January 2021
One Step at a Time: Remote Tutoring for Literacy Level Learners
Registration Deadline: WED. 1/27/21 Learners with limited English and literacy skills are proving that they are successful remote learners. In this webinar, learn creative approaches that tutors are taking to support literacy level learners through remote one-on-one tutoring using video calls. Participants will learn best practices, try out alphabetics and vocabulary building exercises, and hear success stories from tutors who are making it work!
Northstar Digital Literacy: Getting Started with Northstar
Registration Deadline: NONE; simply click on website link (in DETAILS box below) when webinar is starting *Note* We are repeating this webinar originally held on 1/6/21 due to a high level of interest in these topics. Please note this webinar is intended for Northstar sites. Are you just getting started with Northstar? Have you been using Northstar for a while but would like a refresher on available resources? Join us for a tour of the features on your Northstar Admin Portal,…
Language & Literacy 2021 Institute – VIRTUAL
Registration Deadline: FRI. 1/29/21 If you require ASL Interpretation, please contact Gail Rutan at grutan01@hamline.edu as soon as possible. For detailed session descriptions, please review the PROGRAM SCHEDULE A program flyer with zoom links for every workshop will be provided to all registrants prior to the event. DAY 1: Thursday, January 28, 2021 8:30 am: Log in to check sound & video 8:45: General Session 9:15-11:15: Concurrent Session 1 (3 workshop choices) 11:15-11:30: Break 11:30-12:15: Take ‘n Bake Informational Session …
February 2021
Remote Tutoring 101
Registration Deadline: TUE. 2/2/21 Join Literacy Minnesota Adult Basic Education and ESL trainers for a virtual workshop on how to be an effective tutor from a distance! Learn best practices for connecting and communicating one-on-one with adult learners on the phone or online, get suggestions for correcting errors and checking comprehension in a virtual setting, and discover language activities that can be done over the phone or on a video call. Can’t wait to “see” you there!
Making It Work: Adapting Materials 101
Registration Deadline: WED. 2/3/21 The transition to remote tutoring offers a variety of rewards and challenges. In this workshop, learn recommendations for adapting materials designed for in-person instruction into a remote teaching format. (WhatsApp will be modeled for one-to-one tutoring, Zoom will be modeled for small group instruction.) The presenter will demonstrate approaches for introducing reading, writing, and vocabulary on a phone or computer and will model adaptations for common ESL classroom activities. Participants will receive a handout that includes recommendations…
EBRI Study Circle – Virtual
This series of six meetings, facilitated by Marn Frank, ATLAS, from early February through early May will introduce the foundations of and best practices for evidence-based reading instruction (or EBRI). The content will include: the four reading components and their interrelationships, diagnostic reading assessment purposes and processes, explicit instruction for word skills (alphabetics and vocabulary) and text skills (fluency and comprehension), and teacher-recommended print or online teaching resources. Along with full meeting attendance, participants will be expected to complete short…
Comprehension Strategies for Intermediate-Level Readers
Registration Deadline: MON. 2/8/21 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.
A Roadmap for Success: Remote Lesson Planning 101
Registration Deadline: TUE. 2/9/21 Whether you are teaching one learner on WhatsApp or a large group on Zoom, lesson planning is a critical part of ensuring learner success with virtual instruction. During this webinar, you will learn how to design lessons so that both the teacher and the learners experience success. Topics covered include: how to write effective objectives to guide your planning, tried and true planning methods and lesson plan formats, and how to build in comprehension checks throughout…
Developing Fluency and Vocabulary for Beginning English Speakers
Registration Deadline: WED. 2/10/21 Beginning level language learners are expected to master a great deal of vocabulary right from the start. In this webinar, discover methods for teaching vocabulary to beginning level English learners and recommendations for making it stick. Participants will also explore ways to build speaking fluency and confidence, and will leave with concrete activity ideas that can be used in one-on-one or small group instruction.
Remote Tutoring 101
Registration Deadline: THU. 2/11/21 Join Literacy Minnesota Adult Basic Education and ESL trainers for a virtual workshop on how to be an effective tutor from a distance! Learn best practices for connecting and communicating one-on-one with adult learners on the phone or online, get suggestions for correcting errors and checking comprehension in a virtual setting, and discover language activities that can be done over the phone or on a video call. Can’t wait to “see” you there!
Developing and Practicing Reading Fluency
Registration Deadline: MON. 2/15/21 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…
What Is Ableism Anyway? And What Can We Do About It?
