Marnie Huff, 2023 Adult Educator of the Year
Marnie celebrates with NALC staff (left to right: Crystal Gimesh, Marnie Huff, Kim Karesh, Lisa LeMaster).
Congratulations to ELL instructor Marnie Huff who was recently awarded the 2023 Adult Educator of the Year award at the NPL Adult Education Summit! This is the third year in a row that an NALC instructor has received this award!
Marnie Huff has been an exceptionally dedicated teacher of adult students in the Nashville area for more than 17 years. Over the course of that time, Marnie has taught hundreds of students at a variety of levels, from beginners to intermediate and advanced learners. Marnie has shown a willingness to go beyond routine curricula and activities to enrich the learning experiences of students. Her qualities and characteristics reflecting those of an Educator of the Year include innovation, preparation, empathy, and effective communication.
Marnie understands that students’ motivation to learn is increased through lessons that are geared toward real life experiences. She designs lessons and discussions so that learners can practice conversations and problem-solving strategies directly applicable to real life situations, such as renting an apartment or arranging for home repairs. Marnie allows and encourages students to talk with each other to share ideas and problem solve, rather than providing all the answers herself—this motivates students to think for themselves as they work toward solutions, and this ultimately boosts their self-confidence. One of the students Marnie is currently teaching, Haidy, says, “Mrs. Marnie is a great teacher. She always answers all my questions. She is always on time. When she feels that the lesson is hard and we are confused, she brings more resources, which help us to understand more.”
Marnie is always looking for ways to help students improve their lives, especially through literacy. “This is my dream-come-true teaching job,” says Marnie, “ESL students are just the best—they don’t have to be there; they choose to be there to improve their lives.” We are proud of the contributions Marnie has made to adult education, and it is our honor to celebrate her as Adult Educator of the Year.
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 2022 Adult Educator of the Year, and NALC staff member, Crystal Gimesh, presented the award during the virtual summit on May 12, 2023.