2025 Iowa Adult Education and Literacy Summer Conference: Full Schedule

7:30am CDT

Coordinator's Meeting

Wednesday July 16, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT

Room 108

Wednesday July 16, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Room 108

General

8:00am CDT

Breakfast & Networking

Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Join us for a light breakfast and networking!

Wednesday July 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

General

9:00am CDT

Welcome & Review of the Day

Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:00am - 9:15am CDT

Ballroom

Welcome by Juan Garcia, President of the Iowa Literacy Council
Review of the Day by Jayne Smith, Secretary of the Iowa Literacy Council

Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:00am - 9:15am CDT
Ballroom

General

9:15am CDT

Keynote - Learning Together: Unlocking Potential Through Literacy and Connection

Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

Ballroom

Join the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy to explore ways to support and engage adults as both learners and caregivers. This interactive session will discuss the importance of adult caregivers and children learning and playing together with an emphasis on multi-directional learning. Together, we will explore easy ways for families to connect around multiple literacies, share effective resources, and discuss next steps in implementation and engagement.

Speakers

Pam Cote

Senior Director of Literacy Programs and Partnerships, Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy

Pam Cote is the Senior Director of Literacy Programs and Partnerships at the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. With an extensive background in education and literacy advocacy, Pam brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role. She is responsible for overseeing the... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Ballroom

General

10:25am CDT

Unlocking Language Learning: Harnessing ChatGPT for Adult ELL Success

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:25am - 11:25am CDT

Room 112

In this interactive session, educators will discover how ChatGPT can be an invaluable tool in supporting adult English Language Learners (ELLs). We will begin by introducing ChatGPT and its capabilities, giving teachers a foundational understanding of this powerful AI tool. Then, we will dive into practical, classroom-ready strategies for using ChatGPT to enhance language skills, from vocabulary building and grammar practice to writing exercises and conversational fluency.

Attendees will learn how to tailor ChatGPT’s responses to support differentiated learning, providing individualized practice for students at various proficiency levels. We'll explore real-world examples of integrating ChatGPT into classroom activities, including guided writing tasks, role-playing scenarios, and interactive language games.
The session will also address potential challenges and ethical considerations, such as data privacy and ensuring content accuracy, while offering solutions to mitigate these concerns. By the end of the session, participants will be empowered with concrete resources, tips, and strategies to effectively integrate ChatGPT into their adult ELL programs, fostering a dynamic and supportive learning environment.

Speakers

Dr. Chandra Keairnes

Assitant Professor, Simpson College

Chandra Keairnes is a wife, mom, and educator. She spent 18 years teaching middle school in the largest public school district in the state of Iowa. While there, she taught 7th and 8th grade social studies and math. She also took advantage of many leadership opportunities and... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:25am - 11:25am CDT
Room 112

ESL

global Y

10:25am CDT

Addressing Reading Challenges with HSE Students

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:25am - 11:25am CDT

Room 114

Reading efficiently is one key to performing well on all five subsection tests of the HiSET. Students need to know how and when to skim, scan, and read intensively. Many multilingual students second-guess themselves constantly while reading and spend significant amounts of time re-reading the same information. Many students believe that they must know every single word in a sentence to comprehend the entire sentence.

To address these challenges, Iowa Valley began piloting the use of AceReader, an online program designed to increase student's reading speed, comprehension, and fluency, during the 2024-2025 school year. This session will discuss how the software can minimize subvocalization, regression, and fixation time to help students become more efficient readers. The presenter will share data collected from participants over the course of the pilot year and will demonstrate how the software works.

Speakers

Katie Lanius

Adult Literacy Instructor and Success Coach, Iowa Valley Business and Community Solutions

Katie Lanuis has been working with adult learners since 2014. She has taught ESL (from preliterate to advanced levels), high school equivalency (all five subjects), citizenship, and IET classes at community colleges (credit and noncredit), liberal arts colleges, and nonprofits. Presently... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:25am - 11:25am CDT
Room 114

High School Equivalency

global Y

10:25am CDT

Building A Reading Life for Adult Learners and Families

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:25am - 11:25am CDT

Ballroom 107

Speakers

Pam Cote

Senior Director of Literacy Programs and Partnerships, Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:25am - 11:25am CDT
Ballroom 107

Instructional Strategies

10:25am CDT

Math Strategies for Struggling Learners

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:25am - 11:25am CDT

Room 108

Many of our adult learners struggle with math—some with learning disabilities (diagnosed and not diagnosed), and others with learning difficulties. This session will dip into the research around Developmental Dyscalculia and its associated characteristics. (Note: Diagnosis of learning disabilities [LD] is beyond our scope, and the scope of the workshop. The intent is to understand disabilities related to math.) We will explore strategies and teaching tips for working with student who struggle with math—remember, any strategy developed for a learner with an LD works for all who encounter difficulties!

