Since minute one of teaching at an urban school I have been uncomfortable with the term "at-risk". It is used in schools and across professions as a contrast to those who live in privilege. I never used the term, I never think the term gives justice to those it labels and in many ways I believe those who are truly "at-risk" those who impose the label and not those who are labeled. Below is a speech I had the opportunity to give to the Class of 2017 and in it I offer a new definition and view of those who are truly "at-risk" in our work today. When I first got this job I was told “You know Mr. DeRemer that when you start working at Manual it will be filled with those “at-risk’ kids. You know, those kids that come to school with challenges and obstacles. Those kids who are “At-risk” to not graduate, “at-risk” to struggling in school, “at-risk” to get into fights and and “at-risk” of not having bright futures “Good luck,” they said to me, and than...
Dad, dean and doctoral student trying to figure out what I believe about education by reading, watching and listening. These are some thoughts and resources that hopefully help others on their journey as an educator.