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