Question:
As teachers we see a snapshot of ordinary people in our classrooms every day. We see the state of our communities and families through our students’ words and deeds. Now, as we learn daily of new economic turmoil, what signs do you see in your students, showing how your community and families are handling the crisis?
Replies:
FL
I teach in a high poverty, high needs school. Many of our parents and caregivers are the working poor with no benefits and no job security. Increasingly, and sometimes suddenly, those adults are losing jobs. Families are moving in with relatives and friends. Several have moved to family shelters, which we also serve. Those families who already live in subsidized housing are finding their food dollars cannot stretch any further. Our school is open on several Saturdays for classes, and provides some food for the children. Emotionally, families are beginning become more fragile than they already were.
Terri Messing - Port Orchard, WA
My history classes are engaging in an election simulation. Through their eyes, I am seeing what conversations are taking place at home. Many of my students are from a low socio-ecominc standing and my students are worried if their adult caregiver is going to have a job and if they are going to have a place to live.My students are really looking closely at the candidate they think would make a good president, but I can hear their parent/ guadians's voices. "He's too old and we can't have a woman as vice-president." I will really know how this is affecting my families when it is time for parent conferences at the end of the month. Many may not come because they do not want to use up their gas.
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