CCAECalifornia Council for Adult Education

2013 State awardsRobert W. Rupert AwardMike Wada - LA Metro SectionAward of MeritDr. Orin T. Allen - Bay SectionPartners in Adult Education Excellence AwardAdult Education Taskforce - Central SectionDr. Debi Silverman - Bay SectionLife Membership AwardsJoanna McConaghy - LA Metro SectionMaxine Hammond - LA Metro SectionAilene Genoff - Bay Section2013 CCAE State Awards CommitteeChairpersonDarlene NeilsenSection Committee MembersShawna Tronconi - Bay SectionSally Fowler - Central SectionSonya Ramirez - LA Metro SectionCris Johnson - Northern SectionWayne Miyahara - South Coast SectionPartners in Adult EducationDr. Debi SilvermanBay SectionDr. Debi Silverman has a dedicatedcommitment to the children andfamilies of Contra Costa County.Thousands of children and familiesbenefit from quality educational programsand services she has designed anddeveloped over a twelve year period. In1995, Dr. Silverman was instrumental inestablishing the Raising a Reader programin Mt. Diablo Education’s preschoolswith an initial $10,000.00 grant. Today this program continuesto introduce children to the joy of reading and their familiesto the importance of literacy in their children’s intellectualdevelopment.Dr. Silverman is responsible for today’s widespreadimplementation in MDAE preschools of the child developmenteducational assessment tool known as the Modified DesiredResults Development Profile (MDRDPs). She is a firm believerin the value of professional development, helping ensure MDAEpreschool staff access to quality professional development suchas the California Preschool Information Network (CPIN), oftenproviding funding to ensure active participation.Dr. Silverman is tireless in her commitment to finding ways ofoffering more and better quality services for the children andfamilies of Contra Costa. Dr. Silverman’s commitment to AdultEducation is appreciatedand deserving of this award.Lorrie Christie - Southern SectionPast PresidentMike Wada - LA Metro Section

Life MembershipJoanna McConaghyLA Metro SectionRobert W. Rupert AwardMike WadaBay SectionThis award is presented to presented to retiring or retired CCAE Members, whohaveprovided outstanding service to CCAE at the chapter, section, or state levels.Joanna McConaghy began her teaching careerin 1966 as an elementary music teacherin New Brunswick, Canada. She immigratedto California in the 1970’s, participated inan exchange program in England, studiedin Austria. In 1983 she became a musicinstructor to developmentally disabled adults,implementing the Arts Experience program forthe entire adult division. Serving as a tenuredteacher advisor, coordinator and principalwithin the LAUSD Division of Adult and CareerEducation. She also volunteered innumerable hours for CCAEplanning sessions and professional activities. Joanna brought inmany of her colleagues, building a team to increase membershipand promote involvement in local activities, especially the CCAE/DACE Spring Conference, where she served as CCAE ConferenceChair.Joanna continues to mentor several LAM Section Presidents andcommittee members, passing on her knowledge to help maintain astrong Section and State Council. Her continued involvement inthe areas of ongoing discussions and political advocacy affectstoday’s trends and policies in adult education.In 2004, Joanna received the CCAE Award of Merit. In June of2012, she retired from LAUSD, after 30 years. While maintainingher CCAE membership, she continues to encourage others to join,believing that each person can make a difference in promotingadult educational excellence. Joanna is a perfect example ofliving one’s beliefs and deserving of the Lifetime MembershipAward.This award honors the memory of Dr. Robert Rupert whose twenty-three year career in adult educationculminated in his service as the Assistant Superintendent of Adult and Occupational Education in theLos Angeles Unified School District. As an administrator, he was well known for his belief that adultadministrators hold positions that demand a twenty-four-hour-a-day commitment. This prestigious awardis presented at the discretion of the CCAE State Award Committee. The Recipient’s leadership andcontributions to adult education at local, state, and national levels, and to CCAEmust have been EXCEPTIONAL.Mike Wada is known statewide forhis activity, energy, advocacy, andinnovation on behalf of adult education.Mike holds a B.A. (cum laude) from theUniversity of Californian and an M.A.from California State University, both inPsychology. He has served the CDE as agrant reader for Perkins career projects;CDE Future/Adult and Continuing Education; California PlanSteering Committee; CDE Field Advisory Committee on adult educationteacher credentialing and committee on developing alternativeoptions for youths. As CCAE State President, Mike spearheaded AB1673 leading to favorable LAO interest and report of December2012. He also put into play AB 189, keeping the adult ed conversationalive while educating decision-makers and the public weighed theimportance of adult education.Mike is serving as the current state Past President of the CCAE,culminating more than twenty-five years of commitment to and workin every level of the organization. He was President from 2009-2011and Vice-President 2006-2009. He served as South Coast Section LegChair from 1989-1994; LA Metro Leg Chair from 1999-2002; State LegChair from 1994-1997 and State Voc Ed Chair 1993-1994. His effort,energy, and expertise have been previously honored by CCAE withthe Award of Merit and the Donald McCune Collaboration Award.Mike Wada’s tireless pursuit for Adult Education makes him a primecandidate to receive this award.

