2026 Iowa Adult Education & Literacy Conference

Laura Hidlebaugh is the Director of Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Programs at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa. As Director since 2019, she oversees English Language Learning, High School Completion, Adult Basic Education, Family Literacy, Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE), and Integrated Education and Training (IET). Hawkeye offers IET using multiple models, including Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST). Courses offered include Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Computer Numerical Control (CNC), Hospitality Management, Basic Construction Skills, and Childcare Essentials, as well as AEL instruction in workplace literacy and corrections. Previously, Laura managed the English Language Learning and Family Literacy programs for six years and was an English Language Learning Instructor for 12 years in the U.S. and abroad. She holds a Master's in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Northern Iowa.