WOOD COUNTY, Ohio — An Owens Community College instructor received the distinction of Ohio's Adult Educator of the Year during a Columbus conference.
According to a press release from Owens, Duaa MustafaAli was nominated and honored as one of Ohio's six regional Adult Educators of the Year, but was surprised to learn she'd received a higher distinction: the state's only Adult Educator of the Year Award.
MustafaAli has taught English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at Owens for more than five years through the college's Aspire Program, the press release stated. Aspire is an Owens' program aimed at connecting people with skills and resources, such as English language skills, basic academic knowledge, high school classes and more.
MustafaAli said the award, which she said she hadn't expected to receive, highlights and validates the importance of her work.
“It’s nice to feel seen and noticed for the effort, to be seen outside of the classroom for all of the work we put in there,” she said.
A member of Aspire leadership said students described MustafaAli as a approachable and engaged.
"Duaa creates community, pure and simple," said Aspire Program Director Heath Huber said. "In a world where there is so much chaos internationally, Duaa provides safety, education and room for growth so that non-native speakers know they have their community right here Owens.”
The Ohio Adult Educator of the Year award is awarded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, a state-level agency.
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