Administrator of the Year: Joyce Lude

Roseville Adult School Principal Joyce Lude has been named the 2010 Adult Education Administrator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA).

Ms. Lude joined the Roseville Joint Union High School District in 1993 as a home economics teacher at Roseville High School. She transferred to Roseville Adult School in 2000, where she oversees adult secondary education, English as a second language, citizenship preparation, parent education and technology education for adults. Insider caught up with her this month to get her perspective on adult education today.

Q: How did you first get involved in adult education?
A: My first teaching job was  a cooking class at Clovis Adult School, but it was a temporary position until I started my full-time high school teaching career. Fast-forward to 1993 when I met Pat Byrnes (my predecessor), with whom I worked on CTE issues. My first real involvement with adult education was my first day on the job at Roseville Adult School. My CTE background taught me how important enrollment, public relations, relevance and community connections are. This was a good background for adult education.

Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: My job has a variety of activities—it’s never boring! I am also able to make a positive impact in students’ lives.  Having a hard-working, dedicated staff as well as district support makes it much more enjoyable

Q: What’s the most significant change you have seen in adult education in the last five years?
A: The last five years have resulted in loss of funding and a reduction in our programs. There is also a growing need for adults to "re-tool" for the workplace. More than ever, there is a need to focus on district goals and constantly show how adult education supports students and families in the district.

Q: Looking ahead, what one change do you think would have the greatest impact on California’s adult education system?
A: Defining our niche—we aren't community colleges or libraries. We need to be narrower and deeper in our programs.

Q: How do adult education programs deliver value to students?
A: We provide programs and services to increase the economic viability of our students through GED, diploma, English, and CTE programs. We also improve quality of life for families by providing role models for children, higher educational levels for parents, and parent education.

Q: Whom do you see as role models for adult educators?
A: I would look beyond the world of education. Any figure who helps individuals become self-sufficient and empowered can be a classic role model. My personal role models in adult education were those individuals who got me involved with professional organizations, walked the halls with me at my first Legislation Day, and provided mentoring in my early years. That mentoring and support continues today.

Q: What role do you see technology playing in adult education in the next 10 years?  
A: This is a growing area: We need to provide more remote access to classes, but balanced with the personalized touch that we do so well. Our tech-savvy students want access 24/7. We have some students who are carrying educational “baggage" from prior school failures—a balance of technology and a personal touch may be useful with this population. 

Q: What qualities are most important to be an effective leader in adult education?
A: The ability to sell your school as well as adult education to anyone who will listen; to collect and analyze facts to make data-driven decisions; to work with colleagues both in and out of adult education to solve tough problems; to think out of the box and, above all, take risks.