For anyone who wants to finish their high school degree — meet Don Porter, the new High School Equivalency teacher through River Valley Resources at the TEC Center in Vevay.
Don’s philosophy on teaching reflects his easy-going, supportive style. “I simply want to be a conduit of information sharing,” he said. “This allows for the recycling of knowledge and information. If I can look back and see someone progress past me and ‘leave me in the dust,’ I’ll be happy.”
Don brings years of valuable and varied experience to the position. Besides 10 years of military service in the Army and Air Force in Desert Storm, he has spent 15 years teaching on various levels and forums. With a BA in Business, a Master’s degree in Education and a PhD in Religious Education, Don is very knowledgeable but nonetheless, practical. According to Don, “‘Practice makes perfect’ and ‘progress not perfection’ are two extremely important opportunities for all of us to maintain what we have learned and to also utilize what we have learned.”
Besides teaching at the TEC Center, Don is also helping people in the Switzerland County jail earn their degrees while incarcerated.
Earning a high school equivalency diploma is the first step in continuing your education in college or post-secondary training and also prepares you for career advancement. Any adult age 16 or older who is interested in earning their High School Equivalency Diploma may enroll in RVR’s free Adult Basic Education programs in Switzerland County. If you’d like to take advantage of this great, free opportunity, Don will be at the TEC Center three days a week at hours that should satisfy most schedules: Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to Noon; Wednesdays from 3-9 p.m.; and on Thursdays from 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Classes are self-paced and taught by certified instructors to help achieve your goals. In class, you will:
• Learn at your own level and place.
• Receive personal instruction.
• Prepare for TASC test requirements in writing, reading, social studies, science, and mathematics.
• Improve communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
For more information on getting a High School Equivalency certification, contact Don Porter at (844) 538-4636; or Sarah Brichto at the TEC Center at (812) 427-4475.