Registration Deadline: TUES. 2/16/21 Disability is often absent from talks about social justice. Yet, people with disabilities have arguably some of the worst U.S. health, education, housing, employment, and community safety outcomes. Why? One answer is ableism. Ableism shapes both how people with disabilities experience society and how society designs its systems of exclusion. In this session, we’ll first look at the word “normal.” Second, we’ll get a snapshot of disability history and how it intersects with race, language, gender,…
Talk Amongst Yourselves: Building Up to Student-Facilitated Conversations
Registration Deadline: WED. 2/17/21 Learn about three essential skills students need in order to join a conversation and keep it going. This webinar will demonstrate how to introduce those strategies and get students talking in small groups online. Come ready to participate in your own small groups and try out the techniques yourself!
Teaching Citizenship Online
Registration Deadline: WED. 2/17/21 Jessica Horning, citizenship teacher for the Literacy Minnesota Open Door Learning Centers, will share multiple ways to teach and review the content of the citizenship interview in fun, interactive ways using a virtual teaching platforms such as Zoom or Google Meet. Participants will receive links to online resources that can be used in one-on-one or small group teaching settings. Please note that this training will be recorded.
Facilitating Positive Experiences during Remote Learning 101
Registration Deadline: FRI. 2/19/21 In this webinar, Literacy Minnesota teachers will share some of their favorite virtual routines that promote successful learning. Discover tried and true practices for creating interactive and engaging small group and large group virtual activities, and learn tricks and explore free tools to make virtual lessons go smoothly. Participants will leave with ideas and classroom management practices that can be put into practice immediately.
Pronunciation Study Circle – Meeting 1 of 3
Registration Deadline: MON. 2/15/21 This study circle, led by Andrea Echelberger of Literacy Minnesota, is a professional learning activity for adult ESL teachers who are interested in integrating effective pronunciation instruction into their regular teaching practice. It includes 3 face-to-face meetings of 2 hours each plus classroom-based reflection and peer observation. Meeting dates: February 19, March 12, & March 26, 2021 Meeting times: 2:00-4:00 pm via Zoom Please note: you must register for EACH meeting separately, but attendance at all…
Adult Career Pathways Webinar #3 – JOBS HERE! Workforce 101 for Adult Educators
Registration Deadline: TUE. 2/23/21 Are you confused by the terms workforce, CareerForce, One Stop, and LWDBs? Come decipher the workforce development system’s “alphabet soup” of terms as well as their connections to Adult Basic Education. Whether you are a manager or a teacher, come learn how the workforce system can support your students with their employment goals. If you require ASL Interpretation, please contact Gail Rutan (grutan01@hamline.edu) as soon as possible.
Developing Fluency and Vocabulary for Beginning English Speakers
Registration Deadline: TUE. 2/23/21 Beginning level language learners are expected to master a great deal of vocabulary right from the start. In this webinar, discover methods for teaching vocabulary to beginning level English learners and recommendations for making it stick. Participants will also explore ways to build speaking fluency and confidence, and will leave with concrete activity ideas that can be used in one-on-one or small group instruction.
Racial Equity 101
Registration Deadline: WED. 2/24/21 Join us for a webinar and virtual conversation on racial equity. During this session, we’ll discuss important terms, including racism, white supremacy, white privilege and white fragility. We’ll also practice responding to instances of racism in various scenarios. You’ll leave with resources to address and dismantle racism. This is a great session for those who are newer to conversations on race or those who would like to share their knowledge and experiences with others. All are…
Tutoring with Northstar Digital Literacy
Registration Deadline: WED. 2/24/21 The last year has shown just how vital digital literacy skills are in society. Northstar Digital Literacy provides a wide-range of tools and resources to help learners develop their digital literacy skills. In the webinar, participants will learn: The features of Northstar Digital Literacy How to set up and proctor a Northstar assessment How to access and use the Northstar Proctor Portal How find assessments and learner information How to access the Northstar Online Learning Portal…
One Step at a Time: Remote Tutoring for Literacy Level Learners
Registration Deadline: THU. 2/25/21 Learners with limited English and literacy skills are proving that they are successful remote learners. In this webinar, learn creative approaches that tutors are taking to support literacy level learners through remote one-on-one tutoring using video calls. Participants will learn best practices, try out alphabetics and vocabulary building exercises, and hear success stories from tutors who are making it work!
