Hugs, laughter, and good conversation filled the room at the NEISD Community Education Center. Rhonda McRae is the Academy of Learning in Retirement ALIR Facilitator.
“We have people coming from Poteet, Bandera, New Braunfels, Boerne, all over, coming to our program,” McRae said.
Everyone in the ALIR classes are over fifty years old. Anyone 50+ is welcomed to join and do not have to live in the District or have children attending NEISD schools.
McRae said it’s be the best-kept secret in San Antonio.
“It’s $75 and you can take as many classes as you want. It’s a $10 membership and that pays for coffee, snacks, three big lunches. Part of that $10 goes toward the NEISD student scholarship in May,” she said.
From Art classes to History, new languages, cooking, and exercise, McRae said there is something for everyone.
“We have a class coming up next semester called ‘how to work the smartphone’ and I was telling them I need to be in that because I don’t know all that stuff,” she joked.
ALIR instructors like Barbara Gadsby and Ingrid Hetrick are all volunteers who make their own curriculum. The instructors come from all walks of life and do not need to be prior teachers. Instructors also get to take free classes.
“All the instructors are volunteers so whatever you are interested in teaching or what you taught in your life, your field, or your profession, then you teach that here,” McRae said.
Best friends Gadsby and Hetrick have been students in each other’s classes.
They’re just two of the hundreds of friendships that have formed in these classes.
“I have a lot of friendships among these people. Relationships are built, dating is built, marriage has been built; it’s beautiful,” McRae said.
Rhonda also said being a part of ALIR since 2006 has been a blessing in her life and the best job she’s ever had.
Many people say she is the blessing.
“She is the heart and soul of ALIR. When we get lost or have trouble with something, there’s Rhonda- and always with a smile,” Gadsby said.
“She is absolutely amazing. I don’t think I could have done it without her; she is wonderful,” Hetrick added.
“We are really a big family, beautiful relationships, beautiful friendships. This is the best, best job ever!”
Registration for the Spring semester begins in person on Friday, Dec. 6 at 8750 Tesoro Drive and takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
New student orientation is Thursday, Jan 30 and classes begin Monday, Feb. 3.
Registration for Summer 2020 classes is Friday, May 1.
All courses take place at 9 a.m., 11:00 a.m., or 1:00 p.m.; there are no evening classes.
You can find more information and view the application by going here:
www.neisd.net/page/875 or you can call 210-407-0167 and ask for Rhonda McRae.
Discover the NEISD way, where we believe in lifelong learning.
Ashley Speller
aspell@neisd.net
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