I'm in the Boat

I wasn't being deceptive... but I had not yet paid for my renewal.  It's $1250 and I won't be able to get the money back until I actually "make it."  That will be next December.

For some reason I was stalling.  I went to the renewal class last year so I understand what's involved.  But it seemed like I was too busy--

Does this sound at all familiar?  :-)

But this morning, on the last day to pay--I did.

So I have to upload all my Profile of Professional Growth (which has 4 mini-components called PGEs) by May 18th.

I'm officially in the boat with you although I liked to pretend I didn't need to do this!  It will be good for me, I am sure.

Just wanted to be honest and accountable to you guys.  xoxo  Joetta

Someone Asked for A "Kick in the Pants"

Because the survey evaluation of semester1 support was anonymous, I don't know who wanted one... but really, my job is organized so that I can spend some time helping you get started.  So anytime you need more structure, just email me.  I (or your mentor) will be glad to come to your school and sit with you while you figure out some things.  Ultimately, it's up to you.  But if you need some extra help, you can always ask.  :-)

Go, go, go...

So the old cheer is:

Go, go, go--
go, go
go, go!  

Fight, fight, fight--
fight, fight
fight, fight!  

Win, win, win--
win, win,
win, win!

Some of you may be too young to know about this cheer.  I feel like cheering you on.  Or cheering you up!

A teacher said, "I still feel overwhelmed."  My answer was, "It's time to quit being overwhelmed, and I think the way to stop being overwhelmed is going to be to complete the writing of one of your components."

I say that because, after you've done the writing, you will have been through the process with one component.  Now you just repeat for the rest of your components.

Your "Aha-moment" will probably be after you've been through the process at least once.

If you are still overwhelmed, can you take a professional leave day and go somewhere no one will speak to you?  You have four professional leave days available to you.  Since child care is already arranged, can you go somewhere to work?  Can you make yourself write the whole thing?  You will be okay once you get that first draft done.

Go, Fight, Win!

Turn in Reimbursement Paperwork to Me

Susan Steadman has asked that we turn in the reimbursement paperwork for your two NBCT components and your $75 as a group--and as soon as possible.  I would like you to bring it to BMS on February 23rd for the meeting.  If that's not possible, please email me and I will pick it up.  Let me know if you have any questions.  I want to submit them to her by February 29th because there is a limited amount of funds available and the state will reimburse those whose paperwork gets there first.  So far in the state, this hasn't been a problem, yet we want to make sure we get the money back.  I may be double checking with each of you if I don't get anything from you by February 23rd, just in case.  See you soon!

Breaking It Down

When you pay for two components, you can be reimbursed by the state right away (3-6 weeks.)  When you pay for one component, you have to wait till after you pay for another one (next year) to apply for your money back.

Not a problem if that's okay with you.

Whatever components you want to take before August have to be paid for by February 29th.  This means Component 1, also.

If you want to use the $500 the county provides as "seed money" you can pay for one component and file with the county for reimbursement.  However, since that $500 could be used for something else you find essential in this process (for example, I bought a multi-directional microphone to make sure I captured all the class discussion for mine), then you may want to make decisions about your best use of all the available monies.

Sometimes it just comes down to finances, though, and the language of the policy does specifically say the intent is to help eliminate barriers to pursuing national board certification.

Lastly, the state does reimburse additional costs up to $600.  Some people use that for graduate class tuition or any other expenses besides paying for your components.  (I had to use some money to pay a photography shop to transfer my video tape to DVD back in the day, for example.)

I have heard you have not yet been paid for the meetings first semester--I will check on that today.

I am just hoping that this helps you strategize financially.  Happy Teaching!  Joetta