English/Spanish woes…..

I am an elementary teacher who just found out about an imperative deadline today. I finished my graduate degree in ESL (English as a Second Language) in August. I did NOT, however pay off my account with the University because I lost my teaching job. I was able to find another one at a school that I LOVE, in my new graduate level field, after school started. THIS however, was hard on me because I did not get paid for a month. I was so behind personally that I could barely make ends meet, let alone pay this outstanding $1500.00 balance. Due to the balance I have holds on my record that keep me from applying for state certification, which I need to keep the job. If it's not paid by APRIL 21st, 2013, I get sent to collections with a whole new set of problems.

I work with K-8 students who don't speak English as their first language. This has been an amazing experience that I don't want to end. Seeing their faces as they learn how to communicate, add vocabulary, and participate in class has been worth every bit of struggle I have faced financially as a result of getting this degree. I have been helping them learn their content alongside English so that they have a great educational foundation and can be successful and contributing members of our nation. In order to continue to do this, I have to have my state certifciation.

Please consider helping! This means more to me than you know.