Beth Wodecki: 'We’re building bridges between parents and schools'
Beth Wodecki
Principal at Monterey Adult School
As the leader of Monterey Adult School for the past three years, Principal Beth Wodecki has helped transform the campus into a vibrant, multifaceted resource center that uplifts individuals and entire families across the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District and beyond.
At its core, Monterey Adult School continues to focus on English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction and high school diploma programs—meeting the needs of adults who are striving to improve their skills, careers, and lives. Many of these learners are also parents, grandparents, aunts, or uncles of MPUSD students, and they come with a common goal: to build a better future for themselves and their families.
“We’re seeing a direct connection between adult education and student success in K-12,” Wodecki shared. “Whether it’s a parent learning to read better so they can help with homework, or someone returning to earn their diploma after watching their child graduate—our impact ripples through the whole family.”
Under Wodecki’s leadership, the school has expanded its reach through meaningful partnerships and community-based services. The campus hosts a Family Resource Center, the Workforce Development Board, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) services, and more. These services provide vital support for families and individuals seeking employment, early childhood resources, and wellness assistance.
The Adult Transition Program (ATP), also housed on campus, supports 18 to 22-year-old students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) as they develop life and work-readiness skills. These students participate in community-based instruction, designed to foster independence.
The school's ESL program has experienced significant growth, with enrollment nearly doubling in just three years. As the need rises, the school has expanded its reach by offering classes directly at local MPUSD elementary schools such as Ord Terrace and Del Rey Woods. These classes empower parents with not only language skills but also tools to better navigate the school system—how to communicate with teachers, attend conferences, and advocate for their children.
“We’re not just teaching English,” Wodecki emphasized. “We’re building bridges between parents and schools. We’re helping families feel confident and connected.”
Citizenship classes, career training, and plans for expanded parent education are also on the rise, helping the school evolve into a truly holistic learning environment.
One standout offering is the bilingual parent education program, where adults and their young children learn and play together. These “Play and Learn” classes are more than just fun—they’re essential for families who may lack access to safe, structured environments at home.
“It’s not just about parenting advice. It’s hands-on time with their children, supported by an educator,” Wodecki explained. “It’s joyful, meaningful, and essential.”
Evening classes have been added to better serve families with nontraditional work hours, including fathers eager to participate in their children’s early learning.
At the heart of all this growth is a dedicated team—some with decades of experience in adult education—who share Wodecki’s passion for service.
“Adult education is often the unsung hero in a school district,” she said. “But it’s one of the most powerful tools we have to strengthen families and inspire learning across generations.”
Wodecki believes in the potential of every learner who walks through the doors of Monterey Adult School, whether they’re there to finish a diploma, learn English, or simply take the first step back into a classroom.
“There’s something really beautiful about seeing a tired parent walk through our doors with their child and know this is a place where they belong,” she said. “We’re here to say, ‘Yes, you can do this.’ And that message carries into their homes, their children’s classrooms, and into the entire community.”
With growing programs, stronger partnerships, and a clear vision for the future, Monterey Adult School continues to embody the power of education to change lives—at any age.