Language & Literacy Institute 2026 - VIRTUAL EVENT - Day 1
2026-01-29 08:15 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Online
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: THU. 1/29/26
IMPORTANT NOTE: You must register for EACH day you plan to attend!
FLYER (Final Agenda)
PROGRAM SCHEDULE (Complete Session Descriptions) COMING SOON!
If you require ASL Interpretation, contact Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu

GENERAL SESSIONS:
General Session A: Designing for Difference: Scaffolds that Support Adult Learners’ Voice and Choice, presented by Jayme Adelson-Goldstein
Session Description: Adult learners bring a spectrum of goals, strengths, and needs into every learning space. With this variability in mind, we can intentionally design instruction that amplifies learner agency and provides multiple pathways to engage with lesson content. By embedding scaffolds and differentiation strategies into instructional routines, it’s possible to balance structure with learner autonomy and thrive in the process. In this webshop, we’ll reflect on the role scaffolds and differentiation play in deepening learners’ understanding of core content and collaborate to use instructional routines (including choice boards) that increase learners’ connection to that content and to each other.

Jayme Adelson-Goldstein has over 40 years of experience as an instructional designer, teacher educator, and instructional coach. She focuses on refining instructional practices in ways that respect and differentiate for the needs of multilingual learners and the teachers, tutors, and instructional leaders who serve them. In her work as Lighthearted Learning, she provides in-person and virtual professional learning opportunities that emphasize instructional approaches which contextualize, scaffold, and customize adult learning while fostering learner agency. She has served as a subject matter expert on federal projects including Digital Resilience in the American Workforce (DRAW), Teaching the Skills That Matter (TSTM), and LINCS ESL Pro, and is the recipient of the 2025 Ideal Consortium Impact Award for Innovating Digital Education for Adult Learners. Her publications include The Oxford Picture Dictionary, Step Forward, and numerous open educational resources for adult instructors.
General Session B: The Power of Talk: Building Literacy and Career Readiness Through Oral Language
In this workshop, we explore how harnessing and strengthening oral language can act as a springboard for literacy development and career readiness. Using the Teaching & Learning Cycle, which scaffolds academic and professional writing through deep and critical thinking tasks, academic discussions, interactive reading, and language development, instructors can connect seamlessly to the CCR Shifts in Complexity/Evidence/Knowledge. Learn how structured academic conversations serve to build and deepen content knowledge; see how using mentor texts can move adult learners to constructing complex texts of their own while supporting ideas with evidence. This workshop will benefit teachers both of English learners as well as learners whose primary language is English.
Betsy Parrish is Professor in the TESOL Program at Hamline University. She has worked for over 35 years as an English language teacher, teacher educator, and consultant in the US, Bangladesh, Costa Rica, France, India, Russia, and Vietnam. She is a frequent presenter at state, national, and international conferences on adult education issues, including academic and career readiness, innovative PD models, and learner-centered teaching practices. As co-founder of ATLAS, Betsy participated in the development of the Minnesota Transitions Integration Framework (TIF). She has been a subject matter expert on several OCTAE-funded projects, including ESL Pro, Teaching the Skills that Matter in Adult Education (TSTM) Civics Toolkit, the LINCS course on Principles and Practices for Meeting Adult EL needs, and trainings for the English Language Proficiency Standards for Adult Education. Betsy is the author of Teaching Adult ESL:English Language Learners: A Practical Introduction (Cambridge 2019).

Language & Literacy Institute 2026 - VIRTUAL EVENT - Day 2
2026-01-30 08:15 - 15:15 | Online
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: FRI. 1/30/26
IMPORTANT NOTE: You must register for EACH day you plan to attend!
FLYER (Final Agenda)
PROGRAM SCHEDULE (Complete Session Descriptions) COMING SOON!
If you require ASL Interpretation, contact Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu

