The Community Education Newsletter |
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Work Worth Doing
IU13’s hashtag #workworthdoing is Susan Finn-Miller’s personal reflection on her 30 years with Community Education. Retiring in June, Susan shares, “I have an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for having had the opportunity to do this work.”
A non-traditional student with two elementary-aged children, Susan had recently earned her degree in secondary education when her family moved from Michigan to Lancaster. At her husband’s church, she met refugees from Bulgaria and began teaching them English, after first completing a training through the Literacy Council. Almost daily, she visited the home where they lived and answered their many questions about their new country. Many years later, while training in Maryland, Susan was approached by one of the adult ESL teachers in the audience. "Do you remember me?" The 9-year-old daughter from that first refugee family Susan worked with had become an ESL teacher in Maryland.
Not long after, she saw an ad in the paper for IU13 Adult Education and was hired to work at Manos, a program for adjudicated youth. Over the span of 30 years, Susan taught High School Equivalency, Family Literacy, Workforce, and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes--from very beginner to advanced levels. For a number of years, Community Education served tuition-paying ESL learners who were in the country on a student visa. Susan was active with this International English Training program during its span at the Adult Enrichment Center, in Millersville, and finally at the Burle complex.
Susan also became involved with the Southeast Professional Development Center, offering training throughout the state, including Assessment, Integrating the ELA and Math CCRS and various ESL trainings. In recent years, she co-developed and facilitated the year-long institute on the English Language Proficiency Standards. Additionally, for a number of years, she offered training geared toward K-12 district teachers. While Susan loved that work, she comments, “my heart and soul is adult basic education.”
She continued with full-time teaching, while presenting at state and national conferences, serving as a moderator for the nationally recognized LINCS program, and teaching graduate courses. At the same time, Susan continued her love of lifelong learning and her desire to understand the theoretical foundation of language learning by immersing herself in the study of linguistics and earning a master’s degree in English. Upon that degree completion, she told her advisor she would like to next earn a master’s degree in education. Her advisor urged her instead to pursue a Ph.D., which she did at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. While most folks who are raising children and working full-time would find the commute and coursework overwhelming, Susan remarks, “I loved every minute of it” and she earned her doctorate in Language, Literacy, and Culture.
Susan’s love for learning has not ceased, as daily she learns from her colleagues and puts into practice new ideas. “Working with the learners is where I learn and grow the most trying out different things. That’s what motivates me--how can I do this in a way that is more fun and meaningful than I did yesterday.” She values professional learning circles, not just for what she learns, but to watch her peers grow and move into different positions.
In her retirement, Susan plans to volunteer and continue teaching graduate students and offering professional development. She is an avid hiker, taking a week-long hiking vacation with her sisters annually to locations such as the Cascades in Oregon, national parks in Arizona and Utah, North Carolina, and Maine, and looks forward to those continued trips. Additionally, she and her husband have been climate activists since 2013, working with local and national organizations. Last but certainly not least, Susan and her husband look forward to spending time with their two children and three grandchildren.
Of her tenure with Community Education, Susan relates, “We make a difference in people’s lives; we absolutely do. It’s so rewarding--to do work worth doing.”
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Margaret Giordano: Oh, The Places She’s Been!
Dr. Seuss’s Oh, The Places You’ll Go reflects teacher Margaret Giordano’s work with IU13 Community Education since 1992 and her future with her upcoming retirement in May. She has taught at satellite locations throughout Lancaster County-- St. John’s Church in Columbia, King Elementary School, the Adult Enrichment Center on Duke Street, J.P. McCaskey, SACA, Carol B. Winters, CareerLink, Brightside Opportunities Center, and more--and has presented at conferences in Hershey, State College, St. Louis, Baltimore, New Orleans, Los Angeles, Louisville, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. After retirement, she has plans to travel to Colorado, Puerto Rico, and Italy to visit with family and friends.
