Tammy Pawloski, Ph.D., is the Director of the Center of Excellence to Prepare Teachers of Children of Poverty at Francis Marion University. She grew up and taught in the impoverished areas of rural Horry and Allendale counties of South Carolina. She currently holds a dual appointment of Professor of Early Childhood Education as well as her directorship. Prior to joining the faculty of FMU in 2000, she served in a similar capacity at the Columbia, Aiken, Salkehatchie, and Beaufort campuses of USC, and at Ventura College and Pepperdine University in Southern California. Dr. Pawloski’s research interests include children of poverty; family, school, and community partnerships; and best practices for under-resourced students.