By Heidi Cunningham, Community Ed director

When you hear or read about Albert Lea School’s Community Education program what do you think of? What does Community Education mean to you?

It may depend on your age or your experience within the community.

Do you think about the over 55 defensive driving course you took that enabled you to receive a 10 percent discount on your auto insurance premiums for three years? Perhaps you started taking your baby to early childhood family education classes where you and your child grew together. Possibly your little one attended our Building Blocks Preschool and before you knew it, it was time for kindergarten.

Maybe your son or daughter is a student council or SAG (Student Advisory Group to the school board) member and is receiving leadership and service learning training by the Community Education Youth Development Coordinator. Perhaps you have heard of the Rock Gym? Most people are aware that you can obtain your GED diploma at Community Education.

Many citizens have served on the Community Education Advisory Council throughout the last 25 years.

You may be familiar with our logo &uot;Community Education, learning, leading and linking.&uot; What does that mean for you in the Albert Lea area?

Learning means community education provides a multitude of learning activities and experiences for all ages. Some people say learning continues from &uot;womb to tomb&uot; or &uot;cradle to grave.&uot;

Leading, what does that mean?

Community Education takes on leadership roles within our community and statewide as well as teaching leadership skills to others.

Linking, what does Community Education link?

Community educators are known to be the catalysts that bring people together to address a community need. We are known nationwide as the entrepreneurs of the school district since we can be so diverse in what we are able to do. We listen to our citizens and work with them in whatever way we can. The philosophy of community education is that our citizens are the learners but also some of the best instructors. What a resource our citizens are.

When that winter Community Education catalog arrives in your mailbox during the last week of December, remember that these classes and events are just a sampling of what Community Education does.

More and more we hear about how important it is to learn skills as a child, parent and adult. We are told frequently that as you get older, you need to keep your mind and body active. This is what lifelong learning is all about.

As the new year approaches, it is a great time to reflect on what you need personally. Are you lonely and need to get out socializing and meeting people? Take a Community Education class about something you have always wanted to try.

Do you need to get your body in better shape as the new year roles around? Take a fitness class to feel better and improve your health.

Do you want to be a better parent and learn how to handle some of the frustrations you have with your young children? Early childhood classes enable you to spend quality time with your child and to meet with other parents to discuss a multitude of topics and parent issues.

The list is endless.

Be good to yourself and others. Be a lifelong learner.

(Heidi Cunningham is the Director of Community Education Albert Lea Area Schools.)