Two Local Teachers Honored By The State

Each year the Ohio Association for Adult and Continuing Education (OAACE) honors a select few outstanding adult education instructors. This year, the honor hits close to home. Two of the instructors from the Parma Adult Education ABLE (Adult Basic and Literacy Education) program were chosen among the top instructors in the state.

Kathleen McDonnell, a GED teacher with the program, was awarded the 2015 Northeast Ohio Instructor of the Year. This dedicated teacher began her career after becoming a nun with the congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame. McDonnell’s teaching career began as a chemistry and math instructor at the high school level and has led her to a passion for teaching adults. Over the last 42 years, she has become an accomplished GED teacher and has taught for several different programs in Northeast Ohio. She jokes that the award is a “longevity award!” When asked what it meant to be receiving the award, she expressed her gratitude and stated, "To get an award for being a good teacher is very meaningful." She would also like to thank everyone who sent in supportive nomination letters and those who continue to provide support. As for the future, she will continue to educate those around her as long as she is healthy!   

Parma ABLE was thrilled when it was announced that another member of their staff would be receiving the 2015 OAACE Member Scholarship. Hayley Williams is a devoted GED teacher as well as the program’s Volunteer Tutor Coordinator. She is currently enrolled at Colorado State University where she is pursuing a Master of Education in Adult Education and Training. Williams is very passionate about education and the positive impact that her training is having on her students. She described how the scholarship will not only benefit her, but all the students she will have the privilege of teaching in the future. A future she hopes will include teaching and educating adults for a very long time.  

The Parma ABLE program offers FREE year-round classes for adults seeking GED Test Preparation, Adult Basic Education, English Language/Civics Education, and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). For more information, please call 440-885-8797 or visit www.parmacityschools.org/AdultEd.