In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2 - 6), Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana celebrates its staff of over 360 education professionals, including teachers, guidance coaches and administrators throughout the entire month. 

Since 1951, Goodwill® organizations throughout the United States and Canada have come together to recognize Goodwill Industries Week and highlight the defining principle of our mission — to change lives. For 120 years, the Goodwill network has worked with people experiencing barriers to employment by helping them secure a job, increase their education and access resources critical to achieving independence.

There are more than 447,450 working-age Hoosiers who lack a high school diploma. Prior to The Excel Center, Goodwill’s unique high school for adults, there were few options for people like Dontre Smith who wanted to earn one.

Meet Dakota McLaughlin. Dakota is a proud graduate of The Excel Center® and is working towards earning a Master’s degree in Social Work. Just a few years ago, however, he was in a very different situation.  

In summer 2019, Goodwill’s Excel Center partnered with Tom Wood and Ford Motor Company to implement an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification program at our Shadeland and University Heights locations. Tom Woods’ sponsorship of The Excel Center provides students with access to the curriculum at no cost; in return, Tom Wood has access to a pipeline of qualified service technicians—each with a path to a well-paying career.

Lakeisha Lewis, 36, is a hardworking, caring mother to her three children. In fact, throughout her entire life, she has often been responsible for the well-being of others.

Dr. Toni Williams joined Goodwill in 2021 to lead The Excel Center in University Heights, but her journey in education began long before now.

The Excel Center®, a free public high school for adults, is currently accepting enrollment applications. New classes begin February 21 at all 15 Excel Center locations.

In 2011, Tulay Ergin moved from Turkey to the United States to support her husband’s pursuit of a Ph.D. After a 10-year break from her own career in surgical nursing, she wanted to rejoin the workforce.

Gloria Combs has shown amazing drive and passion for education, always pushing limits to prove her capabilities. After graduating from The Excel Center® in 2013 and finishing her high school diploma, Gloria went on to pursue a career as a life coach to inspire others just as she was inspired by her own life coach. She has been a major advocate for education ever since.