VALDOSTA — Keith Hose is working hard to change the culture of alternative education, and it’s earning him statewide recognition. 

Hose, principal of Horne Learning Center, was awarded Administrator of the Year at the Georgia Association of Alternative Education Conference.

Hose joined HLC as its leader three years ago. Never previously having been in alternative education during his time as an educator, Hose said he made it his mission to fix the reputation of alternative schools.

“Alternative education is often viewed as negative,” Hose said. “It’s often seen as a place for kids who misbehave, but our students come here for a variety of reasons. HLC is working hard to be a benefit to the middle and high schools here, and my focus is on how we can improve and be better.”

Specifically, Hose has implemented college and career-ready goals by taking students on a class trip to his alma mater, Albany State University, and has pushed for more community involvement.

He has worked with his staff to change the way they view alternative education as well.

“He wants to change the mindset of everyone so we’re working to create a positive environment,” said Deidra Goodman, HLC reading enrichment teacher. “He tells us daily that in order for the mindset to change, we must also change so when people come visit here, they see we are moving in a positive direction.”

One of the biggest shifts the school has seen, Hose said, is instead of students getting sent to HLC by the school system, the students or parents are choosing to attend the school for its smaller class sizes.

For many students, the alternative school is more ideal because it offers night courses, 4-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Hose said his staff deserves recognition for promoting a better image for HLC.

“I was pleased, I was shocked, I was glad,” Hose said. “Every leader must understand that they didn’t get there by themselves. The credit goes to my dream team, which is my faculty and staff.”

Hose and his staff have implemented professional learning communities for teachers and READ 180, a reading program for students who read below grade level.

The Alternative Administrator of the Year award is handed out statewide alongside the GAAE School Spotlight award and GAAE Teacher of the Year.

Hose is a GAAE board member and was recently elected to serve as vice president. 

Katelyn Umholtz is a reporter with the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256.