Staff from Lansing Intermediate School and Lansing Elementary School recently took part in a Poverty Simulation led by the Greenbush Education Center. Greenbush partners with the district to provide teacher training and professional development opportunities.
The simulation, known as the Community Action Poverty Simulation, is designed to help participants better understand the challenges faced by families living in poverty. Some staff members served as community roles such as bankers, utility workers, and social service providers, while others acted as citizens navigating daily life with limited resources. Each participant was given objectives to accomplish within the constraints of their assigned role.
The simulation places participants in the roles of 26 different low-income family scenarios. Over the course of a simulated month, they must manage essentials like housing, employment, childcare, and transportation, while local volunteers facilitate as community service providers and businesses. After the simulation, participants join group discussions to reflect on their experiences and explore ways to support families more effectively.
"We want to make sure we maintain high standards for all Lansing students while providing necessary supports so all students can experience success," said LIS Principal Martin Altieri. "Understanding the challenges of our families facing poverty will go a long way towards meeting that goal.”
The simulation had three primary goals: to give participants insight into the daily challenges of poverty, raise awareness of how poverty affects family units, and build empathy by experiencing life from a different perspective.
A special thanks goes to the Greenbush team, Andrea Scott, Kenny Massey, and Eileen Webster, for coordinating with Lansing staff to make this training possible.
