Two years ago, I made the leap from a series of underpaid, unfulfilling jobs to a career in elementary education. After returning to grad school, I began teaching Writing to 3rd–5th graders at a Title 1 school on the far South Side of Chicago.
While my salary, benefits, and job security (CTU slay) are better than ever, the financial strain of grad school and student teaching (aka 3 months free labor for the US Education system) has left me drowning in debt. On top of student loans and everyday bills, I’ve been hit with unexpected expenses—my senior dog’s cancer treatments this summer, and major car repairs now.
Where Your Help Will Go:
- Paying off debt, bills, and student loans
- Covering major car repairs so I can keep commuting to work
- Repaying my family for their generosity in supporting me and my dog’s health
- Supplying my classroom with materials so my students can learn to write in a safe, comfortable, clean environment
How You Can Help:
- Financial support
- Donations of classroom supplies
- Resources or advice (especially on learning Spanish!!!)
Any support means the world to me—whether it’s a donation, sharing this post, or sending resources my way. Your kindness makes a difference, not just for me but for my students as well!!!
Thank you for your time and generosity! ❤️
With love,
Mr. Martens