I understand - just don't want to take additional classes if I don't have to - rather i would focus on taking some towards a new certification. I know I need at least one EI class, to be dodea certified. I guess its up to the interpretation of the reviewer but I'm hoping "Management for Special Needs" counts - all about behavior management, positive behavior supports and FBA/BIP (common practices for EI kids). Again up to the reviewer.
With regards to moderate/severe and perhaps even severe/multiple- I took a class titled "Curriculum and Methods for Severe Disabilities, which I know will count. I also took "Functional and Community Based Instruction". When I finally talked with someone via phone they said they don't know if it will count because the title doesn't say "severe". Common sense tells me we don't teach life skills and functional skills to students without severe disabilities. Problem is, the course is no longer offered at my college because the program has changed - and I don't have access to my course catalog from way back. Hoping it counts!

I do think I should focus on EI - as you said, it's on the rise, and I've actually taught it more.

I've called every number I can find. I always get transferred to ththe same person, and it goes to her voicemail and I don't get a call back. I'm unsure if I need another course for moderate/severe and severe/multiple. I'm assuming my ID (intellectually disabled) certification is a close match to those. If I don't need a course for those, I will focus my time on taking th course I know I need for EI. So many questions, no one to help me. I know people are busy, but in 4 weeks time they could return a phone call.

Any advice on how I can actually speak with someone about licensure? I've been calling for four weeks now, and all I get is transferred to a voicemail and I've never received a return call. If I'm missing a class for moderate/severe and/or emotional disability I will need to register for a course within the next week. What's the trick to getting through to an actual person that can answer my question? I've tried emailing too. Thanks.

Makes sense. I hear what you are saying. Dodea is my plan B, but I'm going after it like its Plan A. I'm lucky - my administrators are really excited for me and hope for my sake that I get this opportunity. One said "I really hate to lose good teachers, but I also to hold them back". I will have no problem returning to my current position next year if I don't get a job.

Is it the same salary just divided over 22 instead of 26 payments? What's the earliest someone would move? Would I be able to commit to summer school at my district (ends in late July) no problem? I'm assuming don't book August vacations!

That's good to know. Heck, step 10 on the salary scale is still about 8k more than step 16 on my current one... So I can't complain about that.

Say someone gets hired in June or July. When does the moving process start? Do they get you there in time to find a place to live before the school year starts?

Is it good insurance? I don't have any major medical issues other than asthma, and the occasional sinus infection or sickness picked up from the students. What's the copay like? I know in some foreign countries you can buy stuff over the counter that you need a prescription for in the US.

Also random question - I keep reading on the salary scale "maximum allowable entry level" but it's never stated. What is the most amount of years they accept to place on the scale. I'm assuming it's unlikely they will credit me for all 16, many districts cap it at ten.

I'm assuming in the transportation move, since pets aren't included, it will be pretty expensive to get my 75 pound 4 legged best friend where ever I end up (didn't select Japan on my application because of the quarantine). Guess I better start saving....

How much is health insurance? I guess I assumed federal govt had good insurance. Mine is pretty cheap with my district - maybe 60 bucks a month. But I've worked places it was closer to 175 a month.

Autism Book Club sounds cool.

Well that's a bummer and a blessing in disguise at the same time. I'm used to tons of PD at my district... But it's not always stuff I want or when I want. Don't get me wrong - I'd be a perpetual student if somebody paid me. But I do better when I'm learning on my own terms. 90 minute trainings after a long work day sometimes stress me out, but taking a class on my own time of my choosing is awesome! Funds have been cut as far as reimbursing us... They pay for the cheap online classes through PDI, but don't fully reimburse a 3 credit class like they used to. what do you and other teachers do to stay current and recertify? Online classes? Thanks for all your help by the way - your honesty and insight is refreshing.

Christmas Break begins now! Be safe y'all!

Gotcha. Thank you, very helpful information. So I tried to apply for the early childhood sped opening with Sterling (in Sicily of all places, where my ancestors are from!) and no luck. I don't have experience with kids aged 0-2. To be fair, we really don't diagnose kids as special needs at age 0....

How does Dodea work with professional development? If you wanted to take classes do they reimburse you?

Also what's 1.0 FTE? Lol

Thanks for the helpful advice. I don't mind you not answering at all. You're honest with your responses so I know you're knowledgable. I don't think I would be interviewed for a district position at this time. To be honest, I would love to go back and take the classes to become autism certified (means nothing for a classroom position at this time, I know) and become a district wide trainer down the road (anywhere, not necessarily dodea) and teach educators how to implement visual supports, sensory integration and other evidence based best practices to meet the needs of our children on the spectrum. Research shows communication deficits are a large reason why they struggle academically. Also, without proper instruction in communication and social skills, some of these kids go on to struggle as an adult with regards to maintaining employment - not because of academics or skills, but because they can't get alongn with others and get fired. A lot of sped teachers already know how to differentiate for children on the spectrum, but with your background in psych you certainly know there are so many undiagnosed children on the spectrum, particularly if they aren't strugfling academically. Gifted teachers especially could learn how to help those on the spectrum. But I digress... As far as the assessor position - my problem is my masters isn't in sped - it's in Education Policy Studies (sounded interesting when I was researching many years ago when I was in denial about finishing undergrad, UVa offered me in state tuition as an out of stater and a research grant, so why not?! ). My undergrad was elementary and special Ed. Still worth looking into though.

Good to know, thanks. I recognize Sterling....: years ago Kodak merged with them briefly And my dad was working for Kodak and part of the process. If it's the same Sterling. I will do my research. Say I get an interview down the road.... Is there any shame in asking what acronyms mean to avoid sounding foolish? I would hate to answer a question incorrectly because I didn't know what they were asking. The acronyms are different here. And since Virginia isn't Common Core (our state standards are on par or even more rigorous) we aren't consistent with the rest of the country. Our RTI is called ESTAT.

Where do you work, and are you a school psychologist if you don't mind me asking?

Wait - what's OMG mean?!? Lol.

Yes those acronyms make sense now, just different than what we use in Virginia.(and believe me we use a ton).

Yes, I've applied but it still says pending. Can't seem to get anyone to help me when I call- they say "that's something I would have to ask about" and then I don't hear back.

Sterling is in Europe? I will look into that too.