Praxis Thesis

This praxis explores how positive relationships between educators and opportunity youth influence students’ attitudes and behaviors in school. Opportunity youth are children who face significant challenges in their transition to adulthood, often experiencing educational and social difficulties. To gain deeper insight into their experiences, I conducted interviews with five students participating in Clark University’s Liberal Arts for Returning Citizens (LARC) program. Research shows that out-of-school suspensions often lead to ongoing disruptive behavior and feelings of alienation from school communities. In response to the school-to-prison pipeline, scholars advocate for a prison abolitionist pedagogy that centers students’ lives, fosters strong student-adult relationships, and presents curriculum through a socially conscious lens. In connection, I put forth the three most important aspects a teacher needs to effectively implement the pedagogy, which are empathy, patience, and consistency. My findings highlight the influence of family, community, and school interactions on how students perceive and form positive relationships. Educators have a crucial role in supporting opportunity youth by cultivating a sense of belonging, encouraging peer connection, and helping bridge gaps between students and their families.