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4. Just teach. Many times us teachers are not in control of a lot that occurs within the school. However, the one thing that we have complete power in is teaching. So when you get frustrated due to some district mandate or federal law such as No Child Left Behind, just close your door, ignore the pundits and just teach. The kids will thank you later for it.
Working in a high poverty school and/or community is hard; however, it’s not a lost cause. Take time and remember and first the ride may be bumpy but in the end, the kids will thank you for your dedication!
Now my T.E.R. family, do you work in a high poverty environment? What tips do you have for teachers who are just starting?
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Teaching in a high-poverty school is definitely different than teaching in a rich or even modest suburban school. I’ve just finished my 13th year at a rural school in Michigan with an 80+% free and reduced lunch rate. We received PD on the Culture of Poverty to help us better understand our clientele. Those of us with real-life experience growing up poor were able to add an authentic stamp on what we learned. I highly recommend reading A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby K. Payne, Ph.D. There is so much insight in this text.