It's Giving National Teacher Day

Phillip Done wrote “the love from children shows us what this world supposed to be.” The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship Program provided me the opportunity to experience this kind of love personally and professionally.

Prior to receiving my Child Development Associate (CDA), I worked as a Preschool Teacher Assistant. Upon receiving my CDA my employer promoted me to Lead Teacher. Families and employees celebrated my achievement with treats and gifts. Everything felt perfect at work, and at home with my upcoming wedding in the Spring. One month after receiving my CDA, I was in a car accident. My car was totaled and I sought emergency care for neck injuries. Due to financial uncertainty, my fiancé and I postponed our wedding to buy a used car.

Months later, after recovering from the accident, I celebrated one of my student’s third birthday party. Family members asked “how far are you with the wedding planning?” I said “it is postponed due to the car accident and I would like to save for a nice dress.”

On Monday morning, I opened my classroom to prepare for early morning drop-off. I heard a knock at my classroom door. I saw past and present families of my students outside. I felt too nervous to welcome everyone all at once, so I grabbed the thermometer and checked temperatures. One of my students jumped up and down and yelled “we have a gift for you!” A parent handed me an envelope. I opened the envelope and noticed a card signed by all the parents. Inside there was a substantial amount of money to fund the wedding dress of my dream. Their act of kindness helped my now husband and I to have our wedding in the Spring time.

The T.E.A.C.H. program helps preschool teachers like me learn more about taking care of kids. There is a bill called “Education Saving Funds” that wants to make it easier for preschool programs to be available. This includes giving scholarships to preschool teachers to help them learn more. Programs like T.E.A.C.H. should be in Texas state law to make sure teachers can keep doing a good job. My story shows that parents appreciate teachers and want to support them. It is important for this bill to pass so that teachers can keep doing their job well. Thank you to my students' parents for helping me with my wedding dress!