Susan Erno, the Director of Thomas Jefferson Adult and Career Education (TJACE), was honored as national runner-up for outstanding administrator of the year by the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE), an organization of 15,000+ professional adult educators.
The honor was announced just days before TJACE hosts its 21st Annual Voices of Adult Learners Celebration, a reading of works written by area adult learners. Held annually as part of the Virginia Festival of the Book, the reading will be Thursday, March 23, from 6-8 p.m., at Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center. It is free and open to the public, with a light reception at 5:30.
“We are so proud of Susan and her regional leadership and advocacy for our inspirational adult learners,” commented Charlottesville City Schools Superintendent Rosa Atkins. “Susan’s leadership not only benefits the City of Charlottesville, but also five surrounding counties. Our whole region should be appreciative of her leadership and inspired by the adult learners she serves.”
Since 1998, Erno has coordinated the adult education programs for Charlottesville City Schools, which in 2012 became the center of a regional network that also covers Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. In addition, she has served as the president for the Virginia Association for Adult and Career Education. For more information about her career and accomplishments, please see the attached release from COABE.
“I’m humbled to receive this award,” notes Erno. “It’s inspiring to work with so many talented adult educators in our area and across the nation. But quite honestly, the ones who deserve honor are our adult learners who model perseverance, who have overcome challenges, and who continue to learn and to strive for a better future. I invite the community to come on Thursday to celebrate them!”
