Poverty and Equity Discussion Part III

 

On January 31st, 2022 (Junior year) I attended Part III of Dr. Whitney White’s Poverty & Equity Discussion through the Teaching Fellows program. This part was centered around what students need, in what ways these needs are not always being met, and what teachers can do to help meet these needs. I enjoyed this discussion because it provided me with practical actions I can take to help ensure that - at least in my classroom - my students feel safe, secure, and taken care of. Dr. White provided us with the “Three S’s” for what kids need which are structure, self-esteem, and support. Without these three things, students will be unable to fully focus on learning in school and striving for success. As a teacher, I can provide my students with structure, routine, predictability, and high expectations each day they walk into my classroom. I can also encourage them to have a growth mindset and take pride in who they are and what they can accomplish. Finally, I can also let it be known that my students can lean on me for support with whatever struggles they are facing, and this starts by working to build a relationship with them full of trust and love.