Teaching and Tutoring with Northstar Digital Literacy
2026-04-22 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 4/22/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

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 navigate Northstar digital literacy assessments.
How to use the Northstar instructor-led curriculum.
How to guide learners through the Northstar Digital Literacy Online Learning Modules.
Additional digital literacy resources.

Teaching Intermediate Alphabetics
2026-04-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 4/28/26
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.

Volunteer Core Training Module 1: Overview of Minnesota Adult Education and Program Accountability
2026-04-28 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 4/28/26
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.

SiD 25–26 Contact Hours Year-End Prep
2026-04-30 09:00 - 10:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 4/30/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Time to get your SiD data in shape—no last-minute scrambling required. Join us for a webinar on preparing your Contact Hours Year data for your consortium’s 25–26 Annual ABE Grant Application submission. We’ll cover key steps to help you review your data, make updates, and head into reporting season with confidence. We’ll save 15-20 mins at the end to answer your questions.

Engagement and Interaction in the English Language Classroom Presented by Andrea Echelberger
2026-04-30 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 4/30/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Developing community and creating opportunities for engagement are essential ingredients for a successful learning experience. But what does this look like in an English language class where there are multiple languages spoken and/or people at the very beginning of their language learning journey? In this training, learn classroom management strategies and instructional approaches that provide multiple opportunities for adult language learners to interact with one another, practice their language skills in a variety of ways, and help people to stay engaged and interested throughout the entire class time.

South Spring Regional Event 2026 - Mankato, MN
2026-05-01 08:00 - 15:00 | Country Inn & Suites – Mankato, 1900 Premier Dr., Mankato,, MN, 56001, United States
Registration Deadline: MON. 4/20/26
(Hotel reservation deadline through ATLAS has now passed)
[*Note: To register, click on orange “Reserve a Spot” button]
See full agenda here! FLYER FOR SOUTH REGIONAL 2026
LOCATION: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Mankato Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 Premier Dr, Mankato, MN 56001

Are you traveling over 50 miles to the South Regional Event? You are eligible for a hotel room paid for by ATLAS! Look for that registration option in Eventbrite, and be sure to register by Thursday, April 9, at 5pm. (Hotel reservation deadline through ATLAS has now passed).
Don’t need a hotel room? You can register through Monday, April 20.

Join us in Mankato to connect with colleagues and explore practical strategies, from ESL best practices to online teaching strategies, and much more! Full agenda will be available by early April.
If you require ASL interpretation, contact Lindsey Pust at lpust01@hamline.edu

Integrated Pronunciation Instruction for Increased Intelligibility Presented by Suzanne Gilchrist McCurdy
2026-05-01 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 5/1/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Effective pronunciation instruction that prioritizes intelligibility can greatly support learners both inside and outside the classroom. Yet, many teachers struggle to identify which pronunciation features to focus on and how to seamlessly integrate them into their lessons. This session will help participants refine their pronunciation diagnostic skills, determine key pronunciation features to address, and explore practical ways to incorporate pronunciation instruction into everyday classroom activities.

Volunteer Core Training Module 2: Understanding Adult Learners
2026-05-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 5/5/26
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.

WebChat with MN ABE
2026-05-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 5/6/26
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, April 20, 2026.

Topics will include:

Information and guidance on the Annual ABE Grant Application for Fiscal Year 26–27
Update on statewide contact hours
Professional Development opportunities
Other announcements and topics TBD

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

Promising Practices for a Multilevel Classroom Presented by Andrea Echelberger
2026-05-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 5/8/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

English language classrooms feature a wide variety of educational backgrounds, abilities, and learning preferences, which contributes to a multilevel dynamic. This training will highlight promising teaching practices for supporting learners who need additional support, learners who move ahead quickly, and everyone in between. Participants will see concrete ideas for modifying activities to support a range of learner needs and abilities and get ideas for teaching that can be implemented immediately.

