Looking for My Teacher Licensure
I have been a substitute teacher since the spring of 2007. This has been my primary job. I’m 30 years old and a substitute teacher. My parents sure are proud. This is sarcasm of course. When I was a little girl dreaming about my future being a substitute teacher was not even a thought in my mind. I was thinking more along the lines of doctor, therapist, or million dollar lottery winner. I didn’t think being a substitute teacher at the local middle school would wind up being my career. I wanted to be a teacher. I have been working on getting my teaching license ever since I started being a substitute. It is more difficult to get a teaching license in Virginia than in any other state. It is also the most difficult state to get a license in professional counseling.
When I was in college I got my undergrad degree in Health Promotions. I wanted to be a health educator. I didn’t realize this position doesn’t really exist in many locations. Since I didn’t get a teaching degree I find myself going about it a different way. I have taken two difficult teaching tests. One test to prove I have a grasp on the English language through writing and speech. I realize the typos and grammatical mistakes in my blob might prove otherwise. But I passed the test just the same. The other test was to prove my competency in Health and Physical Education. I passed that as well. I even went to the local community college to take some required physical education classes. Being 29 years old taking a class with a bunch of 18 year old goof balls was definitely an experience.
I thought I had all the state requirements. I have the classes and I took the tests. I sent off my request for a provisional license with a $50.00 check to the State Board of Education. They cashed my check and three weeks later I get a letter rejecting me for a provisional license. The letter said I didn’t have all the classes. Well I do have all the classes they just refuse to accept them. According to them I was short three freaking classes! I sent course descriptions and they accept one course and reject the other two classes. I am now short two stupid courses and they took my $50.00, what in the world? Maybe I should have sent them a $100.00 check and I would be licensed. There is always talk about teacher shortage. But when an actual competent somewhat normal person without a criminal record tries to be a teacher they are REJECTED. I took the test proving I am knowledgeable in the subject for crying out loud. I have met teachers who are complete idiots or possible perverts. How did they get licensed? Oh please help me I hope I’m not a substitute teacher forever!
Tags: career, health, Physical Education, teaching, teaching license
