Throughout her tenure, she has strengthened office systems and supported administrative and HR-related processes in alignment with district expectations and Federal Program Monitoring (FPM) requirements. Her attention to detail, consistency, and willingness to learn have contributed to efficient workflows that support both instructional and operational needs.

She has also been an active member of the California Council for Adult Education (CCAE), embracing its mission to advance adult education through advocacy, professional development, and leadership while promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all adult learners. Her involvement reflects her commitment to continuous growth and to strengthening educational opportunities for the communities we serve.

Equally important is her commitment to fostering a culture of equity, inclusion, and respect. She believes every student and staff member deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness and strives to create a welcoming environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and heard.
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One of her greatest strengths is the way she builds relationships with students and staff. She is widely recognized for her patience, empathy, and professionalism, creating a supportive and respectful environment for everyone she serves. She reflects on her journey with gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues and remains committed to being a trusted source of support and guidance for students and staff alike.

DeeDee Ade is a highly skilled teacher specializing in U.S. Citizenship and English as a Second Language. Over the past 23 years, she has assisted hundreds of Poway Adult School students in achieving naturalization as U.S. citizens. She tailors her instruction to meet individual student needs, working both one-on-one and in small groups to prepare them for the challenging USCIS naturalization interview. As a long-standing member of CCAE, DeeDee actively contributes to professional development by attending conferences and sharing her expertise. For example, last year she collaborated with three ESL colleagues to present a workshop at the CCAE Southern Section Conference in Palm Springs. Titled "Nurturing Student Engagement and Retention," the workshop emphasized understanding students' needs, fostering creativity and self-efficacy, and encouraging motivation. This initiative helped educators and administrators address learning barriers and implement improved practices to create a supportive environment for student success.

Nominations are accepted during the open nomination period: March 1st, 2026 – May 30th, 2026 (newly extended). Don't delay!

Late winter has been a busy time around the state in the CCAE world. At the end of February, Central Section held it’s Awards Dinner at the Wyndham Hotel in Visalia and the following awardees were honored:

Another late winter section event was the North/Far North Professional Development Event held in Redding, California. The momentum gained by two consecutive years of professional development in this northern most part of the state is sure to be the beginning of more CCAE activity in the future.

We look forward to CCAE Leg. Day in mid-April and the CCAE State Conference at the end of the month,  and we hope to see you at one or both of these important events! Additional information to come.