Winter Conference

Presented by: Honorable Reverend Everett Mitchell

Learning to read as an adult comes with unique challenges that deeply affect confidence, engagement, and persistence in learning. This session will explore common barriers faced by adult literacy learners, including stigma, trauma, and the demands of acquiring foundational literacy skills as an adult.

Participants will learn how these challenges impact learner engagement and outcomes, and consider strategies for fostering patience, empathy, and supportive learning environments. Judge Mitchell will share his personal story of learning to read as an adult, and how that journey informs his compassion and approach in serving children and families from the bench.

Presented by: Julie Ricciardi

In this session, we’ll explore the art and discipline of building meaningful donor relationships without overcomplicating the process or requiring a big budget. Too often, organizations overthink fundraising strategy and lose sight of what truly drives philanthropy: connection, trust, and shared purpose.

This session takes both a high-level and grassroots approach to donor-centered fundraising. We’ll zoom out to examine the mindset and principles that anchor strong donor engagement, and then zoom in to practical, everyday actions that anyone staff or volunteer can implement immediately.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re making fundraising harder than it needs to be, this session will bring you back to the heart of the work and send you home energized to build relationships that last.

Presented by: Dr. Lauren Zepp

Vocabulary is one of the strongest predictors of reading success and a critical instructional area to support a wide range of learners, including those with disabilities and those who are multilingual. Vocabulary development plays a key role in building background knowledge and supporting growth in word recognition, comprehension, and oral language. Given the breadth of vocabulary across subject area domains (e.g., math, science, social studies), it can be challenging to identify words to teach and the best instructional approaches to ensure student mastery of key terminology. In this practical session, participants will learn how to select valuable/Tier 2 words and how to deliver targeted vocabulary instruction using four research-validated strategies: inferring meaning from context and morphemic analysis, providing brief explanations, and offering powerful, robust vocabulary instruction.

After this presentation, stay on the call for:

Lightning Solution Session: Practice Plus – GED®: From Practice to Test Day

Presented by: Rich Palmer, Midwest Sales Rep, Essential Education

Practice Plus – GED® supports learners through focused, adaptive practice and test-style questions aligned to official GED® expectations. In this short session, we’ll look at how Practice Plus helps educators identify skill gaps, support targeted review, and build learner confidence as students move from practice to test readiness. One attendee will receive a set of Essential Education Workbooks, providing print-based skill practice aligned to GED® content areas. These workbooks are ideal for reinforcing learning, supporting offline study, or supplementing classroom instruction.

Presented by: Amanda Bergson-Shilcock

Many people enroll in adult education in order to build skills to get a job, or get a better job. In this session, an experienced adult education advocate will share highlights from two recent studies that shed light on how educators can help learners prepare for employment. First, you'll hear what small business owners have to say about hiring, credentials, and skills assessment, and what that means for educators and learners. Then, you'll hear what workers had to say about their experiences with short-term credential programs, and what factors were most helpful in preparing for the workforce. You'll get clear, actionable ideas for how adult education programs can help learners meet their career goals, and how this new research can be used to advocate for more funding for adult education. Bring your questions!

After this presentation, stay on the call for:

Lightning Session Solution: Supporting Adult ESL Learners in Wisconsin with Ventures, 4th Edition

Presented by: Anne Damiecka, Cambridge University Press

This interactive micro-session focuses on adult language learning in Wisconsin and introduces the new Ventures, 4th Edition. Participants will test their knowledge of adult English language learners, explore updates in the latest edition of Ventures, and learn how this series supports adult learners’ needs in today’s classrooms.

Each attendee will receive their choice of a pre-publication copy of Ventures Basic or Ventures Level 1 (official release coming this June). In addition, one participant will win a travel electric kettle and tea set—perfect for quick classroom breaks or a cozy moment of calm at home.

Presented by: Dr. Chu May Paing, Emma Eiden, and Diana Hernandez

Many adult learners face a common challenge: balancing education with the need to work. This session shares a practical case study of how the Winnebago Area Literacy Council and Amcor–Oshkosh North partnered to create an award-winning workplace literacy program that works within employees’ schedules while meeting employer needs. Presenters will walk through how the partnership was formed, how a customized curriculum was co-developed, and how learning was embedded into the workplace culture. Participants will hear concrete strategies for employer–educator collaboration, curriculum adaptation, and learner support, along with measurable results, including a 29% increase in reading skills within the first quarter. Attendees will leave with replicable ideas and tools they can apply to their own workplace or community-based literacy programs.

Presented by: Jamie Kobs and Rose Lamensdorf

For adult English learners, driving can open doors to employment, independence, and greater community participation. This one-hour, hands-on session introduces our English for Driving curriculum, created specifically for adult ELL programs. Participants will receive a guided walkthrough of the curriculum, including key lessons, instructional features, and real-world applications. We will demonstrate how to access the curriculum on our website and order copies. Educators will also discuss practical strategies for integrating the materials into existing classes and supporting learners with varied language levels.

Presented by: Rachel Riggs

For adult literacy providers, the question about AI isn't just "how do I use this?" but "how do I use it well?” and “why is it worth my time?” In this interactive session, we will move beyond the hype and one-off tutorials to explore a practical, human-centered approach to AI. Let’s discuss the difference between using technology vs. integrating it strategically and responsibly—including knowing when to leverage new AI tools and, crucially, when to turn them off. Drawing on research and examples from adult education, literacy workers in all roles will leave with new insights for maintaining the "human touch" while harnessing the benefits of AI to support your mission.

