
Fall Virtual Conference
See below for information and videos from our Fall Virtual Conference held on October 5, 2021. Watch this page and subscribe to our eNewsletter for information on the next virtual conference.
Opening Keynote - Online workforce tools with Jennifer Seese
Description: Join Jennifer Seese, Employment and Training Specialist with DWD, to learn about online workforce resources, including Job Center of Wisconsin resources, to help your adult learners build employability skills, connect with training resources, find jobs, and apply for positions online.
Speaker bio: Jennifer Seese has been employed with the Bureau of Job Service within the Department of Workforce Development for 9 years as of July. She was previously employed as a Rapid Response Clerk with WIOA and Dane County as an Eligibility Processor so she has a good understanding of Partners in the Job Center to assist Job Seekers that come to their Resource Room. Her 20 year old son is currently enrolled at Madison College with Protective Services pursuing his dream to become a Fire Fighter. He most recently changed jobs so has used her 'services' too.
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Exploring the Literacy Skills of Adults in Your State and County
Presenters: Emily Pawlowski & Saida Mamedova from American Institutes for Research
Description: Do you know what percentage of adults in your area have low literacy skills? What implications do these data have for adult education?
This webinar focuses on helping you answer these questions using the U.S. Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) Skills Map.
Documents:
- Exploring the Literacy Skills of Adults in Your State and County PowerPoint
- PIAAC Skills Map
- Session materials folder
Working with Vulnerable Populations
Presenter: Jane Graham Jennings
Description: Your program may utilize volunteers and staff to directly work with the individuals you serve. They are selected because of their compassion, commitment and communication skills. However, these same skills can lead to problems if we aren’t adequately training them in the social skills appropriate while working with vulnerable populations. There can be logistical, operational and even legal consequences. This session will include information and tips for making your program successful in a challenging environment.
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Digital Literacy Overview
Presenters: Anne Bierer and Shannon Mason Young
Description: Wisconsin Literacy staff shares our favorite digital literacy resources.
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Sharing Your Agency’s Story
Presenters: Liz Fitzpatrick and Marsha Connet
Description: To share your agency story, you must first ask yourself some questions. What is unique about your agency (your niche)? What audience are you trying to reach (for example, students, volunteers, funders, partners)? Where do they get their information? We discussed best practices for reaching your target audience and some tools that can help you share your agency story effectively and efficiently.
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Annual Meeting
Presenters: Steve Mundt (Board Chair from American Family Insurance); Dennis Winters (Board Member and Chief Economist from the Department of Workforce Development); WL Staff
Description: We discussed how Wisconsin Literacy will expand our work and how this involves members. Dennis Winters (WL board member and representative from DWD) shared about labor shortages in Wisconsin and what that means for literacy agencies. Network with other member agencies during our engagement activities.
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Health Literacy Expo
Presenters: Michele Erikson and Caitlyn Mowatt, Wisconsin Health Literacy
Description: Wisconsin Health Literacy staff talked about the initiatives they are involved in and ways you or your agency can get involved. They also shared resources they have developed that may be useful to the work you do.
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Time Management and Multitasking with Michael Leitz
No recording
Description: The purpose of this session is to help participants identify behaviors and strategies that can help you manage multiple priorities and handle interruptions to increase your effectiveness in your job. By the end you will: 1) Understand that Multi-tasking is a Myth; 2) Understand the three main components of Time Management: the uncontrollable, personal effectiveness, and team effectiveness; 3) Be able to develop a prioritization system that honors how you work; 4) Be able to implement tips and techniques to help with procrastination, interruptions, and how to say ‘no’ well; and 5) See the need for work/life balance and understand ways to achieve it.
Speaker bio: Dr. Michael Leitz holds a Doctorate degree in Leadership from Lincoln Christian University, a master’s degree in Church Leadership from Southern Seminary in Kentucky, and a bachelor’s degree in Education from Illinois State University. He has worked for Accent since 2007. His areas of expertise include leadership development, management, coaching, generations, conflict resolution, presentation skills, and time management. He has enjoys speaking on various topics and has had the pleasure of contracting with many wonderful organizations such as Harley Davidson, SVA, Horicon Bank, The University of Wisconsin, Madison to teach in their continuing education department, and The Wis. Department of Workforce Development.