The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine how lived experiences of Title 1 teachers affect social-emotional connections with their at-risk students. Because of the influence teachers have on their students, it is important to understand the life experiences and how they carry an abundance of vitality in teachers' decisions in the classroom and influence how effectively teachers engage with their students. The problem was the lack of social-emotional engagement between Title 1 teachers and their at-risk students. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]