Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education

Hit a Home Run with Your Baseball Memories! Spring is here, and that means baseball season is in full swing! As you may know, Hit It Out of the Park with Adult Education, is our 2025 Conference theme. Whether you’re cheering from the stands, celebrating a big win, or capturing that perfect action shot, we want to see your favorite moments. Here is how! Share Your Baseball Memories With Us We love seeing our community come together. Tag us in your baseball photos this season and let us be part of your journey. Whether it’s your little slugger hitting their first home run, a team huddle before the big game, or just a fun day at the ballpark, we want to celebrate with you! How to Tag Us Snap your best baseball moments Post them on social media Tag us using #IAACE Let’s make this baseball season one to remember—one photo at a time. Batter up, cameras ready, and let’s play ball! Caroline Foster, IAACE Conference Co-Chair https://lnkd.in/dXDhvJnz

Step Up to the Plate: Submit Your Proposal for the IAACE Conference! ? The Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education (IAACE) is excited to announce our Call for Proposals for the IAACE 2025 Conference! This year’s theme, “Hit It Out of the Park with Adult Education,” is?about bringing?big-league ideas, strategies, and success stories to?adult education. Are you an MVP in adult education with game-changing insights to share? We’re scouting coaches, players, and strategists—educators, administrators, life coaches, and support staff—who are ready to step up to the plate and deliver a winning presentation! Why Step Up to the Mic? ? Knock Your Expertise Out of the Park – Share your knowledge and best practices with colleagues who are eager to learn from your experience. ? Become a Heavy Hitter in Your Field – Get recognized as a leader in adult education and boost your professional profile. ? Help Others Swing for the Fences – Your insights could be a game-changer for adult learners, educators, and programs across the state. What We’re Looking For: We need all-star presentations that cover key areas of adult education. Here’s your chance to step into the lineup: ?? Administrative/Leadership Skills/Program Management – Amber Finnegan, Rob Moore The Administrative Leadership & Directors strand will feature sessions designed to equip leaders, administrators, and directors with the skills needed to manage teams effectively, drive success, and navigate the challenges of leadership. ?? ABE Curriculum – David Shepherd, Katie Walton, Maeve Warrick ?? Corrections/Vocational?– Shawn Hughes, Mike Thombleson ?? ELL (English Language Learning)/Civics – Denise Esslinger, JuliAnn Nisevich ?? Technology/Digital Literacy/Outreach– Sheila Butler, George Jurado, Katie Walton ?? Workforce & Integrated Education & Training (WEI/IET) – Konnie McCollum, Roy Melton, Caroline Foster ?? Personal Development – Konnie McCollum, Caroline Foster ?? Data Management and Testing Center Administration – Angie Reffo, Deb Sherwood ?? Department of Workforce Development (DWD) How to Get in the Game ?? Need a game plan? Contact any strand lead or IAACE staff member for guidance on shaping your proposal. ?? Step up to the plate! Submit your proposal online at [https://lnkd.in/gPigvGy8]. ?? Deadline to submit: June 6th! Don't let this opportunity slide by! Join the Lineup & Spread the Word! ?? Share this call with colleagues who would make great presenters. ?? Follow IAACE on social media for the latest conference updates. ?? Use the hashtag #IAACE to join the conversation and get pumped for the big event! This is your chance to step onto the field, hit a home run, and make a lasting impact in adult education. Batter up—it’s your time to shine! ??? https://lnkd.in/gAdb8KXw ?

The New TABE Test- Teachers Talk Conversation Topic March 12, 2025/by?Jenn Wigginton The IAACE Teachers Talk series is back, and this month’s topic impacts every adult educator: The New TABE Test. Join us on?Wednesday, March 19, at 11 AM CT / 12 PM ET?for an open and insightful conversation about what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how we can navigate these updates together. Why Teachers Talk? Because We Learn Best Together! One of the greatest strengths of adult education is the power of collaboration. Whether you’re a veteran teacher with years of TABE experience or a newcomer still getting familiar with assessment tools, this session is designed for you. Teachers Talk is more than just a discussion—it’s a community-driven space where educators can share insights, ask questions, and learn from one another in real-time. What Can You Expect? A breakdown of the new TABE test – What’s changing, and how will it affect our students? Practical strategies – Tips for preparing learners and making the transition smoother. Shared experiences – Hear from other teachers about challenges, successes, and best practices. Support for new educators – If you’re new to TABE, this is an excellent opportunity to gain confidence and build connections. A Resource for Lifelong Learning As educators, we know that growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Teachers Talk is one of the many ways IAACE supports professional development, helping us expand our knowledge and stay at the forefront of adult education. Whether you come with questions, insights, or just a willingness to listen, your participation makes us all stronger. Mark your calendar and make plans to join the conversation! Let’s navigate the changes to TABE together and continue empowering our students for success. ?Join us on March 19 at 11 AM CT / 12 PM ET?to participate in the discussion that will help shape the future of adult education. #IAACE #TeachersTalk #AdultEd #TABE #Collaboration https://lnkd.in/g-SFzkhd

