Finding the Time

For early childhood teachers attending school, this can be a very busy time of the year. Finishing up finals, shopping, and spending time with friends and families brings joy to some and stress to others. Please know that T.E.A.C.H. WV is here to support you as always. To relieve some of the stress that may arise about attending classes next semester, we have a few reminders.

• As soon as you have your grades for the Fall 2013 semester, please send them in either through email, fax, or mail (teachwv@rvcds.org, 304-529-2535).

• When you are thinking about your classes for the Spring semester, remember that T.E.A.C.H. needs to pre-authorize your courses for coverage. This requires that you send in your pre-authorization form with the classes you plan to take. If you do not have your form, it can be found on our website at http://www.wvearlychildhood.org/teach_wv.html in the "Recipient and Sponsor Forms" section, or you can contact T.E.AC.H. and I can email one to you.

• Be aware that T.E.AC.H. only covers a certain percentage of your tuition and books. That percentage varies dependent on the type of scholarship you have. Therefore, you may be invoiced for the remaining percentage. The invoice will come from us.

• Please make sure your sponsor submits Form C to us for reimbursement of release time. This form can also be found on our website in the "Recipient and Sponsor Forms".

• Your bonus will be sent to you after we have received verification that you have successfully completed your contract credit hours at the end of your contract year.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

                                                          Have a wonderful Holiday Season!!

Tips for Acing Your Finals

As the end of the semester approaches, students begin to dread their final exams. Finals can come in many forms: comprehensive, chapter specific, multiple choice, essays, projects, etc. Whatever form your final takes, it is best to be prepared by knowing and understanding the material. Here are some tips to help!

1. Study in chunks of time:

Research has suggested that cramming in a large amount of information is not very helpful for retention of said information. Researchers suggest that studying for 20-50 minutes at a time, with a 10-15 minute break. For best results, you should study throughout one week before your exam.



     2.   Listen to some upbeat classical music:

          Some music has the intense ability to activate both sides of the brain while listening.  
          Stimulation of both sides of the brain is linked to increased recall. Mozart's music has been
          found to increase this effect. Do watch out though, because certain other research suggests
          that the information learned during this time may be harder to recall when you are no longer
          listening.

     3.   Switch up your study spots:

          

While we hope that you have a distraction free zone to accomplish your studying, we would still suggest changing it up a little. Sometimes, while we are studying we inadvertently allow ourselves to get distracted. You'll realize after reading 5 pages that you have no idea what you just read because your mind was wandering. It is important to switch up your study spots until you can find one where you can fully concentrate on the material.

 

     4.   Drink cocoa:

 

 

          Cocoa, prepared properly, can sustain energy and enhance mood, with little crash. For optimum results, dissolve a spoonful of organic cocoa into a mug of milk. Add some espresso, cinnamon, and cayenne for optimal energy!

 

 

     5.   Prevent Test Anxiety:

 

 

 

Many of us are quite familiar with test anxiety. That gripping fear of the unknown is terrifying and can be downright debilitating. So make sure to calm yourself before the test by picturing yourself acing the test. You know the material, you can do it. Another strategy to try is to stress yourself while you study and then use calming techniques such as taking deep breaths or stretching then. This will help you practice the steps you may need to take to calm yourself while testing.

 

Whatever strategy you use to help you study and ace your finals, know that your T.E.A.C.H. Counselor is here to help. Give us a call, we can ease your mind about your scholarship and we can lend an ear for venting if necessary. If you are not a T.E.A.C.H. recipient, but would like to pursue a degree in early childhood education. Please give me a call at 304-529-7603 Extension 118. I would be glad to assist you in any way possible!

 

 

Understanding the Difference between TEACH and T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WEST VIRGINIA

In 2007, congress passed a grant program called the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher education (TEACH). This grant is for prospective elementary or secondary education majors who intend to teach in public or private schools that serve low-income families. It is a federally funded program that comes with a four year commitment.

Teacher Education And Compensation Helps (T.E.A.C.H.) WV is a state and private grant funded program specifically for early childhood educators within the state of West Virginia. T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® began in North Carolina in 1990 and has since spread to 22 states and D.C. T.E.A.C.H. WV began in 2008 and comes with a one year commitment to the sponsoring center.

Having the information about each program can be valuable when applying to college. The financial aid departments at many higher education institutions often confuse the two when speaking with early childhood educators and may unknowingly give the wrong information. If you have questions about the TEACH federal grant for elementary or secondary education majors, please contact your school's financial aid department. If you have questions about T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood WV scholarship, please contact T.E.A.C.H. WV!

T.E.A.C.H. WV

611 7th Ave, Suite 322

Huntington, WV 25701

 

 

Phone: 304-529-7603 X 118

Fax: 304-529-2535 Attn: T.E.A.C.H.

 

Email: teachwv@rvcds.org

amartin@rvcds.org



Form B... Why Is It So Important?

