Mrs. Clifford

P.S. 256 »

“I teach my students in a residential facility. This means they do not go home, but live in cottages and are taken care of by child care workers. My students do not go home at night. I teach at PS 256Q at MercyFirst, an all boys Residential Treatment Center; the students are placed here by family court. Many of the students have been traumatized — children growing up without parents, families on the brink of disaster, teens who have lost hope for the future. All of our classes are inclusive and have a special education focus. Our students do not have anyone to ask for help with homework or to sit and read with them. Our class is filled with students at different reading levels. When I read a book out loud, they are riveted. For many this is the first time they are listening to a book, and they are enjoying it. To become better readers they need to read and experience literature.
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