Tuesday, June 19, 2007
School of second chances puts troubled kids at head of the class - Seattle P-I
Interagency Academy a place where every student fights the odds to graduate
... The first thing students see as they arrive at the University District Youth Center School in the morning is teacher Mike McCann's welcoming smile.
One by one, the alienated, the angry, the scared file through the door. McCann offers a simple "hello" and a handshake to each. He's not the only one: Colleagues Kevin Geloff and Richard King also stop to greet students.
They make sure to look each student in the eye, and the meaning is clear: I notice you. I care that you're here.
"It's this corny little routine," McCann admits. "But I love it."
Interagency teachers' jobs are about more than just academics. At times they may serve as a counselor, mentor, nurse, drill sergeant, social worker, confidante.
In one 10-minute stretch, Frye may have to get a student started on his PowerPoint project, withdraw grant money for an expectant mother to buy maternity clothes, help a girl brainstorm senior project ideas and help another absent-minded student find his graduation tickets.
Teachers connect students with case managers and counseling, help them land a job or an internship, provide access to a food and clothing bank, or guide them through the state's labyrinth of social services.
They know personal, sometimes intimate details of each student's life: whose father is doing time for gang-related crimes, or which girl is afraid to go home to her verbally abusive mother.
Sometimes, the hardest part is listening without judging.
"You have to be neutral about everything," Frye says, a touch ruefully. "You can't share your personal opinion or beliefs. Your role is guiding them to a decision that will work for them."
...
[See also the associated profiles of 3 of the students.]
Interagency Academy a place where every student fights the odds to graduate
... The first thing students see as they arrive at the University District Youth Center School in the morning is teacher Mike McCann's welcoming smile.
One by one, the alienated, the angry, the scared file through the door. McCann offers a simple "hello" and a handshake to each. He's not the only one: Colleagues Kevin Geloff and Richard King also stop to greet students.
They make sure to look each student in the eye, and the meaning is clear: I notice you. I care that you're here.
"It's this corny little routine," McCann admits. "But I love it."
Interagency teachers' jobs are about more than just academics. At times they may serve as a counselor, mentor, nurse, drill sergeant, social worker, confidante.
In one 10-minute stretch, Frye may have to get a student started on his PowerPoint project, withdraw grant money for an expectant mother to buy maternity clothes, help a girl brainstorm senior project ideas and help another absent-minded student find his graduation tickets.
Teachers connect students with case managers and counseling, help them land a job or an internship, provide access to a food and clothing bank, or guide them through the state's labyrinth of social services.
They know personal, sometimes intimate details of each student's life: whose father is doing time for gang-related crimes, or which girl is afraid to go home to her verbally abusive mother.
Sometimes, the hardest part is listening without judging.
"You have to be neutral about everything," Frye says, a touch ruefully. "You can't share your personal opinion or beliefs. Your role is guiding them to a decision that will work for them."
...
[See also the associated profiles of 3 of the students.]
Labels: compassionate people
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