GENERAL SESSIONS:
General Session: From Academic Language to the Language of Access: History, Harm, and New Possibilities in Adult Education, presented by Michelle Benegas, Hamline University
Session Description: Adult educators across Minnesota work with learners navigating many linguistic worlds — high school equivalency, college preparation, workplace expectations, digital communication, and more. Yet the term “academic language,” once proposed as a neutral support for learners, has increasingly functioned as a racialized hierarchy that privileges certain ways of speaking and writing.
This session slows down the history: how scholars such as Cummins and Zwiers framed academic language, why their models resonated at the time, and how more recent work — including that of Nelson Flores — challenges us to rethink what we are actually asking learners to do. Using storytelling, brief video clips, and interactive breakout reflections, we will explore the shift toward the language of access: a practical, justice-oriented approach that asks not “How do we correct learners?” but “How do we equip them with multiple linguistic resources to move through unequal systems?”
Participants will leave with concrete strategies, fresh perspectives, and a deeper understanding of how language can either reinforce barriers or open doors in adult education settings.

Volunteer Core Training Module 4: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Materials
2026-02-04 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 2/4/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Participants will engage in a couple of classroom activities to experience scaffolding, checking comprehension and the gradual release of responsibility. These aspects of teaching and tutoring are then defined, explained further and participants get opportunities to practice them.

Thinking Online? Learn How Minnesota Programs Are Making the Shift
2026-02-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 2/6/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

From Worthington to Grand Marais, programs using BurlingtonEnglish across Minnesota are successfully navigating any instructional model. Join us to learn how programs are using BE, and how we can support you in your pivot.
Presented by:

Kathleen Moriarty: ABE Supervisor, Metro North
Liv Musel-Staloch: Lead Teacher, Mankato Area Adult Basic Education
Mary Kate Lewis Piroso: Distance Learning Specialist, Mankato Area Adult Basic Education
Sherri Quesnel: Regional Manager, BurlingtonEnglish
JennaRose Dahl: Customer Manager, BurlingtonEnglish
Xue Xiong: Customer Representative, BurlingtonEnglish

NOTE: You do not need a BurlingtonEnglish account to participate; this webinar is open to everyone.

Teaching Intermediate Alphabetics
2026-02-06 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 2/6/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Teaching intermediate alphabetics (syllables, prefixes, suffixes, root words) is a great way to help students build their decoding and comprehension skills. Come learn a variety of fun and easy-to-use routines and activities for helping intermediate-level readers develop these important tools.

Basic Tech Help for Online and HyFlex Classes
2026-02-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 2/11/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Are you currently teaching or volunteering in an online or hybrid/HyFlex class? Is your current class pivoting to online instruction? Join this session to learn about common technology issues and basic skills you will need to support learners in Zoom or Google Meet. We will also provide real-life examples of meaningful roles that volunteers can play in online and HyFlex classes.
Practice and prepare skills like joining online, managing your meetings and keeping students in the loop. We’ll also discuss common pitfalls to avoid.
NO SPECIAL TECH OR IT SKILLS ARE REQUIRED! The only requirements for being a tech helper are patience, a sense of humor, and willingness to learn.

Online & HyFlex Teaching Support Webinar - Session 1 of 2
2026-02-12 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 2/12/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

This webinar series is a follow-up to the Online & HyFlex Teaching Foundations workshop offered as a pre-conference session at the 2025 Summer Institute. All staff and volunteers who are involved with online or HyFlex classes are invited to attend.
These webinars will be interactive and based on YOUR questions and requests. In Session 1, Digital Learning Team members will facilitate a sample online lesson using EdTech tools. You will reflect on your experience of the lesson and be given a small reflection and application assignment to complete before the next meeting. In Session 2, you’ll be able to share what you learned and have time to ask questions and swap ideas with colleagues in similar teaching contexts.
CEUs will be awarded for attendance at each session as well as for completion of the application assignment.