A certified Secondary Math teacher with a master’s degree in mathematics, Margaret began her teaching career at Garden Spot High School in 1986. Then she worked at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Lancaster, and later at Cecil College in Northeast, Maryland. The commute from Lancaster was long, so she transitioned to teaching 6th-8th grade in Columbia. A year later, recalling her love for working with non-traditional students, she joined IU13 Community Education. With IU, she served in many capacities-- High School Equivalency (HSE), English as a Second Language, Family Literacy, Workforce instructor; tester; curriculum writer; peer evaluator; workshop facilitator. She was a professional developer and trainer for the Southeast Professional Development Center. Margaret also served as part of the Pennsylvania Adult Literacy Practitioner Inquiry Network (PALPIN) and field-tested the soon-to-be published EMPower math books.
Margaret was recognized at PAACE in 2005 where she received the Pennsylvania Department of Education ABLE Practitioner Excellence award. In 2006, Margaret was selected as one of two adult educators from Pennsylvania (two from each state) to attend the OCTAE training in Washington, D.C. In 2013 Margaret, elected President of the Adult Numeracy Network, also served as a member of an international team in Washington, D.C. to update test problems for the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC).
Even with all these responsibilities, Margaret made time to teach synchronized swimming through Manheim Township Parks and Recreation and McCaskey High School; she was a competitor in the sport from childhood through college. As an adult, she performed a duet in the Pennsylvania Olympics and won first place. She was also active in Catholic Daughters of the Americas and remains so today. She also enjoys writing poems, walking, sightseeing, traveling, and spending time with her pets. Most importantly, she looks forward to having time in retirement to be with her four remaining siblings, two daughters, six grandchildren, one great-grandson, and all extended family.
Math remained her passion, and her students benefited. Most HSE students express some level of anxiety about math classes, but Margaret’s patience and concern for the students helped them to overcome. She says, “I always say we don’t like things that give us a hard time, and sometimes math gives us a hard time. You have to get to know it a little bit at a time. You don’t have to love math, but you have to learn to get along with it.” She reminds her students that they can do it; they might not do it at the same rate as someone else, but they can do it. They just have to believe in themselves.
Margaret will deeply miss her students and wants them to remember, as she wrote on her syllabus, “Always remember that you matter, you are full of promise, and you make a difference.”
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Community Education Continues Equity and Antiracism Work |
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This spring members of Community Education have been busy embarking on several different initiatives related to equity and antiracism. The first was a book study of “How to Be an Antiracist” by Ibram X. Kendi. Twenty members of Community Education read the book and discussed it in weekly site-based meetings. Participants talked about questions from the official book club kit but were also encouraged to share personal experiences and related topics. These informal groups allowed people to become accustomed to discussing race together.
On February 17th, Dr. Amanda Kemp from Racial Justice from the Heart spoke at a Community Education staff meeting. Dr. Kemp is a racial justice coach and mindfulness mentor. She introduced the concept of implicit bias and how everyone can deal with the implicit biases they may harbor. Dr. Kemp also offered strategies for talking through and managing difficult and emotional conversations around race. Her presentation was well-received by the staff.
The third initiative was a staff survey created with assistance from Todd Mealy at the Institute for Race-Conscious Pedagogy. All staff completed a survey regarding the current climate at IU13. The focus was on whether individuals felt comfortable as both employees and educational facilitators, and what Community Education could do to be more inclusive. Survey results are currently being processed and will help to illuminate which changes need to be made in the coming years. Additionally, a participant survey will be rolled out shortly to address the experiences of the diverse student/client population.
Throughout the summer and into the next program year, Community Education staff members will continue to be engaged in equity and antiracism work. There will be numerous mandatory and voluntary initiatives including staff meetings, movie discussions, and partner study options. The ultimate goal is to have each employee understand the ways in which equity issues affect their job roles and move towards incorporating more antiracism practices into their daily practice.
