Today, I was asked to plan and teach a course at a local junior high school for students who are severely at risk--academically, socially, at school and at home. I have to admit to being completely overwhelmed and intimidated by this, while at the same time hungering for the opportunity to make something of a difference. But I fear that I will be inadequate. All the pedagogical and psychological training in the world doesn't necessarily prepare you for an experience like this, and I certainly haven't had all of the training in the world.
I outlined the course within minutes, knowing exactly what I want these kids to understand about themselves and about the world and about learning. But my primary concern is getting their buy-in: helping them feel that they are safe with me, that what we do together matters, that they can in fact effect change in their own lives. And I simultaneously understand that we can talk about things at school, but that doesn't change what they're going home to. This just seems like such a monumental task.