Participants will be provided with resources and ideas that they can implement in their practice.

Speakers

Kathy Houghton

Executive Director, Literacy NY

Kathy Houghton is the Executive Director of Literacy New York and the director of Literacy NY’s NY State Education Department-funded Support and Technical Assistance Center (STAC). Unique to NY State, the STAC builds capacity and offers support to community-based and volunteer adult literacy agencies across the state. Prior to becoming Lit... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:25am - 11:25am CDT
Room 108

Instructional Strategies

global Y

10:25am CDT

What Neuroscience Tells Us About Adult Learning: The Learning Partnerships Model

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:25am - 11:25am CDT

Room 109

During this workshop, attendees will learn five insights about neuroscience and what they mean for adult learning. Attendees will also learn how to take those insights and apply them in the classroom through the Learning Partnerships Model.

Speakers

Sarah E. Schoper

High School Equivalency Diploma Instructor, Iowa Central Community College, Storm Lake campus

Sarah Schoper, PhD, is a High School Equivalency Instructor at Iowa Central Community College. She consults, writes, and presents regularly about learning, disability justice, organizational transformation, and first-generation college students. Sarah loves teaching her students and... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:25am - 11:25am CDT
Room 109

Instructional Strategies

global Y

10:25am CDT

A Year in Review: Using Lessons Learned from the New CASAS Assessments to Focus on the Future

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:25am - 11:25am CDT

Room 115

This presentation will share data and insights from programs across
the country which are using the new CASAS assessments – Reading
and Listening STEPS for ESL and Reading and Math GOALS 2 for ABE/ASE. We will
discuss best practices, new CASAS product features for future
literacy innovation, and discuss lessons learned here in Iowa.

Training Goals:
•   Identify updates around CASAS test developments
•   Make connections between insights and innovation from other states to Iowa’s current programs
•   Enhance data-driven planning

Speakers

Kristine Kruczek Mains, M.Ed.

National Program and Training Specialist, CASAS, Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems

Kristine Kruczek is a Program Specialist with CASAS – Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems. She has an in-depth understanding of various implementation and training requirements to effectively support clients and provide technical guidance and support in adopting CASAS... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:25am - 11:25am CDT
Room 115

Program Management & Leadership

global Y

10:25am CDT

Idea to Implementation: Building and Onboarding Effective Workforce Education Programs

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:25am - 11:25am CDT

Room 113

From partnering with employers to onboarding instructors and students, learn the key steps to launch a variety of IET/IELCE models. This session offers a simple framework, sample tools and real-world tips to help administrators and instructors design and implement workforce aligned programs that support adult learners.

Speakers

Michelle Schott

Integrated Education and Training Coordinator, Des Moines Community College

Michelle Schott is the Integrated Education and Training Coordinator at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). In her current role, she coordinates programming that integrates workforce training, employability skills, and adult education and literacy. Michelle is passionate... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 10:25am - 11:25am CDT
Room 113

Workforce Collaborations

global Y

11:35am CDT

Beyond the Mute Button: Expanding Access with Online ELL Programs

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:35am - 12:35pm CDT

Room 112

As the demand for accessible learning options grows, online programs have become an essential component of adult English Language Learning (ELL) education. This session will share our experience developing and structuring DMACC ELL online classes, using data to highlight their impact, and offering practical strategies for success.
Attendees will gain insights into:

The evolution of our online adult ELL program and key lessons learned.
How we structure courses to enhance student success and retention.
Key data points highlighting student progress and attendance in online courses.
Ways our online program address common barriers to participation.
Practical tips and strategies for effective online ELL instruction.

This session will provide takeaways for educators looking to improve or expand their online ELL offerings. Whether you are new to online teaching or seeking to refine your approach, this presentation will equip you with effective strategies to create meaningful learning experiences for adult ELL students in a virtual environment.

