Climbing the Stairs: A Walk Through Life

Over the last thirty-five years, Reginald Powell has been working with the youth of America. He has seen the troubles and successes of teenagers' lives. In an effort to combat the rising crime rate, youth gangs, and rapid drug addiction among our youth, Reginald has been working with and speaking to groups about the importance of understanding our youth of today.

He has served ten years as a police officer, five years as a juvenile probation officer, four years as a member of the Coachella Valley Gang Task Force, two years as a middle school counselor, fifteen years as a middle school teacher, nine years as an elementary school teacher, and ten years as a youth pastor. He holds a sociology and social service degree from Oklahoma State University, a criminal justice and psychology degree from the University of Central Oklahoma, a degree in education from California State University, and a master's in education and administration from California State University. He has spoken at California State University's new teachers' seminar, various civic organizations, and the Desert Association of Educational, Technological, and Office Professionals. He has also presented workshops to Desert Sands Unified School District, Coachella Valley Unified School District, Palm Springs Unified School District, and Lawndale Unified School District.

Reginald is respected by students and his colleagues alike. He has been recognized as one who encourages others and fosters multicultural awareness and understanding. In 1998, he received the Teacher of the Heart Award. In 2003, he was voted Teacher of the Year of Lincoln Elementary School, Desert Sands School District. He is dedicated to the community and his country and has been honored by two of his students in the Who's Who Among America's Teachers.