= new reply since forum marked as read
This young man is an inspiration and a gift to his students. He reaches his students with attention and genuine efforts to convey a message to them that they matter. Many are from difficult backgrounds who already are cynical about the world. Before you can TEACH them you must REACH them and Mr. White has figured this out.
In the curriculum at our universities preparing people to be educators, a core component needs to be ways to engage with students that instills Trust and pride. Teachers have a hard job and it is that much harder if your student does not trust you or believe you value them as human beings. You must start with the basics of human interaction before you can get down to the business of teaching and learning.
In other words---it is more than just readin', writin' and 'rithmatic. Lots more. 
