When the schools opened for Alternative Organizational Structure (AOS) 98 students this week, the doors didn’t just open for school-aged children. They also opened for adults to complete or continue their education through the school system’s adult education programs.

The programs will be directed by Pam Moody who brings 44 years of education experience to her new job. Moody retired from Bath’s adult education program in July and “just couldn’t stay away” from the field she loves. She will now head the Boothbay Region’s program.

The East Pittston resident received undergraduate and master’s degrees in education from the University of Southern Maine. She started the kindergarten program in Jefferson and was its first teacher.

Years ago, a friend invited her to work with non-reading adults in the Gardiner adult education program and it became Moody's passion. What followed was a career in education that has spanned decades.

She was the adult basic education coordinator and teacher in Gardiner, Richmond’s adult education director for 16 years, adult education director for Regional School Unit (RSU) 1 for 10 years and director of adult education for Wiscasset for five.

Moody has seen a shift in why adults enroll. “Many years ago, it was predominantly people coming back from Vietnam who were enrolling to receive their high school diploma. Now, it’s more family-based. “

Today, students may be looking to serve as a positive example for their children to complete school or are interested in pursuing a career and need further education.

“In my 40 years I’ve seen a change in adult education from receiving diplomas to college aspirations for adults. Often, the adult education student is the first one in the family to go to college,” she said.

The region’s adult education academic programs begin Sept. 25. The programs offered are for high school completion and college transition, which helps students meet the requirements to attend college. Both are free and classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The pace is “completely personal,” according to Moody. She can be reached at 633-3224 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between noon and 7 p.m.

Asked about her goals for adult education in the area, she said she plans to make sure it meets both the needs of the community and the standards of the Department of Education. Overall, she thinks adult education has done well in Maine.  

“If we work hard, we’ll put ourselves out of a job,” she said, chuckling.