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: WED. 4/23/25 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. Learn More
Registration deadline: FRI. 4/25/25 The Support Staff Online Coffee Break Series continues with Christine Wytaske and Alec Lunneborg of Metro South, and Rachel Stiglitz of Metro East, discussing Intake Best Practices. They will focus on data collection, including: Who is eligible for Adult Education What information we are… Learn More
Registration Deadline: MON. 4/28/25 When teaching adult learners from many different cultures, it’s important to understand that our cultures shape the way we process new knowledge and approach learning and problem solving. One example of this is if learners come from more collectivist or individualist cultures. Have you… Learn More
