Preparing learners for family-sustaining work is a big part of adult education! We teach transitions or “soft” skills, digital literacy, and of course basic skills such as reading, writing, math and language. All of these key skills are defined in our content standards documents, and they are further detailed in our CCR Standards and the ACES resource libraries. In addition, in ABE programs throughout the state, these skills are often embedded in a specific career pathway, building students’ skills while preparing them for specific career advancement at the same time.
To address the many challenges in designing, implementing and sustaining effective adult career pathway (ACP) programs and partnerships, ATLAS provides professional development and resources for ABE managers and practitioners who are developing or strengthening career pathways for their students.
The cornerstone of our ACP offerings is the ACP resource library, providing over 50 (and growing!) vetted ACP curricula as well as a multitude of ACP program development tools. If you are teaching students in preparation for careers in healthcare, manufacturing, etc. – don’t recreate the wheel! You can start with an ACP curriculum from this collection and tweak for your context.
Professional development activities for Adult Career Pathways includes webinars and workshops at regional and statewide events on a variety of topics. Keep up with all things ACP-related by joining the ACP Networking group; details are below.
Based on input from the Adult Career Pathways Advisory Team, ATLAS offers a webinar series throughout the year to promote and support Adult Career Pathways (ACP) and Integrated Education and Training (IET) in Minnesota Adult Ed. Topics vary and are determined by the Advisory Team.
This online networking community of practice was established to connect administrators and instructors working on adult career pathways, and it serves as a forum for discussion among those working with ACPs statewide, as well as a hub announcements, resources, and webinar and in-person event information.
The ACP Professional Development (PD) Advisory Team is an ATLAS-sponsored team designed to strengthen Adult Career Pathways (ACP) work in Minnesota ABE through relevant, meaningful, and effective professional development for ABE teachers and managers.
The Team is responsible for visioning and implementing a long-term strategic plan for Adult Career Pathways PD in Minnesota, as well as specific tasks yearly to support current and forthcoming PD efforts such as offerings around establishing partnerships with local colleges and employers, reaching out to Local Workforce Development Boards, and recruiting ACP students.
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PD Catalog
Metro South offers an online statewide course preparing students for a career as a driver of commercial motor vehicles. This career pathway has high demand, competitive salary, and low barriers to entry, and it offers opportunities for advancement. Read More
Paraprofessionals play a vital role in education, supporting students while building rewarding careers with opportunities for growth. In Minnesota, instructional paraprofessionals must meet specific qualifications, and many Adult Ed programs offer courses to help students earn a lifelong credential. Read about Stella’s inspiring journey into this field and discover resources related to this rewarding career. Read More
Registration Deadline: FRI. 4/11/25 NOTE: The FLYER with session descriptions and Join Links is available through registration only. Most sessions will be recorded. AGENDA: 8:30-9:45 – Welcome & General Session: will feature two national speakers from the Southern Illinois PD Center, Sarah Goldammer and… Learn More
Registration Deadline: TUE. 4/15/25 You don’t need to be a computer expert in order to teach computer skills! Come learn how help students build their digital literacy skills using Northstar Digital Literacy. In the webinar, participants will learn: The features of Northstar Digital Literacy. How to help learners… Learn More
Registration Deadline: WED. 4/16/25 Participants develop their personal cultural awareness and learn how expectations around school culture shape how people teach and learn. Guiding principles for effectively delivering instruction to adults are also covered. Finally, participants increase their sensitivity to the challenges of learning English and developing literacy… Learn More