Speakers

Margaret Coles

ELL Consultant, Des Moines Area Community College

Margaret Coles is an ELL Consultant at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), where she oversees the online portion of the ELL program. With 15 years of experience in adult education, she has taught English learners at all proficiency levels in both online and in-person settings... Read More →

John Windheuser

ELL Coordinator, Des Moines Area Community College

John Windheuser is the English Language Learner (ELL) Coordinator at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). He has worked in DMACC’s ELL program since 2016. Prior to joining DMACC, John taught ESL/ELL in Madrid, Spain and Seattle, Washington. He holds a B.A. in Spanish from... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:35am - 12:35pm CDT
Room 112

ESL

global Y

11:35am CDT

Developing Strategic Thinking Skills in HSED Math Students

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:35am - 12:35pm CDT

Room 114

This session will discuss the importance of metacognitive strategies as it relates to HiSET math word problems and examine how to explicitly teach metacognitive strategies for solving word problems. The session will explore how to incorporate metacognitive strategies into daily group practice to improve self-confidence and enhance students' success with the math subsection test.

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:35am - 12:35pm CDT
Room 114

High School Equivalency

global Y

11:35am CDT

Enhancing Family Literacy Instruction: Collaboration Breakout

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:35am - 12:35pm CDT

Ballroom 107

This session will focus on sharing best practices, innovative strategies, and resources for Family Literacy. Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate and discuss challenges and successes in their Family Literacy Instruction. Come ready to share your insight, ask questions, and learn!

Speakers

Kelly Heth

Parent Education Specialist, Hawkeye Community College

Kelly Heth is the Parent Education Specialist at Hawkeye Community College. She has a BA Degree in Elementary Education and an MA Degree in Teaching. Before joining the Hawkeye team, Kelly worked as an elementary teacher and a home visitor for Headstart. She loves working with families... Read More →

Natalie Miller

Manager of English Language Learning and Family Literacy, Hawkeye Community College

Natalie Miller is the Manager of English Language Learning and Family Literacy at Hawkeye Community College. She has a BA degree in Communications and an MA degree in TESOL. She has been working in ELL for over 15 years. Natalie lives in Waterloo, IA with her husband and three... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:35am - 12:35pm CDT
Ballroom 107

Instructional Strategies

global Y

11:35am CDT

Let's Study! Study Skills for Adult Learners

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:35am - 12:35pm CDT

Room 108

Throughout the years, tutors and instructors comment that students are unable or willing to complete classwork outside class. The assumption that students know how to study may be the issue. This presentation focuses on the why and how of studying for adult learners with activities to make it all interesting! Your participation will be welcome!

Speakers

Ann Beeson, M.Ed.

Senior Sales Consultant, Adult Education Specialists / New Readers Press

As an independent representative, Ann Beeson has worked with adult education and literacy programs in 10 states for over 24 years, presenting at state & national conferences. She currently offers resources through New Readers Press. Ann has a Master’s degree in Curriculum... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:35am - 12:35pm CDT
Room 108

Instructional Strategies

global Y

11:35am CDT

Vocabulary Strategies to Strengthen Literacy

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:35am - 12:35pm CDT

Room 108

More isn't always better: we'll discuss how a deep vocabulary impacts both language comprehenion and word recognition and makes for better readers. You'll leave with strategies you can start incorporating into your classes on Monday.

Speakers

Alex Lubbers

ESL Coordinator, Kirkwood Community College

Alex Lubbers is an ELL Coordinator at Kirkwood Community College and previously taught high school German for eight years. To support instructors and help improve instruction and outcomes throughout the program, she has developed and implemented professional development targeting... Read More →

Lauren Keating

Instructor, Kirkwood Community College

Lauren Keating is an experienced educator, having taught high school Spanish, ABE and ESL at Kirkwood, family literacy outreach, and working as an AEA consultant. She uses all of her previous experiences and skills to recruit and train volunteers for Kirkwood's AEL tutoring program... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:35am - 12:35pm CDT
Room 108

Instructional Strategies

11:35am CDT

Tools for Estimating Reading Text Difficulty and Tracking Literacy Learner Gains

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:35am - 12:35pm CDT

Room 115

At the program level, two nitty-gritty and perennial questions persist. First: How can a program director or materials coordinator easily and reliably estimate the difficulty of reading texts that learners are asked to use for reading fluency and comprehension building? Second: What are some basic measures that can be established for individual learners/readers over time that show achievement and/or areas of reading that still need work? The presenter will introduce tools and strategies that answer both questions, introducing the use of as little-known language use frameworks such as the Common European Framework of Reference, which establishes common ground for describing desired program outcomes. Participant input and commentary will be encouraged and welcomed.

