I believe that it is necessary to correct some of the statements written about the Alternative Learning Center in a letter to the editor that was published Oct. 5.
The writer stated that there are no teachers with teaching degrees at the ALC. Currently, there are 11 certified teachers who are based at the ALC, and most of us have master's degrees in education. The writer also stated that all of the classes are taught by counselors from the Bowen Center. The writer is correct in that the ALC is fortunate to partner with the Bowen Center. However, most of the ALC staff members are not Bowen Center employees, but are employees of Warsaw Community Schools.
Only one program, the Alternatives to Suspension and Expulsion program, is led by a counselor. Without going into the details of this program, which was created about three years ago, I would like to point out that the counselor in charge of ASE works closely with the teachers of the students in his program.
Misinformation about the ALC is understandable because it has expanded so much in the past few years and new programs are continually being added.
The ALC has at least 10 programs that serve a wide variety of students, who range in age from preschool children to adults. I teach the students in the alternative high school program (AIMS). I am a certified science teacher with a master's degree in education. I am responsible for teaching all of the required classes that my students need to earn a high school diploma. The other teachers at the ALC are also highly qualified teachers who are well-trained to educate the students in their classrooms. If anyone has questions about the ALC, please call or come in for a visit. I am certain that the ALC staff members will be glad to help.
