Hi! I am Colleen Avelli, an Adult Education instructor at Lake Technical Center. I have been an educator for 15 years, having taught English Literature, English Grammar, Ancient Civilizations and Mathematics. This is my third year with Lake Tech, and I have many new roles this year! I am excited to teach at the East Lake Library in Sorrento, a new location for the Adult Education program. In addition, I will be one of the career coaches, and will also serve as an online instructor. These diversified roles will allow me to engage students onsite as well as offsite, online, and in person. Lake Tech is always growing, always exploring, and I am excited to be part of the team that prepares students for the 21st century!
In my spare time, I am an author of Celtic Lore and Arthurian
Colleen Avelli, GED Instructor & Online Career Coach
Legend. Currently, I have published two poetry collections and a fictional novel. My next novel is a Historical Romance based on Arthurian genealogy. A mom and wife to 3 active boys, and husband/coach, I am often found on the ball-field or at the seashore. I am also an active volunteer within my community schools, churches, and animal rescue. I firmly believe in giving back to one’s community and in raising conscientious citizens to better the world in which we live.
A native New York-er, I was born and raised on Long Island and moved to Central Florida in 2001. I hold a B.A. in English from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Fascinated by the integral part literature played in art, I also pursued Art History. I often pull in art and art history in my lessons and use images, paintings, and architecture as journal topics and class discussions.
I am a huge advocate of critical thinking and have always encouraged my students to push beyond their limits. Everyone has a skill, a talent, a dream — I am delighted to guide students in finding theirs!
My classroom is a ‘safe zone,’ where everyone’s ideas and backgrounds are accepted and welcomed. We are one class, made of diverse students, blending together to form a whole. Based on an atmosphere of respect, we learn from each other, mentor one another, and are committed to the well-being of everyone.
I am a believer in strong verbal and written communication skills, and my students write weekly journal topics to polish their creative and grammatical abilities. In today’s society, one must be accepting of diverse ideas and must be proficient in oral and written communication.
“A book, a book, my kingdom for a book!”
My childhood memories are filled with images of my parents reading — my Dad in his favorite green velour swivel chair, my Mom on the striped couch beside him. We read in the house, outside on the front stoop, and as we walked to school. It was not a favorite TV show I ran home to see, but rather to the next chapter in a cherished story. The greatest gift my parents gave us was the love of reading. I became an avid reader and writer at an early age, filling journals and sketchpads with stories, portraits and poems. Books fascinated me; I loved being able to submerge myself into another world and another time and let my mind sail!
If I could offer any advice or tips to students, it would be to read, read, and read some more. Reading is near and dear to my heart! Find a book, magazine, online article, blog, anything, just read. Whatever you are interested in: sports, cooking, computers, outdoors, auto repair, etc., there is something written about it. Go find it! Ask your teacher; ask the librarian; do an internet search; go find it! The more you read, the quicker you will be able to read, the easier it will be to understand what you read, and the better you can then apply and recall what you read. (You may even enjoy something along the way!) With today’s technology: kindles, iPads, etc., so much is available and easily accessible.
A strong background in reading skills goes way beyond doing well on the TABE, GED, or another test. A strong foundation in reading skills is “a ticket to ride;” you have opened your future to endless pathways. A well-versed, well-read individual has equipped him or herself with the tools needed to succeed anywhere.
