Help Beloved Teacher Avoid Eviction

EMERGENCY FUNDING! https://gofund.me/a9163f96 *I have Double Bronchopneumonia. This is putting me in a scary financial situation by missing this much work & only getting small paychecks that barely cover bills & food. a “side hustle” is not an option because I have to heal my lungs & FULLY rest. *I have been served a “30 day eviction/leave premises” if 3700.00 is not paid by end of October. In addition to the 3700.00, I have large-outstanding Utility & Late fees of approximately 1,000.00 they will not forgive. I do not get any PTO (Sick days) for this acute, serious double pneumonia that developed from Covid & by chronic bronchitis. *If anyone has teaching experience, it can be nearly impossible to work without your voice especially in K-8.

*Unfortunately, because of the chronic bronchitis & fever, I had to keep taking several days off at a time over the past 45 days. I also do not get paid holidays like my other colleagues. *Let’s not forget, without subs & Cadres (the difference is Cadres hold a PEL, among years of real teaching experience). *Chicago wouldn’t be able to have fully staffed schools without us. *This all means that I cannot pay the past 2 months of rent in full bc we’re the only employees in #CPS that receive no PTO or paid holidays. *They have me on steroids, inhaler and 2 antibiotics. Jake is (of course) being the best nurse.

*Side bar: I’m taking a few years off from being a full-on music educator because I’m working on my Music Therapy degree. This would add to my Music Education degree from VCM ‘09 *Being a Cadre pays very well day-to-day. I save time and It takes the pressure off from lesson planning, evals, meetings, etc. When healthy, I can mostly pay my rent/daily expenses.

*My oxygen was down to 80% and was coughing up blood when I arrived at Northwestern on Monday. It was scary! *Now, I’m praying I don’t end up living in my car or tent during the winter, for real. No teacher should ever have to resort to this option! If anyone knows about housing assistance, I’d be grateful for the info & guidance. *School based Cadres are the only “full time” teachers without PTO. Its maddening. Especially, when I actually love my job & students at the same time. @ctulocal1 @disneymagnetcps. I'd really appreciate your visit to GoFundMe, https://gofund.me/a9163f96