Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda McAllister.
Hi Linda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Throughout my life, creativity, compassion, and literacy have always been at the heart of my goals. Teaching is the ultimate creative outlet for me. After obtaining my Masters in Education, I worked as a Writing Specialist at Gwynedd Mercy College, a high school English teacher, a writing coach at Purdue Global, and an adjunct professor at local community colleges. A huge theater fan, I have directed high school plays, taught improv classes in the local community, and integrated art inspired writing into my curriculum. Personal connections with my students are always the goal, and helping them learn and watching them thrive is so very fulfilling. However, it wasn’t until I began my current position that I found a way to combine all three of my passions into one career.
After many years teaching both high school and college, my latest role in education began in January 2025. Since then, I have been working as the Program Coordinator for Literacy NJ, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had as an educator. My job is to help adults learn to read by supporting tutors, teaching students, and ensuring the Atlantic Cape program runs smoothly. I could easily brag about my amazing volunteer tutors, the caring administrators, such as our CEO, Elizabeth Gloeggler, and COO, Jessica Tompkins, or the many community partners with whom I work. But, I will focus on the most inspirational group of all: the learners we serve.
My students are some of the most inspirational people I have ever met, overcoming challenges that most of us can’t even imagine. Across the board, they are hard working, dedicated, compassionate, and committed to making a better life for themselves, a future for their children, and a better America for us all. Typically, school teachers invest their time and talent to help students achieve long term goals, and they never get to see the outcome. At Literacy NJ, we prepare students to talk to their child’s teacher the next day, to apply for a job they need to support their family right now, and to pursue an American dream that is currently at risk.
At our office, we support students who are struggling to make ends meet, yet they show up with food for their classmates, prepared with love and nostalgia for a place they dearly miss. I love hearing about all the cultures, traditions, and people from different parts of the world. Although our students may be from Ukraine, Russia, China, Africa, Honduras, or Iran, their curiosity, kindness, and respect for each other is a lesson to every American. I love to travel, and now, each day, I can learn about a different perspective, a distant land, and a new outlook through the eyes of my students.
Right now, the future of Literacy NJ is uncertain. The proposed federal budget includes potential cuts to WIOA Title II, our primary source of funding. At Literacy NJ, we know adult education changes lives and drives economic growth in America. Our literacy programs strengthen local economies by helping learners gain the skills needed to secure employment, fill workforce gaps, support their
families, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. In truth adult literacy programs help improve America for everyone.
Literacy NJ was founded in 1979 and has not only survived but grown because so many believe in the importance of adult literacy education. We will not give up, but we need to work together to keep our programs up and running. Although our team is made up of volunteer tutors, we need funds for student materials, testing resources, and tutor training just to name a few of the many expenses of a program such as ours. It is a cause surely worth your investment.
These are your neighbors, your friends, and your co-workers. Can you make a donation to help us continue this work today? Click on the links to volunteer, to donate, or learn more about Literacy NJ.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Money! Last year, this administration cut off the promised funds that Congress had already approved for WIOA Title II support. As a result of fighting this illegal action, we were able to collect the funds that Congress had promised after many months. Now, there is little doubt that this Congress will not provide the necessary support to keep our program running. We need books and supplies for our students.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m most proud of my colleagues, my students, and the work we do at Literacy NJ to improve the lives of the most vulnerable populations: those who are new to our country, those who never received the literacy support they needed in school, and those who want to better their lives through education.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I love to read–all genres. Professionally, I appreciate the messages in Brene Brown’s book, Dare to Lead, and I use many of her vulnerability exercises with my students.
My favorite app is the Libby app, so I can download library books to my Kindle with ease!
The podcasts I listen to are for fun, mostly hosted by comedians: Smartless, Good Hang, Conan O’Brien, etc. I do enjoy Mike Birbiglia’s podcast, “Working it Out,” in which he talks over bits with comedians to show the process from the original idea to the polished stand-up version.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://literacynj.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LVACapeAtlantic
- Other: https://literacynj.org/donate