CSI Informational Webinar
2026-05-11 14:30 - 15:30 | Online
CSI – Content Standards Integration – A new professional learning cohort, coming fall 2026!
The new Content Standards Integration (CSI) Cohort invites adult educators to explore how CCRS, TIF, and Northstar can work together within meaningful, contextualized instruction. Come to this informational meeting to learn what the upcoming (2026-2027) CSI cohort is all about and how to apply.
Register today for this informational, no obligation webinar.

Comprehension Strategies for Intermediate-Level Readers
2026-05-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 5/11/26
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
2026-05-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 5/12/26
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.

Minnesota ABE Leadership Book Club: Cultivating Genius
2026-05-13 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.

Integrating AI Literacy Across Adult Education Classes and Levels - Session 1
2026-05-14 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 5/14/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Integrating AI Literacy Across Adult Education Classes and Levels
Across adult education, AI literacy is a critical skill for navigating the modern workforce and daily life. This two-part webinar series moves beyond the “what” of AI to the “how” of classroom integration. In Part 1, Rachel Riggs will present four instructional approaches (explicit, contextualized, integrated, and project-based) to show how AI literacy can be woven into different classes and levels. Participants will see clear vignettes and concrete examples of AI integration that prioritize high-quality instruction. In Part 2, participants will return for a facilitated “Show & Tell” session to share their experiences implementing these strategies in an adapted lesson plan and discuss how AI can expand access to learning opportunities for all students.
FAQs:

How do I join? Please register for Session 1 and for Session 2. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from “MNABE Staff” with a Zoom link for each session.
Will the sessions be recorded? Yes! Session 1 will be recorded in its entirety and posted on the MN ABE PD YouTube channel. Participants in Session 2 will discuss and agree on how they would like to share the recording of the Show & Tell.
Can I attend Session 2 if I didn’t attend Session 1 or if I didn’t do the homework? Yes! Please join us for discussion and learning, wherever you are on your journey of AI literacy integration.
How do I request accommodations? Email the DL Helpdesk.
Can I earn CEUs? Yes, if you submit the evaluation after attending.

Support Staff Coffee Break - Using AI to Analyze Data
2026-05-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 5/15/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

The Support Staff Online Coffee Break Series continues with Susan Wetenkamp-Brandt and Elizabeth Bennett sharing about using AI and explaining how your program can take advantage of this technology to analyze your data.
For more information, contact Chrysti Nielsen – cnielsen@nwservice.org

Career-Focused and Specialized Online Statewide Classes Webinar
2026-05-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 5/19/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Join us for an informative webinar on offering FY27 Career-Focused and Specialized Online Statewide Classes. This session will walk participants through key information from the promotional flyer, including what qualifies as a career-focused or specialized class, examples of eligible offerings, and the benefits of expanding access through statewide online delivery. We will also outline the steps for getting your class approved and ready for implementation.

Volunteer Core Training Module 4: Instructional Best Practices: Working with Materials
2026-05-19 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 5/19/26
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.

Integrating AI Literacy Across Adult Education Classes and Levels - Session 2
2026-05-21 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 5/21/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Integrating AI Literacy Across Adult Education Classes and Levels
Across adult education, AI literacy is a critical skill for navigating the modern workforce and daily life. This two-part webinar series moves beyond the “what” of AI to the “how” of classroom integration. In Part 1, Rachel Riggs will present four instructional approaches (explicit, contextualized, integrated, and project-based) to show how AI literacy can be woven into different classes and levels. Participants will see clear vignettes and concrete examples of AI integration that prioritize high-quality instruction. In Part 2, participants will return for a facilitated “Show & Tell” session to share their experiences implementing these strategies in an adapted lesson plan and discuss how AI can expand access to learning opportunities for all students.
FAQs:

How do I join? Please register for Session 1 and for Session 2. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from “MNABE Staff” with a Zoom link for each session.
Will the sessions be recorded? Yes! Session 1 will be recorded in its entirety and posted on the MN ABE PD YouTube channel. Participants in Session 2 will discuss and agree on how they would like to share the recording of the Show & Tell.
Can I attend Session 2 if I didn’t attend Session 1 or if I didn’t do the homework? Yes! Please join us for discussion and learning, wherever you are on your journey of AI literacy integration.
How do I request accommodations? Email the DL Helpdesk.
Can I earn CEUs? Yes, if you submit the evaluation after attending.

