TAMPA EPOCH • WWW.TAMPAEPOCH.ORG • 5
. Allen
Megan M
Of the over 17,000 homeless in Hillsborough County, 23% of them are children. Though astounding, I feel that number is low. As a public school teacher, I see many “hidden” homeless in our classrooms—students who are not recorded as homeless, but are yet still living with family members and friends, with no stable room or place to call their own. We have so many people that need help getting back on their feet, for themselves and their children.
The Epoch is just that. It is a lever to help our homeless move forward and move up. It is a way for people—regardless of professional or personal history—to give to the Tampa community and start down a road to change their lives for the better. It is a chance and a beautiful opportunity for those who need a fresh start. And as a teacher, I feel that this paper is integral to helping those in our community who need it most, including the little learners and dreamers that trickle into our schools every day. Megan M. Allen, NBCT 2010 Florida Department of Education/ Macy’s Teacher of the Year 5th grade teacher, Shaw Elementary School Teacherpreneur, Center for Teaching Quality