California Continuation Education Association

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Amy Hall

Pershing High School, Fresno - District V
 

Amy Hall is an English teacher at Pershing High School in Fresno.  Amy has a profound impact on the on the lives of her students and the staff at Pershing High. Her dedication, innovativeness, and leadership style have earned her the respect of the entire educational community.  Her arrival brought a renaissance spirit that has inspired all of those with whom she comes into contact.

 “This is simply a spectacular teacher,” says Pershing principal David Raygosa. “One simply could not ask for a person with a better blend of academic excellence and drive to make sure students become the best people possible.”

 “Teaching is a way of serving,” says Amy. “Each day we must comfort, encourage, validate and model for students.  We must fight the tide of mediocrity and despair.  Students must believe in themselves. They can only do that if we believe in them.”

 Amy works hard to help students see their own value, importance and self-worth.  “You have to look past all the armor and shields that students put up and see the person inside,” Amy continues. “A continuation teacher has to find a connection with each student.  Only then can you push them to succeed. It doesn’t always work, but we have to keep trying.  Every class. Every day.”

 Amy feels that one of the biggest challenges in continuation education is to always maintain a positive and optimistic outlook.  “Students have so many challenges, and they don’t always see the progress they are making.  Students can be so negative.  Each of us must counter balance that negativity with our optimism.”

 “Amy Hall has such a great attitude and positive outlook,” says CCEA president Dan Plough. “She is a real asset to continuation education.”

 Amy will be writing an article for a future newsletter.  She is also available to speak at CCEA District meetings and events.  She can be reached at school at (559) 276-5266 or by e-mail at ahall2@centralusd.k12.ca.us .

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Vic Whitaker

Chaparral High School, El Cajon - District IX
 

 “Vic is such a positive person,” says Chaparral teacher Angela DeaMude.  “He let’s every new student know that they are important and have a great life ahead of them.”

 Vic works with all the new students entering Chaparral High School.  His orientation program has won State awards, and is credited for bringing much of the success to Chaparral High. He holds students accountable for their actions and pressures their parents to be responsible as well.

 For Vic, the most important thing about teaching in a continuation school is constantly changing to meet the needs of current students. “We must be constantly updating our curriculums and teaching styles to match what our students need now.  We cannot teach the same thing even twice without evaluating whether it is still relevant and necessary.”

 “Constant change is the only constant in continuation schools,” says Vic. “Change is our biggest challenge, but also the reason we stay sharp.”

 “Vic Whitaker is an inspiration to us all,” said CCEA president Dan Plough. “He is the consummate teacher, totally dedicated to his students.  He is convinced that what makes a teacher great is the mark he leaves on each student”

 Vic is also available for CCEA meetings and events.  He can be contacted at (619) 258-3740 or e-mail at vwhitaker@guhsd.org .