This presentation was inspired by the book written by Dr. Donna M. Beegle called "See Poverty... Be the Difference! Discover the Missing Pieces for Helping People Move Out of Poverty".

Poverty can be broken down into two categories based on the length of time, amount of income, amount and type of property owned, the extent of housing and job stability, type of resources available, social status, and life chances.

Long-term poverty falls under the generational and working poor poverty. These two groups of people share the experiences of unemployment, underemployment, labor-force dropouts, weak marriages, and single parenthood. Most of these people in poverty receive funds from unemployment, disability, welfare, Social Security, or under-the-table work.

People who experience temporary or situational poverty usually grown up in a stable environment. They are often surrounded by people who earn a living wage and are educated. They have a solid safety net. Generally, they are able to make it back to middle class.

"The impact of poverty spills over into every aspect of the experience of living, learning, and interacting with the rest of society."

Appearance impacts people in poverty significantly. Majority of people in poverty feel as if their value as a human being is judged by their appearance. People in poverty are often humiliated because they are dirty, smell, and wear ragged clothes.

Feelings of being ashamed are associated with people living in poverty. Sometimes they live in cars, on the streets, in dirty homes, or too many people live in the home. Several people in poverty do not want others to know where they live or come over.

Embarrassment can be associated with the availability and quality of food for people living in poverty. Some people in poverty can only purchase off brand foods, use food stamps or food cards, and/or go hungry. Several people in poverty go without food for days or not enough food causing them to feel weak and or shaky.

People living in poverty usually do not have medical care, cannot afford to see a doctor, and do not see the dentist. In the event people see a doctor, they often cannot afford to purchase prescriptions.

The harsh realities people face living in poverty often cause the feeling of no control over their life. Every day is a battle. There is no point for planning for the future, when the main focus is making it through the day.

Money is a major issue in poverty. Some people living in poverty feel like there is no control without money. Money can help open doors, fix problems, and improve the quality of life.

As a teacher, it is your job to find out where each one of your students are coming from. Find out where your student is struggling and help them overcome it. Build confidence and praise your students anytime they have shown growth.

Pay attention to obvious differences, address them as needed.

Make your classroom a place students want to come. Provide the stability and consistency that students need to be successful. Set clear expectations and repeat them often.

Relationships are key with your students. Builds relationships so that your students want to come to class. Convince your students you want to help them succeed and build the trust.

Make real life connections, not only for people who are live in middle-class, but for people who are poor. Not everyone experiences a "family dinner" or "going to the movies".

If you notice a student not participating or struggling, help them. Talk to them and find out how you can help them be more successful.

"Every student can learn, just not on the same day, or in the same way."- George Evans.

Consider what each student needs. Don't assume they all know the same things or came from the same place.

Help your students become aware of resources available. Make it a class assignment to research what is out there. Be willing to help.

Share personal stories to make connections with your students. Have your students share their own stories. Share how each student has learned and how you were educated to become a teacher.

Collaborate with other teachers. Find out how you can better help students who are living in poverty. Share your experiences, ideas, and stories. Learn from each other.

Poverty is real. It is a barrier. Be aware of it and accommodate the best way you can.

Don't think you can't make a difference. Reach out to the people living in poverty. Make them feel like a somebody. Talk to them. Treat them like a human being. Spend time, energy, and effort to reach out to these people.

This presentation was inspired by Dr. Donna M. Beegle after a two day Poverty Institute. I wanted to share the information learned and what I'd like to do with it moving forward.