Speakers

Greta Gorsuch

Co-editor, Reading in a Foreign Language https://nflrc.hawaii.edu/rfl/

Greta Gorsuch is Professor Emerita of Applied Linguistics, Texas Tech University. An author of academic titles such as Second Language Course Evaluation (Information Age, 2016) and Using Theories for Second Language Teaching and Learning (Bloomsbury, 2024), she also writes original... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:35am - 12:35pm CDT
Room 115

Program Management & Leadership

global Y

11:35am CDT

Contextualized Pre-Apprenticeship with NCCER

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:35am - 12:35pm CDT

Room 113

We’re seeing growing collaboration between adult education and workforce development. One key movement is integrating apprenticeships with adult education, on-the-job training (OJT), and credential attainment.
This session will explore how MiSide connects the NCCER curriculum with GED and CCRS standards, while also meeting state MARC requirements. Participants will get to review lessons that combine high school equivalency (GED) prep with NCCER pre-apprenticeship credentialing.

This approach helps learners build skills that are directly relevant to their careers, making education more engaging and practical through contextualized lessons.

Speakers

Karyn Goven

Sr. Director Workforce Development, MiSide/MiWealth

Karyn Goven is the Sr. Director of Workforce Development at MiSide, located in Detroit, Michigan. She operates multiple programs that includes job training, adult education WIOA Title II Learning Lab, Youth training programs including Youthbuild, and DOL Young Adult Reentry Bridge... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 11:35am - 12:35pm CDT
Room 113

Workforce Collaborations

global Y

12:35pm CDT

Lunch, Awards & Door Prizes

Wednesday July 16, 2025 12:35pm - 1:50pm CDT

Ballroom

Lunch
Employer of the Year Award and Outstanding Administrator of the Year Awards will be presented
Door prizes provided by Community Colleges will be handed out

Wednesday July 16, 2025 12:35pm - 1:50pm CDT
Ballroom

General

2:00pm CDT

Flourishing in a Multilevel Classroom

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

Room 113

It can take a lot of time to manage a multi-level classroom, so having the right resources at your fingertips is essential. BurlingtonEnglish helps take the pressure off teachers by providing a wealth of resources to help them easily meet the diverse needs of their students. In this session, we will use Burlington’s flexible, standards-based curriculum to explore four essential elements of instruction - curriculum, assessment, classroom management, and student engagement - to help every student in your class achieve academic and career growth.

Speakers

Tisha Jones

Customer Representative, Burlington English, Inc

I will email the conference contact with her bio as soon as I have it.

April Lawton

Customer Manager, Burlington English, Inc

April Lawton is an accomplished educator with over a decade of experience in Nebraska's adult education landscape. She served as a Program Facilitator at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, where her roles included teaching, curriculum development, and leading professional development... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 113

ESL

global Y

2:00pm CDT

Helping Learners Cross the Starting Line: Creating a Foundation for English Literacy

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

Room 112

Engaging English language learners at non- or low-literacy levels presents unique challenges. From getting learners through the door on that first day to keeping them engaged, both recruitment and retention require thoughtful, targeted strategies. Teachers also face the difficulty of finding appropriate materials to meet address learners’ specific needs. This session explores how to meet students where they are, build foundational skills, and foster long-term success. Join us as we discuss practical approaches for supporting one of the most challenging—yet inspiring—groups of learners in their English language journey.

Speakers

Erin Guddall

ELL Instructor, Curriculum Development

Erin Guddall graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1999 with a degree in TESOL and has more than 20 years of experience working with English language learners. In 2020, she received the Archie Willard Adult Education and Literacy Educator of the Year Award, recognizing... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 112

ESL

global Y

2:00pm CDT

How to Help Your Students Pass the HiSET Math Test

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

Room 114

What is an adult learner, how to encourage and help them pass the HiSET? Our hope is to provide you with many teaching strategies and information to help you provide math skills to your students to enable them with the knowledge to pass the HiSET.

Speakers

Connie Bullock

Teacher, Kirkwood Community College

Connie Bullock has 35 years of teaching experience and have a master's degree in High School Mathematics. She taught math from sixth grade through high school and college. The past 10 years she has been able to share her math knowledge with adult learners for Kirkwood Community... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 114

High School Equivalency

global Y

2:00pm CDT

Empowering Incarcerated Learners: Corrections Collaboration Session

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

Ballroom 107

This session will focus on innovative approaches, effective partnerships, and real-world success stories that demonstrate practical tools, strategies, and inspiration being used across the state to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals in correctional facilities. Participants will share experiences and collaborate on solutions to common challenges in corrections education.