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Adult learners need services now more than ever due to the COVID-related emotional and economic havoc they are experiencing. We need your help to give adult learners a chance to get back on their feet! Please support us through your gifts of time and funding. |
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Classes, Resources, Services, and Trainings |
Check out our class, resource, service, and training list at the bottom of this newsletter. |
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Check out Tim Talk at the bottom of the newsletter for important updates from our program director.
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Lebanon Youth Program Updates |
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The Lebanon Youth Program is a grant-funded program that receives Workforce Innovation Opportunities Act (WIOA) and TANF funding from the state to provide qualified youth (ages 14-24) with educational training and employment opportunities. Over the past few months, the Lebanon Youth Program has been busy placing participants in various training opportunities either virtually or in person.
Three participants were placed into the March session of the VF--Universal Design & Inclusion Program, a partnership between (IU13) and VF (Jonestown, PA). This eight-week program is designed to prepare qualified in-school youth for competitive employment in distribution while learning valuable employability skills. The student interns build communication and problem-solving skills, as well as job-specific skills in the field of distribution. Students work with an IU13 job trainer as well as VF trainers/staff to learn skills needed for employment as a General Warehouse Worker, including training in shipping, making boxes, packing process, and picking merchandise. In addition, students become familiar with the VF business and culture.
Also in March, the Lebanon Youth Program placed six participants who are still in high school into the Harrisburg University/Nupaths Foundations of IT course. Upon successful completion of this course, students will earn two college credits and have an opportunity to take the CompTIA Fundamentals exam to earn an additional certification. The course focuses on the basics of computer hardware, software, mobile computing, networking, troubleshooting, and emerging technologies. Students learn about configuring operating systems, file and folder management, networks, and network configuration, and the role of the OSI model in networking and troubleshooting. The course also includes an exploration of cutting-edge technologies such as cloud computing and virtualization.
In March and April, a total of seven participants began an online Pharmacy Assistant course through Penn Foster. Upon successful completion, graduates will be able to provide efficient and effective support to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians through maintaining electronic patient information and performing administrative duties, including answering phones and maintaining and stocking supplies.
Lastly, one participant started an online Dental Assistant course through MedCerts in March, and one participant started an online Phlebotomy course through MedCerts in April. MedCerts is an online training organization that provides a wide variety of online courses in the HealthCare and Medical fields, Information Technology, and Professional Development.
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ESL Level 3 Morning Class |
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ESL Level 3 students explored jobs in their class with instructor Kevin Boll. In one lesson, they visited CareerOneStop: Careers and Career Information (see screenshot), chose a career they were interested in, and took notes about the occupation. They then reported their findings to the class. The activity provided an opportunity for students to practice research, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
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Students in ESL Level 4 chose items to share with their classmates as a getting-acquainted activity when new students joined the class halfway through winter session. |
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Instructor Nerva Ramos is teaching Basic Computer and Internet Training at Tec Centro. |
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Refugee Center and Community School |
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Community Partners Host COVID-19 Information Event |
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An informational session was set up with Refugee Center and Community School (RCCSR) and other organizations to empower Congolese New Americans and communicate the importance of vaccinations in the fight against COVID-19. Reynolds Middle School hosted the event on April 20, 2021 following safe social distancing guidelines. Dr. Mbindyo (Millersville University), featured standing in the picture, delivered helpful information to parents in their heart language. Matt Johnson (Church World Service) gave information about a vaccination event that occurred the following weekend. RCCSR directors were also there to welcome attendees and record the meeting for later usage. At least one family has received vaccinations as a result of this event. |
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Partnership with Lancaster County Community Foundation and Reynolds Middle School |
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Students in Mr. Iguina’s class expressed interest in learning more about how foundations work. With the help from Ms. Gorham, our Community School Director, Mr. Iguina partnered with Lancaster County Community Foundation so the students could learn and create their own foundation! A huge thank you to the Lancaster County Community Foundation for helping to make these students' dreams a reality!
