What Is A Surrogate? Surrogacy Defined

The definition of a gestational surrogate is a woman who carries a child for someone who cannot. The surrogate mother undergoes IVF to have an embryo that has no genetic relation to her transferred and she carries the baby to term for the Intended Parent(s). The embryo can be created by both the parents egg and sperm or with an egg donor and/or a sperm donor. In modern surrogacy with a gestational surrogate, her egg is not used and she has no genetic or legal relation to the child she is carrying for the intended parent(s). According to the CDC, surrogacy is the most successful fertility treatment. As a surrogate, you can make a profound impact on a family.

Listen to our podcast What Is A Surrogate to hear more about surrogacy.

What Is an Early Childhood Teacher?

Early childhood development teachers are educators who specialize in working with young children during their formative years from infancy to around eight years old. These dedicated professionals play a key role in shaping a child's early experiences and fostering their intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth. They create nurturing learning environments, offer guidance to parents and caregivers, and use their expertise to support children in reaching important developmental milestones. Preschool teachers, daycare workers, and elementary school teachers all work together as educators to provide a strong foundation for a child's lifelong learning journey.

Teachers and Surrogacy

Daycare, preschool and kindergarten teachers are integral in young children’s lives. Their influence extends far beyond the classroom. They hold the key to unlocking a child's potential and preparing them for a bright and successful future.

For many early childhood teachers, choosing to become a surrogate is a natural extension of being a teacher. Teachers' empathetic and caring nature come into play as a surrogate is entrusted in caring for bringing someone’s child into the world. Many qualities that make a great teacher, also make a great surrogate:

• Nurturing: Working with young children often requires a high level of patience. This attribute is crucial when caring for and nurturing a child, especially during challenging or stressful moments.
• Empathy: Teachers are skilled at understanding and responding to the emotional needs of children. They can provide the emotional support and care that a surrogate mother should offer to ensure a child's well-being.
• Communication Skills: Teachers are adept at communicating, a vital skill for building trust and maintaining a healthy surrogate-intended parent relationship.
• Adaptability: Teachers are accustomed to adapting their teaching methods and strategies to meet the unique needs of each child. Being flexible and adaptable allows a surrogate to successfully navigate any situation that arises in her surrogacy journey.
• Supportive Nature: Teachers are naturally inclined to support and encourage a child's growth and development. They can provide guidance, mentorship, and a nurturing environment to help a child thrive. In a surrogacy journey, this is paramount.

Challenges Teachers Face

The United States is facing a teacher shortage. Research from the Learning Policy Institute (LPI) found that 1 in 10 teacher positions are either vacant or filled by someone uncertified for the subject they are teaching. Experts cite many reasons for the continued teacher shortage including:

• Increase Cost for College Degrees
• Low Salary
• Increased Workload
• Stressful Working Conditions leading to Burn-Out
• Curriculum Issues
• Lack of Support in the Classroom

According to the Economic Policy Institute, the teacher shortage is very real and increasingly dire. When factors like teacher certification, pertinent training, and experience are considered, the scarcity of educators becomes even more pressing than current assessments suggest. Regrettably, schools with high poverty levels bear the brunt of the shortage in qualified teachers. A shortage of teachers puts students and teachers at risk.

The Need To Supplement Teaching Income

Many teachers work second jobs out of necessity and they do so while maintaining their commitment to their students and the teaching profession. Here are some reason teachers supplement their teaching income:

1. Low Teacher Salaries: Lower salaries can make it challenging for teachers to cover all their living expenses, particularly in areas with a high cost of living.
2. Student Loan Debt: Many teachers carry substantial student loan debt from their education and training. Repaying these loans can be a significant financial burden, leading some teachers to seek additional income to pay off their student loans.
3. Additional Education Expenses: Teachers often invest in their classrooms, purchasing supplies and materials out of their pockets. These out-of-pocket expenses can strain their finances, prompting the need for a second job to offset these costs.
4. Supporting Their Own Education: Some teachers pursue advanced degrees or professional development to be better teachers. Additional income helps them with tuition and other costs associated with advanced education.
5. Supporting Their Family: Teachers may have families to support, and the combination of lower salaries and increasing living costs can make it necessary to work a second job to make ends meet.
6. Seasonal Employment: Oftentimes, teachers have unpaid summer and winter hiatus. During these breaks, they may seek seasonal, remote or part-time work to maintain a steady income.
7. Passion Projects: Some teachers take on second jobs or side gigs to pursue their interests and passions, such as writing, coaching, or tutoring.

How Can You Help Teachers in Need?

Every little bit helps! In addition to supporting the teacher in your life with our campaign highlighting DonorsChoose, there are many ways you can support teachers in need. From getting involved with education policy, volunteering at your local school, fundraising for teachers who need classroom supplies and more. You can also consider becoming a teacher yourself.