VA Troops To Teachers Teacher Prep Workshop

Fellow Warriors,
I attended my first ever TTT event.  The VA TTT held its first annual Teacher Prep Workshop in July.  It was a one day event and they only invited those who were close to being hired, or newly hired, into a teaching position.

This was very much like a TAP Class, but geared strictly toward teaching, something TAP doesn't even touch.

There were veteran Teachers and Principals available for mock interviews.  My interview was very productive for me, not in that felt that I did well, but rather the gentleman helped me to translate my military leadership abilities into civilian/educator terms.

There were also three different sessions that everyone was able to participate in.
     One was the use of technology in the classroom.  The veteran Teacher/presenter showed how easy it is to use tech and integrate that with the subject matter while incorporating other core subjects as well.
     Another session covered Endorsement areas: Academic and Vocational.  They also discussed the differences in certifications for these.
     A final session was Teacher Portfolios (which I covered in a previous post).

Overall it was a day well spent, especially considering it was on a work day.  If you get an opportunity to attend some kind of new teacher workshop, I strongly urge you to do so!  After all, if, as military members, we are to train the way we are expected to fight, then we should approach our next career with the same zeal.

More to follow...

Passed Hurdles

Fellow Warriors,
I successfully passed some of the hurdles in the path to teaching:

• VCLA - Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment
• Reading
• Writing
• FTCE - Florida Teacher Certification Exam
• Ethics for School Employees

What were these?

VCLA tested what I knew.  This is similar to the tests we took in high school.  Reading asked me to read a couple paragraphs, then quizzed me on how well I comprehended what I read.  Writing gave me a couple paragraphs, then asked how to change certain passages to make the writing better.

FTCE covered some of the same from VCLA, as well as math and science.  This test also asked about specific teaching functions.  If a student has X problem, then which teaching method would you use to help them.  Y'all will want to make sure you study some before challenging this one...


Hurdles I need to get by:

• VRA - Virginia Reading Assessment
• PRAXIS I
• Reading
• Writing
• Mathematics
• PRAXIS II
• Elementary Content Knowledge

What are these?

I am told that VRA is all about how to teach reading; methods, practices, etc.  I was advise that the VCLA/VRA website has the study material I will need to pass this...

PRAXIS I & II seem to be similar as the FTCE, bit I am sure they are more in-depth.  The PRAXIS 1 tests are each about 1 hour, the PRAXIS 2 is 2 hours.

Wish me luck!

More to follow...