Ask anyone who knew me during the days of my TExES Preparation , and they'll all tell you the same thing: I was absolutely crazy when it came to finding the perfect TExES study guide.

I also binged on my test study sessions. There was no moderation for me: I engorged myself for hours on the best study material and practice tests I could find. Only when I had sufficiently tired my eyes out did I emerge from my study, looking a bit like those zombies you see in horror movies.

Needless to say, it wasn't a pretty picture!

Now that I'm enjoying the life of a Texas teacher - you know, full benefits, three months' vacation and a very nice salary of almost $40,000 - I can look back on those days and laugh.

But for all of my future colleagues out there, I know that they'll instantly recognize themselves in my story. The crazed study sessions. The frantic hunts for the best TExES study guides on the market. And the unshakeable feeling that the rest of your life will be determined by this single test.

Talk about high stakes!

Let Me Share My TExES Study Story With You…

I know that when it comes to winning at high stakes bets, us Texans always come out on top. And, to be honest with you, I definitely gambled on my test results. I had no idea how to properly study for my test. In fact, it was practically a miracle when I received my passing score in the mail!

But when it comes to passing the Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) test, you simply can't afford to gamble like I did. That's why I'm more than happy to share my own experiences with you, so you won't make the same mistakes that I did.

And after all, who better to listen to than someone who's already pass their Texas teacher certification exam?

• If you haven't seen this in your own TExES study guide before, then this is going to be one of the most important pieces of advice you'll ever read: this exam does not test real-world classroom standards. Repeat: it does NOT test real-world classroom standards!

So what's the point of an exam if it doesn't reflect real-world scenarios? I'm not sure myself - but that's not the point here. Approach every question and case study as if you lived in the perfect teaching world: an endless budget, supportive parents and a flexible administration. Then choose the best answer based on that scenario!

• Whatever you do, don't ignore the answer keys of your practice tests. Plenty of "TExES study guides" stuff valuable pieces of information inside the explanations of answer choices. If you only pay attention to the correct letter, you're missing a great deal of extremely important test-taking tips.

• Socialize! There's no way you can devote adequate test prep time if you're feeling burnt out and isolated. Spread your study time out during the week, or go out with family or friends every time your practice test score rises. It's a good way to keep yourself pumped up for optimized TExES study guide review time!

Want more of my best TExES Preparation tips, hints and tricks? Then head to www.teachingsolutions.org/texes.html today!