Hello, my name is Jennifer Lopez. I am starting my second year as a theater director at Cesar Chavez Middle School. All summer, I have been working towards earning my teacher's certification! I have taken my classes and taken my content exam (and passed!) I have one course left, my internship class. With this class, I will be earning my full wages as a teacher starting in the fall. Last year, I was on a long-term substitute salary. I created theater resources in Spanish for ELL (English Language Learner) students, I conducted rehearsals for One Act Play competition-- All without full teacher pay and without a co-teacher. I did this because I am so insanely passionate about theater. I became a theater teacher because of the impact that theater has had on my life. I went to and graduated from Waco ISD schools, I came to give back to this community that has given me so much. My first year of teaching was eye opening and I would love the opportunity to keep teaching theater to those amazing kids at Cesar Chavez Middle.

Unfortunately, I have fallen on hard times financially. This summer, I was focused on taking classes, passing my content exam, and planning my next school year. Because of this, I had difficulties finding a job and in turn, I have been unable to pay for my classes. I have until this Wednesday (08/06/2025) to pay MCC for my backdated and current tuition or I will be dropped from my Internship class and ultimately, not receive full teacher pay.

It is difficult for me to reach out and ask for this assistance. But, I would truly not be asking unless it was absolutley necessary. I want to step up for my students but I can't do that without the financial help that I need.