Eric Jensen, noted author and researcher, defines poverty as "a chronic and debilitating condition that results from multiple adverse synergistic risk factors and affects the mind, body and soul." In 2015, 51% of all US students in public schools came from homes that met the federal standards for poverty.

As educators, it is critically important that we understand how poverty impacts learning and, even more importantly, that we are empowered with a set of powerful instructional strategies to help ensure our students' success.

Jensen provided informative, inspiring sessions at the MDE November School Improvement Conference. However, the professional learning didn't stop there! Please join us for a state-wide dialogue focusing on Teaching with Poverty in Mind. You are welcome to join us for a deeper dialogue via several MiVU modules where participants wread and discuss Eric's work in depth, share resources and develop their repertoire of strategies. Modules 4-6 are are still eligible for SCECHs and are intended to be collaborative and substantive. Enroll at bit.ly/DeeperDialogue

If you would prefer to engage in a more informal format, please join us for three remaining Twitter chats, #MiPovertyMatters, occurring during January and February 2017. Connect with colleagues, delve into reflection and share resources. We appreciate the support of #MEMSPAchat, #MASSPchat and #michED in hosting these chats.