Karen’s Opinion

Whether you are a teacher who is working in their field or an aspiring teacher, you probably know the advantages of obtaining your master’s degree. For those of us who are simply interested in how this works, let me give a bit of information on why it is important and the best ways to earn a master’s degree.

Why a bachelor’s degree is not enough:
A master’s degree in teaching makes certified teachers eligible for significantly higher pay schedules in most school districts; how much more money varies widely and depends on the district. This degree also makes teachers more competitive for job openings, especially at private schools.

On to how to decide where to get your master’s degree:
Most of us hold full time jobs or are at a time in our lives where we are busy raising children and are unable to devote our time to driving to a campus. That is why the online curriculum at USC is designed to help you succeed. The master’s of arts teaching degree from University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education will help you develop superior teaching skills. Visit the website and take the tour to view the online curriculum and see the top reasons to choose the MAT@USC.

The certification map site is also available to obtain additional information specific to your situation and gives information that clarifies the steps needed to become a teacher in your state.

Both websites hold valuable resources for those who are deciding that NOW is the time to take action on achieving their goals.

This week’s questions for Four Foods on Friday are:

1. How do drink your hot chocolate? Marshmallows? From boxed or scratch?
I have a big canister that I scoop out a tablespoon of mix from, add it to hot water and stir. I like marshmallows in mine but rarely have them in the pantry so I go without.

2. Do you prefer cider hot or cold? I like cider both hot and cold.

3. Do you like egg nog? I like a small glass every once in a while. I like a bit of Baily’s Irish Cream added to mine and pour it over ice. Yumm.

4. How do you make punch? I usually add 7up to canned punch. Lazy and simple!

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My favorite Christmas song was written by Mark Lowry and is Mary Did You Know?

Many people are surprised when they find out that the song was written by Mark Lowry. He is a Christian comedian and a very funny one at that. He also has a beautiful voice. He sang with the Gaither Vocal Band for many years.

Here are the song lyrics written by Mark Lowry in 1984 and music written by Buddy Greene:

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy
Would someday walk on water?
Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered
Will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Will calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby
You’ve kissed the face of God.
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb

Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy
Is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding
Is the Great I Am

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

My dream of the Norman Rockwell Christmas would begin with a stay in the Ozark Mountains. While I doubt the weather in December would be suited for popular Ozark sports like caving and trout fishing, the beauty of being in the mountains would draw me in. I can imagine my family sitting in front of a big stone fireplace at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing.

This beautiful hotel complex offers the relaxing yet exciting and fun getaway most of us enjoy. I love the outlet shopping available in the shopping district and of course, the shows are fantastic. You can be as mobile as you want to be when you vacation in Branson. Personally, I would love to lounge around, read a book or get a fabulous spa treatment at Aspire Medical Spa.

Running through Dec 23, the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel and Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing are offering special holiday packages that include milk and cookies and story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Can you imagine the fun of experiencing these fun getaways? Can you see the looks on a young child’s face? Check out these special offerings and give your family a memory that will last a lifetime.

Here are the questions for this weeks Four Foods on Friday. You can join by clicking on the icon.
1. How many cookbooks do you have? (1-10, 11-20, 20+)
I cleaned out mine and gave many to Goodwill. I think I have under 10.

2. Where do you keep your large utensils (such as slotted sppons, spatulas, etc)?
I have a tall Longaberger basket that I keep tall spoons and ladles in.

3. What is your countertop made of?
old, old, formica

4. Do you use canisters in your kitchen?
I have them but they are only for decoration. Sometimes I store dog biscuits in one.