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NBPTS Announces Scores Release Date 2018

 

Hello NBCT Friends!

This week, I received the e-mail with the official date for scores release! The date is December 1st, 2018!

For those of you that have been on this journey a while (like me), this is the earliest I have ever received scores.  My first candidate year, (where I did Components 1 and 2) scores were released December 17.  My second candidate year (Components 3 and 4), scores were released December 16.

This year, scores released for new & returning candidates are scheduled for December 1, 2018!

Check this link for more NBPTS info about scores release: https://www.nbpts.org/national-board-certification/candidate-center/score-release/score-release-faqs-for-first-time-and-returning-candidates

Soon, I’ll share my post about NOT passing National Boards last year.  Whew!  Was that emotional!  It has been a process, but I’m hopeful this year that my re-take makes the mark!!

However, right now, for those of you waiting on one or all of your scores–the date is set.  For those of you thinking about jumping into the process, this gives you an idea of how long it takes to get scores back.  Mind you, I submitted my re-take component this year in May 2018.  Our deadline was May 17, 2018.

Remember to make sure you can access your National Boards account NOW!  NBPTS locks down “recovery features” for the few days around scores release.  If you cannot get into your account at the time of scores release, it will take a few days before you can get help accessing your account again.

Best wishes to everyone eagerly awaiting scores!

Lesley

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Things I Love: The Living Well Planner

 

Note:  This post contains an affiliate link.

Something I love–well, there are a lot of things, actually.  This thread looks at some of my favorites I have come to discover over the years.

The Living Well Spending Less Planner designed by Ruth Soukup and her amazing team!  Take a look at this year’s design!  It’s one of my favorites so far:

https://livingwellshop.co/collections/planner?aff=289

Today, I’m writing about the Living Well Spending Less Planner.  I had been reading Ruth Soukup’s blog for a while when I discovered the planner she created.  I do A LOT with digital calendars, but I loved the form and function of this planner (https://livingwellshop.co/collections/planner?aff=289)

The pages at the front of each month help me collect my thoughts, set goals, make plans, and organize the month.  I use it to keep records for blogging, consult work, and family events–all in one place.

 

Check out the promotions Living Well Spending Less are running for Black Friday this year!  They are great!

You will not be disappointed!  Order fast as they have the last shipment of their floral planner in and are expected to sell out quickly!

 

https://livingwellshop.co/collections/planner?aff=289

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#Favorites

For those of you that know me, I love sharing things that I love.  Gift giving is definitely one of my love languages!  You should also know that I don’t tell you I love something, if I don’t really love it.  That’s just not who I am.

However, I also feel really selfish if I don’t share with you some great things I have discovered, encountered, stumbled upon, or sought out along the way.  They may work for you, they may not.  Some items listed here are products I would shout from the rooftop about (for free).  🙂  For some items, I may be an affiliate.  Meaning, if you click on my link to go to their site, I receive some form of small compensation from them for those clicking from my link (sort of like a hostess discount/bonus products if you think about direct marketing styles).  For my full affiliate disclosure policy, please click here.

Check back as I keep adding favorites as I find them.

Blessings,

Lesley

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8 Things to do BEFORE your travel to Disney to make Disney Mornings with Kids Easier

Do these 8 tasks BEFORE you travel to Disney to make your Disney Mornings Magical (and get the kids out of the door for those Magic Hours!)

 

  1. Prepare all Mousekeeping tip envelopes (money stays the same/envelope ready, saves time in morning/evening)/kids could help
  2. Pack kids’ clothing together in one bag (limited space/easy to separate) for each day.
  3. Prepare your park backpack before you leave (pick up a cheap one/take a different one on the plane, etc.) or put it all in a large Ziploc and ready to pull out of your luggage
  4. Separate spending money
  5. Separate lollipops/candy for each day (fabulous for when kids are waiting in line)
  6. Make your daily list and have it ready (when you are exhausted and dropping into bed, reference your list so you don’t forget something in the morning)
  7. Prepare all accounts for Disney:  Disney app updated, smart phone updated, pinterest articles in a secret board, uber/lyft app updated and installed with account ready.
  8. Pre-sort pennies & quarters for pressing

I ended up getting small medicine containers (in the travel section aisle) and putting quarters and pennies in each.  Each kid had their own container and had some say about which pennies they wanted to press when we would go by a machine.

