1. Have you been formally or informally mentored by an experienced adult education leader?  If so, was that a positive experience?  If so, what made it especially beneficial?

I have received both formal and informal mentoring. A Professor at Lehman College who turned Executive Director of the Police Athletic League was an informal mentor in my life. A former High School Teacher who turned President + CEO of a relatively large youth and family serving agency, was another. He in turn, engaged me with the Glendale Chapter of Kiwanis International, where I served as Secretary. Since that time, the Club President has become a NYS Assemblyman and its members still operate as somewhat of a "brotherhood," today.  Several of its members work as adult educators, local business leaders and civic leaders, etc., and fortunately, I was exposed to some great leaders. These mentoring experiences benefited me eternally, and for one, I developed a greater sense for accountability. These relationships provided an outlet for the feelings and/or concerns that otherwise may have no outlet. I learned that someone who will listen with an open mind, and with an open heart, and offer wise counsel, can make a significant difference. These persons were very service minded and seemed to desire making an impact over making a name for themselves. Unfortunately, a few of them are no longer in this world.  However, the influence of their mentoring still challenges me to want to pursue a deeper walk in my profession. 

2. Have you mentored a potential adult literacy education leader?  If so, was that a positive experience?  If so, what do you think was especially effective?

To answer this question I'd like to briefly expound on the NYC Mayor's Office of Adult Education (MOAE) and their Transition to College (T2C) Mayoral Internship. These city-wide internship opportunities have educated several students at Future Now. One participant who may very well be a "potential adult literacy education leader," is Jean. Originally from the West Coast of Africa, Jean overcame literacy issues; earned a GED at Future Now, and participated with T2C. Today he is currently a 3.7 GPA college student who is attending his 4th semester toward an Associate's Degree. As a mathematics major he has volunteered much of his time tutoring his peers. Most recently, approximately 18 Incoming Freshmen for the Fall 2009 semester; all of whom were tutored by Jean in preparation for the CAT placement test, were able to avoid lower-level, expensive and non-credit math remedial courses. As Jen Herrera mentioned previously, we do believe our collaboration with MOAE has a lot to do with these accomplishments as well as with the way Jean sees his identity today. 

Jean's accountability is a willingness to share his talents, conduct, and invaluable experiences with others.  Jean as well as several of his peers at Future Now, are empowered to put their leadership into practice, and it is truly a life-transforming experience for us to partner with them.  For more information about T2C efforts please contact Jeniffer Herrera-Andujar at: leadershipcoordinator at gmail.com

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Robert Molina, MSW
Future Now GED + College Readiness Program






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-----Original Message-----
From: "David J. Rosen" <djrosen at theworld.com>

Date: Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:46:36 
To: <specialtopics at nifl.gov>
Subject: [SpecialTopics 1417] A good start on answering the mentoring
	questions


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