VALRC Beginning Literacy Webinar Series: Contextualized Phonics Instruction
2024-04-04 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
This webinar will present strategies for contextualizing phonics instruction in the ESOL beginning literacy or multilevel classroom as well as during one-on-one tutoring sessions. We will discuss strategies for contextualizing phonics instruction and walk through the steps of implementing this strategy in different ESOL instructional settings as well as connections between this approach and the science of reading. Participants will leave the webinar with an understanding of this approach, how it benefits ESOL beginning literacy instruction, and strategies for implementing this approach in the adult ESOL classroom.
Register Here

VALRC: Multilevel ESOL Classes Webinar Series, Session 3
2024-04-09 15:30 - 17:00 | Virtual
Do you want to tackle the challenges of teaching multilevel ESOL classes? Are you looking to address the varied learning needs of individual students within one classroom and become an effective multi-level teacher?
This 3 part webinar series will present strategies for effective multi-level instruction and planning for ESOL classes or multi-level classrooms. We will discuss the characteristics of a multilevel class, planning for differentiated instruction and implementing different classroom management strategies for effective instruction. Participants will leave the webinar with an understanding of what multilevel classroom needs consist of, how to prepare and plan for individual students needs, and strategies for implementing differentiated instruction in the adult ESOL multi-level classroom. The resources will include articles, videos and supplemental materials.
Objectives:

Understand the factors of a multilevel classroom and how to identify the needs of all students.
Identify strategies to effectively differentiate instruction in both multi level classrooms as well as leveled ESOL classes while accommodating literacy learners and more advanced students.
Discuss next steps for implementation, including adaptation of materials and strategies with a specific group of learners.

Session 3 will focus on grouping strategies and building community.
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VALRC Lessons from the Field with Cassandra Kramer: Using Digital Literacy to Connect Adult English Learners to Their Families and Communities
2024-04-11 14:00 - 15:00 | Online
Incorporating family-motivated assignments and elements of digital literacy into the ESL classroom can empower adult English learners to succeed in the workforce and at home. In this webinar, join the English Empowerment Center’s Cassandra Kramer to explore mini-projects that can help connect learners to their communities in a digital way. Participants will have the opportunity to work together to create their own family-focused mini project that uses digital literacy. All participants will be able to take the mini-projects highlighted in this presentation and adapt and use them in their own classrooms.
Register here.

DARS WINDMILLS: Harness the Power of Inclusion
2024-04-25 14:00 - 15:30
Windmills has a proven history of assisting those with and without disabilities to better understand the culture of disability in the workplace.
We will be rotating the following modules:

Fact or Fiction: Jan 25
Whose Fault: Feb 22
Perspectives: Mar 28
Taking Emotions out of Emotional Disabilities: Apr 25
Profiles (coming May 23)
AT and Reasonable Accommodations (coming June 27)

Pre-registration is required. Register HERE.

The Science of Reading: A Blueprint for Comprehension Instruction
2024-08-14 14:00 - 15:00 | Online

LACES: Getting Off to a Good Start
2024-09-10 13:30 - 15:00
Join here.

Bimonthly Program Managers Meeting
2024-09-16 13:30 - 15:30, 2024-11-18 13:30 - 15:30, 2025-01-13 13:30 - 15:30
This year’s bimonthly program managers meetings will be held on Mondays at 1:30p – 3:00p with an optional 30 minutes for discussion. Registering once will enable you to join ALL of the meetings for the 2024 – 2025 year.
Please save these dates on your calendars for the meetings:

September 16
November 18
January 13
March 17 (wear green!)
May 12

Register here

VALRC: Science of Reading Overview
2024-09-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Online
This is a repeat webinar from Spring 2024.
This session presents a basic overview of the science of reading and effective reading instruction, including alphabetics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. During the session, we discuss strategies for each component of reading and how to use them in the classroom. Participants will leave with resources for teaching each component.
Register

VALRC: Lesson Planning for Adult ESOL Instruction
2024-09-24 15:30 - 17:00 | Virtual
Lesson planning is an important part of instruction but can also be overwhelming and time-consuming. Are you interested in learning and sharing strategies, tips, and templates for effective lesson planning?
During this webinar, we will discuss the importance and impact of lesson planning, lesson plan routines and templates that support English language instruction, important content and engaging activities to include in a lesson plan, and how to create a lesson plan strategy. In addition, participants will leave the webinar with customizable lesson plan templates and resources.
Register Here

