Virginia Poe

Montebello Community Adult Schools

Nominated in 2021

Virginia came to this country in 1984 with her two young daughters who have both been very successful in their educational pursuits, with Virginia's strong support.

Although she had studied English in Taiwan for about ten years, she found it difficult to communicate with the fast pace of American speech. She felt cut off from associating with Americans, something she was anxious to do, being such a friendly and outgoing person. So Virginia began attending the Bella Vista Adult Center, part of the Montebello Unified School District in Monterey Park, CA, in order to study English as a Second Language.

Virginia says, “The adult Education courses available to immigrants gave me the opportunity to improve my listening and speaking skills in English. As the class instructor, Phyllis Butland used skill in simulating everyday situations through group studies, presentations, conversations and field trips, and encouraged the students to blend in with American Life. Personally, she pointed out good opportunities for self-improvement to me, and I became her assistant for a brief time.”

After studying and working at the adult center, each for about a year, Virginia began working as a bilingual teacher’s aide in 1987 at Margarita Elementary School in Monterey Park. She felt her adult education experience gave her the self-confidence to try for this job. Virginia’s experience here improved her chances to advance in her career.

In 1988, Virginia began working for the Child Support Services Department (CSSD) in Los Angeles County as an Intermediate Clerk Typist. In 1992 she advanced to the position of Child Support officer. Virginia works today as a Supervising Child Support Officer. This promotion was offered to her in 1999. In a little more than 10 years she had risen to a position of great responsibility in the County of Los Angeles.

When asked what her plans were for the future, Virginia responded that she would like to “do my duty to help improve the life of children through the support of both parents.” Her teacher, Phyllis Butland, says, “Virginia has always been a dedicated worker, a warm person, a wonderful mother, and a true success in this country. I’m thankful that I have had an opportunity to meet and work with her.”

Picture of the ACSA Conference