Teaching In Bad Neighborhoods?

Question

I'm a relatively new teacher and I've recently been transferred to a different school (big cities love to push new teachers around)

Anyway, I'm excited because I've heard good things about the school and the kids. It's a magnet school. But, it's in a really bad neighborhood.

The school is surrounded by a huge housing project, an abandoned factory and it's a location known for crime/gangs.

I've signed up to participate in a tutoring program after school. The program runs to 5:30pm. In the fall, it will begin to get dark around 4/4:30pm.

I'm nervous about walking to my car and driving in this area in the dark/at night.

Have any teachers had similar experiences or worked in similar neighborhoods? What were your experiences? How do you keep safe?

Answer 1

Hi,

That's wonderful - I volunteered to work at such schools also. I found that it's really rewarding working with these students.

About the neighborhood- Speak with the administrators about this issue. You are concerned about your safety - you have a right to be.

There has to be a teacher’s parking lot with security. As for safety tips- A few things I've been told: When you enter your car - lock the doors right away. Check the inside of your car. I would carry pepper spray- just in case.

Best of luck with your new job!

Answer 2

Hi YouWishTo,

First of all, congratulations on becoming a teacher.

As far as your question: never leave the school alone. Go out in pairs or ask a security guard or a janitor to walk with you.

I'm saying, having a plan beforehand. Carry an alarm that's loud enough to wake up the whole neighbourhood besides carrying a cellphone.

I bet you'll be great! Good luck.

Answer 3

You are wise to be concerned about your safety.  I am all too familar with what you describe.  Your school should be property lit, and most will have security available to walk you to your car.  I'd ask for someone to escort you to your car afterwards, or perhaps everyone tutoring will leave the building together and park in the same area.  You'll find safety in numbers.

Answer 4

There is nothing more rewarding and fulfilling than working with students in low-income areas. Chances are, there will be another teacher (or more) that are stayhing to tutor with you, so make sure to all walk out together. There also may be some procedure already in place (by the principal?) for working later in the afternoons/evenings. Some schools have an on-site police officer that stays until all employees/students are gone.

Honestly?  When i have worked in areas like these, I always started out being a little fearful, but pretty soon, it was nothing. I had students that insisted on walking me out, even though they were only 5th graders. The entire neighborhood knew who I was, and would wave at me as they rode their bikes by the schoolyard. Moms/dads/brothers, etc. would wave as I drove past the apartment complex. I had earned the "trust" of my students and their families. In general, Magnet schools also have a lot of neighborhood pride. They are usually not targets or crime and graffiti. (like I said -- generally)