I was born in Cuba and came to the United States at the age of four in 1971. I grew up in a working class, blue collar neighborhood in Miami, Florida. My father was a carpenter and my mother worked in several factories to provide for me and my three siblings. I have been working since the age of thirteen, starting off of all things as a shoe sales person. I attended college in Atlanta Georgia and have been living in the Houston area for over 23 years. I've been a proud US citizen since 1992.
I have been teaching for 30 years. My first 7 years of teaching were in Georgia with the Cobb County Board of Education. The other 23 years were in the Houston area working with several independent school districts (Aldine, Alief, Houston, Cypress-Fairbanks, and Waller).
While working as a teacher I have worked several part-time jobs to support my family. Part of that was done so my wife at the time could stay at home with our two sons. Those part time jobs also help offset some of the teacher expenses incurred over the years. As many you know teachers have a lot of out of pocket expenses that are not reimbursed.
This fundraiser is to help purchase at least three of my seven years of service from Georgia. When I moved to Texas I was not able to transfer my years of service from Georgia. Needing the money at the time I cashed out my 7 years not knowing those could be purchased here in Texas. The cost to purchase those 7 years at the moment is $156,905. Yes, it is an astronomical amount to purchase out of state service years here in Texas. Each year cost approximately $21,000. I have managed to save some money but the cost is overwhelming. Below is an actuarial cost statement for my service credit from Georgia.
Teaching is a noble profession that I am proud to have been part of for so many years. I take a lot of pride in having had an impact on so many students, molding them and shaping their academic development. Many people tell me that teachers are underpaid and overworked, which is true. Some mention how teachers are not appreciated. This an opportunity for anyone to help out a teacher in any manner whether through donating and/or sharing this posting. Any donation large or small is accepted with deep gratitude and considered a blessing.
Thank you!