Audience: Teachers, program managers/coordinators, support staff, and volunteers who teach or support online and HyFlex classes. Everyone is welcome to attend, even if you did not attend Summer Institute or are not yet offering online or HyFlex classes.
How do I join? Register here and answer all of the questions. Then, look for an email from “MNABE Staff” with a Zoom link. The same link will work for both sessions.
Do I have to attend both sessions? You are strongly encouraged to attend both sessions and complete the “homework” activity before Session 2. However, we understand that schedules are complicated, so please join us for whatever time your schedule permits.
Accommodations: To request ASL interpretation or other accommodations, please email the DL help desk.
Will there be a recording? Yes! The recordings will be posted on the MN Adult Education PD YouTube channel. (Time spent in breakout room discussions will not be recorded.)

Comprehension Strategies for Intermediate-Level Readers
2026-02-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 2/12/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

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.

Teaching Reading Vocabulary
2026-02-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 2/16/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Vocabulary is everyone’s favorite reading component! And helping students master reading vocabulary is a key to helping them master comprehension.
But how many words should you teach? And which words are the most important? What strategies are best for helping students learn new words? How do you get students to make new words part of their receptive and productive vocabularies? This webinar will focus on the theory and best practice behind choosing, teaching and reviewing reading vocabulary. You’ll get a chance to learn about (and practice) a variety of activities that can be done remotely or in person. Links to great online resources will also be provided.
This workshop will be most useful for instructors working with low-intermediate to advanced readers.

WebChat with MN ABE
2026-02-18 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 2/18/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

WebChat with MN ABE is a webinar discussion led by state ABE staff from the Minnesota Department of Education. Web Chat webinars provide updates from the state ABE office on new and emerging issues and an opportunity for local ABE staff to ask questions and provide information to the Minnesota Adult Ed state team.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
If you need ASL interpretation for this event, please contact Wendy Lindblom at info@literacyactionnetwork.org by Monday, January 26, 2026.

Topics will include (but are not limited to):

Federal funding update, as available
State WIOA Plan revision
HSE Subsidy status
Contact hour year-over-year comparison
Grant updates
Transitions updates
Upcoming Professional Development opportunities

For those unable to attend, the meeting and materials will be available on the Literacy Action Network website after the meeting.

Volunteer Core Training Module 2: Understanding Adult Learners
2026-02-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 2/18/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

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 as an adult.

Support Staff Coffee Break (Virtual): Minnesota ABE Remote Assessment Hub
2026-02-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 2/20/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

The Support Staff Online Coffee Break Series continues with Linda Keller and Marty Olsen, both state CASAS trainers, sharing about the new Minnesota Remote Assessment Hub and explaining how your program can take advantage of this opportunity. They will explain how the Hub works, the responsibilities of the program, and the expectations of the students. We also want to listen to your needs for testing and answer questions you may have.

Developing and Practicing Reading Fluency
2026-02-24 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 2/24/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Come and review the important role of fluency in reading instruction. We will discuss the three key components of reading fluency and look at a variety of activities tutors and teachers can try. We will talk about the mechanics of doing fluency practice via Zoom, Google Meet, Teams or any other remote tutoring tool (including the phone!). Participants will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions and share resources.
This workshop will be most useful for instructors working with low-intermediate to advanced readers.

Antiracist Praxis Study Circle
2026-02-25 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-04 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-11 14:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Online
Application Deadline: FRI. 2/13/26
Many of us have heard the terms antiracist and DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), but how do we actually implement these large frameworks into our adult English classrooms? This study circle goes beyond defining antiracism and explores how the research around Translanguaging by Ofelia García (2017) and Culturally Responsive Teaching by Zaretta Hammond (2015) provides us with tools to change the way we approach teaching. Participation in this activity is by application only.

Learn more about the study circle >>
APPLY NOW >>

Questions? Contact Patsy Egan, pegan02@hamline.edu

Study Circle Dates:
Wed. 2/25/26 – 2-4 pm (CST)
Wed. 3/4/26 – 2-4 pm (CST)
Wed. 3/11/26 – 2-4 pm (CST)
Wed. 3/18/26 – 2-4 pm (CST)
Wed. 4/8/26 – 2-4 pm (CST)
If you require ASL interpretation, contact Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu

