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Transitions 101

This webinar provides the basics of what is meant by “Transitions” in adult education. ATLAS and the Minnesota Department of Education give an overview of relevant work and professional learning options around adult career pathways, IET, transitions to post-secondary entry, and more!

Video #6: Analyzing Our Lessons with the Culture Tree

The Culture Tree helps us name tangible parts of culture, so that when we look at our lesson plans, we can figure out how much of the content is based on our own culture and ways of seeing/thinking of things. Therefore, once we name what part of culture the lesson connects with, we can then think about what kinds of discussion questions or content will invite learners to share about their own experiences. This makes class more relevant and helps learners bridge information they already know to new skills and knowledge.

Videos Series: Moving Equity Forward in Adult Education

Moving Equity Forward in Adult Education is a series of short videos around DEI/antiracism topics in adult education. Each video and accompanying discussion questions will package an important concept that works toward justice in a format that is easily accessible for educators. Videos cover topics such as understanding culture, discovering learners’ funds of knowledge, being a warm demander, and using diverse teaching materials.

Video #4: Tapping into Diverse Perspectives and Teaching Materials

This video discusses what “diverse perspectives and teaching materials” mean, and why this is important to learner success in the classroom. Using diverse materials makes class more relevant to learners’ lives and helps them bridge information they already know to new information. Utilizing diverse perspectives in class content is also key to building up critical thinking skills. We take a look at numerous resources that can help each of us diversify the visuals, videos, audio, and written materials we use.

Video #3: Being a Warm Demander

This video takes a look at a spectrum of different kinds of teachers and asks you to reflect on where you would place yourself. We argue, based on Zaretta Hammond’s work, that the “warm demander” is the sweet spot of the spectrum which focuses on building trust with learners while also holding them to high standards to meet their learning goals. We then discuss tools to practice building relationships with learners, creating a learning partnership pact, and giving quality feedback so learners can meet their goals.

Video #5: Building Relationships as a Classroom Routine

This video takes a look at a favorite tool called the Culture Tree which helps us name tangible parts of culture so we can dig deep with our students. When we go past talking about surface level culture, such as holidays and food (which yes, are really fun to learn about!), we can build trust and relationships with learners. Incorporating deep culture makes class more relevant, and building trust is key for students to really engage with their learning.

Video #2: Discovering Learners’ Funds of Knowledge

In this video, we define and discuss the terms “funds of knowledge” and “an asset-based perspective.” A key element of equity in the classroom is acknowledging learners have a wealth of knowledge based on their own experiences, and we should provide opportunities for learners to be the experts in the room. Once we learn what students’ assets are, we can weave this information into class content, which helps learners be more successful. We take a look at an example lesson.

Video #1: Why is DEI Important in our Adult Education Classrooms?

In this video, we start from the beginning and introduce the terms Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and what they mean for adult education. We talk about why honoring learners’ backgrounds and cultures in our schools is necessary for learner success.

PBS LearningMedia for Science

PBS LearningMedia provides a suite of resources on a broad variety of topics; from science to social studies, to health and professional development. As an added bonus, educators can search for materials by both subject and grade level, further specifying which resource is best suited for a classroom.

Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Teaching in Adult ESOL

A helpful resource from our colleagues at SABES in Massachusetts, this video defines Culturally Responsive and Sustaining Teaching (CRST), in conjunction with Massachusetts' ESOL Professional Standard 3. SABES provides a brief overview of the 5 key elements they use to break down CRST in order to assist educators trying to find more specific ways of implementing these practices in their classrooms. There is also a Flipgrid article that gives more classroom examples of these 5 key elements.

Social and Emotional Learning for Adult Multilingual Learners Toolkit

The Social and Emotional Learning for Adult Multilingual Learners Toolkit was created to “offer explanations, tips, materials, and links to help ESOL teachers and programs better understand and integrate social-emotional learning [SEL] into the adult English language classroom.” It also helps adult education instructors understand the connections between ABE and SEL. Although this resource was developed to be used with non-native speakers of English, the information and activities could be used with any adult learner.

Center for Global Environmental Education (CGEE) – Hamline University

CGEE provides online classrooms activities, videos, and images for K-12 students that are adaptable for adult education. Many of these resources are focused on the watershed health of the Mississippi River and Lake Superior. Activities include interactive demonstrations of watersheds and more intentional action projects such as Adopt-a-Drain.

Differing Types of Workplace Credentials

This 10-minute video from WorkCred.org breaks down the differences among credentials, certification, certificates, and licenses. There is also a handout from WorkCred.org that breaks down credentials, certification, certificates, and licenses, including how they are awarded, what they indicate, and several examples.

