Teaching in High Poverty Schools

How do we Keep Teachers in High Poverty Schools?

Response: 'Teachers Don't Leave High-Poverty Urban Districts; They Are Exiled'

The combination of poor management, under prepared students, and lack of sufficient resources makes teaching in high poverty schools very difficult and frustrating. I like this article because I have seen this situation happen myself where good teachers want out of a situation where they feel they are ineffective and are unhappy. The article lists some areas to be addressed, including a lack of social-emotional services. This seems to reflect basic needs not being met including nutrition, safety, and mental health, especially in high crime areas where there is the concept of the school to prison pipeline.  Other areas to improve are resources, parent accountability, resources, professional learning, and teacher support. Unfortunately in these schools the teachers are often under a lot of pressure for results but don't feel supported or valued. In fact, they often are the recipients of blame for the lack of success of the student for not doing enough to help them. Over all, it takes a very dedicated teacher to stay in a situation like this and not move across town where they will have an easier job for the same pay. This is a situation that really needs attention and improvement. I think most teachers  want to make a difference but if they don't feel like they can and don't get the support that they need, they won't stay in the schools that need them the most.