From Corporate to Classroom: Help Pilar
Donation protected
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to visit my GoFundMe page.
Hi, my name is Pilar Garcia, and I’m about to begin my first year as a full-time classroom teacher in Chicago Public Schools. After more than 20 years in corporate America, purpose came knocking on my door — and I finally decided to answer it.
Like many parents, having children changed everything for me. When my family moved into a beautiful condo in Hyde Park, we had no idea that hidden environmental hazards in the building would severely affect our health. My youngest, whose immune system was still developing, suffered the most. He began experiencing neurological issues and eventually regressive autism. My daughter also experienced concentration and developmental challenges during this time. This all happened during the COVID-19 era, when my daughter was in Pre-K and had to attend classes virtually.
It was then that I fell in love with the Montessori method. Her teacher at Suder was phenomenal — even through a screen, I saw the care, intention, and rigor behind every lesson. This inspired me to earn a paraprofessional certification at Seton Montessori. I was still working in mortgages at the time — I had to keep up with our expenses — but that spark to teach had been lit.
Later, we were again exposed to environmental hazards and had to move, draining our savings. I was laid off from my mortgage job, and while it was scary, it turned out to be a blessing. I began volunteering at my sons school and realized just how much I admired the educators helping my son succeed.
In truth, I had considered teaching many years before — I even took the basic skills test in 2004— but I was raised to prioritize financial stability. Back then, I feared that becoming a teacher would mean struggling to get by. But after losing so much, I realized that money comes and goes. Health, purpose, and impact matter more.
Now, I know that my calling is in the classroom. I want to create a space where students are empowered to dream. With the rise of AI and rapid innovation, our kids will need more than just skills — they’ll need vision. I believe in teaching them to imagine, question, create, and build with purpose.
Here’s my vision:
- A classroom rooted in storytelling — connecting math, history, science, and justice in meaningful ways.
- A space where Socratic dialogue and cultural exploration allow students to see themselves as leaders and thinkers.
- A learning environment that is inclusive, accessible, and emotionally safe, especially for students with diverse learning needs.
- Lessons that go beyond numbers — such as analyzing real-world data on housing discrimination and learning about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s time in Lawndale — to help students connect math to social justice.
Though I will be teaching math, my goal is to educate the whole child — to honor their minds, their dreams, and their stories.
To bring this vision to life, I need your help. As a first-year teacher, I’m starting from scratch and seeking funds for:
Flexible seating and lighting to support students with sensory needs.
- Manipulatives and Montessori-inspired materials to deepen conceptual understanding.
- Books, posters, and supplies that reflect the rich cultures and histories of my students.
- Technology and visuals that support all types of learners.
I’ve included a video below of a lesson I created on redlining, where students explore historical data to understand systemic inequities and the long-term effects of disinvestment in Black and Brown communities. These are the kinds of lessons I want to bring into the classroom regularly.
If you’ve read this far, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Whether you donate, share, or simply cheer me on — your support helps me move one step closer to building a classroom where students feel seen, heard, and inspired.
Let’s build something beautiful together.
With gratitude,
Pilar Garcia
Organizer
Pilar Garcia
Organizer
Chicago, IL