Day 4

Okay, I signed up for to retake two sections of the National Boards. My problem is that this time I know what I'm in for. The process is grueling. I will be redoing the whole class instruction portion and one section of the test.

The test, I'm not too worried about. I like tests. When I went for the test the first time, I was blind sided. I expected to be tested over the National Board standards, not math. I chose Data Analysis, because it was one of the sections I scored the lowest on (which I don't understand) and I love Data Analysis. I figure I'll spend the next few months going over everything I can find on Data Analysis.

The portfolio section will be another story. I have to come up with a lesson and teach a class. I have to orchestrate an "ah-ha" moment. This time, I'll arrange for another classroom to tape in (my classroom is too dark). I'll tape three lessons and choose the one that will best fit what NB is looking for. I'll also arrange for three of my little lovelies to be somewhere else on my tape days. I think I'll also get a camera operator instead of trusting the tripod.

When I first started teaching in this county, I didn't worry too much about observations from administration. I had always done fine. My first principal here changed all that for me. I now understood what my husband had been talking about when he talked about the "dog and pony show". I guess I have to do the "dog and pony show" for NB. The fact that 80 to 90 percent of my kids move from the lowest level to at or near on grade level, has nothing to do with passing National Boards.

Besides, I've already checked and the IRS has no openings right now!

Day 2

Okay, being a math teacher, I've done the math. I need to get a better grade on one of the two modules I scored the lowest in and retake the stupid test. That should get me enough points to pass this beast. (I hate to lose.) I think I'm going to go for it. I guess I knew this yesterday, but wasn't ready to admit it.

The Day After

Okay, today is the "day after" I received word that I did not make the cut for National Board certification. Now the decisions come.

I could tell NBPTS to go some place very warm and toasty.

I could cry (and probably will some more).

I could try again.

What to do? I've already invested nine months of my life. Do I really want to put myself (and my family) through this again?

Today, I don't know.