Previous

    The textbook definition of poverty is “the extent to which an individual does without resources:  financial, emotional, mental, spiritual, etc.”  In more human terms, people in poverty face challenges virtually unknown to those in middle class or wealth.  The reality of being poor brings out a survival mentality and turns attention away from opportunities taken for granted by everyone else.  Teaching Students of Poverty will give you practical, real-world support and guidance to improve your effectiveness in working with students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.  As your students put an individual face on poverty, you will be challenged to look seriously into your own thoughts and feelings about this topic, as well as toward your school's resources for serving those in such dire need.

This is a hybrid course, in which participants divide up their time between the half day morning or afternoon class day and the remaining assignment component to be completed outside class. The hybrid format will allow students to access a wider range of educational materials and gain more relevant knowledge to guide them in their profession.

The following Minnesota Teaching Standards apply to this course:

Standard 3.   Diverse Learners;  understands how students differ in their approaches to learning and creates appropriate instructional opportunities.

Standard 5. Learning  Environment; creates learning environments that encourage positive social interaction.

Standard 6. Communication; uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster supportive interaction in the classroom.

Standard 9. Reflection and Professional Development; is a reflective practitioner.

Standard 10. Collaboration, Ethics, and Relationships; communicates and interacts with parents, and the community to support student learning and well-being.