Greetings friends and family and everyone in between! On December 31st I was laid off from my job when the contract was moved overseas. During the next 8 months I diligently searched for new employment, finally finding something in July. I accepted a position as a paraprofessional in a Special Education classroom. I took this as a sign that I needed to go get my teaching credentials in order to lead my own Special Education classroom. To this end I enrolled in and was accepted to an Alternative Certification Program (ACP).

The paras are, unfortunately, paid very little and ACP's are not free. While in the past some of these programs may have worked on a deferred payment model where you don't pay until you get a job, that sadly is no longer the case in the multitude of programs I investigated. I chose the most cost effective program with a balance of monthly payments and overall final cost of the program.

I am seeking assistance to raise $5,000 to pay for tuition and all associated testing fees to get my teaching credentials in Special Education. The breakdown, as it stands now, is: $250 per month for 12 months and $600 per semester for the first year once you start teaching.

If you can help with a donation it will be greatly appreciated and for those who can help with a donation covering one month's tuition ($250) I will donate two hours of time as Santa to your event. You can have Father Christmas or Coca Cola Santa show up for a party or just a photo session.

Why Special Ed?

For those who know me and my family, you know about my three adopted siblings who are all special needs and have influenced and enriched my life. My brother Michael passed about 11 years ago and he was the inspiration for me becoming a Santa for that community. Brian and Julia have, along with Mikey, have brought so much into my life, taught me so much, and inspired me with their selfless love and joy. They also taught me that the special needs community is critically under served, and those who have answered the calling to work with and educate these wonderful people are a special community on their own. I feel very deeply that this is something I can do to honor Mikey, Brian, and Julia, and my parents who brought these three amazing kids into our home and our hearts.

I will provide monthly updates as the program advances and will keep you informed every step of the way.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read through this and, hopefully, donate.

(Yes, that is Jack Black, but it's not far off from me.)