Climbing the Stairs: A Walk Through Life

Reginald D. Powell Over the last thirty-five years, Reginald Powell has been working with the youth of America. He has seen the troubles and success of teenagers' lives. In an effort to combat the rising crime rate, youth gangs, and rapid drug addiction among our youth, Reggie has been working with and speaking to groups of people about the importance of understanding our youth of today. Reggie 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 (2) years as a middle school counselor, fifteen (15) years as a middle school teacher, nine (9) years as an elementary school teacher, and ten (10) years as a youth pastor. Reggie 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 for California State University's new teachers' seminar, for various civic organizations, for the Desert Association of Educational, Technological and Office Professionals, presented workshops to Desert Sands Unified School District, Coachella Valley Unified School District, Palm Springs Unified School District, and Lawndale Unified School District. Reggie is respected by students and his colleagues alike. He has been recognized as one who encourages others and fosters multicultural awareness and understanding. In1998, Reggie received the Teacher of the Heart Award. In 2003, Reggie was voted Teacher of the Year, 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.