TURNER — The National Commission of Adult Basic Education announces that Josee Castonguay has been selected as the SAD 52 Outstanding Teacher of the Year runner-up.

Castonguay works in the SAD 52 Adult Education program teaching financial literacy, WorkReady certification and basic literacy for adult basic education and English as a second language students.

A native of Quebec, Castonguay learned to speak English after moving to the United States as an adult. She helped to manage a family business, worked in a school, participated on a local school board and managed a household with four active children.

She began a career in education in 1995 as an education technician. In 2009, she transitioned to adult education, bringing her passion and skills to those for whom traditional education was not a fit. She has taught a multitude of classes, from financial literacy and career skills, nutrition and culinary arts and household management to applied mathematics, algebra and all English Language Learners classes in all areas. Her work also focuses on career pathways and building goals with students.

She is a certified career development facilitator and a Maine WorkReady facilitator, which has given her a broad vision of how education works hand in hand with career goals.

Along with her teaching duties, for the past six years Castonguay has managed the SAD 52 Adult Education advising program, helping students navigate life, education, career and college choices. She has devoted most of her professional career to giving voice to students who often have no other voice.

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