My name is Daniel, and I’m a 29-year-old middle school teacher at a Christian school in Gainesville, Florida. Teaching is more than my profession—it’s my calling. I show up every day because I believe deeply in the students God has entrusted to me and in how much stability, consistency, and care matter in their lives.

A few months ago, our staff was informed that the school was facing serious financial hardship. Since then, the situation has continued to worsen. I—and many other staff members—have now gone over two months without a paycheck. On December 23rd, just days before Christmas, we were told that we would not receive any pay until the end of February. During the Christmas break, six staff members were let go, and those of us returning were asked to accept a 10% salary reduction for the remainder of the school year.

Like many educators, my salary alone doesn’t fully cover my living expenses, so I’ve been taking on odd jobs wherever I can just to stay afloat. Even so, I’ve remained fully committed to my students. Over the past year, I’ve spent more than $2,500 of my own money on classroom supplies and decorations to create an environment where students feel safe, encouraged, and genuinely cared for. I also personally fund small rewards like “Student of the Week,” because recognition and encouragement make a real difference—especially at this age.

Right now, the school is unable to pay staff or even purchase the curriculum these students urgently need. Still, I don’t want to walk away from my students in the middle of such an unstable season. They need consistency. They need adults who don’t disappear when things get hard.

That’s why I’m doing everything I can to stay.

To support myself without leaving my classroom, I’ve borrowed $2,750 from a friend to attend a two-week, hands-on appliance repair training just outside Atlanta, Georgia. This training will allow me to begin repairing appliances after school, in the evenings, and on weekends. Within about six weeks, I’ll be able to confidently take in-home service calls, and by summer, I can work full-time to build a stable financial foundation going into the next school year.

My goal is simple: to remain in the classroom—fully present for my students—without the constant fear of unpaid bills.

If you’re reading this, I truly need your help. Any support you’re able to give will first go toward covering curriculum and classroom needs for my students. If there is anything left, it will be used to help cover basic living expenses and training costs, allowing me to finish the school year strong.

Without meaningful support in the next week or two, I will be forced to leave the school to find paid work elsewhere—something I desperately want to avoid.

If you believe teachers matter…

If you believe students deserve stability…

If you believe that showing up—even when it’s hard—still matters…

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Every contribution, prayer, and share truly makes a difference—not just for me, but for the students who depend on consistency and care.