As a teacher leader, what are three key understandings you learned from the Payne text that you would deem appropriate for sharing with a colleague, administrator, and/or parent? Describe why these understandings were selected.
As a teacher leader one of the key understandings that I would deem appropriate for sharing with colleagues is one of the first things discussed in the Payne text. It is the definition of poverty and the explanation of the various resources. Payne defines poverty as, “the extent to which an individual does without resources” (Payne, 1996). She then gives an explanation of eight different resources including; financial resources, emotional resources, mental resources, spiritual resources, physical resources, support systems, relationships/role models and knowledge of hidden rules. In the definition of poverty given by Payne, people come from poverty when they are lacking one or more of these resources. Many people in poverty are lacking several of these resources.
This is an understanding of poverty that is new to many people. Many people believe that poverty consists of only the lack of financial resources. This key understanding would be appropriate to share with colleagues and administrators as it can greatly affect the way that we deal with students. Students may exhibit characteristics of coming from an impoverished background although the family has financial resources. By understanding how the lack of other resources can affect students, we can better understand and serve these students. As teachers and administrators we can be sensitive to the needs of students who are lacking resources that may not necessarily be of a financial nature.
Another key understanding that I would share with colleagues and administrators is that of the use of the metaphor story. The teacher uses a story to which the child can relate in order to determine the cause of a behavior. No specific names or situations are used. This is an important key understanding because often children can not adequately speak for themselves or tell an adult what is going on with them. By using a metaphor story, the child can relate to the story and put themselves in the story without having to tell specifics about himself/herself. This approach is less threatening and can get better results as to the reason for some behaviors. Teachers and administrators can gain a better understanding of what is going on with the child through the use of metaphor stories.
The third key understanding that I would share with colleagues and administrators is that of the importance of relationships. While it is my belief that all teachers know it is important to build strong relationships with students and they attempt to do so, I think all of us are also guilty of getting wrapped up in paperwork, test scores, etc. and forgetting the importance of our relationships with students. Payne states, “When students who have been in poverty (and have successfully made it into middle class) are asked how they made the journey, the answer nine out of ten times has to do with a relationship…” (Payne, 1996). This is a very strong statement and shows the affect that relationships can have on students. Most teachers became teachers because they love the students. As a group, we need to refocus our efforts on that which is most important. By forming strong relationships with our students, they can achieve in wonderful ways.
Ruby K. Payne, P. (1996). A Framework for Understanding Poverty. Highlands, TX: aha! Process, Inc.
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