Adult Education instructor Don Nelson is making a difference in the lives of his students and in Lawson State's ability to help make an impact.
"During the current program year, Mr. Nelson has made an extraordinary impact, contributing to 35 percent of all GED and High School Diploma options awarded by the college," said Ms. Charlette White, director of Lawson's adult education program.
"He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure his students achieve their goals," she said during a recent ceremony where Mr. Nelson was named a Gold Star teacher. "His dedication is evident in countless acts of support."
One example: A student parent whose daycare unexpectedly closed found support in Mr. Nelson, who pushed her baby in a stroller in the hallway so that she could focus on testing. He has also paid for GED Ready tests to help students assess their preparedness.
"For any student determined to get their GED, I will do everything possible to help them," Mr. Nelson shared, when asked what drives him to assist students. "I don't care where you are-I can help you."
For the past four years, Mr. Nelson has worked to help adult learners succeed. Before joining Lawson State, he dedicated 35 years to Birmingham City Schools, where he worked as a Special Education teacher for 15 years and later as an Assistant Principal for 20 years.
Those experiences benefit Lawson's adult learners who sometimes face barriers to realizing their potential. In general, students returning to school to earn their high school diplomas or GED bring a range of life experiences and challenges to the classroom. That is in addition to the challenges of juggling work and family obligations with school.
As a result, educators like Mr. Nelson must find creative ways to help and motivate students to keep going.
"Mr. Nelson's compassion, dedication, and relentless support make him an invaluable asset to Lawson State and a true advocate for student success," said Ms. White.
The department also celebrated the collective work of the adult education team. In addition to Mr. Nelson's accomplishment, the department exceeded several of their goals by awarding:
"We are also on track to meet and exceed our enrollment goals," Ms. White added. "With less than one month remaining, we have enrolled 1,114 students toward our goal of 1,232-just 118 shies of our target!"
Interested in adult education? Learn more about our GED and other programs at Lawson State Community College.