Manager Retreat - LOCATION CHANGED to Hamline!
2026-02-26 08:30 - 16:00 | Hamline University – Anderson Center, 774 Snelling Ave. N., Saint Paul, MN, 55104, United States
The retreat will now be held at Hamline University in St. Paul. Registration is now through Eventbrite. See this tutorial for questions about registration.
Registration Deadline: FRI. 2/20/26
Take a break from the daily fires and join fellow ABE Managers for a day designed to reconnect, reflect, and re-energize. The upcoming Manager Retreat will focus not on policies or paperwork, but on who we are and how we lead. Participants will share experiences, explore strategies, and discover tools for managing time, projects, and people with confidence. Check back soon for detailed session descriptions and registration in January 2026.
If you require ASL interpretation, contact Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu

Administrator Webinar Series (2-part series)
2026-03-03 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: Day of event
Join us for a two-part webinar series for Minnesota Adult Education administrators focused on leadership, program improvement, and state/federal priorities. Whether you’re new or experienced, you’ll gain practical tools, timely updates, and opportunities to connect with peers across the state.

Webinar 1: WED. 9/10/25 – REGISTER
The first webinar in a 2-part Administrator Webinar Series is focused on Building Student Leaders and Incorporating Student Voices into Program Decisions. Hear directly from a panel of Adult Education programs that are putting these ideas into practice—from student councils to peer-led initiatives. You’ll walk away with real examples, fresh ideas, and the chance to share your own experiences. If your program values student leadership, this is a can’t-miss event!
Webinar 2: NEW DATE! (changed from 1/21/26) TUE. 3/3/26 – REGISTER
Planning & Budgeting for the Coming Year: In this annual budgeting webinar, Minnesota Department of Education leaders Brad Hasskamp and Jodi Versaw will kick off the conversation by breaking down the core components of ABE funding, including federal vs. state funding streams, funding formula, contact-hour rates, and other key terms. Then participants will have time to share strategies and concerns regarding their upcoming FY27 budgets. This webinar is appropriate for new and experienced Adult Education Managers alike, with the goal of clarifying the fundamentals and offering practical insights. Join us for this conversation!

Minnesota ABE Leadership Book Club: Cultivating Genius
2026-03-04 12:00 - 13:15 | Online
Registration Deadline: By each meeting date
DATES: (YOU MUST REGISTER FOR EACH DATE)
Meeting 1: Wednesday, March 4 – 12-1:15 pm (CST) – REGISTER
Meeting 2: Wednesday, April 8 – 12-1:15 pm (CDT) – REGISTER
Meeting 3: Wednesday, May 13 – 12-1:15 pm (CST) – REGISTER

Join fellow Minnesota Adult Education leaders for a three-part book club exploring Gholdy Muhammad’s Cultivating Genius: An Equity Framework for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy. Together, we’ll reflect on how Muhammad’s four learning pursuits—identity, skills, intellect, and criticality—can inform leadership and instructional practices across ABE programs. Each session will blend discussion, reflection, and application to our unique adult learning contexts.
Where can I read more about this book?
Scholastic Website: https://shop.scholastic.com/teachers-ecommerce/teacher/books/cultivating-genius-an-equity-framework-9781338594898.html
Is there a digital or audio version available?
Yes, this book is available on Kindle and Audible, as well as other platforms. NOTE: ATLAS is not providing digital or audio versions of the book, only physical copies to those who complete the form.
Who is invited to this Leadership Book Club?
All current or aspiring ABE administrators, coordinators, teacher-leaders
What is the format for the book club?
Three online sessions (do please come to all three if you can, but we understand if you can only come to one or two).

For March 4, read Part 1, through pg.61
For April 8, read Part 2, through pg.133
For May 13, read Part 3, through the end of the book, p.171.

Volunteer Core Training Module 1: Overview of Minnesota Adult Education and Program Accountability
2026-03-09 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 3/9/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Participants learn about Adult Basic Education programming in Minnesota, demographics of learners, instructional content standards as well as initial and on-going assessment. This session wraps up with learner motivations, barriers and persistence.

