When You’re Not Sure Where You’ll Sleep, Showing Up To Class Isn’t What You’re Worried About
For educators, this is a daunting test. When the students in their classrooms are facing the very real possibility that they won’t have a place to sleep for the night, the last thing they’re thinking about is paying attention in class.
Yet, this is the reality for far too many students in the United States. Homelessness among children has reached epidemic levels, with an estimated 2.5 million kids across the country living without a permanent home.
It’s a heartbreaking reality, and it presents educators with an incredibly daunting task: How do you keep a student focused and motivated in spite of the overwhelming obstacles they face on a daily basis?
Fortunately, there are a number of proactive steps educators can take to create an environment that is conducive to success for homeless students. Here are just a few:
1. Establish relationships. It’s important for educators to build relationships with homeless students, to get to know them on a more personal level. This will help the students to feel more comfortable and secure in the classroom, and will make it easier for educators to understand and address their unique needs.
2. Make sure resources are available. Homeless students should have access to the same resources as their classmates, from textbooks to school supplies. Educators should also take the time to help homeless students access resources outside of the classroom, such as job-training programs or mental health services.
3. Show empathy. Perhaps the most important thing educators can do is to show empathy and understanding for homeless students. Remember, these are kids who are already dealing with a traumatic experience, and it’s important to make sure they know they’re not alone and that someone cares.
4. Celebrate successes. No matter how small, it’s important to recognize and celebrate the successes of homeless students. This can be as simple as acknowledging a student’s hard work in class or helping them to find a place to stay for the night.
5. Advocate for change. Educators should also take the time to advocate for change, to push for policies that can help homeless students. This can include advocating for increased funding for homeless shelters, or for more resources for homeless students in the classroom.
When you’re not sure where you’ll sleep, showing up to class isn’t what you’re worried about. But with the right tools and resources, educators can help homeless students to stay in school and achieve success. With the right support and guidance, these students can reach their full potential and make a real difference in their lives.
