Sunday, February 03, 2008

Mrs. Bybee Goes Back To School

"Whatever you do, DON'T let your teaching certificate expire!"

I've heard these words from pretty much every educator I've known here in Alabama. It seems that once your certificate expires, it's a whole lot of work to have it re-instated. I've been told by everyone to do whatever it takes to renew my certificate before it expires.

Naturally, my teaching certificate expires this year! In order to renew, I had to have three years of teaching experience. I taught two years at Madison Academy, and before that I taught one year in Tennessee. I sent off all of my paper work at the end of last year hoping that my year of teaching experience in Tennessee would help me out. Unfortunately, since that year of teaching did not happen in the last five years, it doesn't count. Because of that, I will be returning to school!!! Yep, that's right, I'm going back to school.

In order to renew my teaching certificate I have to take a 3 hour course at a state approved university. Seeing as how the spring semester is now underway, it looks like I will be applying for summer school. I have been on the phone with several universities in the area and I've made my decision based on cost!!! I tried to have the school that I chose mail me my registration forms and enrollment forms, but they told me that I could do everything online! My, oh my, how times have changed.

I must admit, I am just a little bit intimidated about returning to school. Its been 9 years since I've been a student! The ironic part is that Jason graduates in May. Here I was thinking we were done with all of this school stuff, and now I'm the one that has to go back! I'll be sure to keep you all informed on my progress. I guess it won't be that bad: the class is an undergrad course, junior or senior level. But I have to admit that I'm dreading adding "student" on top of all of the other hats I wear (wife, Mom, etc.)! Pray for me!

8 comments:

Alisha said...

You'll do great! Don't let it stress you too much. Summer school teachers are usually a little easier than the regular semester teachers. Oh, and don't worry, several of us will be signing up for classes in the not so near distant future to update that good old certificate.

Stacy said...

I'm sure you'll do so great!
You are such a great organizer,
study-er, and planner I'm sure an undergrad course will be a piece of cake for you! It might even grow to be a peaceful break for you to get out of the house!!! If it's an enjoyable class, you might enjoy it!

Maybe this is a perk to the fact that I never even GOT my certification--I don't have to renew it!! Ha!

THE MORROW FAMILY said...

Awww Sunny, I'm sorry! I was hoping that it would count. I'll be back in school before long...by choice, though, to get my masters. I hope it ends up being pretty easy for you. I'm sure you'll be glad to go ahead with this instead of letting is expire and having more work to do later on. Teaching is like an endless circle filled with paperwork and requirements. Good luck!

TARA said...

There's nothing like adding another hat to your collection. You will do fine. Will Jason keep the kids while you study?

Ashley @ pure and lovely said...

how exciting! you'll be great!

Jason said...

I think I owe Sunny years and years of keeping the kids!

Bri Maharrey said...

Sorry about the fact that you have to go back to school. As others have said I know you will do great. Who knows...it might even be nice to have a change of pace even though it will make you busier overall. The positive thing is that it will probably make time with kiddos even more special because you know you know you'll have to give some time to studying.

Amy S. Grant said...

Sunny, you will do great! I hope you enjoy being back in class. I understand your feelings of being intimidated after so many years. I have felt the same way. Keep us posted.