Agnes Said:

How good is an online degree. I would like get one?

We Answered:

I currently teach computer science. I received my degree from NRI schools. just check very carefully if they are accredited. also check with your local community college.
be very cautious. not all correspondence schools are accredited and even if they are, you have to check if your state of residence accepts them.
NRI is now closed. but McGraw-Hill has an excellent reputation and is accepted in all most all 50 states.

Pamela Said:

How does an Oklahoma certified teacher become able to teach in Kansas?

We Answered:

It appears that you can simply transfer your teaching license to Kansas since you are certified in Oklahoma. That is called an "Exchange License"

If you go here you will get a word document from the Kansas State Department of Education: http://www3.ksde.org/cert/licensequalify…

It's in a nifty flow-chart format.

Stephanie Said:

Does anyone know of any good websites to find teaching jobs?

We Answered:

go to a job center site of course.

Joseph Said:

Ex-Military with BA in History and Paralegal Certificate, what jobs can I do???

We Answered:

I won't question your motives for wanting to move to Portland without a guaranteed job, but if you want to get into teaching, Oregon is second only to California in difficulty to becoming a teacher. All states require a minimum of two things to become a certified teacher. One, a BA, you have covered, but it is in a specific field (History), rather than a Bachelor of Education. The second is a licensure, or certification to teach. California and Oregon also require testing in other areas, better known as CBEST. Other states still require testing such as PRAXIS exams. You should contact the Portland Board of Education for specifics in that area. The links will also give you requirements for that area. Good luck.

P.S. With your Army background, you might also consider working for the Army Corp of Engineers as a civilian since they have a major office there in Portland.

Leslie Said:

Plan for future.?

We Answered:

It's very impressive that you are planning ahead! Finishing high school with top marks should definitely be your highest priority at the moment. An excellent goal. I question your desire to go into the military after high school though. Although honorable, it is not the best way to reach your long term goal, so if teaching middle school is what you eventually want to do, work toward that in the most efficient way possible. Military duty can give you some valuable experience in many areas, but it comes at a great risk and there are many other ways to get good training. Unfortunately military training is not very applicable to the needs in our society in general, so you could be in for a big let-down after getting out. The goal of going on to college (and letting the government pay for it) is the right idea, but if you forgo the military and get into a decent college or university, get your bachelor's degree and your teaching certificate, you can begin your teaching career much sooner than going the military route. If you need help paying for school there are many other ways to do that, especially if you have good grades and a high SAT score. You can begin researching the sources of funding on the web now to get an idea. Attending MIT or any other elite institution, is a worthy goal, but getting accepted would require not just finishing high school at the very highest levels and scoring in the very top percentile range on exams, but extra work outside of school. I especially don't want to discourage you from having such high goals, it is very important to your success, but if you truly want to teach, it is not necessary that you attend an elite school. Those schools are mostly geared to graduating students that want to go on to graduate school or professional school (law, medicine, etc.) or become highly-specialized in their field. The best way to reach your goals is to continue the responsibility level you seem to have now, finish high school, finish college, don't get married or have children until you can support that decision financially (unlikely until after you finish college), get a good job using your acquired skills, and if you get married, stay married. Unwanted children and failed marriages are among the leading causes of failure to reach goals at your age. Finishing your education is imperative. Another comment on the military: assuming you are talking about the US military, you may not be able to get out when you "think" you will. The fine print will tell you that you may be obligated long after your desired length of duty. Read it carefully long before considering this option. We are currently sending troops to war that were told they would have probably gotten out a year or more ago. Depending on your agreement, you could also be recalled after getting out if the country needs you. They will have spent a great deal training you to serve your country and if they need you, it will be your obligation to (continue) to serve. Many of our fine young men and women in the armed services today signed up as a way to pay for college. Over three thousand are dead (just from the middle east "conflict") and over twenty thousand have returned wounded, some very severely that will never have much quality of life...and the war is not yet over. Honorable, probably, but it's not for everyone. If there is a draft before you graduate from high school, you may not have a choice. Just some things to consider. I hope this helps. Good luck to you!

Charlene Said:

Can they not give me retirement after I was laid off?!?

We Answered:

It doesn't matter who runs your retirement plan- you are entitled to anything you had withheld. After that, they can, indeed "screw" you. But if you had amounts withheld from your paycheck, then HAVE to return it to you. It doesn't matter if they're the state or event the federal government- all entities, including public ones- are covered under the same laws on that point.

If they're not giving you back what you had withheld, then you need to contact the DOL- go to their website under "employee benefit plans". You can find frequently asked questions and contact information.

Too many people just give up on their withholdings. If they don't fight for it and claim them, many states have laws in place that allow them to take it after a certain amount of time.

That's your money- don't give up on it.

On an additional point, Doctor Deth has also hit upon something. Some plans can make provisions that you just can't withdraw the money until retirement. You WILL get it back, but not until you reach your 85 mark. If that's a provision they have in place (request a plan summary- they are required to give it to you), then you'll just have to wait for the money. Sorry. :0(

Good luck. :0)