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Virtual Meetings Are Still Informative |
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This past year has taught us how to be creative in connecting to our community. Meetings that would have been held in person, like Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO) meetings, are now being held virtually. Gathering this way has allowed for real-time translation without disrupting the speaker, and parents are able to join from the comfort of their homes. Reynolds Community School was able to successfully host virtual meetings in April that included PTO meetings and a presentation on lead. The lead presentation was held in partnership with Washington Community School and the City of Lancaster Lead Hazard Control Program. |
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Volunteer to the left, teacher to the right and student at the bottom of the screen |
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Student to the left, teacher to the right, volunteer at the bottom |
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Volunteer to the left, teacher to the right and student at the bottom |
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Virtual Multi-level Citizenship Courses
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Last month, two successful multi-level citizenship courses were completed via online instruction. Both classes benefited from weekly one-on-one sessions with Rotary Club volunteers who practiced the civics 100-questions and N-400 questions orally with students. All volunteers helped students understand personal and civics questions to prepare for their naturalization interview by providing examples and more in-depth explanations for difficult concepts such as non-combatant services and persecution.
For lower-level students, the volunteers started by explaining personal information question differences, such as daytime and evening phone numbers, home address and mailing address (if different), marital status, and employment.
The evening class assistant facilitated volunteer and student connections through one-on-one interviews in preparation for students' naturalization interviews using the Department of Homeland Security Curriculum structure content materials via Zoom meetings.
The training was provided by the grant coordinator before the course start date. Volunteers were recognized by students and staff, and received electronic recognition certificates.
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Volunteer left, classroom assistant middle, 1 student right, 2 students bottom |
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Volunteer left, classroom assistant right, 2 students at the bottom |
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Student left, classroom assistant middle, student right, volunteer bottom left, student bottom right |
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Volunteer Opportunities
IU13 Community Education, The Literacy Learning & Success Centers, and the Refugee Center and Community School at Reynolds are all looking for volunteers.
Please visit our website to see how you can help.
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Tim Talk
IU13 Community Education Program Director
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Community Education Catalog |
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Check out our first-ever, brand new catalog listing all of our services and classes. Did you know we offer citizenship classes or that we have bilingual and bicultural navigators who speak a wide variety of languages? Would you be able to explain the types of adult education classes we offer, or list our micro-credentials such as Basic Computer Skills, Teacher Assistant Training, Administrative Support Professional, Direct Service Provider, and Certified Nursing Assistant?
If you wanted to learn more about employment and training opportunities available through Community Education in Lebanon county, where would you look? Well, with this attractive and informative catalog, all of your answers to questions about Community Education’s services and classes can be found in one location. Take a look at the catalog, and make sure to share it with others.
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Free* Classes, Resources,
Services, and Trainings
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IU13 Community Education provides a wide variety of daytime and evening educational and supportive services to adults in Lancaster and Lebanon counties.
Click on the links below or call us at 717-606-1708 for more information.
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English as a Second Language
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GED | HiSET test prep classes
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Must be a United States Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) to enroll in classes
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ESL or HSE classes for parents of children between birth-3rd grade
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ESL classes with civics instruction and placement into job training programs
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Workforce Preparation Classes |
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Administration Support Professional
Basic Computer Skills
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
Direct Care Provider Certificate
Teacher Assistant (Special Education)
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Services and Supports Include:
Paid Internships, Assistance in Seeking Employment, Training for Certification, Supportive Services, and more!
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**Youth must meet income and eligibility requirements.
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Bilingual cultural navigators connect children and adults with social, educational, and medical services in the community
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Using PA Standards-aligned lessons, high school students can build knowledge and understanding of the global refugee crisis
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*IU13 Community Education classes and services provided directly by IU13 staff are free with limited exceptions. Additional services/tests provided by our partner providers may have costs. Please contact us with any questions. |
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Contact Information:
For more information about Community Education visit our website
or call
Lancaster: 717-606-1708
Lebanon: 717-450-1525
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