Testimonials

I just have to say, I am truly grateful that I have gone through this program. After completing these modules, I see my students differently. I am able to see them with different codes identifying how each student learns and how he or she behaves. I have revised and changed many things in my classroom since I started working on these modules. From rearranging my seating chart, to changing teaching strategies, I feel more powerful that I gained the knowledge to be able to do whatever it takes to make sure that each student is successful.

Reflections

iteachTEXAS was recommended to me by a member of my hometown school district, and I am so glad I was able to get into the program. I knew I wanted to make a change in my career choice and a difference for the future and this program at iteachTEXAS has allowed me to do that. The educators and administrators at iteachTEXAS have made it enjoyable to enter the field of education. There is always an answer waiting for every question I had. This program has given me the knowledge and encouragement to procure a teaching position at a local high school and the background to be a successful teacher.

When I began this program I had no idea how much information I would be required to learn. This program has made learning an enormous amount of information easy as well as enjoyable. The modules were clear and concise and this made comprehension of the topics easy to understand. I am looking forward to incorporating much of what I have learned into my classroom as I begin my first year as a teacher.

Thank you so much! You do not know how much we appreciate your attention to the needs of our district. This is unique to your program and definitely contributes to more referrals on the part of our district. We really rave about you guys.

Skye Duckett

I have truly enjoyed the IteachTexas experience. Some say that an online course does not offer as much as a traditional class course, however, I have learned to be more diligent in my course work which has made me a better learner and thus a good teacher. This course was not very difficult for me, but it also wasn't a walk in the park. Thank-you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your IteachTexas professional family. I hope you continue to admit quality people into your program, as I have personally recommended a few to your website, and they are currently enrolled.

It has been a great journey for me from knowing very little about pedagogy to a much greater understanding of what it takes to be a mentor in the Texas school systems and an inspiration to the young minds full of mush that I will someday inspire. I have learned to appreciate the great minds that have written for all to see the theories and proven methods of teaching that have made my job so much easier to understand. I have learned the meaning of intelligence and the various teaching styles that I can use. I have learned of different types of lesson planning and the various ways to motivate my students. I have been introduced to classroom management and to the most amazing book for beginning students: “The First Days of School” by Harry and Rosemary Wong. I now know of accommodating students and the different methods of assessing their knowledge. I know of the impact of literacy on our society and the benefits of diversity and multiculturalism in the classroom. Finally, I am very impressed with the advantages technology has provided to today’s students and teachers in learning all that we can to become better citizens in this great country.

The perception I had of students and the learning process prior to taking this course has changed considerably. Teaching methods have altered dramatically from the time I was in school (over thirty years ago) to what it is today. The team approach to learning seems to be making a huge difference in the degree of learning and the level of thinking that students are exhibiting. The days of rote memory have happily been replaced by verbs from Bloom’s Taxonomy. I am eager to step into the role of motivator of future great minds and I appreciate the head start that this course has provided toward that challenge. To that end I am grateful to Dr. Huber for her inspired words and for Steve Livengood for his help and guidance.

It will be quite an endeavor to limit my thoughts on I Teach Texas to two paragraphs, but I will try my best. I have been overwhelmed with the support I’ve been given as I have pursued what I feel is my God-given purpose. The opportunity given to me through I Teach Texas has opened doors to a whole new world for me. Every module that I encountered seemed to be timed just perfectly. As soon as I began a module I encountered jargon and scenarios that I otherwise would have been ignorant about. It really seemed divinely inspired. I never felt that I was on my own, even though this is a distance-learning program.

