Help El Become an Elementary School Teacher!

Hi! My name is El and I am a future elementary school teacher in Kansas City, MO. I am raising money to help pay for my teacher certification because I was dismissed from a teacher prep program with no notice weeks before the end of my student teaching year. I spent the past school year working as a student teacher in a classroom full time with the promise that I would be a certified teacher at the end of this program. While I have had to change course, I am still certain that I want to be a teacher and continue helping kids learn and grow in the classroom.

As a queer, nonbinary, disabled teacher, I am passionate about accessibility and equity in the classroom. I am also dedicated to working in public or public charter schools in urban Kansas City. I believe all students deserve to be taught by qualified, passionate teachers.

You probably already know that teaching is a profession folks are called to because they love what they do! Unfortunately, this means that money can be tight. This fundraiser will cover the costs of the American Board Teacher Certification program, which is roughly $2,000, with tax and fees included. Right now, I do not have a reliable source of income, as I was expecting to be certified at the end of May through my original teacher preparation program. I'll be spending this summer as a substitute teacher while I work towards an alternate path to certification that will allow me to be a full-time certified classroom teacher once it is completed.

By donating to this fundraiser, you will be helping me work towards my dream job. (Yes, I am one of those weird individuals who genuinely loves spending all day with kiddos!) You'll also be helping students and schools by allowing me to start my career during a time when many teachers are leaving the profession.

Any additional funds raised will go towards setting up my classroom, including: