American Board Graduate Corey Nordike Shares His Story

Corey also had this to say about his experience in the American Board Program:

I had worked around children before and knew, deep down, I was meant to teach.  I did not have the funds to return to school nor did I want to.  I had just graduated.  While researching alternative pathways to certification, I came across the American Board and immediately knew the program was for me.  It was 100% self-paced and the cost was less than a semester of college.

I completed the program within a few months and just in time for the new school year to begin.  I had zero issues finding a teaching position within my desired school district.  I had great support from my principal and academic instructional coach.  In my opinion, there is no college course that is going to prepare you on how to manage and run your classroom.  Not all children are the same.  Researching new strategies and implementing what works for your kids and tossing out what does not is key.  American Board opened doors for me, but it was up to me to push myself to succeed.

My first year of teaching, I was nominated for teacher of the year.  I was also offered a team leader position for the following school year.  I’ve been teaching for a few years now and could not be happier with where I am.  I look forward to going to work each day because each day is different.  I cannot imagine not working in education.  I’m about to finish my master’s degree and plan on obtaining my doctorate soon after, all paid for from a teacher fund at my school district.  I owe it all to the support of my family, my perseverance, and American Board’s teacher certification program.