In this Issue

• A Participant's Experience with T.E.A.C.H.
• Spotlight on: Professional Development Registries
• Vote Phyllis Kalifeh for NAEYC Governing Board
• Forum Corner
• Early Learning Coalition Briefs
• Legislative Updates
• Economic Stimulus for Child Care Equals Jobs
• State and National News
• Calendar of Events

Read full article

Teresa began her teaching career as a physical education paraprofessional at an elementary school in Polk County. Although she loved working with children, Teresa's position offered few benefits and minimal pay. She talked with a Florida First Start program guidance counselor who motivated Teresa to take college courses so that she could enter a career where she would rise above the minimum wage level.

At first, Teresa didn't know if she wanted to be a teacher or a nurse so she took prerequisites for both fields of study at Hillsborough Community College. She soon realized that teaching was her calling and started early childhood courses at Polk Community College, but she also realized she would need financial assistance if she wanted to continue her studies. When she learned about T.E.A.C.H. and the financial assistance it provides, she jumped at the chance to become a participant.

"I was going through a very difficult time in my life, and I wouldn't have been able to continue my dream of receiving a college degree without T.E.A.C.H.," said Teresa. "I might have given up if it hadn't been for my T.E.A.C.H. counselor who believed in me and wouldn't let me give up my goal of higher education. And I never experienced complications with registering for classes or receiving reimbursements."

Teresa's T.E.A.C.H. counselor worked with her employer at Florida First Start, who made arrangements for her to attend college classes and complete homework assignments for a few hours during her normal work week. She also received an increase in pay based upon the number of college credits she completed and was even reimbursed gas mileage for her commutes to school. All of these benefits are an established part of the T.E.A.C.H. program.

In 2007, Teresa graduated from the University of South Florida where she received a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. Today she is a parent liaison and resource teacher at Florida First Start where she helps raise the quality of life for families by giving them the skills they need to be the first educators in their child's life. Through home visits, group meetings and other activities, Teresa is making a difference in her community. And she credits her college degree with making it all possible.

"Getting a college degree has made me a lifelong learner and a lifelong teacher," Teresa explained. It is a sacrifice to go back to school, but when you get through the planting and plowing, your life is like a garden. When you see the harvest, it makes you feel good."

Hide article