Press Release: Courtesy of UISD and UISD Texas State University Intern, Gabriella Cruz
United ISD hosted a powerful professional development session featuring renowned author Dr. Ruby Payne, whose groundbreaking work has shaped the way schools nationwide address the effects of poverty in the classroom. Held at the Student Activity Center (SAC), the presentation brought together principals, teachers, counselors, and district administrators for an eye-opening look into how schools can better support students experiencing homelessness, instability, and emotional disengagement.
The session centered around Dr. Payne’s latest book, 'Educating Students Experiencing Homelessness, Instability, and Disengagement’ provided practical tools and real-world insights for educators working with vulnerable student populations. Her research-based approach emphasizes both academic and emotional needs, highlighting how environmental and social factors affect student learning.
Adriana Ramirez, Executive Director of Federal and State Programs, said the training was invaluable. “This event is giving us insight into how we can tackle certain issues outside of our students' classroom. As educators, we sometimes overlook the fact that many of our students’ struggles stem from challenges they face at home,” said Ramirez. “Events like this remind us of that connection and more importantly, that the emotions students experience are not permanent. With the right support, those negative feelings can be transformed into positive growth.”
Clare Flores, principal of Lamar Bruni Vergara Middle School, emphasized the importance of attending this presentation as a united team. “Dr. Ruby Payne has shared a variety of powerful strategies that are encouraging our staff to truly reflect on our practices and mindsets. She's reminding us that through self-reflection, we can grow into stronger, more effective educators for our students,” Flores added. “It was important to have my entire staff with me today because I want us to all be one cohesive team, the more we learn, the more we can provide.”
Principal Flores on the top right pictured with Lamar Bruni Vergara MS staff.
Dr. Payne underscored the importance of emotional safety, structure, and belonging in helping students thrive. “If I can help change the mindset so that no one says ‘That kid can’t learn because they’re poor,’ then I’ve done something,” Payne said. “Now people say, ‘It’s going to be a climb,’ but they don’t say they can’t learn, and that’s progress.”
United ISD’s Intern, Gabriella Cruz, had the opportunity to interview Dr. Payne following the presentation. She shared the personal story that inspired her passion for this work. “My former husband, who passed away, grew up in extreme poverty. His father died when he was six, and his mother had no job skills while raising five kids,” shared Dr. Payne. “They had to survive in a high-poverty neighborhood. He and his siblings were very intelligent, with IQs over 150, but they couldn’t finish school. Not because of intelligence, but because they couldn’t navigate the unspoken ‘hidden rules’ of education.” Workshops and presentations like these reflect the district’s ongoing commitment to educator growth, student success, and creating school environments where all students feel seen, supported, and capable of achieving their goals.
UISD staff learned about different strategies, from designating safe spaces for students experiencing housing instability to building emotional connections that foster trust and reduce behavioral issues.
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