Pamela Hughes, Ascension Parish Coordinator for Special Education, has received the 2020 Excellence in Education Award by the Gulf Region of Alpha Delta Kappa. ADK is an international organization comprised of teachers dedicated to “educational excellence, altruism, and world understanding.” The state award committee chose Hughes in view of her ongoing commitment to altruism with her Eta Chapter, ability to bridge school and community partnerships and professional dedication. Her teaching excellence is evidence by the following recognitions in 2013: Pecan Grove Primary’s Teacher of the Year, Ascension Parish Primary School Teacher of the Year, Regional award recipient and honored as a 2013 Louisiana Primary State Finalist.

 

Pam grew up in Watson, LA, but now calls Prairieville home. She and her husband Preston have three beautiful daughters and three active grandsons. Pam earned her master’s degree in educational leadership and holds certifications in Business and Office Education, Special Education and as a Teacher Leader. She is currently attending Nichols State University pursuing her early interventionist certification. 

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Pam is entering her 33rd year as an educator. Her current responsibilities as a special education coordinator include supporting Early Childhood special education classrooms across the parish and working collaboratively with other primary schools. Meeting every student’s unique needs is a high priority in Pam’s pedagogy. This is represented by her investment and training in a supplemental math program and Visual Phonics which utilizes hand cues to offer kinesthetic sensations to help develop oral motor awareness and sound-letter awareness. Pam is one of three licensed Visual Phonics trainers in the state of Louisiana. Providing job embedded professional development training opportunities in Ascension is a critical component of Pam’s pursuit to share knowledge. Pam routinely presents on multiple educational topics at both the Louisiana Super Conference for Special Education and the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana summer conference, where she was recognized as a Spotlight Presenter in 2018. She also has appeared on Louisiana Public Broadcasting in educational discussion panels and served on various state educational committees. Pam has been part of several grants and awards that have brought over $200,000 to Ascension schools. 

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Pam was inducted into ADK in 2014 and is serving as club historian. “Participating in our various altruistic outreaches is one of two major reasons I am personally committed to ADK. The second being the personal fellowship and professional support within our sisterhood.” In her commitment to her chosen field of special education, Pam serves as Vice President on the Arc of Ascension Board of Directors. The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes. In 2017, Pam was chosen as “Lion of the Year” by the Gonzales Lions Club. Currently she is serving her second year as club president and is actively involved on numerous committees, which she feels is a honor and privilege. “We Serve” is the motto of Lionism worldwide and Pam embraces that belief. To promote literacy and fellowship, Pam spearheaded an initiative for educators and community members to join together each summer with students in students in a low, socio-economic status area to read, distribute books and celebrate the beginning of another school year. She also serves on the LA Lions Camp state committee for an outdoor summer camp experience for the youth of Louisiana with special needs, respiratory disorders, juvenile diabetes, and childhood cancer. Additionally, Pam serves as Vice President of the Gonzales Committee for Cultural Affairs. GCCA promotes the City of Gonzales internationally through a 30+ year Twinning with Meylan, France. GCCA works as a liaison between various cultural entities, while enhancing the lives and environment of the citizens of Gonzales. 

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Pam represented Louisiana at the Gulf Regional Conference, along with the state winners from Alabama, Georgia, Jamaica, Florida, Mississippi, and Puerto Rico. She was then chosen to represent the entire Gulf Region at the national level.  Due to COVID-19 precautionary guidelines, this year’s convention will be held virtually. ADK is truly an international organization as apparent by the inclusion of Jamaica and Puerto Rico. The Excellence in Education Award is a biennial awarded by ADK International. Pam shared this sentiment: “This recognition by fellow educators is truly humbling. My family and I will treasure this prestigious award for many years to come.”