The Principal Dynamic Points to Ponder Gentrification and Affordable Housing

9/20/2017

@PrincipalDynami #ThePrincipalDynamic
I had the awesome pleasure of participating in the AVLF (Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation) screening for the Class Divide. Our Superintendent Dr. Carstarphen gave the awesome charge for legislators, community developers, and schools to work together to provide our families with stable and affordable homes. Dr.C mentioned the impact on cluster schools as several principals had to LEAD through threat of apartment closings and family displacement as day one approached. As leaders, we must be compassionate and caring as students face challenges that impact their daily focus and academic progress. Often they deal with social issues way beyond their control or choice. Please share your thoughts below if you have experiences to share on how we can better support our students impacted by housing crises?

6 Comments

Myles

9/28/2017 05:07:36 pm

This post shines a light on the fact that sometimes leaders in school are interacting with students and family members going through personal obstacles that they know nothing about. These obstacles can sometimes impact their performance. Being kind to each and every student you encounter might brighten their day more than you know. Its unfortunate that things like housing crisis and displacement make their way into educational systems but it is a very real reality leaders must be prepared for.

Emily Massey

9/28/2017 05:56:12 pm

Great response!

MaRonda

9/29/2017 12:15:38 pm

I'm not too familiar with the houses crisis here, but I do believe its important as educators and leaders that we care for the child beyond the classroom. We must also be informed about what's going on in our student's communities and acknowledge those issues and ask them how can we better support them.

CHERYL IBEZIM

9/29/2017 03:33:39 pm

As a leader we are more than just teachers, principals, superintendents, etc. We can also be therapist, psychologist, etc.. This passage helped me realize that taken on a leadership role in a school setting is very valuable.

Adib Shakir

10/13/2017 12:51:35 pm

Hi Dr. Massey,
I never actually thought about this before, but you raise a very good question for school leaders. I wonder if it would be impactful for school leaders to strategically work with their parent liaisons or school social workers to help provide support to parents who may face this situation?
When I say support, I am thinking like helping to link parents to resources for housing, assisting them with the process of applying, and/or provide some general education to parents about the situation occurring in the community. I agree that the days of school's just providing academics are long. School's must have a variety of resources in place to not only help students but to also help parents, which impacts the school community.

Emily Massey

10/15/2017 07:57:09 pm

Yes, I just had a recent issue like this and we had to use all resources to support getting housing options for displaced families. You are correct that while child/family support is required. Thanks!!

Dr. Massey

Author

Dr. Emily Abrams Massey is a former Associate Superintendent in a metro-Atlanta school district, principal and leadership advocate, educational consultant and career educator.

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The Principal Dynamic Points to Ponder Gentrification and Affordable Housing

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