Credit Card Debt and Collection Agencies?

I'm a 29 year old teacher. I've aculated about $7900 in credit card debt since I was in college. I cut up my credit cards about three years ago & have been paying on the balances, but card I fell 9 months behind. The minimum payment was over 200 a month and on a teacher's salary, I just could not make it. They'd send me settlement deals, but I didn't even have money to settle. I'd send them periodic payments to try to show them I was at least trying. Now, they've sent my account to a Debt Collection Agency. The collection agency seems to want me to come up with the entire amount or file bankrupcy. Is there any way I can get a big debt collection company to work with me on small payments until I can get ahead? I recently took a part time job to give me extra income to work with. I don't want file bankrupcy @ this age and it is the only marr on my credit report. How can I get them to give me repayment options in writing? They want me to do everything over the phone. Help!