Relocating Teachers

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Relocating Teachers
By RTH

Crystal,

I understand your feelings completely. Due to job transfers for my husband, I have relocated to seven different states over my teaching career. I have retaken parts of the NTE (now PRAXIS) three different times.
I have also taken 2 state teaching exams. I've always purchased one of the test prep study guides and gone through it before the test.
I did live in Pennsylvania from 1995 - 1999 and was certified there. The process was fairly quick when I completed it. In Pennsylvania, I actually ended up taking a private school position and keeping it for the entire time I lived there. Most

private schools do not require you to have a teaching certificate. You might want to consider a private school position for this year while you deal with the certification process.

My advice to you and other teachers who are relocating, is to begin the process of getting credentials in the new state as soon as possible. My nightmare certification state was California. I probably had 10 letters from the State Department of Education, after submitting my initial paperwork, clarifying what I needed to submit and requesting that I obtain other documentation, before I finished the certification process.

Is it worth the hassle? It was for me, because I wanted to teach. When I couldn't find a teaching job and worked in other areas, I didn't enjoy it.
Every new teaching position has been a learning experience for me. I've met wonderful teachers and been exposed to new programs and resources in every place where I've taught.

Good luck - Hang in there!