Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1512793
Continued on Page 55 Jason Powell and his wife, former middle school teacher Natalie Weisel-Powell, hold his new book, which is available at Amazon. It Can Get Better Educator's hard life experiences inspire students G R O W I N G U P, Jason Powell was subjected to horrific abuse. His stepfather beat, shot, stabbed, burned and psychologically tormented him throughout his youth, and manipulated him into committing crimes including theft, arson and assault. e stepfather was finally sent to prison, but Powell's mother died right before he graduated from high school. The teen sought and was granted legal guardianship of his half-sisters, ages 9, 8 and 2, and suddenly became a parent to three children while working three jobs and attending community college. "I couldn't live for myself, I had to devote my life to them," Powell says, recalling how difficult things were. "I realized that the only thing we actually own is what's in our head — our suc- cess, our development. We have a choice and an opportunity and it's 100% on us." Today Powell uses his experiences to motivate seniors in his high school music classes, usually in an end-of-year "pep talk." "I use my life stories to help them see that they can become any- thing they want to be, regardless of their past or what hurdles life might throw their way. It doesn't matter how bad it is — it can get better, as long as you keep fighting and you're willing to put in the work." Students have been transformed by his talk. One wrote him several years later, reminding Powell that he wasn't even sup- posed to be in the class because of anger management issues, and telling him that he had just graduated with a business degree from UC Berkeley — which he credits to Powell. Now Powell is sharing his story more widely, through "Red- headed Stepchild." "is year I decided to do something brave, something difficult, something that I truly believe could help bring awareness and possibly change to a large demographic of students. I wrote and published an autobiography on the horrors of child abuse, [and how I] somehow made it out as a well-ad- justed and successful adult." Powell, who has a doctorate in education, is a member of Palm Springs Teachers Association and currently teaches symphony 54 cta.org From Within Oen educators' creativity spills over into a book, blog, app or other work. We're happy to showcase members' talents. CTA & You