??Did you know Christian Slater has his GED??From 9 years old, Slater worked as an actor, and school never took priority for him. Facing himself at 30 years old with an arrest record and nothing much he felt proud of, he decided to turn his life around, and this transformation started with #AdultEducation. ?? He states, "School wasn’t a big priority for me, but when I had kids I wanted them obviously to get a full education so I didn’t want to lose the argument so I figured the best thing to do would be to take some action and go and get the GED.” Little did he know that his step would change everything. Since then he has built two schools in Africa, and has gotten involved with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Get Schooled initiative. Adult education changes lives. Period. It offers a second chance at the way people look at and engage in life. Let's keep it funded, and let's keep raising our voices. ? #AdultEducationMatters Read more details about his GED journey: https://lnkd.in/eFeakeMF Hear him shout out to adult ed teachers! https://lnkd.in/errEpP_6 #GED #AdultLearnerSuccess Sharon Bonney Christine Valdez

Congrats to all and especially our own, Denise Esslinger !

#IAACE Newsletter #January2025 #PresidentsMessage Dear Members of IAACE, Happy New Year! I hope everyone is ready to dive into 2025 with energy and determination to make it a remarkable year. Personally, I’ll admit that I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed and exhausted as we kick off the year. Maybe it’s the winter blues, or perhaps the whirlwind of the holidays has caught up with me. Regardless, I found myself needing a little pick-me-up to refocus and reignite my passion for what we do. In moments like these, I turn to one of my favorite TED Talks: Every Kid Needs a Champion by Rita Pierson. If you haven’t watched it before, I encourage you to take a few minutes to do so. Even though it’s rooted in the experiences of a K-12 teacher, its message is universal and resonates deeply with all of us in adult education. Rita’s words remind us why we do what we do: we are champions for our students, and just as importantly, we are champions for one another. Our role as educators goes far beyond instruction. We provide encouragement, guidance, and unwavering belief in the potential of every learner who walks through our doors. Rita’s talk is a powerful reminder that relationships and connections are at the heart of impactful education. As we move forward this year, let’s carry that champion mindset with us. Let’s support our students and each other with renewed energy and positivity. Together, we can overcome any challenges and celebrate every success, big or small. Thank you for all you do to make adult education a life-changing experience for so many. Here’s to a year of growth, connection, and accomplishment! Warm regards, Katie Walton IAACE President https://lnkd.in/gaAYasue

Recognizing the Champions of Adult Education: Nominate a Business Partner Today! #IAACEBLOG In the world of adult education, success is never a solo act. Behind every skilled worker, every inspired adult learner, and every thriving community is a partnership that made it all possible. This year, again, we invite you to shine a spotlight on those partnerships by nominating a business or organization for the?IAACE Business Partner Recognition. Why Recognize Business Partners? Our business partners are more than just allies—they’re champions of adult education. They invest in our learners, create opportunities, and help ensure Indiana’s workforce remains strong and adaptable. Celebrating these partnerships demonstrates how?adult education WORKS?in Indiana—bridging gaps, meeting workforce needs, and transforming lives. Recognition isn’t just about the award; it’s about sharing the success stories that inspire more businesses to get involved. Highlighting these impactful collaborations on?Adult Education Day, February 11, 2025, at the Indiana Statehouse amplifies the message that adult education is a critical driver of Indiana’s growth. Who Can Be Nominated? We’re looking for businesses, organizations, or employers that have: Partnered with adult education programs to support training, upskilling, or employment opportunities. Provided resources, mentorship, or financial contributions to support adult learners. Demonstrated a commitment to workforce development in collaboration with adult education providers. If you have a business making a difference, don’t let their contributions go unnoticed! How to Submit a Nomination Nominations are open now, and the process is simple. Complete the nomination form?//https://lnkd.in/g-DzatPc. Provide a brief description of the partnership and its impact. Submit your nomination by?January 10, 2025. Celebrate on Adult Education Day! Selected business partners will be honored during Adult Education Day, a celebration of achievements and advocacy at the Indiana Statehouse. This event is an opportunity to showcase the powerful impact of adult education and its partnerships with Indiana’s thriving business community. Let’s celebrate the businesses that believe in the power of adult education to transform lives and communities. Together, we can show the world that adult education WORKS—and that it works best when we work together. Nominate today, and let’s recognize the champions of adult education! https://lnkd.in/g6tD52SH