Teaching in the Fourth Most Dangerous City in America - S2 Ep4

Mastery For All with Mr. James O'Neal

Send us a text

In 2019, McKeesport, PA, was named the 4th most dangerous city in America of cities with more that 10,000 people, according to Alarms.org. I taught in this district for 7 years until 2015. Yes, this district had its challenges; however, the school, Founders' Hall, became an oasis for those kids and for us teachers because we were family!

Teaching here taught me a lot. It showed me that...

• Until you get to know the people of a place, you can't judge the place by what you hear in the news.
• All parents care about their children, even the poorer families.
• Mental health is a huge factor for children growing up in poverty.
• When you don't have a lot of resources, your mind is your greatest resource in the classroom, and it makes you a better teacher.
• As we say in McKeesport, I was "Port-Made"!

The experience I had from 2008-2015 will never be forgotten. It made me the teacher I am today, and I am proud of it. I learned that ALL kids want to learn, and if you show them that they can, they will work their behind off for you! I hope this podcast inspires you to continue to tear down stereotypes about black poor kids in the hood. #MasteryForAll
I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out [e-mail]