FREE! Adult Education Professional Development Opportunities for April 2026
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TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS AND IDEAS!!
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VALRC's Professional Development Interest Survey: While we all begin planning for our next program year, let us know what you'd like to focus on for fall of 2026, winter 2027, and spring 2027. We'll use your input to plan out our offerings for the 2026-2027 year.
Book Club Survey: Book clubs are a great way for programs and classes to come together to learn and discuss important topics as a group over time. And we know that many programs around the state are already using them for staff development and for classroom instruction. We'd love to learn more about what you're doing with book clubs to help support other programs who may want to begin their own AND to create a space where we can share book ideas, discussion strategies, and takeaways to build up this practice.
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VALRC PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR
APRIL 2026
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The following free professional development opportunities are offered to Virginia adult education practitioners as well as adult education partner organizations. Stay up to date with all VALRC's offerings by checking the event calendar regularly.
Also, be sure to check out VALRC's publications:
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- PROGRESS: Virginia’s adult education and literacy news journal. Articles provide program managers, instructors, staff, practitioners, and the public-at-large with strong evidence-based articles that can help improve practice and promote transformation.
- SPOTLIGHT: An annual online publication that seeks to shine a light on adult education learners, their experiences, and their learning through the creative process. Volume 4 is now available!
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Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Practice,
Part 2
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UDL in Practice is a 3-part series that introduces adult educators to practical strategies for designing inclusive learning experiences. Part 2 will focus on the principle of representation and how presenting information in multiple ways—using visuals, audio, plain language, and real-world examples—supports diverse learning needs and improves access and comprehension for all learners.
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Join in on this open discussion about Workplace Adult Education and Literacy and hear from local practitioners about their successful workplace learning model.
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Career Pathways PLC #5: Career Coaching and Supporting Learners for What’s Next
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Session 5: Action Planning and Building Sustainable Networks. Participants collaboratively map the 10-phase student journey, identify touchpoints and gaps, and develop individualized action plans with partnership opportunities and measurement strategies. All are welcome, regardless of past participation.
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Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Practice,
Part 3
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UDL in Practice is a 3-part series that introduces adult educators to practical strategies for designing inclusive learning experiences. Part 3 will focus on action & expression, which emphasizes providing flexible options for demonstrating learning.
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LACES Data Analysis Session #2
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Join a group of Virginia practitioners for a hands-on experience working with data in the LACES system.
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Professional Development From Other Organizations
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NEDP: The Art of Notes to Clients
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What are the rules governing what an assessor may and may not say to a client regarding a not-demonstrated (ND) response? Learn about these parameters and practice finding the sweet spot between too much and not enough information in this one-hour interactive session. This webinar is for NEDP Program Leaders, Advisors, and Assessors.
Note: There are two sessions that offer the same information.
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Lightning talks that highlight practical strategies and innovative approaches to leveraging technology in adult education.
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CILIA-T Civics/History Integrated Adult ESOL Instruction: This 16-module, open-access curriculum integrates U.S. history and civics content with academic English proficiency and digital skills. Developed by adult educators, CILIA-T is designed to help students expand their vocabulary, knowledge, and essential technology use, while also encouraging community participation and deep analysis of high-interest topics.
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VALRC's On-Demand, Self-Paced Learning & Resource Collection
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Visit VALRC's Training and Resource Collections: Topics include reading instruction, universal design for learning, trauma-informed practice, multilingual learning (including ESOL instruction and multilevel instruction), civics instruction, and career pathways
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- Virginia's assessment policy (newly updated!)
- Working with adults with disabilities
- Science of reading
- English language instruction
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See this announcement with more information about registering for and accessing VALRC's on-demand and self-paced learning opportunities using the Reach 360 platform.
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"Equipping the field of adult education and literacy with essential skills and resources to expand access to high-quality instruction and workforce preparation."
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