Troyanna Foster named GNTC’s 2026 Adult Education Teacher of the Year – Coosa Valley News

Report on Troyanna Foster’s Recognition as Adult Education Teacher of the Year and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Troyanna “Troy” Foster, an Adult Basic Education (ABE) instructor in Floyd County, has been honored as Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s (GNTC) Adult Education Teacher of the Year for 2026. This report highlights her achievements and the broader impact of Adult Education programs, emphasizing their contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Recognition and Award

• Foster will be formally recognized at the 2026 Dinah Culbreath Wayne EAGLE Leadership Institute state competition, held March 9-11, 2026, at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia.
• One instructor from Georgia’s 22 technical colleges will be selected as the Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG) Outstanding Teacher of the Year during a special recognition dinner.
• Lisa Shaw, Vice President of Adult Education at GNTC, praised Foster for her teaching excellence, compassion, and dedication to student success.

Foster’s Commitment and Teaching Philosophy

Foster’s passion for Adult Education is driven by her desire to assist students in overcoming challenges and achieving their educational goals. She emphasizes celebrating incremental achievements, such as obtaining a High School Equivalency (HSE), which opens pathways to improved life opportunities.

Adult Education and Sustainable Development Goals

Adult Education programs at GNTC align closely with several SDGs, notably:

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Providing accessible education through Adult Learning Centers across a nine-county service area.
   • Offering preparation for the Georgia High School Equivalency tests (GED® or HiSET®), Adult Secondary Education, Adult Basic Education, and English as a Second Language.
   • Utilizing modern computer labs, study materials, and distance learning options to enhance educational access.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Helping students gain credentials that improve job readiness and increase earning potential.
   • Contributing to workforce development in Georgia by preparing adults for sustainable employment.
3. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • By enabling higher wages and job security, Adult Education supports financial stability and poverty reduction.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Providing equitable educational opportunities for adult learners, including English language learners and those seeking basic education.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Empowering adults to exercise full citizenship through education.

Program Details and Community Impact

• GNTC’s Adult Education program operates year-round at no cost to students.
• It serves over 3,530 adult learners annually through various educational and training programs.
• GNTC is an official GED® Testing Center and partners with Pearson VUE and GED® Testing Services.
• The program supports community development by strengthening family foundations and enhancing workforce competitiveness.

Institutional Overview

Georgia Northwestern Technical College offers quality workforce education across multiple career paths including aviation, business, health, industrial, and public service sectors. In the past year, 11,601 individuals benefited from GNTC’s credit and noncredit programs, supporting regional economic growth and social development.

Conclusion

Troyanna Foster’s recognition as Adult Education Teacher of the Year underscores the vital role of Adult Education in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Through dedicated instruction and innovative approaches, Foster and GNTC’s Adult Education program contribute significantly to quality education, economic empowerment, and social inclusion in northwest Georgia.

Contact Information

For more information about GNTC’s Adult Education program, please contact the Office of Adult Education at 706-295-6976 or visit www.GNTC.edu.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on Adult Basic Education, High School Equivalency, and workforce education, which directly relate to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article highlights how adult education helps students gain credentials, become job-ready, earn higher wages, and improve job security, contributing to sustained, inclusive economic growth and productive employment.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • By providing education and skills training to adults, including English as a Second Language, the program supports reducing inequalities within and among countries.
4. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Improving education and job readiness contributes to financial stability and helps reduce poverty.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.6: Ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults achieve literacy and numeracy.
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.6: Reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all.
4. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty in all its dimensions.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Proportion of youth and adults achieving literacy and numeracy skills (related to High School Equivalency completion rates).
   • Enrollment numbers in adult education and vocational training programs (e.g., 3,530 people enrolled in adult education at GNTC).
   • Number of students obtaining credentials such as GED® or HiSET®.
2. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Employment rates and job readiness of adult education graduates.
   • Average wages earned by program graduates compared to before enrollment.
   • Unemployment rate reduction in the community served.
3. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Access to education for marginalized groups, including English as a Second Language learners.
4. SDG 1 Indicators
   • Reduction in poverty levels as a result of improved employment and wages.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: coosavalleynews.com