It's sometimes difficult to hold students accountable for their work when it's so glaringly obvious what they have to deal with at home.
One of my students missed over two weeks of school because she didn't have a place to live. The school gave her a free backpack and school supplies because that's what they do for kids who are categorized as homeless.
Two kids in my class are wearing clothes that probably haven't been washed in a month. One comes in every day with wet clothes that were hung out to dry in the basement the night before.
Driving through the neighborhood to drop off some kids, I saw that many houses had no windows or blinds. It stormed a couple of weeks ago.
I expect all the kids to have their homework done every night, and to come prepared and ready to learn every morning. If they can't do it at home, they do it with me after school. Yes, I know some people in other countries have it much worse. But still... why does ANY kid have to go through that?
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jeff!! i think what you're doing is so amazing. i really admire your dedication .. teaching's not easy, esp in impoverished areas! i can only imagine the difficulties .. and the fulfillment .. of your tfa experience. but in any case, i'm here rooting for ya for those days good and bad (i taught at a spanish hs last yr, so i know that being a teacher means having as many bad days as good :) ) sproul 7 LOVE!
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