Rise 4 Special Education

I am not the parent of a child with a disability, but rather I have grown up with a parent who suffered from one. My father was born with Cerebral Palsy and my childhood was filled with stories of challenges he faced such as therapies, surgeries and constant ridicule. His triumph has been a life well lived, a family, and a career. His triumph has been the driving force behind why I want to help others who face developmental challenges. His Cerebral Palsy has had an interesting effect on my psyche, fostering an empathetic, kind, and compassionate persona. Knowing that he has overcome challenges in such a positive way has created a desire for me to advocate for others by pursuing a career where I can truly effect change. The passion I have for what he went through compels me to always stay strong and help others find their own strength. I cannot change the world myself, or even make a small dent, but I believe that by giving individuals a loving and caring environment educationally to thrive in will help everyone grow to be loving and supportive of others.

I have a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. My teaching experience has been with kids coming from all walks of life, ranging from preschool to elementary ages, but my love for children of all ages and challenges has been everlasting:) The main reason of my pursuit for a Master’s Degree in Special Education is that I want to be an advocating voice and positive catalyst for change to ensure children receive a fair and equal education. Armed with this new Master’s degree, I will be able to better leverage a position of respect for special needs children within the educational school system, which previously sometimes failed these certain students in classrooms. Hopefully, my voice will be heard at a higher level, which could impact future change and, in turn, help fewer children get bypassed or neglected.

There is such a need in the world today for Special Education teachers and I feel that I will play a key role within the classroom and will work hard to maintain balance to create an environment that works well for children with special needs. I need to raise up to $12,000 in order to complete my Graduate Degree in Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis). The classes themselves, books, eventual BCBA certification testing, and supplies for my classroom are costly and I need help if I am to reach this goal. Previously working at a title 1 school, my kiddos I have been blessed to work with, predominately are low income. I pour my life, my dreams, my hope, my inspiration into them daily. I truly want my kids to become amazing people who mold and shape our community into a better place. I have limited resources to help my children. I fund my own classroom every year and I have reached a point where I want to help my children on a deeper level.

Although it is hard for a self-professed strong, independent young woman to admit that she needs help financially (who is already living on a teacher's salary while working two jobs), I am here asking you to donate no matter how small to my cause. Every little bit helps and will bring me closer to making not only my dreams come true, but will assist me in promoting learning success in young lives today. In advance, please let me say thank you for your donation with a most humble and grateful heart!
#Rise4SpecialEd