Tracy
Manager of Adult Education

Years of ABE Experience: 33 years

Experience prior to ABE:

• Accounting/Business Management

Classroom Instruction:
General program management for Adult Education and financial oversight. Instruction of itinerant programming. ServSafe certified instructor.

"I was once told that if you found something you were passionate about, you would never work another day!  I have found my passion!"

Terri
Lead ABE Instructor

Years of ABE Experience: 25 years

Experience prior to ABE:

• Nursing Assistant

• Long-Term Special Education Substitute

• Vocational Evaluator

• Employment Counselor

Classroom Instruction:
EBRI, college prep, College math, law enforcement learning community, career exploration, Empower, and Overtime

"In the world of teaching, ABE is like my favorite puzzle. I get a rush from helping students conquer their past struggles and guiding them toward success. Teaching different classes is like exploring new adventures every day, where I can share cool stuff and spark curiosity in others."

Melissa
ABE Instructor

Years of ABE Experience: 9 years

Experience prior to ABE:

• Developmental Achievement Center Job Coach and Organizer

• Group Home Counselor

• Youth Crisis Counselor

• 7th-grade Language Arts Teacher

Classroom Instruction:
Adult Diploma, EBRI, GED, basic skills, computer skills, distance learning, college preparation, EBRI

"My favorite thing is helping adults meet goals they were otherwise "sure" they couldn't complete, such as getting their GED, mastering basic computer skills or realizing they aren't as horrible at Math as they had thought. Helping these students achieve these large, life-changing goals is very rewarding. I love the class sizes, which allow me time to sit and work with students who need it. I love the freedom and flexibility that working in ABE provides. I love and appreciate the honest support I feel from my supervisors, who are always there when I need a hand or am unsure of a path forward and understand that my family is a priority in my life. Also, their trust in me as an instructor and employee is truly appreciated."

Angela
ABE Instructor

Years of ABE Experience: 26 years

Experience prior to ABE:

• Adult Literacy Coordinator

Classroom Instruction:
Basic skills, GED, ELL, citizenship, and Star Reading, budgeting

"Above all else, I like the enthusiasm that staff members hold in their hearts for ABE. With this great vessel of sincere power our programs continue to grow, lending way for more students to reach the goals they have set for themselves."

Emily
ABE Instructor

Years of ABE Experience: 4 years

Experience prior to ABE:

Classroom Instruction:
Foundational math, Intermediate math, advanced math, GED, Northstar Digital Literacy, computer skills, pre-employment skills, college reading and math, and Young Women's Initiative STEM class

"I like that ABE focuses on student success in all aspects of life starting at age 17. We have the opportunity to be part of someone's journey to self-sufficiency and independence. Adult education has become a passion of mine. It is outstanding that ABE covers such a huge range with just our northeast region, but across the state. We get to be an option when a traditional education path does not or didn't work out for an individual."

Deann
ABE Instructor

Years of ABE Experience: 8 years

Experience prior to ABE:

Classroom Instruction:
EBRI, GED, ESL, computer skills, basic skills, writing, and verbal communication

"Teaching adult education allows me to improve another person's life, and that is an awesome opportunity."

Jaime
ABE Instructor

Years of ABE Experience: 2 years

Experience prior to ABE:

• Retail

Classroom Instruction:
GED, basic skills, computer skills, ESL, college preparation, Learning Communities

"I like helping students to be successful and I like the challenge of teaching a variety of subjects."

Theresa
ABE Instructor

Years of ABE Experience: 30 years 

Experience prior to ABE:

• Community Education Director 

Classroom Instruction:
GED, Adult Diploma, Transitions, Basic Skills, Computers, ELL, ROCC Hospitality

What I like about teaching in ABE: "Teaching adults in Adult Education is a journey of mutual growth and empowerment, where every lesson shared becomes a bridge between knowledge and fulfillment." 

Erin
ABE Instructor

Years of ABE Experience: 2 months

Experience prior to ABE:

• Secondary Science teacher

• Physician Practice Coordinator

• Math and Science Teacher at Minisinaakwaang Academy

Classroom Instruction:
GED, basic skills, computer skills, ESL

Denise
ABE Instructor

Years of ABE Experience: 8 years

Experience prior to ABE:

• Secondary Environmental science teacher

• Project Read Teacher

• MN reading Corps

Classroom Instruction:
Servsafe, Adult Diploma, Star Reading, GED, college preparation, computer skills, online science, employment skills, financial literacy

"I like seeing student's faces light up as they accomplish milestones and successfully navigate their adversities. I enjoy seeing students develop a growth mindset and discover their unique learning styles."

Jill
ABE Instructor

Years of ABE Experience: 24 years

Experience prior to ABE:

• Elementary Education Teacher at Red Lake

• Dental Assistant

Classroom Instruction:
EBRI, college prep, college math, college reading and writing, Learning Communities, Empower, and Overtime

"I didn't choose a career in adult education; it chose me. My students feel like family, giving me more than I could ever give them. I believe a good teacher not only teaches the curriculum but also understands and supports the unique situations that bring students to us. One minute I might be explaining slopes or systems of equations, and the next, I'm helping someone navigate complex life situations. No one day looks the same and that brings so much variety to my days. Our students choose to come to us, and it is our responsibility to ensure they receive the support they need.  If we can't provide help directly, we guide them to other resources. If we can't teach a particular subject, we find alternative sources. If we can't be what they need on a given day, we adjust and pivot to offer what they do need. That's the beauty of adult education. So, when our students walk across the stage at graduation or sign up for another class, nothing compares to the pride and honor of being part of their educational journey and guiding them to academic and life success. I set out in my career to make a difference, and I can check that box on my bucket list."

Beatrice
ABE Instructor

Years of ABE Experience: 3 years

Experience prior to ABE:

• ESL Teacher around the world for 40 years

• Spanish Interpreter and Translator

Classroom Instruction:
GED, basic skills, ESL, computer skills, critical reading and writing

"Teaching ABE and ESL is a unique experience. Instructors are not only able to assist students in need of education but also in overall guidance of the many aspects of life itself." 

Andrew
ABE Instructor

Years of ABE Experience: 2 years

Experience prior to ABE:

• Human Resources

Classroom Instruction:
College prep, College Reading, integrated developmental reading and writing, computer skills, Learning Community

"I like working in the field where the only movement is toward improvement. No student loses any ability for having spent time in the classroom, they only gain. To the extent that they do make gains, that is professionally rewarding to me as one of their instructors. Also, by teaching or attempting to teach students, it's fair to say I learn a lot myself, which is also rewarding."