I have to make a decision as to whether I should go on with the National Boards process. I did not receive a scholarship from the state to pay for a portion of the cost and I really DO NOT want to take out the proffered loan from the state to pay the tuition fee. I could take the money from my emergency fund and hope that I don't actually have an emergency over the next year or so.
My other option is complete the pro-cert program in the fall. My certificate is due to expire next June, so I have to do something and the pro-cert program has changed to where I can simply take the culminating seminar and be done with it. Although it takes some work, it isn't nearly as taxing as doing National Boards and I would virtually be guaranteed to pass. There are so many things outside of teaching going on in my life, perhaps a break may be something to get me back on track. National Board certification has around a 40%(?) passing rate. Did I mention it would cost a fourth of National Board certification fee?
The Pro-Cert program, however, will reap me no benefit other than keeping my job. No raise, no new title, nada, zip, zero. The purpose of it is a rant for another day...
If I do pass the National Board certification process, not only do I get a bonus stipend, but I can also get a teaching job anywhere in the US (for the most part). This may be important later. I made it past the lay-off cut this year, but what about next year? Really, what do I do?
My other option is complete the pro-cert program in the fall. My certificate is due to expire next June, so I have to do something and the pro-cert program has changed to where I can simply take the culminating seminar and be done with it. Although it takes some work, it isn't nearly as taxing as doing National Boards and I would virtually be guaranteed to pass. There are so many things outside of teaching going on in my life, perhaps a break may be something to get me back on track. National Board certification has around a 40%(?) passing rate. Did I mention it would cost a fourth of National Board certification fee?
The Pro-Cert program, however, will reap me no benefit other than keeping my job. No raise, no new title, nada, zip, zero. The purpose of it is a rant for another day...
If I do pass the National Board certification process, not only do I get a bonus stipend, but I can also get a teaching job anywhere in the US (for the most part). This may be important later. I made it past the lay-off cut this year, but what about next year? Really, what do I do?
Comments
1) It is extremely difficult to complete National Boards with small children. Options: a) work very hard during all the hours you have day care but no school. b) Get your child used to a 7:00 pm bedtime and work after they go to bed. c) Work hard this summer if you have day care and no school. d) Take advantage of any offers by friends or relatives for childcare on the occasional weekend day so you can work. None of these are great options, but a few of them together may be doable.
2) The pass rate in Washington state for candidates in a support group is much higher (about 62%) than the national average of about 40%.
3) The three year pass rate in WA is higher than 80%, which makes the loan a very good deal if you commit to staying with NB for 3 years if you do not pass the first time. Also, isn't there a second round of scholarship applications? Put your application back in for those!
4) If you get NB out of the way now, you will have all the years in the future to spend with your child, with higher pay and more free time due to no clock hours or other certification requirements.
5) Using part of your emergency fund doesn't necessarily seem like a good idea unless your fund is extensive. This loan seems like a good deal because essentially you will not have to pay it back as long as you stick with NB long enough to pass.