{"id":12121,"date":"2018-12-20T16:26:51","date_gmt":"2018-12-20T22:26:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/?p=12121"},"modified":"2023-05-22T20:21:15","modified_gmt":"2023-05-23T01:21:15","slug":"teacher-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teachersoftomorrow.org\/blog\/insights\/teacher-test\/","title":{"rendered":"Teacher Test Prep – you got this!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Preparing for your teacher test can be daunting. Because most of our Teachers of Tomorrow candidates are career changers it has probably been a long time since you have taken a standardized test. So we wan to help you make sure you pass the test THE FIRST TIME.\u00a0 You don\u2019t want to keep paying well over $100 to take your teacher test.<\/p>\n

YOU CANNOT WING IT \u2013 YOU HAVE TO PREPARE TO PASS OR YOU WILL FAIL<\/p>\n

Step 1:\u00a0 KNOW THE TEST<\/p>\n

The first step in passing your educator exam is knowing all you can about the test.\u00a0 What is covered, how many questions, how much time do you have, where is the test given, what days can I take, when do I need to take each test in order to get my license and how long does it take to get the results.\u00a0 You can find all this information about the test on the state educator preparation website.\u00a0 Once you know everything there is to know about the test figure out how long it will take to prepare for the test.\u00a0 Set your target test date (make sure you can actually register and take the test in this date). Then it is time to study.<\/p>\n

Step 2:\u00a0 STUDY FOR YOUR TEACHER TEST<\/p>\n

Please study.\u00a0 We have so many people that just assume they will be \u201cgood to go\u201d and just go sit for the exam.\u00a0 They are not good to go. There is a lot of information that you have to know in order to pass the test \u2013 so you must set a study plan.\u00a0 You know your test date \u2013 so now set a calendar of study to prepare for that test date.<\/p>\n

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  1. Take a practice test \u2013 see where you are strong and where you are weakest on the test. Really shore up those weak areas and continue to build on your strengths.<\/li>\n
  2. Plan a regular study schedule. Keep a daily and weekly study schedule of your daily, weekly, and major review sessions. You know the different sections on the teacher test \u2013 so plan out how much time to focus on each section based on your practice test.<\/li>\n
  3. Study with purpose, without distractions, in a place you have designated as your private study area. Equip it with the tools and materials you need. Keep your phone in a separate room.<\/li>\n
  4. Study in one-hour blocks of time with breaks of about 5-10 minutes in between. Study actively, move around, stretch, and read out loud.<\/li>\n
  5. Create Good Review Tools – It is vital to your learning and test-taking to be a good note-taker. When taking notes while reviewing content, leave plenty of room so you can fill in details from the text later. Review your notes immediately after a study session, and on a daily and weekly basis, as well as before the test<\/li>\n
  6. Create Mind Maps: A mind map creates a flow chart or diagram of your notes. Unlike the traditional outline method which lists items in a sequence, a mind map places the main topic in the center of the page with sub-topics and supporting details branching off from it<\/li>\n
  7. 3X5 CARDS \u2013 if you are struggling with memorizing certain items, break out the old 3X5 cards and start reviewing them. Have them with you throughout the day and continue to push yourself to master those cards.<\/li>\n
  8. Make a Study Checklist: A study checklist is a list of what you must study for the exam. It helps you to organize your study time and ensures that you cover all necessary topics<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    PRACTICE \u2013 the more you practice the better you are.\u00a0 Practice does not mean doing a couple of questions from an exam \u2013 you really have to take a practice test in test like conditions.\u00a0 Set yourself up just like it is the real test day and take the full practice test without interruptions.\u00a0 This is the only way you can build up your stamina and be ready for the actual test day. Do not cheat on this!\u00a0 Look for any bad habits you have such is as lingering too long on a question, getting too stressed out about a question or rushing and making careless errors. Take a few deep breaths and relax. Stress can really ruin your testing so make sure you practice being relaxed, knowing the time and monitoring your progress.\u00a0 PRACTICE!!<\/p>\n

    Step 3 \u2013 Prepare for the big day<\/p>\n

    Leading up to the test, avoid conflicts or emotional upsets. Don\u2019t cram. Get some physical exercise or do some physical activity that will take your mind off the test. Review your notes and refuse to worry! Instead, think positive thoughts (\u201cI can do this!\u201d, \u201cI\u2019m ready!\u201d) and boost your confidence.<\/p>\n

    Stress comes from the unknown \u2013 if you get lost on the way to the test center and it looks like you are going to be late for your start time, your stress multiplies.\u00a0 So \u2013 make sure you know where you are going.\u00a0 Let google maps tell you how long it will take to get there at the time you have to depart your house.\u00a0 Give yourself extra time to make sure you can nonchalantly approach the test center and announce your arrival to dominate this test.\u00a0 Map out what you are going to eat and wear and test day.\u00a0 You want to dress in layers. If you are bundled up, the test center will be hot. If you are wearing light clothing the test center will freezing.\u00a0 Dress in layers so you can change your dress with the temperature.\u00a0 You want zero distractions<\/p>\n

    Ease up on the studying as test day approaches.\u00a0 Start winding down the learning and spend a lot more time on practice.\u00a0 Do not study the day before the test \u2013 relax and get ready.<\/p>\n

    Step 4 \u2013 Test day<\/p>\n

    My roommate used to annoyingly say \u2013 \u201cwell rested is well tested\u201d.\u00a0 But he is right!\u00a0 You have to get a good nights sleep. You must get a good night sleep. Make sure others around you know how important this is so they leave you alone and let you sleep. Set your alarm so you don\u2019t oversleep and leave plenty of time for breakfast.<\/p>\n

    Eat a good breakfast \u2013 no sweets \u2013 you want good solid protein and some complex carbs to fortify you for the test. Drink you normal amount of coffee or caffeine \u2013 do not overload and get the jitters.\u00a0 Drink a normal amount of water \u2013 not too much that you have to pee a lot.\u00a0 Too much sugar before the test will drop your energy level during the test.<\/p>\n

    Avoid being around other people who may be anxious or nervous about the test \u2013 you don\u2019t want their stress. Keep your mind clear, calm, and uncluttered. Select a seat near the front. Loosen any tight clothing so you will breathe more easily and comfortably. Get rid of excess body tension by tensing and relaxing your muscles. Stay relaxed during the test by deep breathing, focusing on the positive and giving yourself positive affirmations.<\/p>\n

    Taking the test –<\/p>\n