Teaching Intermediate Alphabetics
2026-03-10 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 3/10/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Teaching intermediate alphabetics (syllables, prefixes, suffixes, root words) is a great way to help students build their decoding and comprehension skills. Come learn a variety of fun and easy-to-use routines and activities for helping intermediate-level readers develop these important tools.

Online & HyFlex Teaching Support Webinar - Session 2 of 2
2026-03-12 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 3/12/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

This webinar series is a follow-up to the Online & HyFlex Teaching Foundations workshop offered as a pre-conference session at the 2025 Summer Institute. All staff and volunteers who are involved with online or HyFlex classes are invited to attend.
These webinars will be interactive and based on YOUR questions and requests. In Session 1, Digital Learning Team members will facilitate a sample online lesson using EdTech tools. You will reflect on your experience of the lesson and be given a small reflection and application assignment to complete before the next meeting. In Session 2, you’ll be able to share what you learned and have time to ask questions and swap ideas with colleagues in similar teaching contexts.
CEUs will be awarded for attendance at each session as well as for completion of the application assignment.

Audience: Teachers, program managers/coordinators, support staff, and volunteers who teach or support online and HyFlex classes. Everyone is welcome to attend, even if you did not attend Summer Institute or are not yet offering online or HyFlex classes.
How do I join? Register here and answer all of the questions. Then, look for an email from “MNABE Staff” with a Zoom link. The same link will work for both sessions.
Do I have to attend both sessions? You are strongly encouraged to attend both sessions and complete the “homework” activity before Session 2. However, we understand that schedules are complicated, so please join us for whatever time your schedule permits.
Accommodations: To request ASL interpretation or other accommodations, please email the DL help desk.
Will there be a recording? Yes! The recordings will be posted on the MN Adult Education PD YouTube channel. (Time spent in breakout room discussions will not be recorded.)

Volunteer Core Training Module 2: Understanding Adult Learners
2026-03-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 3/16/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

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 as an adult.

Support Staff Coffee Break: "CASAS Reports 'But Wait. . .There's More!'"
2026-03-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 3/20/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Did you know that you can use TOPSpro Enterprise to pull content standards and competency reports based on both CASAS etests and paper tests, and you can do this for individuals and whole classes? Our next Coffee Break will show you how to do this in TOPSpro and Teacher Portal. SPARC members Alec Lunneborg of Metro South, and Jeff Galbavy and Rachel Stiglitz from Metro East will share their knowledge and experience, and try to answer all of your questions.

Comprehension Strategies for Intermediate-Level Readers
2026-03-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 3/20/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

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.

Volunteer Core Training Module 3: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Learners
2026-03-23 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 3/23/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Participants learn how to apply teaching practices that support language and skill development for all learners. These practices include ensuring that instruction is learner centered, using an appropriate level of teacher talk and delivering error correction.

How the Hotline Supports Your ABE Program
2026-03-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 3/26/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

The Adult Literacy Hotline helps connect learners to ABE programs across the state—but referrals are just one part of our work. In this session, Caspian from Literacy MN will explain how to see what kinds of requests are coming from your area, how we support outreach efforts like sharing hotline flyers with local libraries, and tips for directing students to your program effectively. Jenny and Mary from SiD Support will also review tips for how to keep your program information up to date and will answer your questions live.

Volunteer Core Training Module 4: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Materials
2026-03-30 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 3/30/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Participants will engage in a couple of classroom activities to experience scaffolding, checking comprehension and the gradual release of responsibility. These aspects of teaching and tutoring are then defined, explained further and participants get opportunities to practice them.

Teaching Reading Vocabulary
2026-04-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 4/1/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Vocabulary is everyone’s favorite reading component! And helping students master reading vocabulary is a key to helping them master comprehension.
But how many words should you teach? And which words are the most important? What strategies are best for helping students learn new words? How do you get students to make new words part of their receptive and productive vocabularies? This webinar will focus on the theory and best practice behind choosing, teaching and reviewing reading vocabulary. You’ll get a chance to learn about (and practice) a variety of activities that can be done remotely or in person. Links to great online resources will also be provided.
This workshop will be most useful for instructors working with low-intermediate to advanced readers.
