Help Debbie Become A Real Teacher!

JUST LIKE PINOCCHIO WANTED TO BECOME A REAL BOY...I have a dream of becoming a real teacher. 

I RETURNED TO COLLEGE WHEN I WAS 47...way back in 2007. I earned an AIS (Associate of Integrated Studies) from Cascadia Community College in 2008, a BA in Culture, Literature, and the Arts in 2009 from the University of Washington Bothell, and an MA in Cultural Studies in 2011 from the University of Washington Bothell. 

IN THE FALL OF 2011... I moved from Seattle's east side over the Cascade Mountain Range to Washington's east side, where I began my doctoral studies at Gonzaga University in Leadership Studies, choosing emphases in African History and  African American History. I'll finally be earning that degree this year!

I SUPPORTED MYSELF THROUGHOUT MY COLLEGE CAREER...by working various student jobs such as writing center tutor, writing center lead tutor, assistant editor of an academic journal, peer tutoring, dissertation editing, research assistant, and as a Teaching Assistant in the MA program in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga. My last two years at Gonzaga were spent as the graduate assistant in the Lincoln LGBTQ+ Center on campus. During those two years I also taught in the Jesuit Worldwide Learning Program, a distance learning program whereby students in refugee camps around the world are given the free opportunity to earn an associate's degree from Regis University.  In other words, I have worked hard the entire time I've been in school to support myself. 

THEN CAME THE TIME TO LOOK FOR A JOB... as a college professor.  This was going to be the big payoff for the years of hard work and poverty. Unfortunately, hard times have befallen the profession as colleges and universities have vastly cut the number of tenured or tenure-track positions in favor of adjuncts. Adjuncts are part-time instructors with very low pay and no benefits. Although I have applied for dozens of assistant professor positions all over the country, I have not even scored one phone interview. 

I THEN THOUGHT I WOULD LOOK FOR A JOB IN STUDENT SERVICES... since I enjoy working with college students and really loved my job at the LGBTQ+ Center. Again, I applied for about 15 jobs all across the country. This time I got one phone interview and one in-person interview, but no offer.

MEANWHILE... I needed a job! I applied to be an adjunct at the local community colleges but no jobs were forthcoming. So I decided I could substitute teach high school. UNFORTUNATELY, I am not qualified to substitute in Washington, as a person must be a certified teacher to substitute. FORTUNATELY, I live on the border with Idaho, where I meet all the qualifications, and I was able to get a job with the Post Falls School District as a substitute teacher at Post Falls High School. This is my second year there.

THIS YEAR I was made the "Designated Substitute Teacher" for the high school, which means I am there every day the students are.

DUE TO IDAHO BEING AN "AT WILL" EMPLOYEE STATE...I am not considered an employee of the district; rather, I am an "independent contractor." I earn $85 a day for each day I work; that's $85 before taxes. There are no benefits. 

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE HIGH SCHOOL...it turns out I love teaching high school!  I mean, I LOVE it! High school kids are the greatest human beings on the planet and I absolutely love being around teenagers all day. 

AFTER ALL THESE YEARS I'VE FINALLY FOUND MY PASSION! I can't wait to get up in the morning and head into work. I've read dozens of books on pedagogy, classroom management, educational theory, and everything high school. I love teaching high school more than I've ever loved anything in my entire life. 

NOT TO TOOT MY OWN HORN, BUT...I'm really good at it, too! Surprisingly (at least to me), even though I'm an old, somewhat crippled up old lady, the students seem to love me as much as I love them. 

SO HERE'S THE BOTTOM LINE...I can't continue to support myself on $85 a day. I live waaay below the poverty line and my life is harsh. I have rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and recently discovered I have kidney disease. I live in a broke down old trailer that is unsafe, where I have to do things like wash my dishes in the bathtub. I need a regular full time teaching position that pays (relatively) well, provides insurance and other benefits, and would allow me to move closer to my work and my (adult) daughter, and into a safer living situation.

IDAHO, ALONG WITH 12 OTHER STATES...participates in a program called ABCTE, or "American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence."  (You can Google it!) This is an alternative certification route for people who have earned a bachelor's degree and now want to go into teaching, but don't want to go back to college for another two years to earn a master's in education, only to then spend a year in student teaching (for free). 

THIS IS THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY FOR ME to get certified and be able to get a job as a real teacher! The program is all self-paced, and all-inclusive. Here's how it works:

First, I have to pass three tests: Professional Teacher Knowledge, World History, and U.S. History. ABCTE provides all study materials and the cost of the tests that have to be taken at a professional test center. After I pass all three tests, provide my transcripts, and pass a background check...I receive a temporary certification and am eligible to get a regular job!

The first year of teaching, ABCTE will provide a mentor teacher who will observe me six times throughout the year and provide feedback. At the end of the year, they will (hopefully) recommend me for another year. During the second year, I must compile and submit an extensive portfolio of my and my students' work. This is all in addition to the observations by the school administration (usually the principal) and the district. 

After passing those first two years, I will be given my permanent certification (that has to be renewed every five years, conditional on continuing education). At that time, I must also pass the state boards.

ALL OF THIS IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE ABCTE PROGRAM...which is currently "on sale." Apparently, the cost has recently gone
up to $2,200 for the entire program. However, for International Day of 
the Woman, they are running a special for $1,900.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! The woman who has been assisting me with this program (the sales associate) has arranged a $300 discount for me due to my financial circumstances, bringing the price down to $1,600! 

WHY NOW??? First, because life is hard on $85 a day. I really need to make more money. I really need to move. 

Second, because, as much as I love substitute teaching, I really, really want my own classroom. I read and dream constantly about what amazing, creative, things I could do with my very own class. The thought of being able to teach my own history classes to my beloved students is the most exciting thing in the world!

Third, because there are job openings coming up at Post Falls High School. Our history department is old, tired, and in ill health, collectively speaking. The principal anticipates multiple retirements and job openings in the next couple of years. This is my chance. My time. My opportunity.

BUT I CAN'T EVEN APPLY UNTIL I ENROLL IN ABCTE AND PASS those exams! We very well may have an opening this May. when contracts come out. I can pass those tests in the next two months. IF I can get the money together in time.

SO I AM ASKING YOU TO HELP ME FULFILL MY DREAM and change my life for the better.  Whatever you can donate, large or small, would be received so gratefully. Thank you for listening and thank you for your consideration.