - I truly believe this is going to make me a more reflective teacher and influence my practice, but money sure drives me to do big things like this!
Shelly - i agree 100% percent!!
Rebecca - however, i just don't know if i'll survive the next 7 months to benefit from any of that!
Shelly - again, i agree!!
Shelly - it does seem like it's going to be a lot of work!
Rebecca - i'm still sitting here trying to write my first accomplishment for entry 6
TeacherThorne - I can't figure out where to start! I'm keeping a log & that's all for now.
Rebecca - has anyone done any significant work on their portfolio yet?
Shelly - just collecting stuff
Susan - What's going on? I see the speech debate...who is working on the EN portfolio? Who has a box?
TeacherThorne - I'm having a rough time in the classroom this year. (My first year without an assistant).
TeacherThorne - I have a box & I am an EN candidate.
Rebecca - well, then i hope i don't sound stupid, i'm really not, but those first 4 entries look challenging
Rebecca - especially entry 4....what in the WORLD does that mean?
Laura - Boy, I had a difficult time finding how to do this!
Shelly - i don't have a box yet
Laura - Shelly, are you in Merritt Island?
Laura - I finished this process last year and am awaiting scores
Shelly - No, I'm in Wake Forest, NC (work in Durham)
Rebecca - i've done my entry 5 and have had it critiqued by college professors familiar with the process and with other board certified teachers, i feel good about that one
Michele - Well, I've had someone read my #5 entry...
Laura - ok, I was thinking you were someone else
TeacherThorne - WHere is evryone located. I'm in FL just north of West Pa;m Beach.
Laura - I'm also in FL - Belleview, near Ocala
Michele - I'm in Las Vegas
Rebecca - same here michele, mine's been critiqued by several board certified people
Susan - Laura, that is the other Shelley, who did the process last year. I am in SC.
Shelly - WOW....Las Vegas!! Fun, Fun!!
Rebecca - i'm in n. ga. mtn.
TeacherThorne - We are spread out. I am a middle school teacher with high EMH/low SLD.
Michele - it's becoming a melting pot, which doesn't do much for the kids...
Laura - you all are way ahead of me -- at this time last year I didn't even have a box!
Michele - they seem to move around so much - I'm a resource teacher - 4th/5th grades - 35 students
Rebecca - laura, how do you feel about what you turned in?
Michele - lots to choose from... ha ha
Laura - what's the topic of conversation?
Susan - Laura, tell us what you wish you had someone tell you at this time last year.
Laura - Really unsure; felt good at the time
Laura - hmmmm
TeacherThorne - I keep reading my standards & looking over the entries. It seems so foreign. What have I been doing the past 4 years?? I thought I was teaching! ;)
Michele - don't underestimate yourself, thorne!
Laura - maybe that you really need to know about all the sped areas, even if you're only teaching one exceptionality
Michele - that's what I've heard about the asses. centers
Shelly - explain that, Laura
TeacherThorne - I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I had two altercations in my room in the past week. I'm not used to this much behavioral problems.
Rebecca - Laura, tell us about the assessment center, what was that like?
Laura - that, and get started NOW! You can always edit and re-edit, it's just getting started that's hardest
Susan - I look at the entries, and say, no problem; I am just so busy since school started to actually write about what I do. What else, Laura??? Tell,tell.
Laura - On the application, I was asked what exceptionalities I teach, what grade level, subject, etc.
Shelly - I've been told not to even THINK about the asses. ctr until AFTER the portfolio is returned!!
Laura - But as I've become aware of scoring policies, they expect you to understand much more than what I thought I had to know
Michele - I think 5&6 will be okay - although 6 is giving me headaches.
Rebecca - I'm concerned about entry 4, that "vague" one
Michele - I just made up a home survey to send home to find out about the students' home lives...
Michele - gave out jolly ranchers for returned ones... that'll fit, right??? (not the jolly ranchers..)
Rebecca - i've done entry 5, but it took me probably 40 hours, not counting editing, i don't think well when i'm having to compliment myself
Laura - I thought the AC was the easiest part - but when they say you need to know every area, every subj., every age group they're not kidding!