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Ballroom 107

Instructional Strategies

global Y

2:00pm CDT

Teaching With CASAS and Employability Skills in Mind

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

Room 109

This session will focus on vocabulary and reading strategies intended to facilitate growth in CASAS scores. Hands-on activities and resources for you and our students, employing a variety of reading formats will be shared. Short stories, essays, music, and poetry will also be included, because as Robin Williams in Dead Poets' Society said, "That's what we stay alive for."

Speakers

Cheryl Goodwillie

HiSET Instructor, Iowa Western Community College

Cheryl Goodwillie has a master's degree in Reading from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and was a Reading Specialist in the Omaha Public Schools for over thirty years. This is her ninth year teaching adult education students at IWCC. Improving literacy skills in students of... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 109

Instructional Strategies

global Y

2:00pm CDT

The 6 Anchors to Student Retention

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

Room 108

This session will explore the research publication, "The 6 Anchors of Student Retention", by Jen Denton, M.Ed. in collaboration with Essential Education. Using a qualitative research method, Denton explores six key factors that impact adult student motivation. Discover how the use of these elements will enhance engagement and progression through your program. This contextual approach to adult learning theory will help you to connect with techniques that will be easily transferable to your classroom.

Speakers

Dr. Scott Schneider

Dean of Adult Education, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges

Scott Schneider has been an adult education practitioner for nearly 40 years, having served in public and private sectors in for-credit and not-for-credit roles. Throughout his career, he has encountered many students who have overcome life circumstances and have gone on to find... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 108

Instructional Strategies

global Y

2:00pm CDT

Navigating Challenges - Part 1

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT

Room 115

This has been a challenging year for adult education. The premise of this hands-on workshop is that we, as adult ed practitioners, can better navigate the challenges we face with the support and collective knowledge of each other. We’ll use a research-based model of problem solving called “Action Learning”. This method had been tried and tested around the world to help groups get to the heart of a problem and come up with creative solutions. Working in small groups, we’ll work through real situations you are facing in your work. The model can also be transferred to the classroom. Be ready to collaborate!

Speakers

Kathy Houghton

Executive Director, Literacy NY

Wednesday July 16, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Room 115

Program Management & Leadership

3:00pm CDT

Refreshment Break

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:00pm - 3:15pm CDT

Atrium

Join us for refreshments and a chance to talk with vendors

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Atrium

General

3:15pm CDT

Belonging First: Enhancing Retention Through Community in Beginning ELL Classrooms

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT

Room 112

Student retention begins with a sense of belonging. This session explores practical, research-based strategies for creating inclusive, supportive learning environments for beginning English Language Learners (ELLs). Participants will explore how fostering community in the classroom promotes student engagement, persistence, and success. Through interactive discussion and examples, attendees will leave with tools to build connection, reduce isolation, and improve retention among ELL students from day one.

Speakers

Deb Sheehy

ELL Consultant, DMACC

Deb Sheehy is an ELL Consultant at Des Moines Area Community College in Des Moines, Iowa. She has an elementary education background, and has been working with ELL students for over 15 years.

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT
Room 112

ESL

global Y

3:15pm CDT

Bridging Education and Employment: Workforce/IET Collaboration

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT

Ballroom 107

This session will bring together instructors and coordinators involved in Integrated Education and Training programs. Participants will share strategies for effectively combining academic instruction with workforce training to prepare students for employment.

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT
Ballroom 107

ESL

global Y

3:15pm CDT

Trending Content to Spark Meaningful Conversations

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT

Room 113

The goal of almost every language student is to be able to participate in meaningful conversation and dialogue. At Ellii, we love developing highly engaging materials focused on current events and trending topics that will spark your students’ interest and lead to lively discussions in every class. If you’re teaching low intermediate-level students or higher, come and see how Ellii empowers teachers with an abundant library of ever-expanding, relevant topics.

Speakers

Wendy Klatt

Education Specialist, Ellii

Wendy Klatt is an experienced ESL educator with over 25 years in the field. She holds an MA in Teaching with a Graduate Concentration in ESL/Bilingual Education from National-Louis University. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design from the University of Wisconsin–Stout.Currently... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT
Room 113

ESL

global Y

3:15pm CDT

Mastering Math: Instructor Collaboration Session

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT

Room 114

This session will bring together HSED math instructors to share effective teaching methods, resources, and strategies for helping students succeed in math. Participants will discuss common challenges and explore solutions to improve student outcomes..

