This blog is publishing some real talk from teachers. It’s essential that we gain first person insight about what it means to find the grace to be present for students while coping with economic sabotage and the stifling loss of classroom autonomy. For obvious reasons, these Florida teachers must remain anonymous.
Salary too low to qualify for Best Buy Loan for laptop
Here is what it means to be a teacher in Orange County. I am currently sitting in a Best Buy parking lot, where I attempted to apply for their credit card. After giving it thought and research, I found that doing so would be the best deal in buying a computer that will be used solely for work and additional projects having to do with teaching.
My school does not supply teachers with laptops and to work quickly, efficiently, and thoroughly, this is a necessity for my daily instructional use. After waiting in line for approval, I was met with rejection. When I asked on what terms, they said that my yearly household income did not meet the requirements of their company.
I have zero outstanding debt or other circumstances that would affect this approval. There I stood both humiliated and frustrated because there is so much I hoped to accomplish for the new school year for my students using this device.
As a teacher for OCPS, holding a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, two certifications with the state of Florida, and an additional one in my home state, I embarrassingly called my parents to AGAIN borrow money to improve the quality of the education I deliver in the classroom.
This is what it means to be a teacher for OCPS. This is just one of a thousand stories of financial struggle in hopes of making our students the best they can be.
Last three weeks of Summer is a financial struggle
Ok…being completely transparent here. Both my husband and I teach in Florida public schools. We save like crazy for summer and I run big camps in the beginning summer. I can’t ever seem to get hourly summer work because I’m “overqualified” and honestly…I have to re-charge or I can’t give my students my best.
No matter what we do, the last 3 or so weeks before that first paycheck are terrifying. Bills are paid but I’m literally panicking about having enough gas to even get to school.
- This is not okay.
- Anyone else in this boat? How do you make it through? (Apart from the inevitable payday loan)
Share your story. Kathleen@FundEducationNow.org