Rebecca - hahaha....i gave bubble gum for the returned of the permission forms for videotaping
Michele - I figure I can implement in the classroom some of the info I got back from the surveys
Laura - Entry 4 was the most vague and difficult for me
TeacherThorne - I can't get things home to parents & forget phone calls. Either no phones or not home. I'm seriously considering home visits for each of my students.
Laura - yes, Michelle, then document it!!
TeacherThorne - I gave ice cream bars for the video permission slips.
Michele - that would be quite an undertaking - how many do you have?
Laura - whatever works!
Rebecca - laura, do you mean every area of ALL exceptionalities or just within our areas, such as mild/mod disabilities?
Michele - Thanks, laura - and can i use a returned one for evidence?
Laura - I found the videotaping to be really fun for me and the kids
TeacherThorne - Currently 28 students.
Rebecca - thank you laura, i thought i was the only one....4 is giving me fits!
Shelly - y'all are making me feel guilty!! I didn't give ANYTHING but got all of them back but about 6!
Laura - I figured out who that fat, old lady teaching my class was!!
Laura - I did!
Laura - I not only submitted a parent survey, but commented on areas I had changed because of the knowledge I gained from them
Shelly - what types of questions are on the surveys?
Rebecca - what did you use the parent survey for? an entry accomplishment?
Michele - I think I will - part of my reflection could be the inclusion of more questions...
Laura - I used it to show home/school communications
Rebecca - or entry 4?
Michele - I used it for #6 - parent communications
Laura - I'll put my survey on email and send it to any who want a copy
Laura - (type in your email addresses)
Shelly - I would love it!!
Michele - sure! maloney1009@excite.com
Shelly - rotosky@mindspring.com
Rebecca - how many accomplishments did you have on entry 6 laura?
TeacherThorne - TeacherThorne@aol.com THANKS!!
Rebecca - LAURA, PLEASE SEND TO ME!!!!!!!!!
Laura - got it, Shelly
Rebecca - rwilkie@hotmail.com
Susan - srandall@radcad.net Thanks!
Rebecca - thanks, laura!
Michele - The person who read my #5 was an assessor this past summer.
Shelly - Michele, did the assessor have any broad advice?
Laura - Hey, srandall, I remember you!
Rebecca - michele, how did that person say you did...any suggestions
Michele - He gave me some good advice and suggestions...
Laura - Got Susan's and Rebecca's email
Michele - yes, yes! he told me to keep it brief - don't duplicate - he said that 5-6 accomplishments would do it.
Rebecca - tell all, michele
Laura - will send when chat time is over
Susan - Michele, was that person doing EN assess?
Michele - He said that the most important thing(s) (There are so many) but a few were...
Michele - Yes - EN assessing #5
Michele - He said that be careful of things that may take up a lot of time, but ARE considered within your job description
Michele - He said BE SURE to answer all three questions for EACH accomplishment.
Rebecca - michele, i have 6 accomplishments for entry 5, so that's ok, i guess
TeacherThorne - Entry 5 & 6 are in all areas I understand.
Michele - I set it up almost like a blank outline, first... so I KNOW I wouldn't leave anything out
Susan - Laura, did you think that you had enough time after the new year? I am waiting on the rubric before I get serious about final entries. If we get it when you get scores,we still have the same amount of time you had.
Michele - He also said that more is not always better, getting back to the # of accomplishments...
Michele - quality, not quantity type of thing.
Laura - yes, all areas have 5 & 6, but from what I understand our fam/comm entry is more FAM than comm
Rebecca - did this assessor mention how he felt the portfolios he'd scored were looking overall
Laura - well, we had until June to turn it in; that helped immensely!
Michele - no, sorry - he's a husband of our office clerk, so she's kind of my messenger... he's a spec. ed teacher too...
Michele - I think I'm organized, then I look at the entry again, and get lost...
Michele - I'm worried about the 4 MEATY ones...
Michele - any suggestions of where to start?
Rebecca - I called NBPTS yesterday to ask why we didn't get a scoring guide like the other areas, they said not until maybe Jan., is it because they have to wait for the first scorings?
Laura - thought I'd try this color
Rebecca - Michele...........I'm with you on that! those first four...........
Laura - Guess this is worse! Going back to fuschia
Michele - that's what I've heard - but we were told November!!! I hope it's NOT january!!!
Susan - Laura, do you feel like you showed ordinary things, or did you try new things for the entries?
