The document contains advice and guidance for educators working with at-risk children, including homeless children and those living in poverty. It emphasizes empowering students through technology, focusing on their strengths rather than weaknesses, and acting as a positive role model and significant relationship in their lives. Teachers are encouraged to believe in students' potential and help them overcome obstacles through specific praise and building their self-esteem.

2. Conference Wiki http://21stcenturylearning.wikispaces.com/NCDOE all resources from this conference Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach [email_address] http://www.21stcenturycollaborative.com http://21stcenturylearning.typepad.com/

3. Communication Technologies are so Important in Our Mission…. You should be using and creating ways for those you serve to be empowered through such 21 st Century tools as: Blogs Wikis RSS Podcasts You Tube Videos We will look at specific ways this is being done- and how you can too--in my next workshop!

4. A Wise Man Once Said… That what you are in life has not so much to do with what you have accomplished, but the obstacles you overcame in doing so.

5. Not your typical… Teacher of the Year

6. My Childhood

7. You may very well be the ONLY significant adult relationship that child ever experiences. Make it count!

8. What children need is for someone to tell them it doesn’t matter what their circumstance is or who their parents are— what matters most is where they are going now and the specifics of how to succeed .

9. Self-Fulfilling Prophecy- Our words and expectations are more powerful than we realize. Choose them carefully. Use them to Empower!

10. They need to know… It is possible to breakout of generational poverty It is possible to break the abusive parent cycle It is possible to reinvent yourself and never look back.

12. Educators need to view the classroom through the eyes of a child or youth who is hungry, tired, crying out for love, support and stability.

13. Quit worrying about what they can’t do– and concentrate on what they can do! Let them fly where they can fly and walk where they need to walk. They do know how to fly. Let them learn through their strength and they will gain the self-confidence to achieve.

14. “ If you came to Cooke to make a difference, I want to welcome you. But with these kids, you won’t make a difference; you’ll be the difference.”

15. Whether you realize it or not…someone has chosen you as a role model and there is nothing you can do about it. Everyday, you are imparting more of who you are than what you know. You are a living textbook. Become the example you want your clients to emulate.

17. Examine Expose Expect Emotion Endear How to Blossom

18. Homeless parents are often at-risk kids grown-up. It is much easier to build children– than to repair adults. But it can be done.

19. The real problem is how we treat the kids and how we limit ourselves in coming up with creative approaches to helping them succeed. You are fabulously creative! Celebrate with me the opportunities these precious children bring into our lives.