During a December Moorhead City Council meeting, the City of Moorhead presented Tammy Schatz, Moorhead Area Public Schools Adult Basic Education program director, with the 2024 Human Rights Award in the Education category.
“Tammy Schatz's work is invaluable in our community and goes beyond just educating nontraditional students but also resources to empower people in our community,” the City said via press release. “Tammy has dedicated 30 years to Adult Basic Education, providing invaluable support to individuals who are learning English or overcoming various life challenges.”
“Beyond her role as an educator, Tammy has consistently worked to bridge gaps for newcomers and learners of all ages and backgrounds. Her creative and compassionate approach has made her a crucial resource for many, and her advocacy for adult learners and marginalized groups continues to have a significant impact.”
MAPS’ Adult Basic Education (ABE) program offers day, evening and online learning classes for anyone age 17 or older who is not presently enrolled in a secondary school and whose educational skills are below the 12th grade level in any of the basic academic areas of reading, math, writing or speaking English.
Services that the program offers include GED preparation, basic skills, English as a second language, citizenship, workforce education and digital literacy.
“Our program often serves individuals who maybe weren’t successful in the K-12 system,” explained Schatz. “Maybe they weren’t able to finish their secondary credential or their high school diploma, so they come to us. English language learners come to us, too. People who need to be empowered and need someone to walk alongside them.”
Though the award has her name on it, Schatz does not ultimately view it as an individual honor.
“Receiving this award was incredibly empowering and humbling,” added Schatz, “because I feel like it’s given a voice to our learners and the work we do. Not just me, but our entire ABE team.”
Schatz was one of four individuals the city’s Human Rights Commission selected to receive a Human Rights Award for 2024. Other categories included Non-Profit and Civic and Community.
Moorhead’s ABE program serves a five-county area with locations in Moorhead, Barnesville, Breckenridge, Fergus Falls, Hawley and Wheaton. Volunteers are always welcome; anyone interested in volunteering for the ABE program is encouraged to call 218-284-3450.