Hi:  I've been a "lurker" for a few years.  Your questions intrigued me
and I hope others respond.
 
1) What state did you start your career in adult literacy?
I got started quite by accident in Columbus, OH in 1989 at a small
Literacy Council, which is not so small now.  (I used to teach high
school English.  We moved and I subbed, but hated it).  Saw this job and
interviewed and got it.
2) How did you enter the field and into what role?
I was a special projects coordinator.  They were setting up a classroom
for new readers to complement one-on-one tutoring.  I was a Reading
Specialist. I trained in Laubach and LVA.  I also had Wilson Reading
Training.  I set up the classroom, chose the curriculum, trained the
volunteers and tested the students.
3) How did you move within the field? Consider changes in:
I moved to NJ and taught Critical Thinking Skills and Developmental
Reading at Sussex Community College.  I also tutored literacy students,
one-on-one, and in groups.  I usually used the Wilson Reading Method. 
This was part-time, piece-meal pay.
Then we moved to MD, where I am now.  I started teaching ABE classes
and GED classes for Harford Community College's Adult Literacy Program. 
A job as the Instructional Specialist/Coordinator came open.  I
interviewed and got the job.  It is full-time and I love it (although
there are some drawbacks).  I do all the Professional Development for
our instructors and I am State trainer for Best Plus and Bridges to
Practice.  In sixteen years, I have never regretted leaving the high
school classroom.  Even though there are disappointments, the successes
far out-weigh them.  The pay isn't great and professional development
dollars are scarce, but we manage.  Right now, I wouldn't trade it for
the world. I'd love to learn how others got in field and what resources
they have for professional development.
 Cindy Fischer, MD
 
 
 
"If you believe in good things, you can  make them happen."
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