From Student to Spokesperson: The Alternative Center for Education Empowers Learners to Lead
By Peggy Nolan, Volunteer Writer
In the 16 years since Anne Schauman founded the Alternative Center for Education, she’s seen lots of students overcome challenges with reading, math and other skills. One of her favorite success stories is the story of a man who came to the organization in his 40s. He suffered from lead poisoning as a five-year-old, resulting in significant brain damage. Despite that, Anne says, “He presented himself very well. You’d never know he had any problems, but the damage to the regions of the brain involved in reading was so catastrophic that it was extremely difficult for him to learn to read.”
Through the Center, the man learned basic reading skills. He went on to get his GED though Fox Valley Technical College while working full-time and raising five children. He kept in touch with the Center, ultimately joining the Board of Directors as a spokesman. “Seeing his transformation in terms of confidence and observing him talk about what he’s been through and been able to achieve was very special,” Anne says.
Anne is the chair of the Center’s Board of Directors. She founded the organization, located in Appleton, after seeing a need for accessible, affordable literacy help in the community. The Center offers reading and math literacy assessments and instruction. Through a contract with the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Center also offers soft skills training for those entering the workforce. Students range in age from seven to 72. Anne also works with incarcerated adults as needed. “What makes us unique,” she says, “is how we tailor our lesson plans to each individual. The independent evaluations I conduct are also unique. My area of expertise is knowing how underlying areas like memory and processing affect a person’s ability to read, write, and do math. I assess strengths and weaknesses so individuals can receive both targeted instruction and accommodations.”
Wisconsin Literacy supports the Center through funding and access to networking calls with other literacy agencies. “I have so much appreciation for the funders who keep funding us year after year. They truly understand the importance of the work we do,” Anne says.
