Path to Certification: The Teacher's Guide

In this episode, I break down Content Category 5 of the SLLA 6990 and Praxis 5412, focusing on organizational leadership through school safety and budgeting. I share key exam strategies for using data-driven decision-making, improving safety protocols, and understanding how budgets should align with student achievement and teacher support. 🎥 Watch the full strategy session here: Organizational Le...

In this episode, I break down developmentally appropriate teaching practices for the Praxis Early Childhood Education exams 5534 and 5533, focusing on how to maintain high expectations while supporting every learner. I explain how to identify strong answer choices on the exam by looking for strategies that emphasize scaffolding, flexibility, and grade-level rigor instead of lowering standards. 🎥...

In this episode, I break down ethical leadership with a focus on due process and how it applies to both students and teachers in real school settings. I explain why investigation, documentation, and following protocols are essential before making decisions, especially in high-stakes situations. I also highlight the importance of protecting individual rights while maintaining fairness and accountab...

In this episode, I break down one of the most important topics on the Praxis Early Childhood Education exams (5534 and 5533): observation, documentation, and assessment. I explain how to use data to drive instruction and walk you through common test traps to avoid. I also share practical strategies, like small-group, targeted instruction, that will help you choose the best answers and feel confide...

In this episode, I break down Content Category 3—Climate and Cultural Leadership—for the SLLA 6990 and Praxis 5412, focusing on how school leaders shape a positive, supportive environment. I walk through Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as it applies to teachers, highlighting how trust, collaboration, and support drive both teacher success and student achievement. I also share how to identify the stron...

In this episode, I break down key concepts you need to know for the Praxis 5534 Early Childhood Education exam, focusing on typical versus atypical child development and why you shouldn’t jump to conclusions. I explain how to support students through observation, scaffolding, and differentiation while avoiding extreme answer choices, and I highlight the importance of language and culture for multi...

In this episode, I break down how school and district leaders use assessment data to drive instructional decisions and improve student outcomes. I explain how to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data, understand formative vs. summative assessments, and apply these insights for exams like the SLLA 6990 and Praxis 5412. I also share practical strategies for using data to support teachers, p...

In this episode, I walk you through a simple but powerful strategy to tackle overwhelming constructed response and scenario-based questions on the Praxis Special Education exam with confidence. I explain how working backwards, starting with the question before reading the scenario, helps you stay focused, choose strong strategies, and clearly justify your answers. I also break down exactly what Pr...

In this episode, I break down what resilient leadership really looks like and why it matters not just for exams like the SLLA 6990 and Praxis 5412, but in real-world school leadership. I share how embracing mistakes, using data to adjust course, and staying adaptable are key traits interview panels and districts are truly looking for. I also walk through practical examples of how I’ve seen resilie...

In this episode, I share three key themes that appear again and again on ESOL/ESL teacher certification exam and explain how recognizing them can help you answer questions more quickly and accurately. I walk through what test makers are really looking for—standards-based critical thinking, the connection between language and culture, and supporting students’ first language while building English....

In this episode, I clear up the confusion between the new Praxis Early Childhood exams 5534 and 5533 and explain which one most teachers will actually need to take. I break down the structure of the 5534 exam, the five key content areas it covers, and the major themes the test emphasizes, including child development, assessment, family partnerships, and culturally responsive teaching. I also share...

In this episode, I break down special education exam strategy and show you how to think like the test maker so you can quickly spot the best answer—even when all the choices seem right. I walk you through key concepts like IDEA, least restrictive environment, functional behavior assessments, positive behavior supports, and strong routines, while sharing practical tips for eliminating punitive or e...

In this episode, I break down what instructional leadership really means for exams like the SLLA 6990 and Praxis 5412, and why it always starts with using data to drive decisions. I walk you through how strong leaders combine quantitative and qualitative data to design targeted, teacher-led professional development and build leadership capacity within their schools. If you’re preparing for a leade...

In this episode, I walk you through sample test questions from the Praxis Teaching Reading exam so you can see exactly how phonemic awareness, phonics, morphology, and fluency show up on the test. I break down how test makers think, how to spot “NOT” questions and the next logical instructional step, and why words like explicit, systematic, and recursive matter so much. If you’re preparing for the...

In this episode, I break down what strategic leadership really looks like, starting with the data analysis that must happen before any meaningful decisions are made. I explain why disaggregated data is essential for identifying gaps, allocating resources, and improving instruction—both for real-world leadership and for success on the SLLA 6990 and Praxis 5412. I also walk through how strong leader...

In this episode, I break down how to confidently tackle the open or constructed response portion of reading exams without panicking or overthinking. I explain the predictable question types, show you how to work backwards from the task, and walk through a clear paragraph-by-paragraph structure that helps you earn full credit. I also model how to identify the right reading skill, choose a research-...

In this episode, I break down strategic leadership and explain why shared vision, shared goals, and shared decision-making are at the heart of effective school leadership—and leadership exams like the SLLA 6990 and Praxis 5412. I walk through how vision and mission connect to actionable, data-driven goals, why needs assessments come first, and how collaborative leadership shapes school culture. Wh...

In this episode, I break down the foundations of reading and explain how effective reading instruction is taught using clear learning objectives. I walk you through the “Fab Five,” unpack explicit, systematic, and recursive instruction, and show you how these skills build toward comprehension and metacognition. I also share practical strategies for transferring multiple-choice knowledge into stron...

In this episode, I break down how SAT scoring really works—from raw scores to scaled scores—and explains why the digital, adaptive format makes scoring less predictable. I walk through a sample score report, showing you how to use your section and skill breakdowns to target improvement and boost your confidence. Whether you’re aiming high or just getting started, this episode helps you understand...

In this episode, I open up about test anxiety, the fear of failure, and the importance of giving yourself grace throughout your certification journey. I share personal experiences, practical strategies for staying present, and a reminder that one score does not define you. Tune in for honest encouragement, mindset shifts, and tools to help you move forward with confidence.  ✨ Grab your study mate...

In this episode, I share the most effective classroom management strategies that go beyond punishment and focus on building real connections with students. Drawing from my experiences as both a teacher and administrator, I discuss the power of restorative practices, relationship-building, and accountability to create lasting behavior change. Whether you’re a new teacher or a school leader, you’ll...

In this episode, I break down the mystery of semicolons — those tricky punctuation marks that often appear on exams like the Praxis Core, SAT, ACT, and GRE. Learn how to confidently spot correct semicolon usage, avoid common grammar traps, and think like a test maker. Tune in for clear examples, practical tips, and strategies to boost your grammar and test scores. 📘 Need a clearer picture? Watch...

In this episode, I break down how to use ChatGPT and other AI tools to prepare for the constructed response (essay) portion of your teacher certification exam. I share a step-by-step guide to using AI for practice essays, feedback, and rubric analysis — helping you study smarter, not harder. Whether you’re taking the Praxis 5205, Foundations of Reading, STR, or any exam with a writing section, thi...

In this episode, I break down everything you need to know about the Praxis Core exam — from what’s on the test to how to prepare effectively for each section. Whether you’re a future teacher or already in the classroom working toward certification, I share practical tips and study strategies to help you build confidence and pass with success. Tune in for expert guidance, motivation, and resources...

In this episode, I break down how to confidently tackle scenario-based interview questions without sounding scripted. I share how to move beyond the rigid STAR method by telling authentic, thoughtful stories that show your real leadership, reflection, and problem-solving skills. Tune in to learn how to make your answers sound natural, human, and impactful in your next interview.  🎬 If you’d like...