Teaching Skills that Matter in Adult Education - Applications

Call for Applications

Apply Now! Apply for the Teaching the Skills that Matter in Adult Education Project through June 1, 2020

We’re excited to announce a new round of applications for Teaching Skills that Matter in Adult Education! We are currently looking for the nomination of five participants from each state, four teachers and a state PD adult education representative to participate in the second and third cohorts of this project. Teachers will get training and on-site coaching over a period of 8 months. They will learn ready-to-use, practical teaching strategies to help their students gain critical skills that matter for their overall success.

To apply, click http://sgiz.mobi/s3/c8e4bee33177

An alternative PDF of the Teaching Skills that Matter in Adult Education application is also available. This form can be printed and used to save your work prior to online submission. If an online submission is not feasible, please send the completed application as a PDF along with the four nominee resumes to tstm@air.org.

• Applications must be filled out by the state adult education director (or appropriate designee)
• Applications are due June 1, 2020.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits from participation in TSTM?

States and programs will benefit from the project team’s development of tools and the provision of related teacher training in basic skills education to teach necessary, transferable skills that are useful to students in these important topic areas and to increase overall program effectiveness. By participating, you can help train a core group of experienced instructors who are excited about learning and are ready to sustain the knowledge gained from the project, and then share this training throughout your state.

Participants in the Teaching the Skills That Matter (TSTM) training will:

• develop the capacity to improve student outcomes by gaining content knowledge and technical skills.
• meet online and in person with educators and trained facilitators in other states to share practical experiences and solve problems.
• receive training and technical assistance tailored to their own professional development needs.
• be equipped to bring the resources and training back to their program for statewide implementation.

Who is eligible to participate in TSTM?

WIOA Title II agencies funded by the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA). We are seeking the nomination of five participants from each state—four teachers and a state professional development (PD) adult education representative.

What criteria should we use to select the four teacher nominees? 

States should nominate four experienced teachers who have shown interest in one of the project’s focus areas. Nominated teachers must meet the following criteria:

• Are currently teaching at least one ongoing class in an English as a second language (ESL), adult basic education (ABE), adult secondary education (ASE), high school equivalency (HSE), career and technical education (CTE), or integrated English literacy and civics education (IELCE) adult education classroom.
• Have a minimum of 5 years of teaching experience.
• Have classes with a consistent, stable enrollment.
• Are involved in programs from a variety of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funded adult education providers.  These providers include community colleges, community-based organizations, and school districts, as applicable.
• Are effective instructors, presenters, peer leaders, trainers, or curriculum designers.
• Can meet the required technical assistance training time and task commitments over an 8-month training period. This includes attending two in-person training meetings (a total of 5 days), participating in biweekly calls from coaches, hosting 2 full-day site visits from their TSTM coaches, attending 3 one-hour webinars, and teaching TSTM lessons in their classroom. 

What is the role of the state PD representative on the project? 

The state PD representative will participate in all virtual and in-person activities during the 8-month training period. The representative will provide support to the four participating teachers and will lead state-level planning, dissemination, and sustainability activities upon project completion.

What are the TSTM training activities, locations, and Dates?

The TSTM training takes place over an 8-month period and includes two in-person training meetings (a total of 5 days), biweekly coaching calls, 2 full-day site visits from coaches, and 3 one-hour webinars. On the application, states have the option to select their preference to participate in either Cohort 2 or 3 and to choose the location and training calendar that best meets their needs. Cohort 2 in-person trainings will be conducted in Austin, Texas and Cohort 3 in-person trainings will be conducted in Crystal City, Virginia (near Washington, DC). See below for training activities and cohort dates below.

Is there a cost involved in participation?

The training is provided at no cost.  However, the project requires a commitment from the state and the local program directors to provide release time and cover participant travel costs related to the training.  All reimbursements will be handled between the state and participants

Introduction to TSTM: Why and How to Apply

An introductory TSTM webinar was offered for state adult directors and their appointees to learn more about the proejct, the application process, and the benefits of participating in TSTM.

To view the webinar, go to: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/707370112193034499

Application Timeline

Questions? Please contact the project at tstm@air.org