VALRC: Integrating Digital Resilience Skills Development Into Daily Lesson Plans
2024-10-10 15:00 - 17:00 | Online
Is your class time split into separate English practice and then digital literacy skills practice? Are you challenged by using technology throughout a lesson plan to support instruction?
This webinar will introduce strategies for seamlessly integrating standards-based activities, aligned with the Seattle Digital Equity Initiative Digital Skills Framework, throughout a lesson. You’ll also explore how to use AI to differentiate content and design effective lesson plans.
After a brief overview, participants will select and discuss one of the unit, collaborating on ways to integrate a specific objective into a contextualized lesson. You’ll learn how the same AI promptcan be used across various tools and utilize the Digital Skills Glossary to support your objective. Participants will review lesson plans that combine contextualized objectives with digital literacy skills practice.
This webinar is meant for anyone supporting learners developing digital resilience while improving their English skills. Attendees will receive valuable resources, including links to the framework and glossary.
Register Here

VALRC: Disabilities and the Adult Learner Webinar Series, Session 1: Introduction to working with adult learners who have disabilities
2024-10-16 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
It is important to keep in mind that learning disabilities are life-long. Children with disabilities grow-up to be adults with disabilities. Although, many adult learners go undiagnosed. Learning disabilities affect the ability to understand or use spoken or written language, do mathematical calculations, coordinate movements, or direct attention. This session focuses on how adult educators can help their learners by better understanding the different characteristics of learning disabilities, implementing universal designing for learning (UDL), and utilizing partnerships.
Register

Learn About SPOTLIGHT
2024-11-07 17:00 - 18:00 | Online
This webinar will provide an over of the SPOTLIGHT publication, with information for teachers, tutors, and program administrators about how their learners can be part of our next issue. Educators interested in SPOTLIGHT, teaching writing, and elevating adult learners’ voices should attend.
Register here.

VALRC: Disabilities and the Adult Learner Webinar Series, Session 2: Instructional strategies for working with adults with disabilities
2024-11-13 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Disabilities can occur across the lifespan, affecting academic performance, work, and daily living. Individuals with disabilities can have challenges with learning but can exhibit strengths in some areas. This session will provide instructional strategies for working with adults with disabilities, with a focus on incorporating evidence-based strategies into reading instruction.
Register

VALRC: Differentiated Science of Reading Instruction for Multilingual Learners
2024-11-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Virtual
Do you want to tackle the challenges of teaching multilevel ESOL classes? Are you looking to address the varied learning needs of individual students within one classroom and become an effective multi-level teacher?
This session will focus on ways to provide differentiated instruction to multilingual learners, with a focus on incorporating alphabetics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Participants will engage in hands-on activities from the perspective of a learner. Activities will include examples of and materials for differentiating learning content, process, and product.
Register Here

Career Coaching #1: Creating Follow-Up Programs for 1 Year+ After Completion
2024-11-19 15:00 - 16:00
VAACE Career Coaching Virtual CoP Session #1: Tues Nov. 19th 3-4 PM Eastern
Creating Follow-Up Programs for 1 Year+ After Completion: This focuses on maintaining engagement with participants after program completion to support ongoing success.
Join here.

Career Coaching #2: Building Partnerships
2024-12-03 12:00 - 13:00
Session #2: Tues. Dec 3 12-1 PM
Building Partnerships: Engaging community partners is vital for creating collaborative opportunities and resources that enhance program effectiveness and participant outcomes.
Join here.

VALRC: Certified Guest Service Professional: A Versatile IET for English Language Learners
2024-12-03 15:00 - 16:15 | Virtual
Learn about the Guest Service Gold®- Making Connections curriculum and its adaptability for all English language learners at an intermediate or advanced level.
Engage in an interactive preview of activities focused on one of the seven key guest service elements, demonstrating how language and employability skills are seamlessly integrated.
The session will also share effective practices for implementing this curriculum to prepare learners to obtain the Certified Guest Service Professional credential.
Register Here

UDL in Practice: Reflecting on Your Applications in Your Program, Part 1
2024-12-09 12:30 - 13:30 | Virtual
This live webinar will connect previous UDL concepts with those to come and re-engage participants on the importance of upskilling teaching and learning strategies. Participants can discuss their experience with implementing what they learned from the UDL courses, sharing success and challenges in their own implementation and supporting the implementation of others, and ask about and brainstorm solutions to any questions they have based on their work.
Join Webinar Here
If possible, participants should complete these LINCS UDL self-paced courses:

It All Starts with a Goal: This course focuses on the why and how of helping adult learners set goals. After completing this module, adult educators will feel better equipped to develop and teach a wide range of learners the skills needed to create and monitor meaningful, obtainable goals. (1.5 hours)
Learning that Works for All: This course highlights how research-based learning strategies can increase engagement and access for all learners. Through this module, adult educators are introduced to the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines which provide a framework to help educators create learning spaces which work better for all students. Additionally, straightforward strategies that educators can use to immediately start implementing UDL are presented. (1.5 hours)