EBRI Study Circle – Virtual
This series of six meetings, facilitated by Marn Frank, ATLAS, from early February through early May will introduce the foundations of and best practices for evidence-based reading instruction (or EBRI). The content will include: the four reading components and their interrelationships, diagnostic reading assessment purposes and processes, explicit instruction for word skills (alphabetics and vocabulary) and text skills (fluency and comprehension), and teacher-recommended print or online teaching resources. Along with full meeting attendance, participants will be expected to complete short…
Tutoring with Northstar Digital Literacy
Registration Deadline: FRI. 2/26/21 The last year has shown just how vital digital literacy skills are in society. Northstar Digital Literacy provides a wide-range of tools and resources to help learners develop their digital literacy skills. In the webinar, participants will learn: The features of Northstar Digital Literacy How to set up and proctor a Northstar assessment How to access and use the Northstar Proctor Portal How find assessments and learner information How to access the Northstar Online Learning Portal…
March 2021
Teaching Reading Vocabulary Remotely or In Person
Registration Deadline: TUE. 3/2/21 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…
Remote Tutoring 101
Registration Deadline: WED. 3/3/21 Join Literacy Minnesota Adult Basic Education and ESL trainers for a virtual workshop on how to be an effective tutor from a distance! Learn best practices for connecting and communicating one-on-one with adult learners on the phone or online, get suggestions for correcting errors and checking comprehension in a virtual setting, and discover language activities that can be done over the phone or on a video call. Can’t wait to “see” you there!
Islamophobia in the United States
Registration Deadline: WED. 3/3/21 Muslim-Americans have been part of the fabric of the United States for centuries. Yet the religion of Islam and those who identify as Muslim continue to be misunderstood, misrepresented, and targeted. This session will cover some of the core principles of Islam, its geographical impact, and the daily experiences of Muslim-Americans. Common stereotypes of Islam will also be addressed. Our time will also focus on Somali-Americans living in Minnesota, including the results of a qualitative narrative…
Spring 2021 Un-Regional Event – Virtual
Registration opens: 2/9/21 This is an online conference for all Minnesota Adult Education Practitioners. Details Forthcoming!
Tutoring with Northstar Digital Literacy
Registration Deadline: TUE. 3/9/21 The last year has shown just how vital digital literacy skills are in society. Northstar Digital Literacy provides a wide-range of tools and resources to help learners develop their digital literacy skills. In the webinar, participants will learn: The features of Northstar Digital Literacy How to set up and proctor a Northstar assessment How to access and use the Northstar Proctor Portal How find assessments and learner information How to access the Northstar Online Learning Portal…
Making It Work: Adapting Materials 101
Registration Deadline: WED. 3/10/21 The transition to remote tutoring offers a variety of rewards and challenges. In this workshop, learn recommendations for adapting materials designed for in-person instruction into a remote teaching format. (WhatsApp will be modeled for one-to-one tutoring, Zoom will be modeled for small group instruction.) The presenter will demonstrate approaches for introducing reading, writing, and vocabulary on a phone or computer and will model adaptations for common ESL classroom activities. Participants will receive a handout that includes recommendations…
A Roadmap for Success: Remote Lesson Planning 101
Registration Deadline: THU. 3/11/21 Whether you are teaching one learner on WhatsApp or a large group on Zoom, lesson planning is a critical part of ensuring learner success with virtual instruction. During this webinar, you will learn how to design lessons so that both the teacher and the learners experience success. Topics covered include: how to write effective objectives to guide your planning, tried and true planning methods and lesson plan formats, and how to build in comprehension checks throughout…
Pronunciation Study Circle – Meeting 2 of 3
Registration Deadline: MON. 2/15/21 This study circle, led by Andrea Echelberger of Literacy Minnesota, is a professional learning activity for adult ESL teachers who are interested in integrating effective pronunciation instruction into their regular teaching practice. It includes 3 face-to-face meetings of 2 hours each plus classroom-based reflection and peer observation. Meeting dates: February 19, March 12, & March 26, 2021 Meeting times: 2:00-4:00 pm via Zoom Please note: you must register for EACH meeting separately, but attendance at all…
Teaching Phonics Virtually to Adult ESL Learners
Registration Deadline: TUE. 3/16/21 Phonics is a crucial part of becoming a reader, yet many adult ESL learners lack sufficient decoding skills to be able to sound out and recognize new words, and don’t get adequate phonics instruction in their beginning level classes. In this webinar, you’ll learn phonics activities to help learners with blending, segmenting, and developing phonemic awareness skills. Participants will leave with multiple activities they can use in one-on-one virtual tutoring or online classes, as well as…
EBRI Study Circle – Virtual
This series of six meetings, facilitated by Marn Frank, ATLAS, from early February through early May will introduce the foundations of and best practices for evidence-based reading instruction (or EBRI). The content will include: the four reading components and their interrelationships, diagnostic reading assessment purposes and processes, explicit instruction for word skills (alphabetics and vocabulary) and text skills (fluency and comprehension), and teacher-recommended print or online teaching resources. Along with full meeting attendance, participants will be expected to complete short…
Comprehension Strategies for Intermediate-Level Readers
Registration Deadline: FRI. 3/19/21 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.
