GACE

I received my test scores back for the GACE tests which I took at the beginning of January. I was not very confident in my Geography test scores because I thought the questions were weird.

For example, Which of the following sets of countries share both a physical and political boarder? 

I did feel pretty good about the Middle Grades Social Sciences test. It had some of the exact same questions which were on the High School History tests as well as one or two from the High School Geography questions.

Fortunately, I passed all of the tests! Due to the job market, I want to make sure that all of my bases are covered, so I signed up to take the Middle Grades Language Arts test next. Many middle schools want their teachers to teach two subjects, so this may greatly improve my job prospects.

Boring?

I am not sure whether it is the subject as U.S. History has never been my favorite class, or if there is another reason, but I am not finding teaching high school as interesting as teaching middle school.

I find myself questioning which I would rather teach. I hadn't even considered teaching middle school before I started the program, and now I have a lot to consider.

I also try to remind myself that although the subject matter seemed more interesting (less little details, and more overarching social themes) , the classroom management aspect took much more effort. I am also only a few weeks into this student teaching experience and I may start to enjoy it more before I am finished.

So, I have a lot to think about. I am still waiting to receive my score back for the Middle School Social Studies GACE test (I feel pretty good about it). I am glad I decided to take the test, so that I will have plenty of options when it is time to start applying to schools!

PASSED!!!

Part of the teacher certification process is taking the GACE, or Georgia Assessment for the Certification of Educators. These are content area tests that I must take in order to be certified to teach. I do not take them through GSU, but an independent company/organization and they are pretty expensive. Each subject has two tests and you have to pass both tests to teach that subject. Two tests end up being around $170.

Back in October I took the GACE tests for history. I was really unsure about whether I passed or not. Due to the amount of time I was putting into GSU and Sweetwater, I did not get to study as much as I had hoped. And, although I have my BA in history, I just wasn't feeling confident. 

I got my score today, and (as the title of the post foreshadowed) I passed! Whew! This takes a huge weight off my shoulders. More than anything I was worried about the GACE tests. They do not offer many opportunities to take them and although I can re-take them as many times as needed it would have cost a lot of money.

Now, I just need to decide what I want to take next. The tests I took only allow me to teach World and US History. I can still take GACE tests for Geography, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, and Middle School Social Science. 

Decisions, decisions.