Before participating in this program, I really had a limited view of the knowledge base of teachers. I realized teachers had to be skilled in the areas they taught, but I wasn’t aware of the depth of information teachers were held accountable for. Becoming familiar with Module 2 and the theories of education and stages of development enabled me to look at teachers and students differently. I felt teachers had more working knowledge of how to instruct students and I learned to appreciate the different ways students acquire knowledge. Module 7 provided me with the ability to utilize the jargon necessary in this field. This module also provided me with detailed assessment information regarding the testing of special education and 504 students. Module 8 was my God-send. This gave me the much-needed tools to teach reading strategy skills. At times, I have felt inadequate teaching Reading - I’ve known that there was a big piece of the puzzle missing and Module 8 was it. This module is an invaluable aid that I will continually refer to for clarification. Both Modules 7 and 8 are important to me because my campus has identified me as the Dyslexia contact person and this summer I will attend a week-long Region IV seminar to diagnose Dyslexia.

I am really grateful to everyone at I Teach Texas, especially my instructors and my mentor. Each and every one of you has pushed me to excellence and stretched my boundaries. I expect great things to happen for me and I credit I Teach Texas with giving me my start. God bless you all as you continue to offer opportunities to other future educators who will change hearts and motivate minds within the Texas education system.

I wanted to thank my I TEACH TEXAS instructor, supervisor, and all of the other staff members. I have had a wonderful year and have truly made the most of my first year experience. I owe a large part of that success to your program. I also wanted to let you know that I have been promoted 6th grade chair which is the equivalent to lead teacher for next year. I am proud of everything I have accomplished in just one year and I wanted to share that with you since you are such a big part of that success. Thanks again for all of your support this year, I will certainly recommend I teach Texas to anyone who is interested in alternative certification.

THANKS TO ALL OF YOU------ ITeachTexas: An Alternative Route to Teacher Certification in Texas by Gary W. Huddleston

I came to ITeachTexas with two years of full time out of state teaching experience in Brooklyn, New York. I wanted to complete a program that emphasized Texas education laws and familiarize myself with the TAKS and TEKS. These two concepts before the program were amorphous and completely challenging for me to comprehend, but now I have a clear understanding of the role they play in Texas. As an experienced educator, I thought that I had acquired all the skills of a new teacher and didn't really need additional classroom guidance or information. ITeachTexas not only proved me wrong, but has been an invaluable program that has given me new tools to work with in my classroom. I have a new approach to teaching and an enlightened attitude towards my career.

I have incorporated many of the information contained in the instructional modules into my daily classroom procedures. I have noticed that by utilizing many of the classroom management techniques ITeachTexas provides, I am able to spend more time on instruction and less time on disruptions. This program is not only for beginning teachers, but also seasoned educators who are not accustomed or lack experience teaching in Texas. My field experience with a master teacher was extremely helpful because I was given direct feedback about my teaching skills and exactly where I needed to make improvements and changes. Many times administrators are not available to answer questions, however, ITeachTexas is always a phone call away. I received courteous and invaluable advice during critical moments of my field experience that I would never have received from my administrators. This advice is important in making those critical decisions whenever you are confronted with an important decision to make in your classroom and need an immediate answer. For this reason, I am pleased with my ITeachTexas experience and will recommend this program to others who seek an alternative route to certification in Texas.

Candidate's Comments As I reflect over the modules and test preparation materials, it is clear that ITeachTexas is a comprehensive and invaluable program. I sincerely believe that the comprehensive approach that each module presents has been thoroughly reviewed, revised and updated. In education, that is critical because we are not static. We must be flexible and accept change throughout our careers to be exceptional educators. It is obvious that ITeachTexas has remained at the cutting edge of educational theory and classroom practices.

I truly enjoyed my first year of teaching. It was exhausting but very rewarding! At the beginning of the year, it was like pulling teeth to get three written sentences out of my students, but by the end of the year, they were filling both front and back of their papers easily. Their scores on the ELA and Reading TAKS test were surprisingly good (90% pass rate despite their teacher's inexperience). It was exciting to watch my baby freshmen make leaps and bounds emotionally and academically. For the 2007/2008 school year, I've been asked to teach sophomores, which I accepted.

At this time, I'd also like to thank you and your staff for a wonderful ACP experience! The program was exactly what I was looking for. I found it to be extensive, thorough, and proficient, and I have not and will not fail to recommend your program to any prospective ACP candidates I meet.