Facilitating Positive Experiences during Remote Learning 101
Registration Deadline: TUE. 3/23/21 In this webinar, Literacy Minnesota teachers will share some of their favorite virtual routines that promote successful learning. Discover tried and true practices for creating interactive and engaging small group and large group virtual activities, and learn tricks and explore free tools to make virtual lessons go smoothly. Participants will leave with ideas and classroom management practices that can be put into practice immediately.
Remote Tutoring 101
Registration Deadline: WED. 3/24/21 Join Literacy Minnesota Adult Basic Education and ESL trainers for a virtual workshop on how to be an effective tutor from a distance! Learn best practices for connecting and communicating one-on-one with adult learners on the phone or online, get suggestions for correcting errors and checking comprehension in a virtual setting, and discover language activities that can be done over the phone or on a video call. Can’t wait to “see” you there!
EBRI Study Circle – Virtual
This series of six meetings, facilitated by Marn Frank, ATLAS, from early February through early May will introduce the foundations of and best practices for evidence-based reading instruction (or EBRI). The content will include: the four reading components and their interrelationships, diagnostic reading assessment purposes and processes, explicit instruction for word skills (alphabetics and vocabulary) and text skills (fluency and comprehension), and teacher-recommended print or online teaching resources. Along with full meeting attendance, participants will be expected to complete short…
Pronunciation Study Circle – Meeting 3 of 3
Registration Deadline: MON. 2/15/21 This study circle, led by Andrea Echelberger of Literacy Minnesota, is a professional learning activity for adult ESL teachers who are interested in integrating effective pronunciation instruction into their regular teaching practice. It includes 3 face-to-face meetings of 2 hours each plus classroom-based reflection and peer observation. Meeting dates: February 19, March 12, & March 26, 2021 Meeting times: 2:00-4:00 pm via Zoom Please note: you must register for EACH meeting separately, but attendance at all…
Teaching Phonics Virtually to Adult ESL Learners
Registration Deadline: WED. 3/31/21 Phonics is a crucial part of becoming a reader, yet many adult ESL learners lack sufficient decoding skills to be able to sound out and recognize new words, and don’t get adequate phonics instruction in their beginning level classes. In this webinar, you’ll learn phonics activities to help learners with blending, segmenting, and developing phonemic awareness skills. Participants will leave with multiple activities they can use in one-on-one virtual tutoring or online classes, as well as suggestions…
April 2021
Talk Amongst Yourselves: Building Up to Student-Facilitated Conversations
Registration Deadline: THU. 4/1/21 Learn about three essential skills students need in order to join a conversation and keep it going. This webinar will demonstrate how to introduce those strategies and get students talking in small groups online. Come ready to participate in your own small groups and try out the techniques yourself!
Please Say That Again: Virtual Pronunciation Instruction for Adult ESL Learners
Registration Deadline: TUE. 4/6/21 It can be challenging to make yourself understood over the phone, even for native English speakers! In this webinar, learn about three different pronunciation features that can be taught and practiced during virtual video instruction. Participants will learn how the three features impact speakers’ intelligibility, and explore activities designed to help learners practice using these features in their daily speech.
How Adult Brains Learn Languages
Registration Deadline: THU. 4/8/21 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.
A Roadmap for Success: Remote Lesson Planning 101
Registration Deadline: TUE. 4/13/21 Whether you are teaching one learner on WhatsApp or a large group on Zoom, lesson planning is a critical part of ensuring learner success with virtual instruction. During this webinar, you will learn how to design lessons so that both the teacher and the learners experience success. Topics covered include: how to write effective objectives to guide your planning, tried and true planning methods and lesson plan formats, and how to build in comprehension checks throughout…
Accent Bias and Discrimination in the United States
Registration Deadline: WED. 4/14/21 Teachers of adult ESL learners often hear stories of learners trying out their new English skills in the community, and being ignored or rebuffed because of their accent. In this workshop, learn about accent bias research, the politics of accent in the United States, and the ways that accent bias can result in discrimination for non-native speakers of English. Participants will role play ways to interrupt accent bias and advocate for English language learners in their…
Cultural Competency Training for Adult Educators
Registration Deadline: THU. 4/8/21 There is a great deal more to cultural competency than using the right words or choosing multicultural readings. This training will introduce adult educators to concepts and skills needed to start on the journey to becoming a more culturally competent educator. Per MN Statutes 122A.181 and 122A.182, and MN Administrative Rule 8710.7100 every teacher in Minnesota who is seeking relicensure needs to complete the cultural competency training requirement. This PELSB-approved cultural competency training is aligned to…
Talk Amongst Yourselves: Building Up to Student-Facilitated Conversations
Registration Deadline: TUE. 4/20/21 Learn about three essential skills students need in order to join a conversation and keep it going. This webinar will demonstrate how to introduce those strategies and get students talking in small groups online. Come ready to participate in your own small groups and try out the techniques yourself!
