Multi-talented Teacher touching lives

Posted on September 11, 2013 by Questar III Staff

Questar III Adult and Community Education Teacher Irene Cruz always knew she wanted to be a
teacher.

Although her original background is in fine arts and graphic design, Questar III Adult and
Community Education Teacher Irene Cruz said she always knew she wanted to be a teacher.When
working in marketing and graphic design for companies such as Sony, Pepsico and IBM, Cruz said
naturally fell into the teacher role by providing trainings for staff. She was involved in training for
career-changing adults affected by unemployment.

When theres something in you, you must pursue it to the end, said
Cruz.According to Cruz, the Questar III Adult and Community Education
programs were something that suited her interests because it provided
challenges and diversity. Since 2002, Cruz has been helping students
prepare for not just the GED exam, but for the rest of their lives. Prior to this,
she was involved with Autistic Children as a Teachers Aide.I do these
things because I really want to see people succeed in their lives, said Cruz.
This goes beyond getting their GED, its about making sure theyre
employed, healthy and taking care of their children so they too can lead full
lives.

Cruz said she also encourages her students to try other programs at Questar
III. I get them the information they need and try to get them excited about
the concept and to not be afraid of the challenge.In addition to teaching
GED preparation, and Basic literacy and Computer skills, Cruz administers
the Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE) test and the Best Plus test which
tests English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) students.

Prior to her employment at Questar III, Cruz worked for Oakwood Friends School teaching
ESOL. She also taught Adult and Continuing Education at Dutchess County BOCES and
Dutchess Community College. In addition, Irene comes from a diverse background in Design and
has worked with such corporations as, Sony, IBM, Prentice-Hall, Pepsi-Cola and many others.

Cruz is currently working on a Masters of Arts in Learning and Emerging Technologies from Empire
State College. Outside of work Cruz says she is still very much an artist, working on illustrations,
graphic design, poetry, childrens writing, and singing. She is currently relearning how to play the
piano. She is also very involved in her reaching her community through her church.