2026 Iowa Adult Education & Literacy Conference

The purpose of this presentation is to reconnect educators and professionals to their purpose, strengthen resilience, and inspire intentional, learner-centered practices that ultimately improve outcomes for the adults and communities they serve. The framework of the presentation/conversation will center on the following concepts. To understand and embrace that adult education can change the course of the lives of its students in a manner that is different than traditional education. To acknowledge the weight of the work in Adult Education. To embrace the power of belief and the impact it can have on adult learners and ourselves as educators/professionals. To remember your why with intentional practice, because over time, systems, along with the heaviness of what we do, can make us forget.  To understand and acknowledge that transformation often happens quietly over time. You are still making a difference, so trust the process. To learn of the positive ripple effect of your presence and contribution in adult education on individuals, families, and communities. 

A close look and training for all staff and faculty members on how to track, report, and measure professional development within the ConnectAble system.

Many adult education and continuing education programs want to offer workforce certification training but face real barriers to building it: curriculum development takes time, qualified instructors are hard to find, and upfront costs are hard to justify before a program has proven it can fill. In this session, Pearson will walk through a live demonstration of a self-paced certification training platform designed for adult learners pursuing careers in healthcare and IT, showing how the program is structured to build skills and keep learners on track. We'll open the floor for questions and discussion throughout, and close with a brainstorm on how your institution could partner with us to expand workforce pathways and impact more Iowans!

This practical workshop shares low-prep, high-impact activities for ABE, ESL, and HSE classrooms. Participants learn eight “quick win” lesson templates that work across levels, increase engagement, and simplify differentiation. Teachers and tutors leave with plug-and-play routines, leveled examples, and printable templates they can use immediately—perfect for busy instructors and volunteer-supported programs.