Owens instructor wins state Adult Educator of the Year Award

        Owens Community College Aspire Program instructor Duaa MustafaAli didn’t think much of it when she was handed a plaque while being honored as one of the state’s six regional Adult Educators of the Year at a conference in Columbus.
        It wasn’t until long after she left the stage did she actually read the plaque and the distinction that came with it – the sole recipient of the Ohio Adult Educator of the Year from the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
        MustafaAli, who has taught English for Speakers of Other Languages for more than five years at Owens, admitted the honor came as a surprise.
        “I’m definitely excited,” she said. “When (Aspire Program director) Heath (Huber) said I was nominated for the regional award, I thought that was great. That’s all I expected – I never expected any awards or honors.”
        In his nomination for MustafaAli for the award, Huber said she’s a “favorite aunt” for the students and called her the “most approachable and engaged instructor our program has, welcoming each student into an instant community of learners who support each other and learn from each other no matter their educational functioning level.”
        Huber also pointed out MustafaAli’s willingness to adapt to learning new platforms and utilizing technology. According to Huber, her classes are consistently among the best attended with many of her students moving on to college or further employment.
        Huber added, “Duaa creates community, pure and simple. In a world where there is so much chaos internationally, Duaa provides safety, education and room for growth so that non-native speakers know they have their community right here Owens.”
        A native of Sudan who spent much of her youth living in New York City, MustafaAli said her culture puts a high value on occupations such as doctors and lawyers. She feels that this award is a large validation that her passion for working as an educator is worth it.
        She also said the award serves as more motivation to continue putting her passion and energy into providing a safe environment and a sense of belonging and community in her classroom.
        “It’s nice to feel seen and noticed for the effort, to be seen outside of the classroom for all of the work we put in there,” she said.
        MustafaAli gave credit to Huber and the rest of the Aspire faculty and staff for always being eager to help and improve the lives of their students.
        “When you know they’re eager to provide help, it makes it a lot easier to help the students,” she said.
        For more information on the Owens Aspire College and Career Readiness Center, visit owens.edu/ccr.