At Lewisville ISD, Susan Blockley’s programs specialist, Martha Fahlund, suggested a feature on long-time ABE teacher, Janie Gilbert, who has powerful success stories among her students. Janie submitted this story.
by Janie Gilbert, ABE teacher
John Savastano entered my ABE class at the beginning of December, 2010. He told me he wanted to get his GED, he needed the most help in writing, and he would do whatever he had to in order to succeed! John was raised in New York City and went to school there until 9th grade. His mother is from Guatemala and raised her family on her own. John is in his early thirties, married, and has four children. He works hard and it is evident that he is a wonderful husband and father.
John’s smiling face and upbeat disposition brightened every class. His dynamic personality made him a joy to teach because his love of learning and determination to succeed were infectious to all around him. Never afraid to ask a question or add his own slant on the subject being taught, John absorbed everything quickly and was willing, if not eager, to help others. During class discussions, John offered so much due to his life experiences and travel. He revealed his knowledge of history when we read materials relating to historical events and impressed everyone with his grasp of geography and science, as well as and general knowledge and “street smarts.” One day, to my pleasant surprise, I realized he was speaking Spanish fluently while helping another student struggling with English. Other students often sought him out to work with him, and he treated all of them with respect and kindness.
Usually coming to class early, John would bring in math or writing he had done independently and asked for feedback and ways to improve his work. He eagerly accepted constructive criticism and rarely repeated a mistake once he was aware of it. He attended GED tutoring when he could and remained in my class through March, 2011. We both agreed that he should take the GED Prep class so he could take the GED in June. John’s TABE testing showed that he had advanced a level in his domain of significance (DOA) and was working at the Low ASE level in all areas. All through April while he was in the GED Prep class, he still came to school early for extra tutoring, which I was happy to provide. He decided he could not wait until June to take the GED and decided to take it in April.
Shortly after that, I received a very excited phone call from John saying I was the first to hear his wonderful announcement -- he received his certificate and earned his GED! I don’t think I have ever received such an exciting phone call. Initially I was shocked to find out that his lowest score was reading until he explained that he had to hurry and finish the test so he could bolt from the testing room to use the restroom. I couldn’t help but laugh when he told me that in his excitement to take the test, he had forgotten to use the restroom and held out as long as he could!
After more than thirty years of teaching, I realize that very few students that have contributed so much to my class and reinforced my joy of teaching. John was always so open and honest that everyone enjoyed his presence and all his contributions to the class. He worked so hard to achieve his personal goals and inspired others to keep trying, no matter how steep the road became.
John is a great person and he exemplifies the reason this teacher continues to teach.
In Memory of Dr. Cliff Whetten
September 15, 2011 - Steve Stark called tonight with heartbreaking news that Dr. Cliff Whetten died. He was serving the Lord with Rosalyn in Lima, Peru, when he experienced stomach pain. He was flown to Salt Lake City and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Cliff's daughter said the doctors and Cliff were positive about his ability to get treatment and recover, but five weeks later he died. The last two weeks he began hallucinating about TAMU and doctoral students, community education, teaching, and his professional life.
He was truly a help to all of us and his legacy will live on in our efforts. As you know, Dr. Whetten spent years at College Station and then moved the community education center to San Antonio. He was so proud of Maria Ferrier and what she accomplished and her appointment as president of TAMU-SA.
If you would like to make a donation that will be meaningful to what his life's work was, you can give in his memory to:
Texas Community Education Foundation
c/o Helen Kimsey
10127 Silver Park
San Antonio, TX 78254
210-355-2548
Please designate in his memory. Acknowledgement will be sent to his family. Please keep his wonderful family in your prayers. To view the story and to see recent photos, go to:
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/cliffordwhetten
To send a note or card to Dr. Whetten's wife:
Mrs. Clifford Whetten (Rosalyn)
2981 East 2325 North
Layton, UT 84024
After School Workshop Attracts 336
September 2010 - More than 300 after-school staff members and directors attended the Texas Community Education Association After School Workshop held at the Northeast Community Education Building in San Antonio on Sept 18, 2010.
According to Helen Kimsey, Executive Director of TCEA, the day was an opportunity for frontline staff to come to a workshop designed just for them.
“Several said that it made them feel important,” Kimsey said. “Part of the mission of TCEA is to pass on our expertise.”
Attendees were able to meet with others in similar programs, exchange new ideas, and revitalize their programs. Trainers were all experts in their areas, and all donated their time.
Along with area school districts, other organizations taking advantage of the training included the City of San Antonio, Boy Scouts of America, YMCA, and community centers.
