My story begins in May. I had toyed with the idea of going back to get my Master's Degree for many years, but finally decided it was time. I searched the internet because I did not have the time to physically go back to school and wanted to complete my degree online.
Shortly after filling out my information, I was contacted by the University of Phoenix. I talked with an incredibly helpful woman (Neal Hambright) who helped me through the enrollment process and I was set to begin my program.
After taking the first class, I realized that I was in the wrong program because my goal was not to become a principal but to become certified to teach. I called and discussed with Denise Brandenburg my academic counselor my need to become certified to teach and explained that that is why I was going back to further my education. I told her that I enjoyed working with younger children and that I would like to teach pre-k, kindergarten, first or second grade. She put me in the Early Childhood Education program and everything went well until I was waiting for my certification letter that they needed at the teaching job I got after graduating in December. My boss needed proof of my certification to be able to continue to employ me. This is when the trouble started.
I contacted several people and was given the run around. I finally was able to speak with Denise Brandenburg after many attempts. I explained the situation and stated that since I had made my intentions clear from the beginning (to become certified to teach) someone obviously had put me in the wrong program. She said well that would have been me and they train us not to make mistakes.
My boss informed me that my salary would be cut by $5 an hour to repay all the money that the pre-k program had overpaid because I assumed I was certified. This also meant the program did not get as much money for the children in my classroom. Anyway, my job ended for the year in May and I will not be able to return until I am certified.
I am a single woman and I have bills to pay. I have been unable to get a job (no one will hire me without certification) and I have just used up the little bit that I had in savings. I have already received a bill for my student loans (over $50,000 dollars) which I have had to defer of course.
Without certification, I am not able to get a teaching job therefore I am unable to pay back the student loans. I want University of Phoenix to be held accountable for THEIR MISTAKE. I would appreciate any help available! Thanks so much!
0 comments