Michele - I'm hoping that the scoring guide will shed some light!!!!
Laura - yes, we had no scoring guide last year
Rebecca - Laura, what area of exc. did you say you teach?
Laura - No, I did what I normally do; the new things came about as a result of my reflections
Laura - I teach middle school SLD - math only for 5 years
Michele - I've been told NOT to try new things... but I'm going to - next Friday I have to give an inservice on behavior management - and I'm hoping to go to a Gonzalez Reading one...
Michele - I was thinking Gonzalez for the literacy one...
Rebecca - let me ask you this....what kind of social development activities did you consider that would involve the family also
Susan - I am having trouble settling on one thing for any entry. I have to choose, I keep going back and forth.
Rebecca - what is "Gonzalez"
Michele - I guess we'll see how things go, and how the kids react before I bank on changing my normal routine...
Michele - Gonzalez is a type of reading program - very much interactive...
Laura - Susan, that's actually good at this point; as you work, you'll find one thing that seems to give you more opportunity for reflection; use that one
Rebecca - i'm unfamiliar with it....is it successful?
Michele - For family interactions, I started a career day - our first one ever is next Thursday!!!
Michele - Gonzalez is not scripted, but very predictable for the kids so they know what to expect each day.
Laura - I didn't end up with any social dev activity that involved family
Michele - I figure Career Days can fit under #6
Rebecca - sounds interesting, i'll look into that
Laura - Michele, that sounds great! The more I hear about what others are doing, the more unsure of myself I feel!
Susan - Laura, what was you big question about? Entry 4. I have a student who needs to be checked for breathing, he is so dull. I am working on getting a reaction out of him!
Michele - Well ladies, I must go - this was truly fun - I'm going to check back next week and let you all know how the Career Day went, and I'm sure I'll have more questions!
Rebecca - good luck, michele
Laura - I really struggled with that... I think it was something like, "Will a daily checklist help Kristen complete classwork throughout the day?"
Laura - Best of luck, Michele
Michele - THANKS, AND TO YOU, AS WELL!
Laura - That would be a great opportunity to research: "How can I get ---- to participate more in class" or something similar - then explore and document what you tried
Laura - That's similar to what I did; I'll have to let you know later if it worked!!
Rebecca - There are days I feel I'm so on top of this and then days I feel I don't even know my own name!
Susan - Do you think it needs to be very complex, or just something you need to try a little harder for than the everyday routine?
Laura - that's how I felt, too!
Laura - mine wasn't complex, just showed I was trying to explore new ideas; again, I don't know if it worked or not yet!!
Susan - I am wondering if he has seizures, or some other health related problem. He truly seems in a coma at times.
Rebecca - I agree, Susan, I keep trying to think I need to come up with some "Ph.D. level" question
Laura - definitely include how you collaborated to find answers to your questions as well as solutions you attempt
Susan - For the assessment, did you have good results with the direct type, or did you use lots of varied assess ? I could go either way; again, I am having to stop from showing everything I know, and narrow down
Laura - I don't understand that question, Susan
Susan - On the entry about assessment, not the AC-
Laura - please forgive me; I turned in my entries in June and haven't looked at it since; now I know what you're asking
Laura - My assessment was on paper first, then orally, then on paper again
Susan - I could show all kinds of assess about what I considered information of the kids, or I could just assess one skill in a simple fashion..
Rebecca - i'm still in the chat, i keep stopping to jot down notes!
Laura - I think the important part is your reflection and how it caused you to grow (my opinion only)
Susan - Rebecca, you know this goes in archives, and you can read it all next week, just to save you time
Laura - just remember your page limits; I remember wondering, "How am I ever gonna write 9 pages about this?" and then thinking , "How can I condense all this into 9 pages?!"
Susan - Laura, thanks for coming on tonight to help us... I know that Nov can't get here fast enough for you!
Rebecca - thanks, i really didn't know that!
Laura - you got that right!
Rebecca - I hope you'll send out a great big "Hoorah" to all of us when you get your results....sounds like you did just fine!
Susan - There is the word on the left of the screen, then the mtgs are listed and you click on what you want and the date
Laura - I have my hopes (and fears!)
Laura - ok, thanks, Susan
Susan - Laura- did you have people in your school act strange towards you / this process?
