Melissa Demidov

I started my teaching career as a substitute teacher in 1997 and eventually earned my teaching credential in 2018. I have loved this job dearly but finally decided to get a credential (and going into debt doing it, hahaha!)

Over the years, I have spent much of my meager sub pay to purchase books, prizes, etc. for students because I love them!

For 2018/2019, I spent the first six months of the year as a long-term sub then was hired in February on a temporary contract. I used a lot of personal funds for my students and classroom.

For 2019/2020, I was in another temporary contract and had already spent a good amount with no budget before receiving a paycheck. Teacher budgets were $150 last year, down to $100 this year. When COVID-19 hit us in March, I was back to spending more money on digital lessons and having to shelve the paper items I had already purchased and prepared for the school year.

For 2020/2021, I have moved from a 4/5 combo to 2nd grade. Again, more money out of my pocket as a new grade level requires new materials. I am excited about the move and teaching a new grade level. I have been with these students since August 19th and they are already amazing to me! I started my teaching career as a substitute teacher in 1997 and eventually earned my teaching credential in 2018. I have loved this job dearly but finally decided to get... read more