Here at T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® WEST VIRGINIA, we make every attempt to reimburse our scholarship recipients as quickly as possible. In order to do that, we ask that all T.E.A.C.H. recipients send in their Form B, which is included in your initial packet, as soon as you have purchased books, or know that you will not need to purchase books. Please attach copies of your receipts to Form B, or mark the NA box in the books section.

 

Why is this so important????

Let me list some of the reasons why...

 

1. We cannot submit a claim for reimbursement without this Form B. That means- No money can go to you for your books, tuition, or travel stipend.
2. We cannot pay your school tuition without Form B. That means- Your school is not getting paid for, and you may end up with a hold on your account, preventing you from getting access to final grades and/or preventing you from applying for future courses.
3. Form B's allow us to determine who is paying for what. In other words, it allows us to track our funding. This helps us determine eligibility for scholarships.
4. Form B's help us determine which classes you are taking. We track how many early education classes are being completed at our colleges and universities; and
5. We like to see your handwriting... it's pretty.

 

If you Don't get your Form B in...

 

 

If you Do get your Form B in...

&

I don't know about you, but getting Form B in sounds a lot better.

 

 

FAX it to me at 304-589-2535

or

Mail it to me at:

T.E.A.C.H. WV

611 7th Ave Suite 322

Huntington, WV 25701

Haunted Adventures in West Virginia

Looking for a little adventure this weekend? Look no further than your home state of West Virginia. While taking a quick weekend break from studying, working, and/or all of the other mundane tasks of daily life, check out these activities. Choose one and be on your way to an exciting weekend!





1. "Haunted House" at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
     Lewis county WV offers some Halloween scares with a tour through the halls of this once reputable hospital. Visit their website at http://trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com/ for more information.

2. Shepherdstown Halloween Boo! Fest
     Head up and over to Jefferson county first Boo! Fest. The Boo!Fest will begin with a "Vampire Ball" at the Community Club the evening of Friday, October 25, and conclude with the town's traditional trick-or-treating on German Street on Halloween night, October 31. In between, there will be a wide variety of activities that everybody can enjoy, with a special emphasis on activities for children and families. Most activities will be free and everyone will be welcome. Check out their website for more details http://www.shepherdstownvisitorscenter.com/

3. Haunted Trail- Little Beaver State Park
     Take a relaxing stroll through the park of Raleigh County, if you dare! Enjoy fourteen nights of ghosts and goblins during a stroll on our haunted trail. Fun for all ages. Activity from 7-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 - 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Fee based.Visit http://www.littlebeaverstatepark.com/ to learn more ghoulish details.

4. Night of the Living Dead- Kanawha Players Theater
    Watch this classic film performed live, in Charleston.This show will be performed entirely in black and white except for the BLOOD! Fall out from a satellite probe shot to Venus returns to Earth carrying a mysterious radiation that transforms the unburied dead into flesh-eating zombies. Seven people trapped in an isolated farmhouse, held hostage by the ravenous ghouls, begin to turn on each other as the dead encroach. A gripping terror-filled monochromatic play that brings all the fright of the cult classic to life. This blend of thrilling horror laced with touches of black humor envelops the audience in the action and unfolds into a shocking theatrical ending. For more thrilling details visit http://www.kanawhaplayers.org/.

5. Haunted Hay Ride in Grafton
    The woods become truly scary this night. Boo!This hayride is designed for good clean family fun. Bring the gang out and support the park foundation, Friday and Saturday. $1.00 per person per ride Sponsored by the Tygart Lake State Park Foundation. Visit http://www.wvstateparks.com/calendar.html for more information.

6. Annual Fright Nights at Glade Springs
     Tucked away in the beautiful valleys of Raleigh County, you will find something horrifying. Fright Nights Scarefest! Three haunted attractions at one location. Haunted Trail and 3D Haunt, Zombie Hunt and Hayride of Horror. Lights Off Haunted Trail Tour on Halloween Night! Open October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 and 31. . Ticket prices vary by event. Visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/frightnightswv for more information!

7. The Haunted Catwalk-Bridge Walk-New River Gorge Bridge
    The bad news is, we've missed bridge day. It was last weekend. The good news is, you can still test your fears or need for excitement on the New River Bridge. On October 25, 28 and 27, Bridge Walk invites you, your family, and friends to walk underneath the New River Gorge Bridge Who knows what lurks in the Bridge’s shadows and below? The Haunted Walk is a guided tour on the catwalk of the New River Gorge Bridge with “scaracters,” props, and “rigatronics” designed to intentionally scare the walkers. You will be fastened to a safety system. Shrill shrieks, screams, and groans are just part of the experience that awaits the brave walkers. There will also be body parts, spider webs, dressed creatures, and hanging “things.” "Don't touch the scaracters and they won't touch you." This is not for the faint-of-heart. October evenings can be chilly. Please dress accordingly in WARM costumes and comfortable walking shoes or boots. This is an outdoor event lasting approximately two hours. Some limitations/restrictions may apply For more information check out http://www.bridgewalk.com/

8. The Zombie Corn Maze- Milton, WV
    In a quiet little town in Cabell County, WV, zombies lie in wait. The maze will be recruiting adventurers to help control the ever growing zombie population. Come out for a night of blasting zombies with paintball guns! For more information about how you can prevent the impending zombie apocolypse visit http://www.cooperfamilyfarms.net/


These are only eight of the exciting adventures that you can find this weekend in Wild and Wonderful! Let your hair blow free, scream at the top of your lungs expectantly, and eat tons of fabulous food. You'll feel refreshed and ready to get back to work and school!

