Where Did Everybody Go?

I love the National Board process. Love it so much, I decided to renew my certification while serving in the role of principal. And I don't mean I did the certification for principals! I borrowed a class, taped myself teaching, did the reflections, and the whole nine yards. In fact, I think by staying close to the NB process, I can be a better instructional leader.


Was it difficult to be out of the classroom and renew? Well, anything is possible if you want to accomplish it bad enough. I could not walk away from the process that made me a better and more effective teacher.


I created this blog a couple of years ago to connect to folks taking my National Board Learning Group hosted by the University of Montevallo and the Montevallo Inservice Center. I enjoyed my fellowship with many candidates in the Montevallo Inservice region. The grant was not funded for the past two years and those looking for assistance during their candidancy were forced to look else where for help. 


So if you stubbled upon this blog looking for information, feel free to browse and see what is available. There is more online information now for candidates than when I worked on my certification in 1999. I am proud to say I am a National Board Certified Teacher and hopefully in October I can continue for 10 more years to say I am still NBCT! 


Best of luck to those who are BRAVE enough to step out on a limb and learn more about themselves as educators!

ALABAMA State Department Grant Application Link

Thinking about doing National Board Certification, but need the funds? Apply for the Alabama State Grant. The application can be found here:

ftp://ftp.alsde.edu/documents/74/AlabamaNationalBoardCertApplication.doc

Persistence

This inspiration is just for you!! Happy Writing!


Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Persistence

If you're not ready to climb a mountain, then see if you can walk up a gentle hill. If you're not ready to walk up a hill, then set out to take a leisurely stroll.

If you're not able to walk that far, then you can take a single step. After taking that step you'll likely find that you're ready to take another.

If you have trouble imagining yourself reaching your goal, then imagine yourself taking one small, simple action in the direction of that goal. Imagine it, and then do it.

After that first step, there will be another one you can take, something that's a little bit more challenging and yet not overwhelming. Keep it up, and soon the ultimate goal begins to come into view.

Anything can be accomplished if you are willing to keep taking the next step when it is time to do so. What you lack in brute strength, or resources, or knowledge, or skills, you can make up for with persistence.

You absolutely can get where you choose to go, step after step after persistent step. And now is the perfect time to begin.

-- Ralph Marston

The Mentors are Coming!

Tonight Montevallo's Ongoing Learning Group...known as the Alabama National Board Seekers will meet on campus (room Wills 200) to discuss the different types of writing involved in the portfolio AND videotaping tips. Mentors will be introduced and you will have time to connect.

I hope to see you there from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

Write, Right! Dec. 11th meeting UM campus

The next National Board Support meeting will be on December 11, 2007 on campus in Wills room 200 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

The topic will be WRITE, RIGHT! We will be discussing the different types of writing involved in the National Board process and WHY you need to know the difference!

Come join us!

YES YOU CAN DO IT!

One of my favorite sites that offers FREE daily motivation is http://www.dailymotivator.com/

Check out below the one for today!

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Yes you can do it

Yes, you can do it. And you can begin right now.
Sure, you've run into problems in the past. Yet there is a way to get past every one of them.
When it is important enough to you and meaningful enough for you, you will find a way. There is a positive, effective step that you can take this very moment.

It will require effort on your part, as well as commitment and persistence. Fortunately, you are fully capable of all those things.
Yes, you can do it, and in the process you will more fully become the beautiful, unique person you are meant to be.

You will grow more capable, more confident, more knowledgeable and experienced.
When your objective is connected with the purpose that drives every other purpose, there is no doubt that you can do it. Begin now to work your way there.

-- Ralph Marston

Next meeting on campus is Dec. 11 Wills 200 5:00-7:00 pm