Heidi's future in teaching

I am a first year 7th grade Special Education teacher in the south Bronx, NYC.  I have been working with students since 2007, but have just recently made the transition to teaching (and middle school!) this school year.  Through the NYC Teaching Fellows, I was able to enter the classroom and get accelerated training that has been invaluable to my new career.

     In 2007, I started working in an elementary school in Washington Heights as a school aide with the idea that it was the first step to becoming a teacher.  I did not know what a school aide was or how long my journey would be, but I knew then that I was meant to be in a classroom.  As I became a paraprofessional four years later, the mission became even stronger and I completed my undergraduate program receiving a bachelor's degree in Psychology.  About a year after, I applied for the NYC Teaching Fellows program with trepidation unsure of what to expect of the process.  With each round I made it through, I became incresingly confident that it was going to happen... I was finally going to be a teacher!! 

     I made it into the program and went through intense summer training, which included college courses, skill building and teaching one summer school period.  It was challenging, but the reality began to sink in more and more that my long-term plan from 2007 was becoming a reality.   I loved my 7th grade summer class and found a job working in the same district. So far, this school year has been magical and humbling and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity thus far.

HERE'S WHERE IT GETS TRICKY.... As part of the NYC Teaching Fellows program, I am teaching while taking accelerated graduate courses.  Continuing in the program is contingent on taking the courses at Hunter College (of which they are graciously paying for most of my graduate education!)  Taking courses at Hunter College is contingent on my matriculation into the college program, meaning that I need transcripts from all my undergraduate study programs.

 UNFORTUNATELY, I was informed by my undergraduate school recently that they cannot give me my transcripts because I apparently still owe them money... a little fact that had been left out until I went there to request the information.  Apparently, I was supposed to receive TAP benefits that "never certified" leaving my account unattended to.  

     Thanks to some amazing friends and acquaintances, I have tried about a dozen assorted ways to find a way to go about this without asking for money, except for banks (something that is incredibly hard for me).  The bottom line is that until the balance is paid in full, they are not able to release my transcripts.  I don't know if anyone has $5,000 dollars laying around, but that is not a luxury I have with two teenagers to feed, clothe and fund (teenagers are way more costly than I thought they would be too!).  I have been making payments towards the balance, but at the rate I am able to make payments it will be a couple years before I am able to pay off the debt. 

     I would gladly take the time, but I have already received two extensions from the program and in order to continue, I need to pay off the debt  to receive my transcripts ASAP.

     This is why I have decided to reach out on a limb and ask for donations. I hope that there are enough people willing to invest in my future so that I can continue to invest in the future of our high-needs youths.  THANK YOU for your time!! Even a dollar towards my goal is deeply appreciated.  I have put the up to date total up, but will close the funding once I reach at least enough to match with my current salary.