Let T.E.A.C.H. WV take the scare out of going back to school. Give us a call or send an email for more information. 304-529-7603/ teachwv@rvcds.org

Autumn Has Arrived in All of its Colorful Glory!

Your opinion of Fall is dependent upon whether you are an optimist or a pessimist. An optimist will see beauty in the colors, the kooky Halloween costumes, the cool breeze that smells of leaves, the joy of spending time with family and friends, the sting of hot apple cider, and the excitement of football games. The pessimist will see the ending of a life cycle, gray skies, the sadness of packing away shorts and flip flops, and the demise of frozen treats for the season. However you view this Fall 2013 season, know that it is full of wonderful learning experiences for young children.

                                                     Leaf Art inspired by Reggio Emilia.

Children love to explore and we know that their play is their work. So allow them to experience this new season through their eyes. Encourage them to help you collect leaves, sticks, pine cones, and hay. Nurture their curiosity as they help clean out a pumpkin. Stimulate their minds as the children monitor the falling temperatures, and even chart them. Have them decide what to do with the seeds inside the gourds. Encourage the children to create a recipe for pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie, or pumpkin bread. Help them research what is happening when the leaves change color and fall. Support them as they pick apples, wash them, and eat them. When we allow children to explore their interests with all of their senses, they discover more than we could ever think possible.

If helping children to learn is something with which you are very passionate, it may be time to take your passion further! Explore your higher education options in West Virginia and then give T.E.A.C.H. WV a call. We can  help you with your education goals by providing you with partial tuition assistance, book reimbursement, travel costs, and a bonus for completing your contract. Call or visit us on the web for more information.

304-529-7603
http://wvearlychildhood.org/TEACH_WV.html

               Tips for Staying Motivated

To succeed in high school and college, you have to do your best at all times. But sometimes it’s hard to stay motivated, even when you really care about the work you’re doing. Here are five ways to stay on the right track.

1. Focus on High-Impact Activities

The key to success in school is staying focused on your course work. Make a list to get an overall picture of your workload before you start to tackle any of it. Then, make a plan. Although it’s tempting to do the simplest assignments first, those that take more time and effort to accomplish are probably the ones that you’ll learn the most from.
To determine what your priorities are, rank your assignments in the order of their importance. Then rearrange your time and devote more energy toward those that have the greatest impact on your course work and grades. For example, even though all homework assignments are important, studying for a midterm exam takes priority over writing a paragraph for English class. As you complete each task, think of it as another step on your way to college success.

You can handle any project in small chunks.

2. Create New Challenges

Changing your approach can help you stay interested in what you’re doing. If you've been given an assignment similar to one you've done in the past, think about it in a different way. If you wrote an essay for a creative writing assignment last year, try a poem this time. For book reports, pick a history book instead of another biography.

3. Set Attainable Goals

If you're having trouble writing a 25-page paper for class because it seems like such a big job, don't focus on that final number. Break the paper down and consider each section of your paper individually. You can handle any project in small chunks.

4. Find a Social Support Network

Create a group of people around you who want to help you succeed. Mentors can be teachers or family friends who can give you guidance and help you develop new skills. Counselors can help you with planning your courses and starting to explore colleges. You can also reach out to friends and peers who can motivate you by listening and sharing ideas.

5. Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

Give yourself a quick reward when you complete an assignment or task. Take a walk, send an email, get a snack — whatever works for you. Then move on to the next project.




 

Resource:

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/inside-the-classroom/tips-for-staying-motivated

Why Continuous Professional Development?

Are You Eligible for T.E.A.C.H. WV

To be eligible for a T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship in West Virginia you must be:

West Virginia residents.

Individuals working at least 30 hours per week in a licensed child care center, Head Start, or registered Family Child Care Home.

Individuals currently enrolled in or accepted in one of the following degree or certification programs at a participating college or university:

1. An Associate Degree program for Early Childhood Education.
2. A Bachelor's Degree program for Early Childhood Education.
3. A Bachelor's Degree program for Elementary Education with an endorsement in Early Education Pre-K (T.E.A.C.H. will only pay for the early education endorsement classes).

Individuals willing to commit to continue working at their present place of employment for at least one year.

Individuals displaying financial need.

To Learn more about T.E.A.C.H. WV, please visit our website at: http://www.wvearlychildhood.org/TEACH_WV.html