However, carrying all that change gets heavy, so consider only pressing a few pennies a day, or getting change as you go through the park. We also found several newer machines that allowed us to swipe a card or use Apple pay to pay for the pressed pennies.  Using your phone, card, or magic band is great when you used all your change and find a neat machine that you really want the souvenir coin from.

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Testing your INR at Home

Testing your INR at Home

How Much Does it Cost to Test Your INR at Home?

Is the cost/time benefit worth testing at home?

These are some good questions to ask yourself as you think about testing at home.

Some other questions include:

  1. Does my insurance cover home testing?
  2. How long will I be on blood thinner?
  3. Do I travel and often need to test when I’m away from home?
  4. Am I constantly running to the lab to have my levels checked?
I am on year 4 of testing at home and year 14 of living on Coumadin (see blog post here).  Testing at home has been a huge blessing to me and my family.

 

Now, when I get the call from my doctor, I just mark my calendar and make sure to test again in the prescribed time.

Costs?

This part is a bit trickier as it depends on your insurance and your situation.

For me?

Again, based on my family situation, insurance, and the provider for my medical supplies:

Every so often (usually 1-2 times a year), I need to order more testing supplies that cost around $80.00 for test strips (12 of them) if I have met my deductible for the year.

Lancets are very cheap and can even be purchased at your local pharmacy or have them direct shipped from the company, too.

I started with lots of lancets, so honestly, I have not had to purchase any yet.  I’m still going through my stock.

Lab visits

When I was going to the lab my insurance company was paying a significant amount for each lab visit and my co-insurance was around $5.00 for each lab visit.  While that doesn’t sound like much, when you start going 4-8 times a month to get a level checked, it adds up quick.  Sometimes, I went once a month.  Sometimes, I was there 5-7 times.

While the total savings may be more for insurance than you, the convenience for us far outweighed it all.  You have to consider your mileage, gas, and time when you think about the big picture.

I test either late evening or early morning and send the results using my smart phone.  Later that day, my doctor’s office calls because they have received the results from my company.

It is that easy.

If you think home testing may be right for you, talk to your doctor.

It was a game changer for me and my family.

 

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How to Pack Your Child’s Crown for Disney

We had a 6:00 a.m. flight.

Yep, 6:00 a.m.  Do the math.  Airport by 4:00 (or earlier because I’m type A).  Leave hotel by 3:30 a.m. for drop-off.  Wake kids up by 3:00 a.m. to get ready.

Wearing a crown on the flight down was not part of my plan NOR dealing with it in my carry-on.  No, thank you.  Checked baggage, please.

While I had read that you could buy your daughter the dress, crown, shoes—literally everything—she would need for her ultimate Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience, my friend had advised me that I could bring our own.

Being “financially responsible” and “Disney” don’t usually go in the same sentence–we were attempting it.  Would a three-year-old care (or even notice) if her dress came from Target for $20.00 instead of BBB for way more $$$$?

We went with bringing our own things.  I even found sparkly Croc sandals perfect for her dress, but something that she could use for a while.

However, next came the challenge of getting the crown there in one piece.

Prior to travel, I approached my husband with the challenge.  How can we get her crown to Disney for her special BBB appointment without crushing it in transit?  We didn’t have hard-sided luggage, nor was I dealing with a crown in our carry-ons.  Just. Wasn’t. doing it.

The steps below lay out the easy, cheap way to get your child’s crown to Disney.

1.  Find a full toilet paper roll.  You may need a “supersize” or “giant” size.

2.  Secure the crown to the roll.  We used rubberbands to hold it in place.

3.  Place the entire thing in a bubble envelope.  I recycled an envelope I had recently received in the mail.  It doesn’t have to be a new envelope.

4.  Pack the envelope in the hardest possible corner of your suitcase, near the top and to the side.

5.  Thoughtfully pack other clothing and soft items around the crown.  At the end of the day, pressure is pressure.   If you have something hard pressing on the crown in transit, it can still break.

6.  Arrive at Disney for your magical vacation!

 

Our daughter’s crown worked great with this packaging.  It arrived safely intact and our Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique experience was everything we had dreamed (and more). You could consider shipping the crown there or having your child wear it.  I hope this helps you and that you have a magical trip!

Blessings,

Lesley

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NBPTS Extended Payment Deadline

Hello!

Worried that you missed the payment deadline for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)?  Still on the fence about which component or if you are even going to GO FOR IT this year?