Presented by: Jamie Kobs
Panelists: Brian Curry, Lisa Perez, Claire Reuning, and Mary Richards

Thinking about virtual tutoring but unsure where to start—or how to improve what you’re already doing? This session begins with Wisconsin Literacy’s online resources for virtual tutoring, followed by a panel with experience in virtual one-on-one tutoring, group instruction, and program design. Panelists will share insights about benefits, challenges, and effective practices in virtual instruction. Ideal for tutors, coordinators, and program managers exploring or expanding virtual tutoring options for adult learners.

After this presentation, stay on the call for:

Lightning Solution Session: Enhance Your Students’ Learning Experience with Ellii

Presented by: Kylie VanderMeulen, Lead Teacher Trainer, Ellii

Discover how Ellii’s content platform helps adult educators increase student engagement while saving valuable prep time. This short session provides an overview of Ellii’s content, including Career Readiness and Workplace English courses and Adult Literacy content. Participants will see how Ellii supports a range of instructional contexts and learner goals with flexible, ready-to-use materials. Join us for a fast, practical introduction to the Ellii platform designed for busy adult education programs. One participant will win a 6 month membership to Ellii.

Presented by: Lisa Perez

Did you know that you can create your own customized eBooks for adult English language learners using Google Slides? In this session, attendees will see examples of free, teacher-made eBooks for ELLs, explore why digital books are so effective for adult learners, and learn the basics of turning slide decks into simple, shareable eBooks.

Together, we will build a short sample eBook and participants will leave with free starter templates and links to how-to videos they can use immediately to create eBooks for and with their own learners.

Presented by: Lynne Weintraub

This session will equip educators and volunteers with practical strategies to support students as they prepare for the 2025 revised civics test and the accompanying naturalization interview. Participants will learn effective instructional techniques for helping students remember, organize, and confidently produce longer, more complex responses required by the updated exam. The session will also highlight classroom-tested tips and tools for reinforcing content knowledge, strengthening oral communication skills, and reducing test-related anxiety. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas they can immediately apply to better prepare students for success on both the civics test and their interviews.

After this presentation, stay on the call for:

Lightning Solutions Session: Small Shifts, Big Impact: Practical Tools for Building Confidence and Belonging in Adult ESL

Presented by: Marcella Weaver, Customer Success Manager, Intercambio

Adult ESL tutors and teachers often juggle limited prep time, diverse learner needs, and the challenge of helping students feel confident enough to speak. In this short, interactive spotlight, Intercambio will share practical, field-tested tools that adult literacy programs across the country use to build confidence, connection, and consistency in their English classes.
Participants will explore how small but intentional instructional shifts—such as prioritizing structured practice before open conversation, using consistent lesson routines that reduce volunteer prep time, and creating low-risk opportunities for learners to speak—can reduce learner anxiety, support volunteers, and increase meaningful participation in class. Attendees will leave with concrete ideas they can apply immediately, along with awareness of free and optional resources available to support their programs and volunteers.

Presented by: Robyn Hallet, Shannon Mason Young, and Rose Lamensdorf

Educators working with adult learners often encounter immigration-related questions but may be unsure how to respond appropriately. This practical session offers a high-level overview of immigration basics relevant to adult literacy programs, with a focus on Wisconsin-specific data, rights, and resources.

The session will cover common immigration statuses, recent changes, and the role of community navigators. Participants will gain clarity, confidence, and practical guidance for supporting immigrant learners, understanding professional boundaries, and connecting students to reliable community support.

Presented by: Rob Podlasek

Comprehension questioning is a cornerstone of language and reading instruction. Come explore how to move beyond simple recall questions to those that encourage inference, analysis, and connection-making. Participants will also learn (and do) a handful of fun activities designed to get students actively answering and generating their own thoughtful questions.

After this presentation, stay on the call for:

Lightning Solution Session: IET That Works: How to Build a Wisconsin-Ready Program (Without Reinventing the Wheel

Presented by: Shomari Miller, Account Manager, Aztec

Integrated Education & Training (IET) isn’t just a buzzword —it’s one of the most effective strategies for helping adult learners build skills, earn credentials, and transition into sustainable employment. Yet many programs still wrestle with the “how”: What qualifies as true IET? How do the three required components work together in a real instructional setting? And how do we design an IET model that’s compliant, scalable, and instructor-friendly? In this session, we’ll streamline IET and highlight how Aztec helps educators integrate assessment-aligned instruction, workforce preparation, and occupational training into one cohesive pathway—reducing resource fragmentation while accelerating measurable learner outcomes. Shomari will be giving away a print edition of their newly updated certified training program for "Bring Your 'A' Game" (valued at over $300): This program helps learners develop the situational knowledge, foundational soft skills, and work ethic that employers demand.

Settle in for a cozy, conversation-filled hour celebrating the joy of reading! Bring your favorite book, poem, or unforgettable quote and share what made it special to you. Discover new authors, fresh titles, and plenty of recommendations to add to your 2026 reading list.

We’ll also share exciting news about a brand-new book club we’re launching—and we’d love your ideas and input as we bring it to life.
Please note: This session will not be recorded.