2019 ABE Awards

Literacy Action Network’s annual Adult Basic Education (ABE) award banquet was held the evening of August 15 as part of the MN ABE Summer Institute conference.  This year had several award recipients who were among their colleagues, friends and families while being honored for their achievements.

Thomas Keeler received the ABE Outstanding Learner award and was nominated by instructors in the NW Service Co-op.  This award recognizes a learner who has made a significant impact on adult literacy and has a powerful commitment to volunteer and lead peers.

Terri Ferris, an instructor in the AEOA consortium was honored as the ABE Teacher of the Year, an award presented to recognize outstanding performance as an ABE teacher.

Jessica Jones, Lead ESL teacher at the Open Door Learning Center-Arlington Hills was presented the ABE Leadership award to recognize her exemplary leadership, flexibility and creativity in her ABE program.

Stephanie Sommers, Minneapolis Adult Basic Education, received the ABE Service and Achievement award, presented to an individual who has dedicated at least 10 years to the field and whose service has made a significant impact on their program, their region or the state.

Also receiving awards for the evening were three exemplary projects of need and innovation (PONI Award) given in recognition to outstanding projects, or people that have met a unique need and demonstrate innovation in the field of ABE.  Recipients of this award were:

• Adult Academic Program International Fashion Show – John Trerotola, Tim Woodbury and Julie Kleve, Adult Academic Program, Robbinsdale Area Schools
• Empowering Parents, Educating Families – Ebyan Adulle, Minnesota Literacy Council
• #IamABE – Erin Cary, Kristin Klas and Jamie Kreil, Lyndale Education Program

Congratulations to all!

For additional information and photos, check out the ABE awards page on the Literacy Action Network website.