Rebecca - well, now I'll have to access the archives and see what I can learn!.....(like I have any spare time!)
Laura - There were 4 of us doing NB, we supported each other/ all in diff areas. Most other teachers were unaware of NB or that we were doing it.
Laura - I'm wondering what it will be like when scores come out (3 of us still at the same school)
Rebecca - I am on of 6 in my system, and we are the first 6 ever from our system to pursue this
Susan - Rebecca, have you printed all the files from the EN site, and visited all the links on the list?
Laura - are you celebrities or unknowns, Rebecca?
Laura - We were unknowns, and I was glad!!
Laura - HI OHIO!!
Rebecca - No, i haven't done all that yet....on top of all this, I'm pursuing my 6 yr. degree also
Rebecca - i'm no celebrity, but i am a former teacher of the year (1999)
Laura - where in OH?
Crystal - Hi everyone, Please excuse me if I seem a bit slow. I'm on a friend's web tv.. I have a smallq question about entry 4... I seem to be struggling a little about this with my students I really don't have any students with any social skill weakness... the biggest problem we are facing right now is that my students do not like to take risks....
Susan - I am the only one in my school, and the only EN in my district, I get weird reactions.
Ret in OH - Smack dab in the very geographic center of Ohio!
Rebecca - well Susan, I'm with ya.....good luck!
Laura - Crystal, I thought the same thing last year, but when I started a once weekly role-play group to help kids learn to handle difficult social situations, I was amazed how much they NEEDED social skills!
Laura - My aunt/uncle are in Dublin
Crystal - Has anyone began to work on entry 4 ?
Ret in OH - Crystal, taking risks...would be considered a social skill especially if you're talking about in social situations
Laura - Oh, it's you, Loretta!
Susan - All students need social skills!
Ret in OH - Yes...it's me! Sorry I'm late....I was at school very late tonight
Ret in OH - Thanks for holding down the fort...Laura!
Laura - boy, I guess so, 10:30??
Laura - been a pleasure
Rebecca - I'm scared of entry 4!! :)
Ret in OH - Well...ok, I admit...I had pizza and spent some time with my hubby a little too.
Susan - Loretta, Laura has told us all the NB secrets..
Ret in OH - Ooohh....what secrets did I miss?
Laura - Susan, don't get me in trouble!!
Crystal - Well, this past week we have noticed that the kids really are nervous about taking risks in the classroom. They are scared of being wrong. I bet that if I began doing some role playimg activities that I could find that taking risks could apply to social situations as well.
Rebecca - i think i missed the part where secrets were divulged.....repeat them!
Laura - just my pitiful reflections!
Susan - Entry 4- I have decided you are least restricted on that one. So, nothing to be scared of. You do it every day.
Laura - sounds interesting, Crystal, pursue it; maybe you can use it for entry 4
Crystal - I really have never thought about how I focus on my students social skills until I started this process !! :)
Ret in OH - Rebecca, entry 4 was the one that I didn't care for. It just seems kind of vague.
Laura - that's what I thought, too. be sure to include that in your reflections
Rebecca - well, girls, i have to go read some from my "instructional supervision" book, fun, fun, i have class every sat. morning from 8-12:30, and I have to drive an hour just to get to class!
Laura - don't read while you drive!
Laura - (more secrets revealed!)
Rebecca - don't worry!
Susan - ON entry 4, I am going to get this guy out of a coma, and that will be fun. I have already started making the class wait for his response, which is so hard for them- to wait in silence, when they love to talk, and so do I. We are learning patience.
Laura - Loretta, RET doesn't mean retired, does it?
Rebecca - Nitey nite.....good luck with everyone's work this week!
Laura - have a good week
Susan - Goodnight Rebecca
Ret in OH - Oh...Susan....the girl I focused on for social skills last year would never talk or answer...it was a horrible wait. Ever since I completed the entry, she won't be quiet. Her confidence is so high this year she is passing all subjects in the regular cla
Ret in OH - regular class.
Ret in OH - Laura...I have 12 years until retirement. Ret is in the middle of LoRETta....a family nickname
Laura - that's what this process is all about -- HOORAY!
Laura - oh, I couldn't imagine you'd go through this, then retire!!