Well…super news!  NBPTS put out information late last week that they have extended the registration and payment deadline until the end of February 2018.  As NPBTS notes, make sure you read the fine print carefully.  For example, if your school district or a sponsoring agency is paying up front for you, they still must submit payment by the end of February.

Read the information here:

http://www.nbpts.org/national-board-certification/get-started/

This is my third year in the candidate process and all three years I have been involved, the payment deadline has been extended until to the end of February. 

Onward!

Many blessings,

Lesley

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Living on Blood Thinner

Disclaimer:  This post is not intended as medical advice rather it represents my experiences and my opinions.  As always, you should check with your doctor or medical professional about any questions related to your health, diagnosis, and treatment.  I am not responsible for any medical decisions you make using information from my blog.  All medical decisions should be made by you and your doctor.

I have lived on blood thinner for the last 15 years (and I still am)!

Are you taking blood thinner?  Did you just receive a diagnosis, have a major surgery, or some other unforeseen circumstance?

It will be ok.

That’s right.  I know you are still trying to figure life out.  Did the dietician/nutritionist/really nice nurse come talk to you about Vitamin K and greens before you left the hospital?

I’ve. Been. There.

Did you come home and your spouse/mother/friend/child immediately cover all the sharp knives?

I’ve. Been. There.

Actually, I still live there.  I’m glad you have found your way to this page.  Thank you for stopping by to read and share on my blog.  While I’m a teacher by profession, you will find that I have had some unusual paths along my life journey, too.  When I almost died (more on that later) and was diagnosed with a rare, clotting condition 13 years ago, there was no one out there.  At least, no one that I could find in my rural location.

Dear one (I can call you that, right, because, you know, you are part of the compadre know as “we officially take the stuff they use to kill rats or some other high-powered something”), it will be ok.

Yes, while you are on blood thinner you will need to put your professional ice hockey career on hold (Read:  Medical information regarding falls on blood thinner); however,  life goes on.

I’m living proof.

As I went through my round of “check in with my team of doctors” this summer, a Physician’s Assistant saw me during my hematologist visit.   It was our first meeting.

After the usual pleasantries, I opened up with, “I bet you don’t get many patients my age on blood thinner.”

Her response, “Definitely not, nor have I ever seen anyone your age that has been on blood thinner this long.”

I offered my autograph and we had a good laugh.

You. Can. Do. This.

Your job for today is to

  1. Follow your doctor’s instructions
  2. Read the medicine pamphlet
  3. Write down any questions you have for your doctor.

Repeat daily until you have all the answers you need.

I am not a doctor (God bless them, I’m glad we have so many good ones out there), nor anything close to a medical professional.

However, I am the patient that has now been living on blood thinner since 2004.

You. Can. Do. This.

I’m cheering you on, friend!  I hope your road is not as long as mine, but if it is, I’m here to encourage you.  Yes, it is a life changing medicine, but I also view it as life-giving.  Thirteen years later, three babies, two houses, one amazing husband, and a great God—I’m here today to tell you it will be ok.

When I started my journey 13 years ago, there was no one for me to talk to that was my age and taking blood thinner.  There was nothing on the internet, nor books in the bookstore.  I found myself reading medical journals to understand more about why I needed blood thinner and how it worked in my body.

Today, we have this amazing place where we can support and encourage one another.

It will be all right, friend.

Take each day at a time.  Keep a small notepad by your bed for your questions that invariably come to mind at all hours.

Welcome to the next chapter in your life—the one where you learn to live on blood thinner.

Blessings,

Lesley

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Six Side Jobs for Teachers


Six Side jobs for Teachers, Part I

Part-time.  Side Hustle.  Mad Money.  Vera Bradley Fund.  Kids’ Activities Fund.

Travel Fund.  Starbucks Fund.  College Fund.  I Need a Vacation Fund.

Baby Step # 2 Fund (see Dave Ramsey) .  I’m Going to Leave This Crazy Teaching Life and Live on a Beach Fund.

Whatever you want to call it, many teachers take on extra work to supplement their income, no matter the reason.

I was taught to work hard.  I can’t remember too many years where I didn’t do something else along with my full-time teaching job.  Yes, it’s crazy.  Yes, over the years, I’ve let things go to focus on what really matters or for a better opportunity.

Maybe you are reading this because you have a short-term saving goal, really need fresh inspiration for income opportunities, or maybe you are in the midst of your own crisis (and extra income is desperately needed).

