As a first-time instructor in Adult Education, Carl Silva recognized the transformative power of peer support and set out to establish a one-of-a-kind student organization tailored to the unique needs of adult learners. This initiative resulted in the creation of the Adult Continuing Education (ACE) student organization, a club designed to foster a supportive community where students can connect, collaborate, and thrive academically, personally, and professionally. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the journey to creating ACE, detailing the step-by-step process and timeline of its development. Attendees will gain insight into the initial vision for the organization, the challenges encountered, and the strategies used to engage stakeholders and secure student buy-in. The presentation will also review ACE's mission, bylaws, and the guiding principles that shape its purpose. In addition, the session will highlight the methods used to market the organization to adult learners and the broader community, including outreach efforts, promotional materials, and communication strategies. Key yearly activities and future goals of the organization will be outlined to showcase how ACE fosters meaningful engagement and provides valuable student support. By sharing this process, we hope other programs can consider developing similar initiatives, empowering adult learners through community-building and mutual support.

Are you trying to find that sweet spot to achieve results with your students? Join Meredith and Ladawn with Essential Ed to learn about their seven best practices that have been trialed and tested within many programs nationwide that give you the results you want to achieve with your students.

Transforming Classroom Instruction, Amplifying Lesson Planning, Empowering Student Learning!

This is a collaborative group session geared towards curriculum development and instructional ideas for ELA/ESL instructors.

Participants should bring a lesson that you use in the classroom that is engaging. Also bring a website that you use (either to plan or teach with) that others may not know about.

In this interactive and dynamic session, participants will delve into thirteen challenging topics relevant in adult education today. Whether exploring ways to bring rigor to the classroom, discussing ideas for incorporating digital literacy, or sharing tips for differentiating instruction, every participant will be engaged and excited to find meaningful ways to boost student engagement and promote student success. Using Burlington English as a springboard to spark conversation centered around creative in-class activities and innovative learning opportunities beyond the classroom, participants will leave the session equipped with a robust set of strategies to support and advance the journey of English language learner