Rdale preschool teacher organizes appreciation for adult learners

At the Crystal Learning Center (CLC), a wall of colorful hearts is doing more than decorating the hallway—it’s sending a powerful message of belonging, thanks to preschool teacher Tracy Cannata.

To celebrate and support learners in the Adult Academic Program, Cannata organized a learner appreciation wall filled with handwritten messages of warmth and welcome. She invited CLC teachers, staff, and students to write affirmations on vibrant paper hearts, which were then displayed alongside a banner in the front hallway to greet and uplift learners each day.

“I simply wanted to let our learners know that they matter,” said Cannata. “I wanted to show our learners that they are not only welcome, but embraced as an integral part of our learning community.”

There is a unique community in the CLC, as learners and educators from several Rdale programs share the space, including Community Education, Early Learning, the Adult Academic Program, and the Rdale Transition Center (RTC).

Teachers and staff at the CLC often collaborate with one another to enrich the learning environment, focusing on better serving all learners and their families.

Part of Rdale Community Education, the Adult Academic Program offers a variety of educational options with the flexibility to meet the needs of adult learners. Programming includes college prep and academic skills, English language learning, earning a GED, stroke and brain injury recovery classes, and a variety of supports.