Foundations of Adult Education
Are you looking to enhance your expertise in adult education? We’re excited to announce the LAC’s Foundations of Adult Education course—a 10-session certificate program tailored specifically for ESOL, ABE, and HSE instructors and volunteers like you! 
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Program Description
This multi-session certificate course is appropriate for all ESOL, ABE, and HSE instructors and volunteers who are interested in developing their knowledge and skills as adult education practitioners. Participants will attend 60 hours of in-person classes in addition to approximately 50 hours of study and reflection online as part of a professional community of practice (i.e. participating in online forum discussions, reading and responding to articles, etc.). 

The course will provide participants with the core knowledge necessary to be an effective adult educator; opportunities to share ideas and experiences, network with peers, and try out new strategies and methods with immediate feedback; and a space to reflect on and examine their own teaching practices. 

In addition to providing participants with an introduction to the principles of adult literacy and learning theories, the Foundations of Adult Education (FAE) course will offer an in-depth exploration of what constitutes an effective Adult Education program. The course will also cover topics such as: 
  • Key principles of adult literacy and learning theories
  • Effective multilevel teaching strategies
  • Innovative AI and tech integration in the classroom
  • Time-saving tips for efficient and impactful lesson planning
  • Tools for understanding adult learning processes
  • Mastering vocabulary instruction: what, how, and when to teach it
  • How to scaffold a lesson to support diverse learners
  • Culturally responsive approaches to adult education

As part of their coursework, all participants will present an annotated lesson plan in class on a date assigned, submit a project describing their teaching philosophy and have an observation and coaching session with one of the course facilitators. Consistent and timely participation in the course’s online forum (Google Classroom) is also required. In addition, readings and other tasks will be assigned throughout the course. Further details about these tasks will be provided as the course commences.


Admission requirements

  • Admission to this program is by application and It is open only to individuals who are currently teaching in DYCD-funded programs.
  • ​Deadline for applications is January 10th, 2025.
 
Class Dates
Friday, February 14 and 28, 2025 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday, March 7 and 14 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday, April 4, 11, and 25 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday, May 2, 9  and 23, 2025 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Must attend all sessions


 All applicants must:
  • Submit a completed application.
  • Complete an interview.
  • Submit a professional reference.
  • Attend an information session. To be held remotely via Zoom on 10/25, 11/15 and 12/6


To attend an information session: 
  • Register HERE for 10.25.24  (2:00 pm - 3:00 pm)  
  • Register HERE for 11.15.24  (10:00 am - 11:00 am)  
  • Register HERE for 12.06.24  (3:00 pm - 4:00 pm)  


Note: due to anticipated high demand, early application is strongly encouraged. We will only review the first 30 applications.



Instructor Bios
Lizelena Iglesias is the Director of Adult Literacy Professional Development Services at the Literacy Assistance Center. Currently, she provides training and coaching for adult and youth educators on best practices in adult basic education and high school equivalency instruction. Lizelena has developed curricula for various national and local projects and co-facilitates the Foundations of Adult Education certificate course, as well as the Culturally Responsive Adult Education Institute at the Literacy Assistance Center.
Her training portfolio includes topics such as brain-based learning, literacy, disciplinary literacy, integrating technology and AI in the adult education classroom, culturally responsive adult education, STEM/STEAM, project and problem based learning among others. 
Recently, she has collaborated with the Brooklyn Museum of Art Education Department to create opportunities for art integration, emphasizing the importance of making museum resources accessible to all. She has presented at national, state, and regional conferences and has been invited to serve as a keynote speaker at different events.  Lizelena is also an active member of the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) and the International Literacy Association (ILA). Additionally, she serves as a national trainer and the science community moderator for the national LINCS project. This year, she proudly celebrates 25 years of teaching. She earned her M.ED. from Framingham State University and holds a certificate in Higher Education from the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning at Harvard University . 
William Linn is the ESOL Specialist & Coordinator of ESOL Certificate Programs at the Literacy Assistance Center. In courses, workshops, and one-on-one coaching, Will’s focus is on practical and theoretical insights that can make ESOL teaching and learning easier. In keeping with this goal, Will has brought an experiential approach to several of the LAC’s courses as a course-designer and facilitator of Teaching English as a Second Language to Adults (TESLA), Teaching English to Adults with Limited Literacy (TEALL), and Foundations of Adult Education (FAE). He has also taught Applied Linguistics in the MATESOL program at the SIT Graduate Institute and he has presented at local, state and national conferences. Will received his MA in TESOL from the SIT Graduate Institute in 2011, and has been a licensed SIT Teacher Trainer since 2015. Will also holds a certificate in Compassionate Communication for Language Teachers from the Institute for Collaborative Learning in Costa Rica. He started teaching ESOL at community organizations in 2008.

Apply Now

Click below to apply for this year's Foundations of Adult Education Course.