Take care and best of luck in the future to you,

My First Teaching Experience

This past year has been one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had. iteachTEXAS certainly falls in this category as well. I think everything a new teacher needs to know about the teaching profession can be found in these modules. I had no idea of the time, dedication, and knowledge it took to be a good teacher. I assumed my classroom would be ruled with an iron fist, but after a day in a real classroom setting I found that that would never be the case. I believe in my mind students were naturally obedient and intelligent. This seemed to be the case when I was their age. After my first year of teaching I have came to this conclusion, either a lot has changed or I wasn’t as smart as I thought I was. I would like to thank all my instructors at iteachTEXAS for this opportunity to do a job I have grown to love. You have given me the knowledge to handle many issues including but not limited to student behavior problems, ethnical background, and even special education. For that I will always be thankful. The great advice I received from my mentor teacher has helped me tremendously. Also, the Harry Wong book was an excellent reference when I needed extra help. In short, I could not have made it though this very tough year without the knowledge I gained from the modules in iteachTEXAS.

Final Reflection 10-9-05

Well, I absolutely can say that my experience with the iteachtexas program has been nothing but a positive one. I was a little confused about everything that I needed to do when I began the program, but everything worked out fine. I really enjoyed the format of the program. The self-paced modules were perfect for my new schedule as a teacher. I really didn't think I would learn as much from a computer-based program as I would in a real classroom, but I was wrong. During my first few weeks of teaching, I kept hearing coworkers talk about various topics that I had never heard of before; I was amazed to find out that all of those topics were covered in the modules. The information was very applicable for me. I have to admit that I was terrified when I found out I was going to be evaluated four times. I was very unsure of how I was doing, and I was scared I would be told that I was not doing a good job. However, you made it so much easier for me. I became very comfortable with the evaluations because it really felt like you were there to help me, not just to criticize. I feel that the evaluations are an irreplaceable part of the program. I want to thank you for all of your help. Overall, I feel that this program has helped me in too many ways to list them all. I feel more surer of myself as a teacher, and the program has enabled me to correct my mistakes and learn as I go. I feel ready to take the PPR in December and ready to be the best teacher that I can in the years to come. Thank You, Cherie Rosenboom

Patty teaches Resource 5th and 6th graders in The Woodlands (Conroe ISD). Teaching is the Best!

I feel I had a very successful last two weeks. I had several ARDs that went great and I did all of the paperwork correctly! I continue to struggle in this area but it is getting a little easier.

I had a really wonderful day on Friday, November 11th. Another teacher and I took our Language Arts classes to a nursing home for a Veteran’s Day program. It was fantastic! I spent several sleepless nights worrying that they would misbehave, we would loose someone, or they would stumble through the program. We did a Reader’s Theater and practiced for a week beforehand and I thought they had it down pretty well, but of course you never know how they will do “under pressure”. I also had several students who absolutely didn’t want to go, and who I had to convince we would have a great time. We walked 1.2 miles to the nursing home and of course they are running and talking and having a great time. I thought, OK great, how are we going to settle them down. We talked with them briefly before we went in about their behavior, and in we went. When we walked in, they had most of the residents waiting for us and they were playing patriotic music. Every student walked in silently and took their place in the front. They all read their parts beautifully and no one stumbled! The director then introduced all of the veterans there and where they served and for how long. We then went outside to raise the flag, say the Pledge of Allegiance, and sing the Star Spangled Banner(led by one of the residents). As they sang, I looked around at my students holding the resident’s hands, and I lost it. Tears were running down my face and I knew right then why I went into teaching. I could not have been prouder. What angels they were and how happy they made the residents. We then went back in and the students handed out the cards they had made. All of the students talked to the residents and were excited to give them their special card. After we left, we told them how proud we were of them and asked them if they had a good time. We had a resounding yes! I will never forget that trip and I suspect they won’t either.

