ATLAS provides high-quality, accessible
professional development and resources
to advance education for adult learners

About Us

Key Activities

Learn about professional development activities to participate in – cohorts, study circles, online groups, courses, advisory teams

Events

Register for trainings offered by ATLAS and other Minnesota Adult Education Support Network providers across the state

Resources

Find instructional, content, and programmatic resources to support your work as an ABE practitioner

Ideas Welcome!

Have an idea for a workshop, webinar, newsletter article, or any other area where you could contribute your experience and expertise? Let us know!

PD Catalog

Get an overview of all MN Adult Education professional development (PD) activities in one convenient, searchable place! Find online courses, cohorts, study circles and more!

New Resources

Retail Customer Service

Retail Customer Service is a 6-week (48-hour) work readiness training program focused on preparing students for entry-level positions in retail environments, particularly cashiering. The curriculum emphasizes essential retail customer service skills, money handling, inventory tracking, and includes hands-on experience running a student store. Students will gain practical knowledge of U.S. payment methods, cash handling procedures, and use of a Point of Sale (POS) system. In addition to technical skills, the course builds foundational job-seeking abilities such as filling out applications, resume writing, and interview preparation. It also introduces American workplace norms, customer service vocabulary, and strategies for handling conflict, with special attention to culturally appropriate communication in Minnesota. || AUTHOR: Elizabeth Fontaine, International Institute of Minnesota

Workplace Health and Safety Curriculum

This class prepares people for OSHA 10 Training. Explore careers in janitorial, warehouse, hospital. Learners will: Build vocabulary and skills related to building maintenance, customer service, workplace health and safety; develop Speaking, Listening, and Reading skills for entry level and advanced jobs in building maintenance and customer service; earn OSHA 10 Certificate for Industrial Safety; and have access to a Counselor who will help with applying for jobs St. Paul Public Schools, or other companies. || AUTHOR: Nancy Bjorn Nordeen, Hubbs Center

College Readiness Academy Skills

This course builds knowledge, skills, and confidence in standard American English with a focus on academic writing, reading, oral communication, and digital literacy. Critical language areas are integrated throughout the course to prepare students for college-level success. The novel A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park will serve as the core text for reading, writing, discussion, and project work. || AUTHOR: Elizabeth Fontaine, International Institute of MN

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PD Catalog

Get an overview of all MN Adult Education professional development (PD) activities in one convenient, searchable place!

PD Catalog

Upcoming ABE Events

June 25, 2025 9:00 am–10:30 am
SiD Support
Online

SiD: Prep for August Submission PY 2024-25

Online

Registration Deadline: WED. 6/25/25 Venue: Online (see details below) In this session we’ll go over reports that are due to MDE and share tips for making sure your SiD program year data is current and complete. We’ll also review how to get started with the new 25-26 program… Learn More

Online
June 25, 2025 1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Literacy Minnesota
Online

Comprehension Strategies for Intermediate-Level Readers

Online

Registration Deadline: WED. 6/25/25 Research shows that explicitly teaching a set of comprehension strategies is a great way to help intermediate-level readers maximize their understanding of texts. Come learn a handful of great comprehension tools that will help students develop critical thinking skills and comprehension skills. Learn More

Online
July 11, 2025 1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Literacy Minnesota
Online

Teaching the Whole Learner: Supporting Mental Health and Neurodiversity in ABE – Presented by Jimmie Heags

Online

Registration Deadline: FRI. 7/11/25 Venue: Online (see details below) Adult learners bring a range of experiences, learning needs, and emotional challenges. This session helps ABE volunteers and professionals recognize signs of mental health concerns and neurodivergence (like autism or ADHD) without stepping into diagnosis. You’ll learn practical, trauma-informed… Learn More

Online