Ret in OH - Say...that ad at the top of the page with the boy jumping around is kind of irritating
Susan - If this guy can even find a regular class and recognize it, it will be a miracle. I sent him to art this year for one block, and he went in 30 min late for the 1st week, he was eating both lunch block, didn't notice he was walking into a class halfway done
Laura - I see an ad for Grade Master
Susan - Loretta, you are distractable, no?
Laura - any more questions, Susan?
Ret in OH - I need quiet when I'm working...don't need ritalin though. It's funny. They took half the teacher's lounge and turned it into my room...now my room is like Grand Central Station. I'm thinking about putting up a toll booth.
Susan - OK you guys, are you onto the countdown? I saw it was 50 days on the teacher talk site. How will it be with your group, Laura? Do yall have a plan?
Laura - oh, how awful
Ret in OH - What date are they using for the 50 days?
Laura - I try not to think about it (although I have visualized both possibilities)
Susan - Loretta, just kidding, the ads ARE annoying!! I AM highly distractable.
Laura - No plan, the others are men; they probably won't get all hissy about it! One is certain he failed; turned it in 3 months early; kind of gave up
Susan - I think, Nov 13? not sure...saw several posts re that this week. Laura, I know what you mean, men would be easier than a bunch of women playing games
Laura - I told my husband if I pass, I'll buy new carpeting for our house with the bonus money. If I don't pass, I'll need cheering up, so he has to agree to pay for new carpeting with our savings money!! (Either way, I win!!)
Susan - Laura, what money? Where do you live?
Ret in OH - One of our new candidates said that a friend of hers was an assessor for Entry 6...and there were only 260 candidates. I asked her to check on that because that would mean that about 750 didn't finish.
Laura - In FL we get $3000 for certifying
Ret in OH - Laura...is that $3000 per year for 10 years?
Laura - then another $3000 in May if we mentor others trying to certify
Laura - yes
Laura - until the legislature changes their mind!!
Laura - have to document 100 hours of mentoring
Susan - IN SC, we get $7500 for 10 yrs- just passed this yr
Ret in OH - One of our new candidates said a friend of hers was an assessor for entry 6 and there were only about 250 candidates. I asked her to check on that because that would mean that about 750 didn't complete the portfolio
Laura - 7500 each year? WOW
Ret in OH - Susan...I just saw that about the $7500. How is SC on salary?
Ret in OH - Ohio pays $2500 a year more
Susan - I wondered when they would update the NB site- our new Gov is on a rampage, since sec of ed, Dick Riley is a former Gov of ours, who became famous a few yrs ago for the EIA, then went to DC
Laura - I know FL is in the bottom quartile for salary, but it doesn't cost much to live here, either!
Laura - 3 BR/2BA house $50,000
Susan - $325. above the nat'l avg on scale of 22 yrs increments
Ret in OH - In each of your states, how much would a teacher with 18 years experience, a Masters plus about 20 hours make? (approximately)
Susan - Plus, no recert during that time, normally 6 credit hrs, per 5 yrs
Laura - close to $45,000 without NBC
Susan - $45,000.
Susan - the plus 20 would not be anything, you have to have 30 above, then you get a few thou more
Laura - Susan, you mean you don't need to recertify when you hold NBC?
Ret in OH - Sounds like it's a lower salary than OH....I am in one of the "middle" range schools in OH and it's about $50,000. Other schools would pay up to about $75,000
Susan - Yep, how bout them apples?
Laura - I haven't heard that here; I'll have to check it out
Laura - but a house in OH costs over $100,000
Susan - You save the cost and TIME of 4 courses
Laura - I'd better ask around!
Susan - We have a high cost of living, my house is 250,000. for 3,000 sq ft.
Laura - Susan, did you start the process last year, or just "eavesdrop" for info?
Susan - I have other sources of income,or I would not be here, so ...
Laura - your house in FL would probably be $150,000
Ret in OH - Say...your green and pink colors are very attractive together (just getting distracted again)
Susan - Laura, surely I would have better things to do on a Fri night--- I am going thru it NOW--smile
Laura - LOL
Laura - yes, but I remember your name from last year
Susan - Loretta, You know i pick green out of jealousy that you are finished and I am not
Laura - I guess you're dishin' me an Loretta! (We don't have a life anymore!!)
Ret in OH - I was just getting ready to say.....I gotta get a life!
