Lately I find myself contemplating the relationships that make up an adult school, and how, perhaps too frequently, we get caught up in the momentary interactions and lose sight of the beauty of how it all comes together. I refer in part to the more than 6000 community members who enroll during an average school year, each with a personal story and a specific course or learning path they wish to pursue, and also to their network of family and friends who provide encouragement and contribute to the success of that student. Then there are the 90+ rather amazing instructors we hire to design and teach courses especially suited to the literacy, career development and life-long learning needs of our students.

These dynamic professionals represent a wide range of educational disciplines and each, in their own way, is committed to providing a fun and focused learning experience for every student.

Behind the scenes are 27 support staff comprised of clerical specialists, custodians and program coordinators who cheerfully answer your questions, process registrations, write grants, provide staff training and direction, maintain websites, and ensure that facilities are well-functioning and aesthetically pleasing. And, like each of the K-12 school sites, we are backed by supportive district administrators and a dedicated School Board, as well as specialized staff who handle finances, legal matters and maintain buildings
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The school lives of our students and staff are intertwined with scores of local businesses and service agencies that offer medical training externships, job skill practice for developmentally disabled students, participate on advisory committees or provide products that enhance our technology and ensure the functionality of our classrooms. What I have just described is not an atypical scenario in most communities or businesses, yet I believe we often do not take the time to note and appreciate how intertwined our lives are and how much we need and depend upon each other. I do in fact feel quite privileged to be a part of the particular compilation of lives that make up Castro Valley Adult and Career Education, and wish to extend my appreciation to all of you who are participants in this energetic and dynamic family.

Wishing you joy in your pursuit of lifelong learning.

Jerry Green