Rachel Zilcosky, Supervisor of Educational Programs at Intermediate Unit 1, has been recognized with the PAACE Outstanding Adult Educator Lifetime Achievement Award for her unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the field of adult education. With over twenty years of experience, Rachel began her career in the 1990s at the Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council (now Beyond Literacy), where she worked alongside Dr. Sue Snyder, a respected adult educator. Since then, Rachel has held various roles at IU1, including Instructor, Student Support Coordinator, In-House Professional Development Specialist, and Head Coordinator, ultimately leading the educational programs department with exceptional leadership.
Throughout her career, Rachel has remained deeply committed to advancing adult education, always ensuring that students have the resources and opportunities needed to achieve their academic and personal goals. Her leadership style fosters collaboration and cooperation, creating an environment where the team thrives and consistently exceeds state program standards. Rachel has also built strong partnerships with local agencies, such as the Literacy Council of Southwestern PA, YWCA Greensburg, and CareerLinks, to promote the value of adult education services in the community.
Rachel’s commitment to lifelong learning is evident in her decision to pursue a Principal Certification at Duquesne University to enhance her leadership skills. She regularly attends national and state conferences to stay informed about best practices and is actively involved in facilitating professional development opportunities for fellow adult educators.
Her dedication to supporting the growth and development of her team is exemplified by her encouragement of colleagues to pursue professional goals, as seen in her support of an ESL Program Specialist Certification. Through her efforts, Rachel has helped foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that both her team and the field of adult education continue to evolve. Rachel Zilcosky’s profound impact on adult education, her advocacy, and her leadership make her a deserving recipient of the PAACE Lifetime Achievement Award.
