I have been teaching in Philadelphia for 24 years. I am a dedicated teacher to the students, parents, and communities I have worked in. I love the students that I teach, and I have always done what it takes to to my job to the best of my abilities. I have always given my students 100%, and thus my own children and family have suffered. I typically exhaust myself at work, and when I come home my family gets what is left of me, if anything. I am not asking for pity, but I am asking for respect and honor for the sacrifices that I have made. Just to explain a bit, I would like you to know that I have worked in conditions with no air conditioning, asbestos, mold, mildew, peeling and chipped paint, and I use sinks that are labeled "please do not drink". I have been robbed and my car has been vandalized. I have been assaulted, hit, spit on, slapped, and cursed at. I am forced to accept this as normal; this is, and has been my reality day in and day out. I have been afraid for my safety and that of my students, as we practice lockdowns and then experience true lockdowns, not knowing if I would be to return home to my family. I visit the restroom on a schedule, and sometimes work for over 3 hours without a bathroom break. I work countless hours at night and on the weekends. I go in early and stay late, preparing for today, and then preparing for tomorrow. I meet parents on my lunch and prep. I buy crayons, markers, pencils, paper, copy books, folders, glue, and copy paper each year to get my class up and running in September. I have purchased schoolbags, coats, toiletries, clothing, and even belts for my students when I saw a need. I frequent the school supply stores to buy fadeless paper and decorations to create a happy learning environment. I buy printers, computers, and ink. I have bought food items for cooking activities, as well as supplied the necessary items for the activity. I buy art supplies for enrichment activities to motivate and excite the students. I buy snacks and treats for the students when they do not have a snack. Every time I go shopping, there is always something in the cart for school. I have supplied lunch and money for students when we go on field trips. The list goes on and on. I do these things as part of my job. I see needs and I meet them. I treat the students as my own children. I accept this as my choice, since I have chosen this life path. However, it would be appreciated to get pay raises that I deserve, and to receive just a little bit of respect and honor for my service to the children and parents of Philadelphia. Again, I do what it takes, and that is what career teachers do in Philadelphia.