To the girl in English class

Similar to the Karen Leung video in this section of the library, this TikTok video by Hafsat Abdullahi is another unfortunate but great example of an English language learner speaking about their own experience learning English and facing discrimination. This resource provides several ideas for activities you can use with the English learners you work with.

Understanding Heteronormativity in Language Teaching Materials

In this 20-minute video, Ashley Moore, author of the peer reviewed journal article "Understanding heteronormativity in ELT textbooks: A practical taxonomy", answers the questions: But what is "heteronormativity"? How does it manifest in language teaching materials? How can we, as language educators, combat heteronormativity effectively?

Education Liberates

Hear directly from scholar giants in the field of education bell hooks and Bettina Love as they discuss racism in education, Abolitionist Teaching, and what educators can do to strive for justice in their classrooms. Like many other sources, they discuss k-12 schools, but there's still so much to prompt us to reflect on our own adult education teaching.

We Want to Do More Than Survive

In this phenomenal panel discussion, Bettina Love, Genevieve DeBose Akinnagbe, and Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz discuss Dr. Love's book We Want to Do More Than Survive, which addresses the racism in education. Dr. Love suggests Abolitionist Teaching as a way of life that all educators need to commit to. Check out this fascinating talk to reflect more on how racism shows up in our own classes and what we can do about it.

New Resources

Transitions 101

This webinar provides the basics of what is meant by “Transitions” in adult education. ATLAS and the Minnesota Department of Education give an overview of relevant work and professional learning options around adult career pathways, IET, transitions to post-secondary entry, and more!

Video #6: Analyzing Our Lessons with the Culture Tree

The Culture Tree helps us name tangible parts of culture, so that when we look at our lesson plans, we can figure out how much of the content is based on our own culture and ways of seeing/thinking of things. Therefore, once we name what part of culture the lesson connects with, we can then think about what kinds of discussion questions or content will invite learners to share about their own experiences. This makes class more relevant and helps learners bridge information they already know to new skills and knowledge.

Videos Series: Moving Equity Forward in Adult Education

Moving Equity Forward in Adult Education is a series of short videos around DEI/antiracism topics in adult education. Each video and accompanying discussion questions will package an important concept that works toward justice in a format that is easily accessible for educators. Videos cover topics such as understanding culture, discovering learners’ funds of knowledge, being a warm demander, and using diverse teaching materials.

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PD Catalog

Get an overview of all MN Adult Education professional development (PD) activities in one convenient, searchable place!

PD Catalog

Presenter Information

Get information about stipends, reimbursements, the MN Adult Ed policy on use of images in presentations, and other instructions for presenters.

 

MN Adult Ed YouTube Channel

The MN Adult Education YouTube Channel is a free online PD resource that you can use to explore teaching techniques and classroom ideas in action! Find out more in this MN ABE Connect newsletter article.

 

ATLAS Announcements & Future PD

Check out the latest list of ATLAS professional development announcements and opportunities! This is the document that is shared at all ATLAS events.

 

Virtual Meeting Resources

Find resources for conducting online meetings/events/presentations! You are welcome to use and adapt these materials to fit your own needs and context.

 

Upcoming ABE Events

February 7, 2025 8:30 am–12:30 pm
ATLAS
Online

PELSB Cultural Competency Training – Part 1

Online

Registration Deadline: THU. 2/6/25 Facilitated by Dr. Rose Wan-Mui Chu and Andrea Echelberger, this online PELSB-approved cultural competency training is aligned to state statute and provides Minnesota adult educators the opportunity to engage in dialogue, activities, and reflective practices to increase their cultural awareness and competency. Learn More

Online
February 7, 2025 1:00 pm–3:00 pm
Literacy Minnesota
Online

Volunteer Core Training Module 2: Understanding Adult Learners

Online

Registration Deadline: FRI. 2/7/25 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… Learn More

Online
February 10, 2025 9:00 am–4:00 pm
See Moua-Leske
The Upper Room
100 West College Drive, Suite #300
Marshall, MN 56258 United States

It Begins With Us

The Upper Room
100 West College Drive, Suite #300
Marshall, MN 56258 United States

Registration Deadline: FRI. 2/7/25 COST: $45 per day Come join us for our annual It Begins with Us Conference on February 10-11! We will be at a new location this year at The Upper Conference, located in downtown Marshall. Day 1 will be an immersive and interactive Virtual Dementia… Learn More

The Upper Room
100 West College Drive, Suite #300
Marshall, MN 56258 United States