As a former homeless person in the states of Arizona and California and food stamp and welfare recipient during my time in Pennsylvania I have direct experience of living in poverty. Coming from these past experiences I have strong empathy for students living in those conditions. Also, I am deeply inspired from a book called, "I Choose To Stay: A Black Teacher Refuses To Desert the Inner City" by Salome Thomas-El, an award winning principal in Wilmington, Delaware.
Based on these experiences, empathy, and inspiration it is my belief that I can be the difference in the lives of students living poverty. In order for me to be the difference it is a must that I have positive expectations for them in thought, speech, and action. Also, I have to persevere in this endeavor everyday plus have an effective classroom management plan in place plus outstanding instructional engagement happening because students living in poverty may or may have the structure they need at home.
I want people to know that just because one lives in poverty doesn't mean that one won't rise out of it and succeed with a great education. If you don't believe me you ought to read Thomas-El's book which shows how students from inner city Philadelphia rise from poverty to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.
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