Technology Instructor
CurrentI teach fundamental digital literacy skills to adults in poverty from the 5 Boroughs of NYC. There are up to 13 classes a year of 8-10 week cycles, with as many as 25-30 trainees per class. Computer skills are only the half of what is transmitted in classes, however. The HOPE Program is a nationally recognized Work Readiness non-profit specializing at the highest level in bringing people into or back into work who have had significant barriers to work. From my classroom, and as the sole recipient of the Bonnie Potter Award for NYC Program Work Readiness Staff Members in 2012, I have thrived in producing trainees with the necessary professionalism and technical skill to succeed in finding and maintaining work in an ever-evolving and tougher workplace. This requires an intense, stimulating, creative, and thorough approach to instruction, learning, and professional modeling for trainees who often have low levels of technical skill and professionalism. I and our staff pride ourselves on our ability to surmount those challenges and allow these individuals a real chance at professional success and to achieve or resume highly productive and sustainable lives.