Teaching Students Impacted by Poverty
An Illustrated Guide
- Douglas Fisher - San Diego State University, USA
- Nancy Frey - San Diego State University, USA
- Pedro A. Noguera - University of Southern California, USA, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- Valentina Gonzalez
Illustrations by Valentina Gonzalez
Cultivate inclusive, rigorous spaces where young people are positioned for lifelong success
Many students experiencing poverty navigate systemic barriers that make academic success harder to achieve. While these out-of-school challenges can feel overwhelming, poverty should not predict learning outcomes or achievement. Rooted in the understanding that hope must be paired with action, Teaching Students Impacted by Poverty is a practical guide for dismantling these obstacles. Grounded in research and classroom experience, this accessible, illustrated resource helps educators focus on what they can control: classroom climate, instructional rigor, and the compassion needed to ensure every student experiences dignity and belonging.
Inside, you'll find:
- Actionable strategies for chunking learning, building student agency, and intervening with empathy
- Practical teaching and reflection frameworks that scaffold, lift, and empower learners
- Spotlights on current educational research and asset-based practices rooted in evidence
- An easy-to-follow visual format connecting complex concepts to everyday classroom routines
When educators combine high expectations with a deep understanding of their students' realities, profound academic growth follows.