Laura - LOL
Ret in OH - I am hoping that I am TRULY COMPLETELY finished with the process.
Laura - Somebody said to me today, "You're so into your job" It almost sounded like a put-down
Susan - I did say thank you and I mean it! If you saw my name, it was cause I decided to apply in May - or rather actually did apply- I decided last yr.
Paul - Hi there, I have a question if anyone is still answering..
Laura - Ditto to that, Loretta
Susan - I am into my job, so don't take it like that is a bad thing
Ret in OH - What's your question Paul?
Laura - Yes, I was reading every egroup I could find all through May
Laura - What happened to you, Shelly?
Paul - I have 2 reference letters dated 1995 that say it all. Can I use them since what they talked about I am still doing.
Laura - unfortunately, no
Susan - Paul, you asked me to send something to you a couple weeks ago, then I never got your email, so I didn't know how to send it
Laura - I had that happen, too. And of course, I got a beautiful letter this year, but I've already mailed in my entry!
Shelly - i got lost in the archives reading old chats for information! talk about being easily distracted!! : ) I'm just like a sponge.....wanting any info i can get my hands on!
Ret in OH - Laura....what is the cut off date for 5 years?
Susan - Paul, get those people to rewrite it, explain why you need the update, that you are still doing those things, work it,
Laura - true, Loretta, I guess if it's dated after Aug or so of 1995!
Laura - 1995 seemed like eons ago!!
Ret in OH - Paul, what is the date of your letters?
Laura - good suggestion, Susan
Paul - So basically if they say the same things with a current date, it would be usable?
Paul - May 95
Laura - hmmm, I'd do what Susan suggested, just to be safe. You'll be turning this in in April, 2001. Seems like 6 years.....
Susan - Paul, are those folks still around? I heard someone (NB cert speaker) say that you have to be assertive and ask people for what you need, and most are thrilled to be a part of your efforts, if you explain why
Paul - okay
Ret in OH - Paul, you can only include accomplishments from the 1996-97 school year up through this school year.
Paul - yes they are in fact one is a notable name in education in California
mimi - i did my first videotape today. it was not easy, took me 5 takes to get it right and still i'm not too satisfied with it. this stuff is not easy!
Susan - Well, we are in high cotton here tonight
Paul - Ret, are you saying a reference letter for experience before 96 is not acdceptable
Susan - Laura, tell us some taping secrets??? Please???
Laura - I ended up loving the process of videotaping, but the first few are shocking!
Laura - Paul, check your instructions, but ours said only things from the 5 school years previous to this one
Laura - No secrets, I just let the kids in my class (middle school age) take turns; they loved the process and loved watching themselves
Ret in OH - Paul...that's right. It must have taken place during this school year or in the 4 years previous. (if it hasn't changed) Ours stated this on page 8 of Entry 5.
Susan - Loretta,you must be exhausted! How are the mentorees doing? Any new tips for us?
Ret in OH - Whoa...wait a minute Paul...I just read this on page 8..."You may cite an accomplishment that began before the beginning of the 5 year period as long as some of your involvement in that accomplishment has taken place within the last 5 years."
Ret in OH - Susan...mentorees? I had to turn down mentoring new candidates at the college...this school year is too wild and wooly!
Susan - I thought you were doing that, perhaps you had come across some new info in the process
Ret in OH - Unfortunately...not able to mentor this year. 2 student teachers, mentoring 2 new tutors in our building, mentoring several college students this year...can't do it all!
Susan - Laura, were your tapes pretty? Did you worry about that aspect? Or just be thankful to get a decent one?
Laura - They weren't pretty, but they were clear (especially all my physical flaws!)
Laura - I was more concerned with content that aesthetics
Susan - Loretta, I guess all that mentoring I had heard you mention before- it was a different kind. You ARE busy.
Ret in OH - Hmmm...I missed the part in the instructions that said the tapes had to be pretty! :o) One of my best tapes (I submitted it) was on a day I wasn't expecting the tape to go well and I was in my "scruffies"! Oh well....definitely not pretty!
Paul - Ret- that's wwhat I read to, so I guess it's a possibility then if i can show continuity, do you think?
