Adult Education

Because Your Work Matters

May 27, 2026 No Comments

There is something special about being recognized by people who truly understand the work you do. In adult education, victories are often quiet. A student gains confidence. A teacher stays late to help someone succeed. A program creates a new partnership that changes lives. A staff member goes above and beyond because they care deeply about their learners and community. These moments matter. That is why the IAACE Awards exist. The purpose of our awards is simple. We want to recognize outstanding work happening across Indiana and celebrate the people and programs making a difference every single day. Recognition from

A Grant A Day Keeps the Budget Blues Away

April 1, 2026 No Comments

A Grant A Day… ~by Melinda Grismer, ILA President Hi Fellow Adult Education Programs!  My New Year’s Resolution was writing a grant a day – hence the name of my ILA President blog. As they say, shoot for the moon and you’ll land in the stars. So, while I have fallen short of that original goal, by March I have done a record amount of grant writing for my local adult education program, as well as ILA, which at least matches up with my intention. In my first blog post, I’d like to introduce you to a potentially overlooked resource

Advocacy April Bingo Challenge

March 25, 2026 No Comments

Advocacy April Bingo Challenge → Elevating & Empowering Adult Education By Adrienne Carrol, 2026 COABE SAAEF Advocacy April 2026 is almost here and IAACE is inviting Indiana Adult Education programs to step into the spotlight through our Advocacy April BINGO Challenge. Inspired by COABE’s national Advocacy April efforts, this initiative encourages programs to raise awareness, amplify student voices, and strengthen connections with communities and policymakers across the state. Each BINGO square represents a meaningful step forward. You might  review the advocacy resources, teach a lesson on voting, share  a student success story, connect  with local media, and join  in national conversations.

Getting Ready for COABE 2026: Tips and Tricks

March 11, 2026 No Comments

By Jenn Wigginton For many educators, attending the COABE conference is a highlight of the year. This April, the adult education community will gather in Indianapolis, and for some attendees it will be their very first COABE experience. If that’s you—welcome! COABE is energizing, inspiring, and full of opportunities to learn from colleagues across the country. It can also feel big if you’ve never attended before. A little preparation goes a long way in helping you make the most of your time. Here are a few simple tips to help you get ready. What to Pack A conference can mean long

Student investment in your conference session choices

March 4, 2026 No Comments

By Elizabeth Alber On the first day with a new student I tell them that I expect them to come to class and they can expect me to be there also. If they are absent it better be for a good reason, not ‘I just didn’t want to come’. They can expect the same from me, I will be there unless I’m too sick to get out of bed or maybe something has happened in the facility (Jail)  which doesn’t allow them to come, otherwise I’ll be there.  I take attendance seriously, I expect it from them and they can

ILA Mini Grants Application is Open

February 4, 2026 No Comments

The Indiana Literacy Association (ILA) is officially accepting applications for its 2026 Mini-Grant program! This is a fantastic opportunity for educators, researchers, and community advocates to secure funding for projects that push the boundaries of literacy and professional development. Whether you are looking to pilot a new classroom strategy, host a community learning event, or pursue an innovative academic project, this grant provides the “seed money” to turn your ideas into reality. 📋 Grant Overview Maximum Award: Up to $1,000 per project. Application Deadline: February 28, 2026. How to Apply: Visit the official ILA Grants portal. 🎯 What Are We

Celebrating Student Voices: 2026 IAACE Essay Contest Winners

January 21, 2026 No Comments

Celebrating Student Voices: 2026 IAACE Essay Contest Winners Adult education is about more than credentials—it is about second chances, renewed confidence, and the courage to keep going. Each year, the IAACE Essay Contest gives adult learners across Indiana the opportunity to share their stories in their own words. The 2026 top essays remind us exactly why this work matters. These powerful student voices will be celebrated at IAACE Adult Education Day at the Indiana Statehouse on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The public is invited to attend and join us in recognizing the learners whose journeys reflect the impact of adult

Adult Education Day: A Celebration of Learning, Partnership, and Purpose

January 14, 2026 No Comments

Each year, Adult Education Day at the Indiana Statehouse gives us something truly special: the opportunity to come together as a community to educate, celebrate, and advocate for adult education across our state. This day matters—not just for what we do, but for what it represents. Adult education in Indiana changes lives every single day. From helping adults earn their high school equivalency, to building English language skills, to supporting workforce readiness and family stability—our work strengthens individuals, communities, and Indiana’s future. Adult Education Day is our chance to make sure that story is heard clearly and proudly. This year, we are

Oral reading with a purpose but also for fun

January 7, 2026 No Comments

Oral reading with a purpose but also for fun By Elizabeth Alber When I was first asked to start the Adult Education program at the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, the thing I knew for sure that I wanted to include was reading out loud to the students at the end of class every day.  I have such great memories of my dad reading to my brother and me after supper and  of my husband and I reading to our daughters and now our grandchildren, that I wanted to continue that with my students.  It occurred to me though they are

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Oral reading with a purpose but also for fun

January 7, 2026 No Comments

Oral reading with a purpose but also for fun. By Elizabeth Alber When I was first asked to start the Adult Education program at the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, the thing I knew for sure that I wanted to include was reading out loud to the students at the end of class every day.  I have such great memories of my dad reading to my brother and me after supper and  of my husband and I reading to our daughters and now our grandchildren, that I wanted to continue that with my students.  It occurred to me though they are

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