Kimsey is already working on planning next year’s workshop. Anyone interested can contact her at 210-355-2548 or info@tcea.com.
2010 Conference was "Go Hawaiian!"
April 7-9, 2010 in San Antonio
TCEA returned to the halls of the North East ISD Community Education Building in San Antonio for the 2010 State Conference.
The theme was “Hawaiian Luau” and Donna Davenport of Northside ISD, Conference Chair and TCEA President Elect, dazzled members with catered tropical meals, fun activities, and nourishing sessions and keynotes.
Ten trainers provided sessions in the areas of adult education, community education and afterschool. Some of the topics are Stress Management, Family Literacy, Incorporating Academics in organized games, TAKS strategies in afterschool, Community Ed Catalog 101 for new programs and the list goes on.
For information contact: Donna Davenport Program Specialist Adult & Community Education Esparza Elementary Learning Tree Program, Northside ISD, San Antonio (210) 397-1881. See details, award winners in the latest Star newsletter.
Center Point, Hays County receive 2010 TAP awards
It was a big day at the 2010 State TCEA Conference for Center Point ISD and Hays Consolidated ISD as they each were named recipients of the Technical Assistance Program awards for starting or revitalizing local community education programs. Each received a first year grant in the amount of $1000, plus the assistance of a team of TCEA members. In year two, they will receive another $500.
The purpose is to help grow community education across the state. Funds come from the Texas Community Education Foundation. To learn how your school can benefit, go to our TAP page. Click here to read the article on Center Point.
TCEA trains 300
At afterschool workshop in San Antonio
About 300 frontline after-school providers took advantage of the convenient and affordable training offered by the Texas Community Education Association on October 10 at the North East ISD Community Education center in San Antonio.
Helen Kimsey, Exec. Secy. of TCEA and Becky Stoughton, Director of Adult & Community Education for North East ISD headed up the group that planned the training, along with members of TCEA, NEISD staff, and San Antonio-based trainers.
Attendees rotated through 36 breakouts during the daylong workshop. Topics ranged from bullying and making crafts to dealing with difficult children and parents. Lunch was included.
Gregg Catalano “The Physician of Phun” delivered the keynote address. He shared proven techniques for dealing with daily stress.
“We were very pleased with the enthusiastic response,” Kimsey said. “I heard comments from frontline staff such as ‘this made me feel like a professional’ and ‘when is the next one?’”
Kimsey noted they were pleased to see participants come from the surrounding areas, including Dripping Springs and Fredericksburg.
“It was great value for the money,” Kimsey said. “Sharing information is part of the mission of TCEA.”
See details on Jan 2010 training in Lewisville...
TCEA presents at summer TASB
June 2009 - TCEA Exec. Secy. Helen Kimsey and Secy/Treas Sally Andrews presented a well-attended workshop at the 2009 Summer Texas Association of School Boards in San Antonio. More than 130 superintendents and school board members from across the state sat in on the presentation to learn more about starting a community education program at their schools. Foundation VP Phil Houseal provided information on how to apply for the TAP award. Andrews is scheduled to present at a similar conference in Ft. Worth later in the summer.
Eanes ISD wins TAP Award
The Texas Community Education Foundation awarded a Technical Assistance Program grant to Eanes ISD at the 2009 State Conference. Read more...
Dalhart ISD grows in 2nd year of TAP
One year after receiving the Technical Assistance Program grant from the Texas Community Education Foundation, Sylvia Renick of Dalhart ISD continues to move her fledgling program in the right direction. Read more...
2009 State Award Winners
See all the winners in The Star
Foundation welcomes RevTrak as new partner
Jan 2009 - The Texas Community Education Foundation is pleased to announce its newest partner - RevTrak.
RevTrak is the premier provider of ecommerce solutions for schools and local governments. Read more...
Club-stitution!?
Jan 2009 - Read how lifelong learners are coping with the economy by "clubstituting" our classes. Read more...
PA newspaper columnist writes column in support of community education
Nov 2008 -Read article about how all schools should develop a community education program.
ByLaws and Constitution updated
Thanks to the work of Loretta Huddleston, the TCEA bylaws and constitution were updated in order to keep up with changes in the organization and in education.
Download your copy (doc)
Dalhart Receives TAP Grant
Sylvia Renick of Dalhart picked up a prestigious award for the new Dalhart Community Education Program during the Texas Community Education Association (TCEA) State Conference in San Antonio at the end of April. Read article
New Partner supports Foundation The Foundation welcomes new partner Computer Explorers. Read article... |