Laura - Yes, I considered it successful when I could reflect and improve
Ret in OH - I think so Paul...but if you can get an updated letter from them...I would probably consider it
Laura - I would agree- get an updated letter just to be safe
Susan - I wondered what someone meant on the teacher talk site last week about some not certifying, in spite of bias training, due to the tapes???
Susan - Maybe I need to stay off that site?
Paul - Thanks
Laura - don't know anything about that!
Ret in OH - Susan...just because you received "bias training"...doesn't mean you aren't going to be biased. That would be very difficult for some.
Laura - I wore a hot pink pants suit one day on video - threw it in the Goodwill heap after watching the video!! LOL
Susan - I did read the conference links today- I would LOVE to be at the conference in Oct. Anyone going?
Ret in OH - Well now Laura...that might have gotten you a few more points...those hot pink pants!
Laura - No, I looked like a fuschia pineapple!!
Susan - Laura, you needed pink hot pants, not hot pink pants
Ret in OH - I'll probably wait until I certify to go to the conference. One of the teachers in our building is going...she says it's very inexpensive
Laura - Is the conference in Orlando? I haven't heard anything about it since last summer
Ret in OH - Susan...I was thinking that but didn't want to say it.
lois - which conference
Laura - Well, if sense of humor counts for anything, we'll pass for sure!!
Ret in OH - I think the conference is at Disneyworld isn't it?
Susan - The site was updated today- you can read an agenda, workshop descriptions, etc
Laura - I should make an attempt to go - I'm about an hour from there... is it too late to register?
Ret in OH - Beginning Teacher's Tool Box....there's that irritating ad again.
Laura - what's the URL?
Susan - Yes, the NB 4th annual conf at Disney
Laura - Now, Loretta, CONCENTRATE!!
Susan - The deadline is Oct 2 for the mid - rate
Ret in OH - Not that I want all of you to sing...but I just wanted to share that I will be 42 this Sunday! :o)
Susan - It is Fri- Sun, so only one day off
Laura - Congrats!! You look MAHVELOUS!!
Susan - Loretta, my birthday is tomorrow, no wonder...
Ret in OH - Thank you Dahling!
Laura - Is this info on the main NBPTS site?
Susan - YES, Laura
Susan - Paul, if you are still there, then it is left up to you to sing
Ret in OH - Susan...I want to hear you sing.
Laura - I'm singing.... can anyone hear me?
Ret in OH - It must be that beeuuutiful sound I hear, Laura.
Paul - can a master's degree in special ed. received within the past 5 years ok to use as an accomplishment?
Susan - You will get to hear that when we get to Orlando next October- you will be a presenter, and I will be your sidekick. You have to be NB cert, but can have a helper who isn't. I will still be waiting
Paul - whoa! happy birthday it's the terrible 42's, just kidding of course.. i've been there
Ret in OH - Paul...from what mentors have told me, NBPTS would be more interested in your connecting one course with the effect it had on your practice and student learning. Can you relate your masters to student learning?
Laura - Here's my opinion for what it's worth, Paul: the degree in and of itself wouldn't be as good an accomplishment as what you've done with it; how you've improved your teaching, how your collaboration improved, etc.
Laura - sounds like we're on the same track
Ret in OH - Susan....Disneyworld? I'm hoping for Hawaii!
Laura - my whole family lives in OHIO, maybe I'll travel there!
Susan - Well, I have a place in Orlando, but maybe I can swap it for Hawaii- wherever- just give me the dates.
Paul - well i wrote many types of assessments and learned various teaching styles and menthods, so maybe.
Ret in OH - It's a small world Laura!
Laura - keep pondering how your degree has improved your teaching and your students' learning
Susan - Paul, of course it had an effect on your teaching, you just have to pick specifics and show how
Ret in OH - Paul, I think that I would briefly discuss the masters and classes and then really focus in on those courses that really had an impact on your practice and student learning...like assessment, teaching styles, etc.
Paul - okay
Laura - Well, Paul, and birthday girls, I'm gonna hit the hay now. It's been fun. Catch ya next week (if I remember!!)
Ret in OH - Good night Laura
Laura - bye all
Susan - If I don't go to bed, I will have my birthday on this site. Goodnight Laura, and all
Paul - good nite Laura
Ret in OH - Goodnight Susan...see you next time.
Paul - Thanks again and goodnite
Ret in OH - Goodnight
