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On April 15, College and Career Readiness Instructor Susan Mansuetti will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pennsylvania Association of Adult Continuing Education (PAACE) at their annual professional development conference, which is being held in Pittsburgh this year.
Susan has a passion for lifelong learning and has held positions at both the local and state levels. She served as a Family Literacy Advisor and Professional Development Advisor at the Pennsylvania Department of Education, influencing programs throughout the Commonwealth. In 2015, she became Program Administrator for Adult Literacy Action at Penn State Beaver, transitioning to the role of Instructor in 2017. Since 2018, Susan has worked as a teacher of adult learners through Literacy Pittsburgh, a position she describes as her favorite.
An exceptional teacher, Susan currently instructs a multilevel adult education classroom, serving students who face a myriad of barriers to education, employment, and day-to-day functioning. Her students are diverse–representing both young and old, American-born and foreign-born. Some enter her classroom at a high academic level, and others with significant learning challenges. Susan meets students where they are. She reaches out to each one with skill, thoughtfulness, and passion. She finds resources that appeal to their learning style. She supports their growth by creating a welcoming classroom tailored to each student's goals.
Susan models the enthusiasm of a lifelong learner by seeking out resources to find answers and share new understanding. She is quick to say, "I don't know, let's find out!" Through her example, students are willing to be vulnerable and ask for help, helping them to grow and recognize that everyone can learn. She treats each student with patience and warmth. She proudly displays the names of students who earned a GED credential on her classroom wall to encourage current students that they, too, can reach their educational goals. Susan's strong connection with students is evident in their desire to stay in touch with her long after they achieve their goals and leave the program.
She is always ready and willing to share the knowledge she gained during her 29 years in adult education. Susan is a valuable member of the educational community and is sought out by colleagues for advice. Susan is quick with a smile, a kind word, and an offer to help, whether in her professional capacity or with those in the community.
As she approaches retirement at the end of this program year, it is clear to all who have known Susan that she is a gem. Ask anyone who has crossed her path, and they will tell you that they have benefitted both professionally and personally from knowing her.
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is the largest provider of adult basic education in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. Last year, Literacy Pittsburgh helped more than 4,000 individuals acquire the skills needed to reach their fullest potential in life and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, digital literacy, English language learning, math, reading, and family literacy through one-to-one and small class instruction. Founded in 1982, it serves local adults through numerous neighborhood locations and its Downtown Pittsburgh Learning Center.
