Norwich Regional Adult Education

?? Spotlight on the Bridge to CNA Program at CAACE! A huge shoutout to Edie Sowa and John Glover for their fantastic presentation at CAACE, where they shared the evolution and success of our Bridge to CNA program! Edie has been the driving force behind developing and continually improving this program to meet student needs — from its early days to today’s version, packed with stacked credentials like Personal Care Aide, Caregiver 1 training, CPR/AED certification, and Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training. ??? This program doesn’t just prepare students for jobs — it sets them up for lasting careers in healthcare. The presentation sparked a lot of interest from other adult education centers across Connecticut, and we’re so proud to see this model inspire others! ?? Bravo, Edie, for creating such a powerful, student-focused pathway — and for helping share it statewide! #AdultEducation? #norwichregaded? #BridgeToCNA? #CAACE

?? ESOL Afternoon Classes Learn About the American Job Center! Our afternoon ESOL classes recently had the opportunity to learn about the Montville American Job Center, a full-service hub where different government programs and organizations come together to help people build skills, find jobs, and explore new careers. We were fortunate to welcome two fantastic speakers: ? Nancy Gartley – Employment & Training Human Services/Disability Navigator from TVCCA @ Montville American Job Center ? Carol Torres-Gonzalez – Career Development Specialist from the Department of Labor They gave an informative presentation on the wide range of free services available at the center, including: ? Resume writing and job search support ? Career exploration resources ? Interview skills training and mock interviews ? Hiring events and job fairs ? Information on funding opportunities for job training and education Our students left with valuable knowledge about how to take advantage of these resources and take their next steps toward reaching their career goals. ?? A big thank you to Nancy and Carol for helping our students feel more confident and prepared for their job journeys!

?? Student Spotlight: Snowy! ?? We’re thrilled to recognize Snowy, an outstanding student in our Credit Diploma Program, who’s on track to graduate this Spring 2025! She’s been named Student of the Month for February, and it’s no surprise why. Snowy’s work ethic is unmatched — with near-perfect attendance, she consistently completes her homework and dedicates extra time outside of class to excel in her studies. Not only is she a star academically, but she’s also a key part of our classroom community. She’s the go-to person for communication, helping classmates and teachers stay connected. Plus, she takes the lead in organizing small class celebrations, bringing everyone together with her positivity and leadership. Snowy’s dedication, leadership, and supportive spirit make her an inspiration to us all. We’re so proud of you, Snowy! ??? #CreditDiploma #AdultEd #NRAE #NorwichRegAdEd

???? Building the Healthcare Workforce — One Student at a Time! ???? This dedicated group of ESOL students has completed extensive training — including personal care, CPR/AED certification, and caregiver skills — and is now entering the final phase: Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training. They’re not just transforming their own lives — they’re preparing to fill critical roles in our local healthcare workforce, where compassionate, skilled caregivers are urgently needed. Programs like this are more than education — they’re a pathway to employment, supporting immigrants as they transition into meaningful, high-demand careers. Investing in job training programs like ours helps build a stronger, more resilient healthcare system — and empowers hardworking individuals to achieve economic stability and success. #WorkforceDevelopment #CNTraining #AdultEducation #HealthcareTraining #CNA #NorwichRegAdEd #HealthcarePipeline

Let's CAACE the Place! ?? Teaching the Teachers! Our team just returned from an inspiring and enriching experience at the annual CAACE (Connecticut Association for Adult and Continuing Education) conference! We had the chance to attend a variety of workshops focused on sharpening our skills, broadening our knowledge, and discovering new tools to better serve our adult learners. From diving into digital literacy to learning about Department of Labor resources, and exploring fresh ways to engage adult learners, the conference provided valuable insights that will help us elevate our teaching practices. We're excited to bring these new ideas and strategies back to the classroom, ready to make an even greater impact! Thanks to all who attended and contributed to making this year’s CAACE experience such a success. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue making learning an empowering experience for all! ???? #CAACE2025 #AdultEducation #NorwichRegAdEd

No Phone? No Problem! JET Can Get You a Track Phones & Minutes (Stay Connected and Ready!) ???? Can’t keep in touch because your phone’s as outdated as your grandma’s flip phone? No worries! JET will help you get a track phone and even some minutes. Stay connected to jobs, opportunities, and friends. ?? ????The JET (Jobs, Education, Training) program is here to help young adults between the ages of 17 and 24 break through the barriers standing between you and your dream job. From career coaching and training to assistance with transportation, clothing, and phones, JET has the support you need to succeed. Whether it’s customer service credentials, driver’s licenses, or job search help, we’re ready to make it happen. We’re all about turning challenges into opportunities! #JETProgram #JobReady #SupportForSuccess

?? Healthcare Heroes in the Making — Studying with Patient Determination! ?? Our amazing Healthcare Bridge to CNA class students have taken learning into their own hands — literally! After class, they formed their own study group to tackle the tough professional material and master the English they need to succeed to get that professional credential! From medical terminology to essential skills, they’re supporting each other every step of the way — proving that teamwork is the best medicine. ??? Keep going, future healthcare pros — your dedication inspires us all! ?? #HealthcareHeroes #StudyGroupSuccess #AdultEducation #ESOL #NRAE #NorwichRegAdEd

?? Study Buddies in Action! ??? Learning happens in all kinds of ways! One of our High Beginner ESOL students was so dedicated to capturing the lesson from the smartboard that she didn’t hesitate to get the best angle—by sitting on a classmate’s lap! ???? (Don’t worry, all in good fun and support!) We love seeing students go the extra mile to succeed. Keep up the great work, everyone! ???? #ESOL #NorwichRegAdEd #NRAE

It’s all Greek to NRAE! ??? Our High School Completion students and advanced Tech Hybrid ESOL class took a trip through time at the Slater Museum at NFA, where they got up close and personal with Greek history—or at least, some truly classic plaster casts! This hands-on experience helped bridge the gap between myth and reality, making history feel less like an Odyssey and more like an epic learning adventure! By blending theoretical knowledge with real-world experiences, students aren’t just learning—they’re carving out a deeper understanding of art, culture, and history. A huge thank you to the Slater Museum for being such a valuable community resource! Check them out: slatermuseum.org ???? #NRAE #slatermuseum

Can you find the hidden message? ??? Our Level 1 ESOL students are building foundational literacy skills through hands-on learning! Using letter tiles, they’re practicing letter recognition, spelling, and word formation—essential steps in developing reading and writing confidence. And in the process, one student created a heartfelt message: "I LOVE DOCTOR NANCY" ???? Moments like these remind us that learning is not just about skills—it’s about connection, encouragement, and the impact of dedicated educators. Great job to our students, and a special shout-out to Dr. Nancy, who is clearly making a difference! ???? #ESOL #LiteracyDevelopment #ThankYouTeacher