TA Certification

So I have been working at the school since April, 2019 as a substitute teacher. i really like the job and the kids. i wasn't sure I would as I didn't have a lot of experience with working with kids before. I am so glad I like the job and it is so much easier with Dalton and I being on the same schedule.
The pay is not the best however, which I obviously knew going into this. I have started the process of getting certified as a teacher assistant.
It isn't very complicated to get certified through New York State. You have to complete 3 workshops. Two of which are online. There is also a state test to complete and pass. I am not sure about requirements of keeping up the certification. I will have to look into that.
I also believe I get paid more working as a substitute teacher if I am also certified.
I did my taxes today and I am getting way less than I did last year because I made so much less working at the school most of the year.
We will see how it goes. I have done the one 6 hour workshop at the BOCES in Mexico. The other two I will do ASAP so I can schedule the test. Fingers crossed the rest of the process goes smoothly!