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT
Room 114

High School Equivalency

global Y

3:15pm CDT

The Silent Epidemic: How Self-Esteem Affects Academic Performance

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT

Room 108

By understanding the factors influencing self-esteem and implementing effective strategies to boost it, educators can significantly enhance their students' academic performance and overall well-being. This class equips educators with the knowledge and tools needed to create a supportive and empowering learning environment, ultimately helping students achieve their full potential. We will explore various factors that influence self-esteem, their impact on HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) and literacy, strategies to boost self-esteem in the classroom, and effective test-taking strategies.

Speakers

Avie Cupples

Corrections Education Coordinator, Iowa Central Community College / Fort Dodge Correctional Facility

Avie Cupples holds a Master's Degree in Teaching Education from Eastern Oregon University and brings a wealth of experience to the field of education. Currently serving as the Corrections Education Coordinator at Iowa Central Community College/Fort Dodge Correctional Facility, Avie... Read More →

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT
Room 108

Instructional Strategies

global Y

3:15pm CDT

Using Corpora and Corpora-Derived Materials to Enhance Vocabulary Instruction

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT

Room 109

With limited instructional time, what vocabulary words warrant explicit attention? Which words will give your students the biggest bang for their buck? In this session, we’ll discuss how to leverage corpora (databases of written and/or spoken language created to analyze linguistic structures) and materials derived from them to level-up your vocabulary instruction. As adult educators, we can use these powerful tools to make purposeful, data-driven decisions about which vocabulary to teach and how to approach teaching them. Corpora allow us to go beyond teaching vocabulary that we subjectively “think are pretty common”.

In this session, we will:

Discuss what corpora are, their history and development, and how they can be used as tools for informing classroom instruction.
Get an introduction to how to access and utilize the basic functions of Corpus for Contemporary American English (COCA).
Discover corpus-derived word frequency lists and discuss how to pick the best list for your instructional context.
Examine ways to incorporate word frequency lists into classroom activities and practices.

Speakers

John Windheuser

ELL Coordinator, Des Moines Area Community College

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT
Room 109

Instructional Strategies

global Y

3:15pm CDT

Navigating Challenges - Part 2

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT

Room 115

This is a continuation of Navigating Challenges - Part 1. This hands-on workshop is designed to help adult education practitioners navigate the challenges we face with the support and collective knowledge of each other. We’ll use a research-based model of problem solving called “Action Learning”. This method had been tried and tested around the world to help groups get to the heart of a problem and come up with creative solutions. Working in small groups, we’ll work through real situations you are facing in your work. The model can also be transferred to the classroom. Be ready to collaborate!

Speakers

Kathy Houghton

Executive Director, Literacy NY

Wednesday July 16, 2025 3:15pm - 4:15pm CDT
Room 115

Program Management & Leadership

global Y

4:30pm CDT

Networking Reception Sponsored by HiSET

Wednesday July 16, 2025 4:30pm - 6:30pm CDT

Magee's Irish Pub & Eatery

Wednesday July 16, 2025 4:30pm - 6:30pm CDT
Magee's Irish Pub & Eatery 1610 SW Main Street, Ankeny, IA

General

7:30am CDT

Breakfast

Thursday July 17, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT

Atrium

Thursday July 17, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Atrium

General

8:30am CDT

Welcome & Review of the Day

Thursday July 17, 2025 8:30am - 8:45am CDT

Ballroom

Thursday July 17, 2025 8:30am - 8:45am CDT
Ballroom

General

8:45am CDT

Keynote: Positive Power of Servant Leadership

Thursday July 17, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am CDT

Ballroom

This presentation will engage participants in the process of understanding the positive power of service and leadership in our personal and organizational lives. The process does not include PowerPoint. Rather it is interactive; emphasizing conversations, presence, character, and energy in serving and leading. Leadership is who we are, management is what we do. Through research, reflection, and dialogue we will experience Servant Leadership as Meaningful, Ethical, and Practical.

Speakers

Thomas Thibodeau

Professor, Viterbo University

Tom Thibodeau is the Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership at Viterbo University where he has been teaching for 40 years. He is the founder of the Master of Arts in Servant leadership degree at Viterbo, the first and only master's degree of its kind in the nation. He is a... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am CDT
Ballroom

General

global Y

9:45am CDT

Community Based English Language Learning

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Room 112

This session will help participants understand further the needs of the community-based program and how it functions.

Speakers

Vinh Nguyen

Education Program Manager, Immigrants and Refugees Community Services (LSI)

With no English language skills when he first came to Des Moines, Vinh Nguyen found many difficulties in adjusting to a new life in America beginning at the age of twenty-two; he struggled in communication in English and often relied on others to help in finding jobs, interpretation... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Room 112

ESL

global Y

9:45am CDT

Enhancing ELL Instruction: Instructor Collaboration Session

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Ballroom 107

This session will focus on sharing best practices, innovative strategies, and resources for teaching English Language Learners. Participants will have the opportunity to collaborate and discuss challenges and successes in their ELL programs.

