Welcome, Hailey Swanson, to the Adult Education Team at the Minnesota Department of Education!

Brad Hasskamp, State Adult Education Director/Supervisor Hailey Swanson, Grants, Records, and Administrative Support Specialist

The Adult Education Team at the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is excited to have Hailey Swanson (she/her) join our team as the Adult Education (ABE) Grants, Records, and Administrative Support Specialist! Hailey’s first day was Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

Hailey’s role will include splitting the High School Equivalency (HSE) records with Neill Allard (they/them) on our team. That will be half of her daily work. Another aspect of her role will be to help coordinate grants processes with the Adult Education team and the Grants and Finance Specialists at MDE. In addition, she will be providing some team administrative and leadership support with the team.

Even though Hailey is working with HSE records and grants, that does not change who you contact at MDE regarding that work:

• HSE records requests, age waivers, or other HSE records issues should still be emailed to [email protected].

• Grants questions should still be sent to the MDE grants specialist and/or the Adult Education team member that has been overseeing the work.

Hailey joins us from the Adult Education program in the St. Croix River Education District (SCRED), part of the Metro East Consortium. She completed her ABE licensure program at Hamline this spring. She has a great deal of skills and experience with adult education and K12 in a variety of roles, including teaching, coordination, and program support.

Please join us in welcoming Hailey Swanson to the Minnesota Department of Education! Brad had an opportunity to ask Hailey some questions so you can get to know her better.

Question 1: Tell us about your experience before coming to the Minnesota Department of Education.

Response: Prior to joining MDE I worked at the St. Croix River Education District for six years supporting their ABE program and their youth summer enrichment program (Project SEEK), before transitioning to ABE instruction online and in-person GED prep for Chisago Lakes and North Branch students.

Question 2: What are you most excited about in this role? Why did you apply to join the team at MDE?

Response: I am excited to be back behind the scenes. I enjoyed my time as an instructor but prefer to be part of the admin team. I wanted to continue to work in the field of ABE, and the room to learn and continue growing was the biggest appeal in applying to MDE.

Question 3: What have been some of the lessons learned during your first couple days on the team?

Response: I have a lot to learn! Everyone on my team is outstandingly supportive and willing to give guidance. I joined in time to participate in the PD day and am impressed and heartened by MDE commitment to DEI training and practices.

Question 4: What are some fun facts about you, Hailey?

Response: I am a graduate student at Hamline in the ABE licensure program, have two cats, and like to bicycle.

Question 5: What would you like to say to the Minnesota adult education field?

Response: I am so happy to be here and I hope that my on the ground experience brings solutions and valuable input to the team!

Brad Hasskamp, State Adult Education Director/Supervisor Minnesota Department of Education

Hailey Swanson, Grants, Records, and Administrative Support Specialist Minnesota Department of Education

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