VALRC: Disabilities and the Adult Learner Webinar Series, Session 3: Making Content Accessible
2024-12-11 13:00 - 14:30
Creating accessible content can feel overwhelming at times, but it is important to remember that not everything has to be done at once. A scaffolded approach to learning and implementation can make the process more manageable. Even a few key changes can make a difference. In the beginning, the aim is not perfection, but improvement. This session covers some of the main accessibility barriers such as headers, images, and hyperlinks.
Register

VALRC: LACES data analysis session
2025-01-14 14:00 - 15:30 | Online
Join a group of Virginia practitioners for a hands-on experience working with data in the LACES system.
Register here

Virtual Virginia #1: Navigating Genius for Canvas Administrators
2025-01-15 12:00 - 13:00
Part one of a two-part series to support Canvas administrators to navigate the Genius and Canvas systems to set up courses, enroll learners, and then to add course content for the adult education Virtual Va courses.

Virtual Virginia #2: Canvas Administration
2025-01-22 12:00 - 13:00
The second part of a two-part series to support Canvas administrators to navigate the Genius and Canvas systems to set up courses, enroll learners, and then to add course content for the adult education Virtual Va courses.

NEDP PLC: Outreach
2025-01-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
This session of the Virginia NEDP Professional Learning Community will focus on outreach and marketing. Trainers will introduce the NEDP Marketing Plan template and discuss target audience identification, budget-friendly digital marketing strategies, and free NEDP outreach/marketing resources.
Register here.

Financial Literacy Across the Adult Education Spectrum
2025-02-03 15:00 - 16:30
This session explores the many needs for integrating financial literacy into instruction for all learners.
Our panelists work with learners across the adult education spectrum: pre-literacy English learners, English learners with higher levels of education, and ABE and ASE learners. They discuss takeaways from the Financial Literacy Institute offered through COABE, the various needs for financial literacy within their adult learner populations, and classroom applications and resources to support learners’ financial literacy goals.

Participants will come away from the session with an understanding of essential financial literacy topics and classroom applications.
Participants will engage in discussion about the many reasons that adult learners need financial literacy instruction that is relevant to their education, life, and career goals.
Participants will come away with resources and instructional strategies to integrated financial literacy concepts into their programming and instruction.

VALRC IET/IELCE Webinar, Behavioral Health Interpreter: An IET for Multilingual Adult Learners
2025-02-04 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual
Learn about the Behavioral Health Interpreter IET, and its relevance for multilingual adult learners looking to leverage their language skills and assets.
Hear from adult education practitioners and their training partners on how to develop a collaborative IET program that leverages the strengths and experience of multilingual learners.
Register Here

VALRC: Pre-literacy Activities for Emerging English Language Learners Webinar
2025-02-11 15:30 - 17:00 | Virtual
Are you an adult ESOL instructor looking to enhance your teaching strategies for adult learners with emerging literacy skills? Join our webinar and discover effective, practical approaches to help your learners succeed in literacy development!
What You’ll Learn:

Defining Literacy: Understand the core components of literacy and its challenges for adult ESOL learners.
Types of Learners: Explore the different literacy levels and how to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Essential Pre-Literacy Skills: Learn how to develop foundational skills like visual perception, discrimination skills, and comfort with writing tools.
Practical Activities: Engage in hands-on activities to build your students’ literacy.
Classroom Strategies: Discover effective strategies for integrating these pre-literacy activities in the classroom to meet learners where they are.

Why Attend?

Gain valuable insights on literacy instruction tailored to adult ESOL learners.
Learn strategies to help students develop critical literacy skills.
Leave with practical activities and tips you can use in your classroom immediately.

Who Should Attend?
ESOL instructors, literacy coaches, and anyone working with adult learners at the beginning literacy stage.
Register Here

All About Accommodations (for GED® Testing)
2025-02-13 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
This session will be facilitated by Debbie Bergtholdt, Accommodations Manager at Pearson VUE.
There are always updates and improvements to the accommodation request process.  Join us to find out what is new and to discuss accommodations available on the GED® test. Also learn what tools are available to help your students find the documentation they need to support accommodation requests. There will be time for questions and concerns you have related to this topic.
Register here.

VALRC: Advancing Alphabetics: Systematic Phonics Instruction with EBRI Tools and AI Insights
2025-02-18 15:30 - 17:30 | Online
This session explores how systematic phonics instruction supports an effective reading program, using the Evidence-Based Reading Instruction (EBRI) Observation Tool for educator growth. Participants will gain insights into building alphabetics-based instruction and learn how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can offer truly exciting enhancements to these processes. Practical strategies for improving literacy outcomes and implementing evidence-based reading practices will be shared.
Presenter: Mora da Silva
Register here