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Ballroom 107

ESL

9:45am CDT

HiSET Insights: What Educators & Test Centers Need to Know

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Room 114

Join us for an interactive session designed specifically for adult educators and test center personnel to gain valuable insights into the HiSET
exam. We will explore key updates for the current testing year as well as subject matter debuted at COABE 2025. Whether you are supporting test
takers on their path to success or managing test administration, this session will equip you with the latest information and best practices to
maximize test taker achievement.

Speakers

Stephanie Bauer

Account Manager, HiSET

Stephanie Bauer, the HiSET Account Manager, focuses on cultivating relationships with state clients, vendors, and internal partners. She manages the implementation of the HiSET program at the state level, collaborating with adult education programs and test centers on contracts and... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Room 114

High School Equivalency

global Y

9:45am CDT

Clearing the Hurdles

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Room 109

Do you have students who just seem to be spinning their wheels? Are they encountering obstacles that are keeping them from crossing the finish line? Learn about some of the unique barriers that stand in the way of student progress and discover how you can engage in creative, out-of-the-box approaches to help them overcome them. Come prepared to share some of your own unique strategies so that everyone walks away with new, innovative ideas to test back home.

Speakers

Dr. Scott Schneider

Dean of Adult Education, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges

Megan Linzy-Johnson

Data Specialist/Office Coordinator, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges

Megan Linzy-Johnson has risen through the ranks of adult education and literacy, starting her journey as a GED graduate and growing into roles of increasing responsibility in the very program where she earned her start. She quickly developed a deep passion for service and the students... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Room 109

Instructional Strategies

global Y

9:45am CDT

Cultivating Positive Mindsets With Adult Learners

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Room 108

This workshop will equip adult educators with practical strategies to help learners build resilience, confidence, and a growth mindset in their educational journeys. We will dip into some research about building positive mindsets, and practice some activities designed to help build positive mindsets. Participants will leave with evidence-based strategies they can use right away in their interactions with students.

Speakers

Kathy Houghton

Executive Director, Literacy NY

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Room 108

Instructional Strategies

global Y

9:45am CDT

Positive Power of Servant Leadership - Breakout Session

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Room 115

Join us in exploring how service can create a lasting, positive impact on co-workers, customers, and communities. Rediscover the transformative role of language in fostering meaningful and critical conversations. Understand how leadership development is intrinsically linked to character growth and practice—shaping individuals who lead with integrity and purpose.

Speakers

Thomas Thibodeau

Professor, Viterbo University

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Room 115

Program Management & Leadership

9:45am CDT

Planning with Purpose: IELCE Success through Logic Models

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT

Room 113

This session provides an overview of utilizing logic models to guide the planning, implementation, and evaluation phases of IET/IELCE programs. Through a visual representation of the key components of a logic model, the presenters intend to map out and exemplify the relationships between these major components in a bridge program. Participants will learn about the way a logic model can provide a clear and systematic approach to understanding how a program is designed to work, the resources needed to implement it, and the outcomes and impacts it is expected to achieve.

Speakers

Mahjabeen Hussain

Workforce Education and Training Instructor, Kirkwood Community College

Mahjabeen Hussain (Ed.D), experienced in diverse educational roles in a range of academic settings for more than two decades, is a Workforce Education and Training instructor supporting IET/IELCE programs at Kirkwood Community College located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She can be emailed... Read More →

Marwa Ibrahim

Workforce Education and Training Supervisor, Kirkwood Community College

Marwa Ibrahim is the Workforce Education and Training Supervisor at Kirkwood Community College. In her role, she develops and supervises IET/IELCE programs for adults wanting to pursue careers in high-demand industries. With more than a decade of experience, Marwa is passionate... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am CDT
Room 113

Workforce Collaborations

global Y

10:55am CDT

Reaching and Teaching English Learners with Limited Literacy

Thursday July 17, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am CDT

Room 112

ESL students’ home languages are considered linguistic assets that teachers can build upon. But, what happens when students have limited literacy in their home language due to war, poverty, refugee status, etc.? These literacy students are sometimes referred to as SLIFE (Students with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education) and often require additional support, as they often do not have foundational literacy skills to transfer from one language to another.

