A History of History Certification

Twenty-five years ago, mother told me multiple times that I should get my teacher certification. I was majoring in history and minoring in English at the time, working multiple jobs to pay my way through a BA. The thing is, I just couldn't figure out how I could student teach, work a job, get sufficient sleep and keep my sanity all at the same time. Plus, I knew I didn't want to teach my beloved history to a bunch of ingrate public school varmints who wouldn't appreciate the subject matter as much as I always did.

Fast forward to this afternoon when I received a passing score on my state certification test for history - yippee! At this stage in my teaching career, I know I could give the kids a run for their money in class and no doubt have them thinking history is not a total snooze. And maybe I'll get the chance to prove that in the near future as our district transitions 6th graders from elementary to middle school. I'm now certified to teach reading, English, ESL, special ed and, finally, my precious history. 

Everything they say about Texas weather is true

Winter is doing its usual psycho trip on Texas. Bipolar, multiple personalities or something along those lines. Last weekend we were hunkered down after an icy, school cancellation Friday, with highs in the 30s. Today the temp hovered around 80 and I was running around in a pair of flip flops outside by the pool. It's something of a joke in Texas when certain school districts cancel classes for a few patches of ice. Other than a slick driveway and pool area, this was about the only other sign of winter I noticed in the backyard - some icicles on this one shrub outside my kitchen window.

Compared to our back yard in England last year, this was a bit of a let down. It makes for pretty pictures, but is a pain in the patootie to drive in when the Brits are no better prepared to clear roads than their Texas counterparts.