Appreciating AWARD$ Plus: LaShunta Christian

LaShunta Christian completed her associate degree in early childhood education and was pursuing her bachelor’s degree, but when her daughter’s college tuition was due at the same time as her own, she had to choose. It’s a choice no one should have to make, especially someone who understands the importance of education like LaShunta. She said, “Education opened my eyes to what teachers actually do. People on the outside really do not understand. It is a lot of work. You learn that each child is different. You have to reach them in all kinds of ways, you have to look at them all as individuals. You think you are doing things the right way, but that’s not always the case.”

LaShunta was not accessing a TEACH Early Childhood® scholarship at the time, but she now knows about the opportunities TEACH makes available to help early educators pursue coursework and degrees debt-free. She credits her experiences in school with helping her prepare as a teacher, and as a mother, and she knows that she’s been able to make a difference for the children she served. “I love it when I see kids that have grown up and graduated and they still remember me,” LaShunta said. “Some have joined the army, some are teaching. It is so exciting. With all the school they’ve been to, they come all the way back to see me! They say, ‘I haven’t forgotten you. I miss you.’ I tell them I’m so glad that they are pursuing their dreams.”

When LaShunta started her coursework, she was in another field. She was looking to expand her horizons when an instructor suggested she explore early childhood. She knew she could use that coursework to teach all ages of children, so she began taking classes. “I still wasn’t settled on my career path until I did my co-op and the instructor observing my class said, ‘The children click with you. I think this is your calling, but it is up to you.’ I started watching and realized they really were responding to me, so I said I would try it for a year. I’ve been with young children now since 2002! I fell in love with them, and I stayed.”

Staying in the field can be a challenge with the persistent low compensation, and Infant-Toddler Educator AWARD$® Plus has been a big help. LaShunta said, “We don’t make a lot in this field. AWARD$ Plus has helped me with putting food on my table and keeping my lights on in my home. It is very important, and it helps lift stress off of you as a parent and as a teacher. I was able to get things for my classroom that without this money I wouldn’t be able to do. It helps me with bills that I didn’t have the money to pay on my own. It lifts great stress off of me.”

“I really appreciate what the Division of Child Development and Early Education is doing for teachers,” LaShunta said. “To them I say, ‘Please keep it going. Please keep fighting for us to keep this funding. It helps more than you know. I’m so grateful. Please don’t stop. It makes a big difference in our lives.’”