Whatever the reason, I hope this list will help you find something that speaks to your heart.  As teachers, we give so much (and we all know it isn’t for the salary).  Find the side job that brings some breathing room into your budget (see Dave Ramsey, again) and some joy to your heart (or just more money for your Starbucks card).

SIX SIDE Jobs for Teachers

1.  Teaching

It almost seems silly to type this, but it’s true!  Using your skills and credentials outside your school can help you earn some serious $$$.  However, make sure you understand your county’s policy regarding such work and you are not violating your teaching contract.

Top Locations for Teaching:

  • Local courses (evening or summer)
  • Local Universities or colleges (often you need a Master’s Degree)
  • Online opportunities
  • After-school teaching/tutoring programs

There are many teaching opportunities on-line (I’ve been teaching on-line for 8 years).  Check out your district’s tutoring list or make sure your administrator knows you are willing to tutor students.

2.  Textbook Industry

Do you enjoy writing and editing?  If not, skip to #3!  Yes?  Read on.

Consider reaching out to publishers to conduct book reviews.  I made most of my connections in this industry at professional conferences.  If you attend a conference, prepare to spend time with publishers and take your personal business card.

Once I submitted reliable, well-written work, I earned usually $75-$150 for each book review (depending on how fast they needed the review and what the company needed).  For a poor, married graduate student (at the time), the money was great.  I worked at home, used a few hours to review the book, and was paid for it!  Seeing my name credited as a “reviewer” the first time in writing was pretty awesome to boot!

3. Testing Industry

If you hate all things testing and standardized, then go to #5.  

If you want to make assessments better for your students and be a part of the change (guilt trip notice), then read on.

The testing industry is just that.  It’s an industry.  Many of them are non-profits, but they still need professionals in the content area you teach to grade tests.  That’s the reality.  For the “nerd” in me, I loved this.  Not only did I glean insight into testing and amazing training, I loved being on the “backside” and grading!

I worked for a great, large testing company.  They only reason I ended up giving it up had to do with my time.  Our family grew and I was teaching full-time and working two other side-job (see #1).

While working for testing is strictly controlled (hello, sign the non-disclosure and DO NOT talk about it or you will go to assessment jail), it can be quite fulfilling.  You utilize your area of knowledge and apply that knowledge.  Many testing companies require a Bachelor’s degree and some teaching experience.  If you live close enough to their “on-site” locations, you may even go in and work in person (great for making contacts).

In the past, I scored tests for a certain company.  There procedures asked me to submit a schedule request.  I could have requested full-time work.  When I started, I usually scored tests 2-3 days a week for their 4-hour block of time.  As life got busier, I just didn’t have enough time and room in my schedule.  I would go back and work for them.  That was how positive my experience was.

Now, I still work for testing companies, but at invitation-only events where I write test materials, develop tests, and help set scoring standards.  However, I am convinced that my earlier experiences with testing helped me get on the “short-list” to participate in these other, invitation-only jobs.  Start somewhere.

4.  Teacher Pay Teacher

Need I say anymore?

Teachers are making money (some MAJOR money) selling their original material on this site.  You can join and sell for free (TpT takes a small commission) or sign up as a premium seller.

Yours truly has a store front there (that is still getting items added).

Check it out (small, but growing with big dreams and aspirations from me).

My TpT store:  ELL Crossroads

5.  Working Local Cultural Events

I must give credit where credit is due.  My husband shared this one.  He said, “Every summer, the teachers in my district all worked at the State Fair for two weeks.”

Brilliant!

Something they loved to do.  Working the fair was good money with a short, summer commitment and somewhere they wanted to be and would be anyway.

Perhaps there is a local theatre or performing arts center in your area?  Maybe local museums need summer tour guides/workers 1 day a week?

There aren’t any lesson plans to write.  Just show up and be your charming self.

6.  Tutoring

While I mentioned this above in #1, this warrants its own slot on the list.  I know many teachers that make excellent money tutoring after-school or during the summer.  Amounts earned depend on what they charge as well as the going rate in the area.  I tutored one summer and made some serious dough!

Check out your district’s tutoring list or make sure your administrator knows you are willing to tutor students.

You get the chance to work one on one (or small group) and provide intensive instruction.  You will need to write lesson plans and gather materials, but you’ll enjoy your students so much (and you are only preparing for a few) that it won’t seem like work.

(stayed tuned for part 2  of the list!  This post became too long.)

Anything resonate with you?  Questions?  Let me know and I’ll answer as best I can.  What are you doing to earn extra income as teacher?

Blessings and Happy Summer!

Lesley