Teaching Reading Vocabulary
2026-05-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 5/27/26
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.

How Adult Brains Learn Languages Presented by Andrea Echelberger
2026-05-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 5/29/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Learn what research has to say about how adult brains learn a new language, how trauma and stress impact learning, and how this influences the teaching practices that we use in the language classroom. Participants will leave the webinar with suggestions for ways teachers and tutors can apply brain-based teaching practices as we are helping adult ESL students develop their language skills.

Annual Volunteer Report Refresher
2026-06-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 6/3/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Are you new to Adult Basic Education and completing the Annual Volunteer Report for the first time? Or would a quick refresher be helpful?

Join Literacy Minnesota and SiD as we return for the 5th year to support ABE programs in navigating the Annual Volunteer Report process.

This webinar will walk participants through how to accurately complete the report and answer any questions along the way. Completing this report is an important part of gathering essential volunteer data for the state of Minnesota.
All ABE staff are welcome to attend.

Teaching Intermediate Alphabetics
2026-06-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 6/11/26
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.

Racial Equity 101 Presented by Jimmie Heags
2026-06-15 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: MON. 6/15/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Join presenter Jimmie Heags, Jr., MA, LSC, LPCC, LADC, ACS, for this session that exposes how race is defined and how racism impacts individuals and institutions. The session will provide learners with a framework for understanding and disrupting the attitudes and structures that perpetuate inequality. Participants will be introduced to basic interventions to identify and disrupt racialized mindsets and practices that promote equity. Interventions will include how to be an anti-racist.
Objectives include the following:

Define the nature of race and racism and their origins and impact.
Examine the concepts of white privilege and white fragility.
Understand the nature of microaggressions and their impact.
Develop interventions for disrupting racist mindsets.

Teaching and Tutoring with Northstar Digital Literacy
2026-06-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 6/16/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

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 navigate Northstar digital literacy assessments.
How to use the Northstar instructor-led curriculum.
How to guide learners through the Northstar Digital Literacy Online Learning Modules.
Additional digital literacy resources.

The Learning Styles Myth (and the Teaching Practices Worth Keeping)
2026-06-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 6/18/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

Many of us were taught that students learn best when instruction matches their “learning style.” In this webinar, we’ll take a closer look at where that idea came from, why it stuck, and what research actually tells us. We’ll explore how learning‑style labels can end up doing more harm than good for learners. At the same time, we’ll focus on what is worth keeping — the useful lessons learning‑styles theory offers for language instruction. You’ll leave with practical, research‑based strategies you can use right away, without sorting students into boxes.

Volunteer Core Training Module 1: Overview of Minnesota Adult Education and Program Accountability
2026-06-23 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 6/23/26
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.

SiD Prep for August Reports 2026
2026-06-25 09:00 - 10:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: THU. 6/25/26
Venue: Online (see details below)

It’s almost time to wrap up the 25-26 NRS Program year! Join us as we review the reports due to MDE and share practical tips to help ensure your SiD data is accurate, complete, and ready for the August submission. We’ll also cover changes that go into effect July 1, and how to get a strong start on the 26-27 Program year.
Target audience: Staff responsible for preparing and submitting their consortium’s 25-26 NRS Program Year August Submission to MDE.

Developing and Practicing Reading Fluency
2026-06-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
Registration Deadline: FRI. 6/26/26
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.

Volunteer Core Training Module 2: Understanding Adult Learners
2026-06-30 18:30 - 20:30 | Online
Registration Deadline: TUE. 6/30/26
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.
