Crystal Gimesh, 2022 Adult Educator of the Year
Congratulations to our very own Crystal Gimesh who was recently awarded the 2022 Adult Educator of the Year award at the NPL Adult Education Winter Summit!
Crystal is the Learner and Volunteer Manager at NALC, but is truly our "Jill of All Trades." She helps train new tutors, is the public’s point of contact, communicates with every potential learner and tutor, processes enrollments, helps develop curriculum and lesson plans, provides ongoing support, and so much more.
On top of all of this, Crystal also teaches some exceptional students. Crystal learns what their needs are and how we can best serve them. She shares these insights with future tutors. Her open, positive attitude and patience create a comfort zone and brave space for learning. Crystal remains the primary advocate for every student we serve.
Crystal's mission is to provide the best education and educational environment possible for the continued success of all. Crystal is focused on sustained transformations – both in her learners and tutors. Her ability to continually support both is awe-inspiring. Crystal doesn’t stop caring about a learner because they reached one goal; she’s curious about how she can help them reach the next one. For tutors, she focuses on developing strong relationships, including continuous education and check-ins, such as our newly launched Tutor Talks.
For these, and many other reasons, Crystal is truly deserving of this award. Please join us in celebrating her accomplishments!
The Adult Educator of the Year award honors an educator, paid or volunteer, who makes significant contributions to the work of Adult Education in Middle Tennessee. Past honorees include ESL teachers, High School Equivalency instructors, and financial counselors. Through exceptional dedication and innovation, our city’s adult educators foster the English language, basic literacy, and life skills learners need to achieve their personal and professional goals.
The 2021 Adult Educator of the Year, and fellow NALC staff member, Lisa LeMaster, presented the award during the virtual summit on March 10, 2022.