In honor of Educator Appreciation Week, we’re shining a spotlight on the remarkable individuals who work tirelessly to shape students’ futures at the Goodwill Excel Center in Baltimore. These dedicated educators don’t just teach; they go above and beyond to help students succeed.
Our passionate faculty and staff bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the classroom every day. They create an empowering learning environment where students can thrive and reach their full potential. Without their tireless efforts, our mission of transforming lives through education wouldn’t be possible.
Let’s take a moment to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of each member of our faculty:
- Sherry DeFrancisci – Director
- Adrian Smith – College and Career Readiness Coordinator
- DaShawn (Shawn) Archer – Lead Instructor
- Leslie Lewis – English Language Arts Instructor
- Uriel Orellana – Social Studies Instructor
- Tanisha Paegar – Math Instructor
- David Smith – Science Instructor
- Brianna Scherpf Oxenford – Special Education Instructor
- Michael Donlan – Project Management Teacher Term 3
- Ashley Gaines-Seay – Lead Coach
- Alistair Scott – Life Coach
- Joseph Binder – Life Coach
- Ari Minyard, CRPW – Registrar
- Sinaya Gary – Child Care Attendant
- Monica Scovens – Child Care Attendant
It takes a team to get the job done and this group of committed educators has come together to make great things happen for our Excel Center students. They are instrumental in helping our adult learners create a brighter future for themselves. But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what some of our students have to say about their experiences at the Excel Center.
For Tanglia Jacobs, this is her third try getting her high school diploma. After enrolling at the Baltimore Excel Center, she’s finally found the place where she fits in and says she wouldn’t have gotten this far without the support of the center’s educators.
“Everybody…the whole staff…is just wonderful here. You feel that as soon as you walk through the front door,” she said. Now a senior, Tanglia’s biggest goal is in sight: graduation. “I want to walk across the stage,” she said with pride.
Student Janice Johnson calls the Excel Center a “lifesaver”. Since starting the program last September, the support she’s received has helped her feel good about herself. Janice is carrying a course load of five classes, and while she admits it can be mentally taxing on some days, the Excel Center educators have made a lasting and positive impact.
“It’s hard to say you have a favorite teacher really… every teacher I’ve had is wonderful,” she said.
At age 73, Janice White is proof that reaching educational milestones is possible, even in the face of adversity. Once she stopped listening to people who said she couldn’t get her high school diploma because she was “too old,” she found her place at the Baltimore Excel Center and hasn’t looked back. She’s on a mission to prove that she can graduate — and with the help of her personal cheerleaders, along with the Excel Center team, she has no doubt she will succeed.
“I just missed you know going to school, and now I’m playing the catch-up game. Getting back into the groove, saying OK, I’m in school now. My granddaughters say ‘Grandma, I’m proud of you.’ It’s a big step, you know, going back. But I got this. I think this was the best thing to happen to Baltimore City,” said Janice.
Benjamin Underwood could not agree more. He said there’s no doubt that the support of the faculty and staff is what motivates him to continue his studies.
“I think they help you a lot. You know what I mean? They help you work through everything pretty thoroughly,” he said. “And if you need help, they’re always available.”
The Excel Center’s free daycare is a game changer for young mom Kalia Wilson. While Kalia is in class working hard toward her high school diploma, she has peace of mind, knowing her daughter is being cared for on-site by the center’s trusted daycare staff.
“As soon as we come, [my daughter] knows exactly where we’re going. She taps on the door and can’t wait to go inside,” said Kalia. “My favorite is when I’m looking in and I can see her looking out at me.”
And it’s that security that has enabled Kalia to embrace her studies — with a little help along the way.
“I just want to say I appreciate all of the teachers, whether it’s from first term all the way up till now, each and every one of my teachers, they just always told me, ‘keep up the good work.’ Or just push me and just give me a cheer on — just telling me that I can do it and don’t ever give up.”
As we observe National Educator Appreciation Week, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each member of our faculty for their dedication, passion, and commitment to transforming lives through education. Thank you for all that you do to make Goodwill’s Baltimore Excel Center a place where students can thrive, succeed, and shape a better future!