Life MembershipMaxine HammondLA Metro SectionMaxine Hammond has worked tirelesslyto support the dreams and aspirationsof students in adult education for over32 years as a DACE instructor, a CentralOffice Advisor, an Assistant Principal anda Principal. Supporting students, teachers,staff and the community. She would tell youthis is her true calling and she loves her work.She has worked continuously in adult education since 1980 andhas supported the goals and aims of CCAE through her positiveleadership and active involvement. She has served on CCAE’sexecutive board for 4 years, holding all positions includingPresident of the LA Metro Section in 1989-90. She also participatedas president elect, past president, chapter president and iscurrently a Centurion member.As an educator, Maxine has assisted and guided the careers of manyprofessionals. She has worked to provide in-services to classifiedstaff, teachers, and principals from kindergarten through the adultschools. As a member of Women Educators, she’s assisted with theadministrative exam workshops that prepare people for the oralinterviews. She is a member of numerous organizations that benefitAdult Education including the Council of Black Administrators,Black Children’s Conference, the League of African AmericanWomen, Inc., and Phi Delta Kappa.Maxine is passionately involved in education and is committed tothe education of all students. Maxine is meticulous and has highstandards of excellence. She is a consummate professional whodoes her best to uplift others and works for the betterment of all.Maxine is caring, strong and dynamic. She’s a natural leader, butwill stand back and allow others to shine. Maxine is being honoredfor her hard work, her dedication, and her commitment to CCAE andadult education.AileneLife MembershipAileen GenoffBay SectionGenoff began her career in adulteducation as a teacher and programcoordinator for Adults with Disabilities from1990-2003. From 2003-2005, Ailene was an AdultEducation Supervisor for core instructionalprograms for adults. In 2005, she returned toher passion, working with adults with moderateto severe physical and emotional disabilities. InJune 2009, due to a severe state budget deficit,Ailene was reassigned as a full time lead representative for theCalWORKs North County Coalition. Ailene served in this programuntil she retired in October 2012.During her 22 year adult education career, Ailene was highlyrespected for her dedication and drive working in the Adults withDisabilities programs. Ailene took a team approach, leveraging theskills of the teachers she supervised with the community agenciesshe worked alongside. She utilized her keen problem-solving mindand her optimistic nature to achieve wonderful gains in studentskills. In addition, to her work in the AWD program, Ailene took ona challenging assignment as an Adult Education Supervisor. Thisnew position. She has worked with teachers and support staff in 8different programs, focusing on quality instruction and services,as well as, student performance and outcomes. Later, Aileneaccepted a position for the adult school working with CalWORKsstudents and other social service support staff. Working off site,at the Santa Clara Adult School, Ailene thrived in her work withclients from all backgrounds and a host of barriers to learning.