Support Jonnileigh's Special Ed Dream

Hi!

My name is Jonnileigh Harris. It is a little embarrassing putting myself on this platform and asking for funds, but unfortunately, at this point, I do not have any other option.

I am currently completing my student teaching semester, which I am lucky enough to fund through my graduate assistant position as a tutor for my local college. Though I will be a certified teacher by the end of the school year, that is not my last step in my educational journey.

I have fallen in love with Special Education and I wish to complete the Certification of Advanced Study: Special Education and Inclusion at SUNY Potsdam this summer. This program is three courses total and will cost around 4,500. Before I can register for the courses, I also need to pay off my $1,000 tuition bill from the current semester (the other 5k is paid as a result of my graduate assistant job).

As a student teacher, I do not make money, and I have had to rely on credit cards to help stay afloat, pay rent, and buy groceries- all of that. Unfortunately, this means my credit isn't great, and I don't qualify for a Direct Plus loan or a Sallie Mae loan. I've also run out of financial aid credits.

I feel like I have run out of options, and my heart is breaking with every button pressed on my keyboard. I love teaching, and I love special education. I belong in a classroom where I can attend to the needs of underrepresented and often forgotten students. I was a kid who fell through the cracks.

The need for special educators is rising in my community, and I know I would be a fantastic asset. My heart belongs to the most challenging kids and there is nothing more rewarding than helping students and their families reach goals they never thought were possible.

Please help my dream come true and help me help my community.

Thank you,

Jonni

Update: I am a very lucky person and a family member has offered to give me a loan for a large portion of the funds I need which means I'm only lacking about 800 dollars and I'm almost half way to that goal.

I am so excited to become the educator I am destined to be.

Thank you all who have shared or donated!