WCS Educators Attend Poverty Simulation

Published November 20, 2008

Some Williamson County educators have a better understanding of what life is like for families living in poverty. On November 4, 2008, Williamson County Schools partnered with several organizations for a seminar titled "The Poverty Simulation." The experience was designed to help teachers understand what it might be like to be part of a typical low income family trying to survive from month to month.

Several Williamson County pre-K teachers

and teacher assistants attended the simulation, which was held at the Williamson County Ag Expo Park. The participants assumed the roles of different "families" living in poverty. Their goal was to provide shelter and basic necessities for one "month", which consisted of four 15-minute "weeks".

During the simulation, the teachers would visit various tables which were staffed by volunteers and represented community resources and other services. They included a bank, a grocery store, a welfare office and even a pawnbroker. When the simulation came to an end, the teachers had an opportunity to talk with one another about the experience and share their thoughts and feelings.

Some of the people who took part in the simulation say it was truly an eye-opening event. "We feel that this simulation provides the opportunity for teachers to gain a better understanding of the needs of children in poverty," said Title I Supervisor Dr. Ann Vaughan.