PRAXIS: To test or not to test

Posted on Jan 13 2009 at 3:53 PM

Great news: in order to be certified to teach any subject I want, all I have to do is take one quick and easy test—the Praxis. No problem! I can teach math, science, social studies, health, practically any subject I want… what a great deal. Sign me up!

Okay Mollie, not so fast. If I take these tests, receive certification, and then apply to teach… yes, it may make my resume more attractive and help me get a job, but it also means I may actually have to teach math, science, social studies, or any other subject that was just a quick online-registration, two-hour test, and $90 fee away. I know I could teach these subjects; I’ve excelled academically in all of them. But should I certify myself, opening up doors that may be best kept shut? Is it right that teachers, with little to no experience in teaching a particular subject, can pass a simple test and suddenly be “qualified”? Maybe this is one reason the world of teaching doesn’t receive the credibility or level of professionalism it demands and deserves. I am committed to teaching subjects I am knowledgeable and passionate about—Language Arts, psychology, dance, yoga—nothing less.

Knowledge and passion: these should be the standards of measure that certify qualified teachers to teach a subject area, not the Praxis test. On the Praxis I, without studying or having taken a math class in three years, I got a perfect score in the math section. Does this mean I am the next math teacher-of-the-year? I sure don’t think so (my mom will still tell me otherwise, but I have to listen to my heart). And no, just because math has always come naturally to me, doesn’t mean I know how to teach it well or will love to teach it. If a teacher intends to pursue teaching a subject they are good at and enjoy, they must do more than pass a test; they need to go to school and earn a degree so they can learn the intricacies, strategies, and best practice research involved in teaching the subject matter. Knowing a subject area and teaching it, as I have learned through my own teaching experience, are two entirely different concepts.

So here’s my dilemma. On Saturday, three days from now, I am registered to take the Social Studies Praxis test. Six days ago, I completed the cancellation/refund form, signed and sealed the envelope, but couldn’t bring myself to put it in the mailbox. Why not? I am, of course, committed to sticking with Language Arts—my area of expertise, my passion—but I am also human and very well aware of the limitations of our job market today. If I find myself in a situation where teaching Social Studies or another subject means having a job versus being unemployed… I will choose to teach, learning as I go. Teaching is my first and foremost passion, and I will meander my way through the complexities and succumb to the questionable certifications in order to ensure that next year, no matter where or what, one thing is certain: I am teaching.

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Comments

Passion By Unknown on Jan 21 2009 at 2:43 PM
Mollie, as I read your blog, I keep thinking about how most people who go into the profession of teaching must feel as you do. Passionate about teaching subjects you love and reaching out to direct your students toward success.

As I parent you are the teacher I want for my kids! You are the innovative teacher that reaches out to find and get what your school can not provide for your classroom. You WANT to teach and make an impact.

Thank you for choosing to become an Oregon teacher.

Best regards,

Darleen Vaterlaus
Founder, www.donate2educate.com
Mom, Volunteer, Philanthropist

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