Veteran Educator Melissa Iles Selected to Lead Vernon Regional Adult Based Education
VERNON, Connecticut – The focus of Melissa Iles’ career in education has been to break down barriers and enable students to learn and be successful in life.
She first did that as a special education teacher, working with students who have physical, learning or emotional disabilities to help them reach their full potential. That work continued in Iles’ subsequent positions, including as Vernon’s Director of Pupil Services.
As the new Director of Vernon Regional Adult Based Education (VRABE), Iles said she is excited by the opportunity to work with a new group of students and to help them overcome obstacles, reach their educational goals and experience a meaningful and high quality education.
“I believe all that experience helping students break down barriers makes me a perfect fit for adult education,” Iles said. “Our goal is to work with students who did not follow the traditional educational route, who may have had some difficulties navigating along the way. We are here to help them complete their educational journey. I find that very exciting.”
The people who seek the services of VRABE come from a variety of backgrounds and have diverse goals. Some are seeking a traditional high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma. Others are seeking classes in VRABE’s English as a Second Language program.
There are also people who are studying to become U.S. citizens. Others are seeking continuing education opportunities to learn a new skill, such as how to use Excel, paint with watercolors, draw, crochet or use sign language.
“For so many people, the services and courses we offer are life-changing,” Iles said. “There are so many opportunities for a learner to grow, achieve and thrive.”
It’s never too late to attain a high school diploma, to learn a new skill or to seek another service VRABE offers, Iles said.
”Adult education plays an important role in our ongoing effort to help all people become independent learners and productive contributors to society,” Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said. “Aside from the benefits that come from completing a high school education, adult education builds confidence, encourages people to step out of their comfort zone and builds social connections.”
VRABE’s adult continuing education classes have fees, but high school completion programs, citizenship classes, English as a Second Language classes and college transition courses are free for people 17 and older who are no longer enrolled in public school. Courses are offered in a variety of locations and childcare is available at some sites.
VRABE serves residents of Vernon, Ashford, Bolton, Colchester, Coventry, East Windsor, Ellington, Glastonbury, Griswold, Mansfield, South Windsor, Tolland, Willington and Wethersfield. For more information about VRABE’s offerings, please visit www.vrabe.com.