Liberty Union High School District Adult education teacher Carole Hatch has been chosen by the California Council for Adult Education to receive the Annual Excellence in Teaching Award. Hatch was selected from all the adult education teachers in the Bay section, which includes Alameda, Contra Costa, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, Sonoma, and Trinity counties.

The council honors gifted teachers who “reach out and touch their students’ hearts and souls, truly understand that learning is lifelong, and give their expertise to anyone with a thirst for knowledge.” Hatch said she truly enjoys her job: “Adult learners often feel inadequate, and need to know that if they focus on a goal, it can be reached. As a teacher, my hope is to give encouragement and guidance to students so they can accomplish those goals.”

After starting as an instructional assistant at LUHSD, Hatch earned her adult education teaching credential in office occupations and computer applications at U.C. Berkeley. She has been teaching career technology at LUHSD’s Adult Education for eight years, and is recognized among her peers as a master teacher.

Community Education Director Gene Clare congratulated Hatch as “a dedicated professional who truly cares about her students.” Hatch will be honored at the California Council for Adult Education’s State Conference in Pasadena on May 2.