In today’s classrooms, poverty, trauma, and food insecurity are not just external social issues—they are realities for millions of students. Living in poverty means students often come to school hungry, tired, and not prepared to learn. Explore the effects of these barriers through a simulation, and real-world stories. Participants will examine the implications of trauma on learning, discover trauma-informed strategies, and build their understanding of how living in poverty affects students’ basic needs. By centering on proactive approaches, empathy, and equity, this course empowers educators to meet students who live in poverty where they are, and help move them forward.

This course is organized into 10 modules, each building on the previous one, allowing you to explore essential ideas in smaller, more focused segments.