CALL FOR PROPOSALS

The Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education (IAACE) is a statewide association of individuals and institutions promoting the education and training of adults.  The organization evolved from a group of adult educators who first met in December 1943 to discuss the future of adult education in Indiana.  Since that time, many changes have occurred in Indiana’s social and economic structure that resulted in an increased need for adult education.

Membership in the Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education includes adult education professionals from public school adult education, community education, continuing education programs, business and industry, health and social welfare agencies, corrections, hospitals, libraries, and many other fields.  Members from these diverse groups come together to share information and to form partnerships in order to better serve adults throughout Indiana with education, employability, and career pathways.

This year’s conference will be held on September 24, 25, 26. Our theme is HIT IT OUT OF THE PARK WITH ADULT EDUCATION. We encourage you to implement aspects of the theme into your presentations.  We need creative ideas and strategies for teachers, administrators, life coaches, corrections, and support staff.  If you are interested in helping build our future by presenting at the annual IAACE conference in Michigan City, Indiana, please reach out to a strand lead with your idea and complete the form below.

Administrative/Leadership Skills/Program Management – Amber Finnegan, Rob Moore

The Administrative Leadership & Directors strand will feature sessions designed to equip leaders, administrators, and directors with the skills needed to effectively manage teams, drive success, and navigate the challenges of leadership.

ABE Curriculum – David Shepherd, Katie Walton, Maeve Warrick

The Adult Basic Education (ABE) curriculum strand will feature engaging and informative sessions designed to support educators, administrators, and program coordinators in delivering high-quality instruction and curriculum to adult learners.  This could include TABE 13/14, Boot Camps, GED, and HISET.

Corrections/Vocational – Shawn Hughes, Mike Thombleson

The Corrections/Vocational strand will concentrate on education and vocational training within correctional settings.  These sessions could cover effective strategies for delivering educational programs for incarcerated students, resources for classrooms, and vocational training and career readiness programs.

ELL (English Language Learning)/Civics – Denise Esslinger, JuliAnn Nisevich

The ELL/Civics strand will focus on English Language Acquisition and the integration of what is civics education for English language learners. Sessions will explore effective teaching strategies, curriculum development, and resources that can include digital literacy instruction and techniques to reach the low-NRS-level learners to the advanced-NRS-level learners.

Technology/Digital Literacy/Outreach– Sheila Butler, George Jurado, Katie Walton

This conference strand will highlight innovative strategies and best practices for integrating digital literacy and technology into adult education programs while expanding outreach efforts to engage and support learners.

Workforce/WEI/IET – Konnie McCollum, Roy Melton, Caroline Foster

 The Integrated Education and Training & Workforce Development strand will highlight innovative approaches to education with workforce training. Sessions will focus on strategies to bridge the gap between education and employment, preparing individuals with the skills and credentials needed to succeed in the workforce, and sharing best practices for working with employers and certification training.

Personal Development – Konnie McCollum, Caroline Foster

The Personal Development strand will empower individuals with the skills and mindset needed for continuous professional growth. Sessions could cover career advancement, leadership development, time management, and work-life balance.

Data Management and Testing Center Administration – Angie Reffo, Deb Sherwood

This strand will concentrate on best practices for managing data entry processes, InTERS, and overseeing efficient testing center operations using TABE, TABE CLAS-E, HiSET and/or GED. Sessions could cover data, compliance, security protocols, accommodations, and strategies for optimizing the best testing environments for examinees.

Department of Workforce Development (DWD): The DWD strand will feature sessions led by DWD staff, providing valuable insights into workforce initiatives, employment trends, and program updates.

Jenn Wigginton, IAACE Executive Director, Co-Chair Conference