In this session, we will learn about the unique needs of literacy learners and how their educational backgrounds impact language acquisition. We will also consider ways that ESL teachers can provide instructional scaffolds and supports to accommodate literacy students. While examples from Cambridge Ventures curriculum will be given, all attendees– regardless of which curriculum they use -- will be given practical, easy-to-implement strategies to better reach and teach this population.

Speakers

Robin Graybill

Senior Account Manager, Cambridge University Press & Assessment

Robin Graybill is a teacher, teacher trainer, support specialist and now account manager for Cambridge. She has an MA TESOL from SFSU and spent 10 years in the classroom before transitioning to ESL Educational publishing which she loves because it combines her loves of ESL, teaching... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am CDT
Room 112

ESL

10:55am CDT

Integrating Literacy and Content: WRSS Instructor Collaboration Session

Thursday July 17, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am CDT

Ballroom 107

This session will focus on the integration of writing, reading, social studies, and science instruction for HSED students. Instructors will share best practices, resources, and strategies for creating a cohesive and effective curriculum.

Thursday July 17, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am CDT
Ballroom 107

High School Equivalency

global Y

10:55am CDT

Demystifying the CASAS STEPS and GOALS 2 Assessments: Interpreting Test Results and Reports for ESL and ABE Instruction

Thursday July 17, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am CDT

Room 114

This session is designed for adult education instructors. Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities instructors will focus on how to use the results from the STEPS and GOALS 2 test series. Participants will analyze the new TOPSpro Enterprise (TE) reports to make instructional decisions. Participants will choose from student or class level reports including the Individual Skills Profile, Content Standards Report, Competency Performance Report, and Task Area Report.

Speakers

Kristine Kruczek Mains, M.Ed.

National Program and Training Specialist, CASAS, Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment Systems

Thursday July 17, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am CDT
Room 114

Instructional Strategies

global Y

10:55am CDT

Navigating Learning Disabilities and Self Advocacy for Students

Thursday July 17, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am CDT

Room 108

Many of our students have learning disabilities (whether formally diagnosed or not) that can be barriers to their learning. Understanding their challenges can empower students to find learning styles that work for them, advocate for their own education, and take control of their learning. Using resources from LINCs Learning to Achieve series and other resources, this session will provide strategies and information to adult education practitioners that they can take back to their students, to help them in their educational journeys.

Speakers

Kathy Houghton

Executive Director, Literacy NY

Thursday July 17, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am CDT
Room 108

Instructional Strategies

global Y

10:55am CDT

Using Gemma HiLo Books and Other Easy Texts for Adult Learner Reading Fluency and Comprehension

Thursday July 17, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am CDT

Room 109

Two cornerstones of successful outcomes for adult literacy programs is improved learner reading fluency and comprehension. Yet few literacy workers know about the way fluency supports comprehension, nor how reading fluency can be developed in-class with learners. This workshop will focus on the important fluency-comprehension relationship. Some simple, easy-to-use methodologies will be demonstrated using authentic, high-interest literacy-supporting books. Participant input and commentary will be encouraged and welcomed.

Speakers

Greta Gorsuch

Co-editor, Reading in a Foreign Language https://nflrc.hawaii.edu/rfl/

Thursday July 17, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am CDT
Room 109

Instructional Strategies

global Y

10:55am CDT

Time Management is a Fallacy: Using Al-Powered Eisenhower Matrix to Increase Efficiency and Expand Horizons

Thursday July 17, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am CDT

Room 115

Speakers

Treg Hopkins

Co-Founder, Connectable

Dr. Treg Hopkins is a lifelong educator and community builder with deep roots in adult education, workforce development, and higher education. Over the years, he's held key leadership roles, including Dean of Workforce and Economic Development, Director of Adult Education, and Vice... Read More →

Thursday July 17, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am CDT
Room 115

Program Management & Leadership

global Y

10:55am CDT

The Power of Partnerships: Strengthening Adult Ed through Core Partner Collaboration

Thursday July 17, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am CDT

Room 113

In this session, we'll explore strategic collaborations with core partners to impove co-enrollments, enhance student support, and streamline referrals . A panel of core partners will share their firsthand experiences working with AEL in Central Iowa, offering insights on best practices, challenges, and opportunities for future collaboration.

Speakers

Michelle Schott

Integrated Education and Training Coordinator, Des Moines Community College

Thursday July 17, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am CDT
Room 113

Workforce Collaborations

global Y

12:00pm CDT

Lunch, Awards & Door Prizes

Thursday July 17, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm CDT

Ballroom

Thursday July 17, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm CDT
Ballroom

General