Ed Ackerman has been a full-time faculty member at Luzerne County Community College for the past 31 years, but he always refers to himself as a writer who teaches, not the other way around. Ed has worked in local journalism for 54 years, starting as a sportswriter just out of high school at 17 years old. Since 2014 his column "Ed Ackerman, the Optimist," has appeared on the front page of Greater Pittston Progress, distributed by The Citizens Voice. He began his column, which has won a First Place Keystone Award, in 1984. As an educator, Ed has appeared in "Who's Who Among College Professors" and has been awarded the "Excellent In Teaching Medal" by NISOD, The National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development. He currently teaches writing and communication classes.