Please Say That Again: Virtual Pronunciation Instruction for Adult ESL Learners
Registration Deadline: THU. 4/22/21 It can be challenging to make yourself understood over the phone, even for native English speakers! In this webinar, learn about three different pronunciation features that can be taught and practiced during virtual video instruction. Participants will learn how the three features impact speakers’ intelligibility, and explore activities designed to help learners practice using these features in their daily speech.
EBRI Study Circle – Virtual
This series of six meetings, facilitated by Marn Frank, ATLAS, from early February through early May will introduce the foundations of and best practices for evidence-based reading instruction (or EBRI). The content will include: the four reading components and their interrelationships, diagnostic reading assessment purposes and processes, explicit instruction for word skills (alphabetics and vocabulary) and text skills (fluency and comprehension), and teacher-recommended print or online teaching resources. Along with full meeting attendance, participants will be expected to complete short…
I Hear You! Effective Listening Instruction for English Language Learners
Registration Deadline: TUE. 4/27/21 Come learn how explicit listening instruction builds a foundation for literacy skills and fosters independence for language learners. This workshop will identify authentic learning tasks that English learners encounter daily, try out a variety of listening activities across multiple levels, and discuss which explicit listening strategies are used for each one. Participants will leave with ideas for listening tasks that can be used in remote or in-person instruction.
How Adult Brains Learn Languages
Registration Deadline: WED. 4/28/21 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.
Cultural Competency Training for Adult Educators
Registration Deadline: THU. 4/8/21 There is a great deal more to cultural competency than using the right words or choosing multicultural readings. This training will introduce adult educators to concepts and skills needed to start on the journey to becoming a more culturally competent educator. Per MN Statutes 122A.181 and 122A.182, and MN Administrative Rule 8710.7100 every teacher in Minnesota who is seeking relicensure needs to complete the cultural competency training requirement. This PELSB-approved cultural competency training is aligned to…
May 2021
Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices for Adult Learners
Registration Deadline: TUE. 5/4/21 Trauma and chronic stress can come in many forms, and impact people’s ability to learn new skills and process information in a variety of different ways. In this webinar, learn how stress and trauma can manifest in the classroom, and learn about trauma-informed teaching practices that can help to support positive learning behaviors and increase retention and learner comfort.
EBRI Study Circle – Virtual
This series of six meetings, facilitated by Marn Frank, ATLAS, from early February through early May will introduce the foundations of and best practices for evidence-based reading instruction (or EBRI). The content will include: the four reading components and their interrelationships, diagnostic reading assessment purposes and processes, explicit instruction for word skills (alphabetics and vocabulary) and text skills (fluency and comprehension), and teacher-recommended print or online teaching resources. Along with full meeting attendance, participants will be expected to complete short…
I Hear You! Effective Listening Instruction for English Language Learners
Registration Deadline: WED. 5/12/21 Come learn how explicit listening instruction builds a foundation for literacy skills and fosters independence for language learners. This workshop will identify authentic learning tasks that English learners encounter daily, try out a variety of listening activities across multiple levels, and discuss which explicit listening strategies are used for each one. Participants will leave with ideas for listening tasks that can be used in remote or in-person instruction.
LGBTQIA+ Topics in ABE Spaces
Registration Deadline: FRI. 5/14/21 What do welcoming spaces in adult education look like? How can we make sure LGBTQIA+ learners, volunteers and professionals feel they belong? In this session, ABE professionals in the LGBTQIA+ community will invite participants to reflect on and discuss topics of gender and sexuality in ESL/ABE classrooms and instruction. Participants will brainstorm how to include more queer representation in adult education curricula, program environments and materials. Presenters will provide lesson examples for teaching gender-inclusive language. It…
Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices for Adult Learners
Registration Deadline: WED. 5/19/21 Trauma and chronic stress can come in many forms, and impact people’s ability to learn new skills and process information in a variety of different ways. In this webinar, learn how stress and trauma can manifest in the classroom, and learn about trauma-informed teaching practices that can help to support positive learning behaviors and increase retention and learner comfort.
Event Archive
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PD Catalog
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