I have a great passion and enthusiasm for knowledge, teaching and a strong compassion in working with adult students, particularly those that are trying to attain a high school equivalency diploma. As an educator for thirty one years, I have experience in educational leadership, and instructional strategies. I started my career in education as a French teacher at John I. Leonard High School, and then in 1991 I became an Assistant Principal in the Dean’s office. In 1995 I joined the Department of Adult and Community Education as an Instructional Specialist. There is where I found my purpose in life. Throughout my career, I have always strived to create a positive and exciting learning environment for our students, as well as providing them with the necessary resources to become productive citizens. I have vast experience in curriculum design, grant writing, and professional development. My passion to empower adults has inspired me to design programs that will provide college and career ready skills. I have developed and implemented the Career Pathways Program with a Hospitality bridge at the Adult Education Center for more than two years, partnering with the Marriott Hotel on Okeechobee Blvd. This program provided a career exploration opportunity, as well as training and certification in the hospitality industry. My personal philosophy and mission statement: Teaching provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth. One of my hopes as an educator is to instill the love of learning in my students, give them a sense of self-respect and respect for others, make them believe in themselves and in their abilities.