Time management is something I continue to struggle with. I get to work early everyday and I find this is a good time to return emails, run copies and do all the paperwork I am required to do. I do make lists of what needs to be done on a weekly basis, and I prioritize by deadlines! I also stay after school and I find that is a good time to grade the day’s papers and put them into the gradebook. I always try to have all of my copies done ahead of time, and my lesson plan ready, so I won’t be stressed the morning of to do all that needs to be done. I continue to find that there isn’t enough time in the day, but I do the best I can to alleviate last minute nightmares.

Dr. Huber,

Allow me the honor of expressing gratitude/appreciation for iteachtexas. I could not have chosen a better program. The vast amount of information in the modules seemed endless! I really enjoyed working on the modules in the privacy of my study, instead of traveling to a college campus. I could not have asked for a better instructor. She inspired and motivated me a number of times in the instructor comments section. Iteachtexas is very fortunate to have her as an instructor. I appreciate you and Mr. Huber very much for what you've done and what you mean to the program. Thank you for having Heather send me a barcode. I am scheduled to take the EC-12 Special Education certification test on 12/10. God Bless you/yours!

A highly pleased candidate, James Sanderson

Donald Wayson teaches in Milsap

I wanted to say thank you for the opportunity that you have provided me with your online program. I have learned a great deal about teaching and my mentor was there for me when I needed to ask questions. I would not have had the opportunity to go through a program that required me to be in a classroom four nights a week. While I was a little skeptical about doing an online program I have to admit I got a lot out of it. I have accessed my notes and my Blackboard website quite a bit since I completed the program and it continues to help me. I write this e-mail because my mentor finished my last observation and said a lot of positive things. I wanted you guys to know that I really think a lot of your program and I have already recommended iteachTEXAS to a couple of others (I know one of which said she applied). I will continue to recommend the program. Thank you for a great experience and keep up the good work...You should be proud of what you guys do. Thank you,

Dr. Huber, I am in the middle of MOD103 and 5 weeks into my first year as Teacher of Record. I must take a moment to commend you on the iteachTEXAS program. It has been 10 years since my first online class. And I have been continuously involved with a variety of distance education experiences over the past decade (both as teacher and student). I only mean to explain that I am well versed in this mode of learning and I find your program, so far, to be excellent! The materials are well organized and pellucid. The website (both iteachTEXAS and instructNET) are dynamic and engaging. I seriously have nothing to complain about and this is rare! I can't tell you how impressed and delighted I am with your program and I tell it to everyone I meet. Even in 2006, there is suspicion about the effectiveness of web-based curriculum. But yours is an exemplary program that defeats doubts about the online medium. Congratulations on a job well done. (I will let you know if my opinion changes in the remaining modules. :-) Sincerely, Teri Clement

Reflection 3-26-07

After completing the vast amount of requirements for the I Teach Texas Program, my approach to teaching has changed. Thanks to the detailed modules I now am knowledgeable in many areas of the teaching field than before I began the program. Not only have I acquired new information, but it also allowed me the opportunity to reflect on my experience as a student and on the teachers that made a difference in my life. I learned about educational pedagogy, the learning process, instruction and lesson planning, classroom management, accommodations, measurement and assessment, impact of literacy, diversity and multiculturalism, and technology. Although I did not have the opportunity to "student teach", I am very grateful to the program for allowing me to have an excellent instructor and supervisor. Both of these ladies have made a difference throughout my first year as a beginning teacher or “rookie”. I was able to take the information from the modules and the advice from my supervisor, instructor, principal, and colleagues and put it into practice in the classroom. I have had to deal with many situations in the classroom that were mentioned in the modules. I have also had to rely on my instincts as a person to resolve issues that arise daily. The most rewarding part of it all has been the accomplishments that my students have acquired in the classroom. It is rewarding to see students having fun while learning. My experience as a first year teacher has been both challenging and memorable.

I just wanted to say that I can't thank you and Iteachtexas enough for helping me to obtain my life long dream! Without your help, I would have had to quit working for a year. Thanks to your program, I not only got to teach for a year while training, I was able to provide insurance for my family as well. If you ever need any personal recommendations or testimonies of any kind, please feel free to contact me. Thanks again,