At just 26 years old, Donnell Cannon got the call to become the school principal at North Edgecombe High in Eastern North Carolina. It's a school where poverty is pervasive and 100 percent of students receive government subsidized lunches. The story is familiar for Cannon as he also grew up in poverty. His mother was 16 when Cannon was born, and his father was not part of his life. In his first year at North Edgecombe, Cannon channeled his youthful energy to shape major changes at the school and create positive outcomes for students. Host Frank Stasio speaks with Cannon about why an understanding poverty and social justice is at the heart of being a good teacher.
Copyright 2017 North Carolina Public Radio