First, a huge “thank you” to the adult education community for its enthusiasm and support for our Professional Development outreach during 2017! There isn’t anyone on the PD Team—Bonnie, Daphne, Debi, or Susan—who hasn’t been energized by educator engagement.

So, after the amazing year we had in 2017 completing 110 events, what is ahead for 2018?

We’ve come a long way since the GEDTS Professional Development Initiative launched in 2014 with the basics. Back then, our goals were simple: Equip instructors with classroom strategies that would support—and deliver—student success with the then-new GED® test.

Roses are red, violets are blue, for the price of one GED Ready® you can get two!We’re sharing the love and showing our appreciation on Valentine’s Day and throughout the month with our 2 for 1 GED Ready® promotion!

February 14 through February 28, students can purchase two GED Ready® test subjects ($12 value) for the price of one ($6).

Students can purchase the test on GEDMarketplace.com using the promo code “2FOR1” at checkout.

The fine print:

• Students must buy two GED Ready ® test subjects for the code to work (it will not work with any other number of purchases).

GED Ready® tests are a great resource for students starting or completing the test taking journey and the detailed feedback included with test results can help create an accurate plan for classroom and home study.

We encourage you to share this flyer with your students, it has additional information about this promotion.

Protecting the value of the GED® credential, including the hard work millions of students put in each day to study for and take the GED® test, remains a top priority for us at GED Testing Service. This is certainly not a solo effort, it’s takes everyone’s eyes and ears to find out where cheating might be happening and how people are doing it. We understand it’s not always clear to test administrators, students and educators that there are legal and financial liabilities that come with stealing intellectual property.

Here are a few important points to remember:

• Debriefing with a tester about test questions is a violation of the testing agreement with GED®, it’s important to be a role model of good behavior. Don’t encourage testers to talk about exact test items, it is okay for them to discuss general topics on the test.
• It’s important that classroom personnel know that they can’t take the GED® test, it is only for those in need of a high school equivalency diploma. Your classroom personnel can use item samplers, sample questions, study guides and tutorials for additional insight on what is included on the test.

There are security measures built into the exam to make cheating difficult and there is a lot of review and scrutiny after a test subject is taken. The consequences associated with cheating are serious. They include but are not limited to having a tester’s exam revoked, a GED® credential being revoked and even prosecution.

We put forth our best efforts to provide the resources educators, test takers and test administrators need to properly prepare for, take and administer the GED® test in good faith.

If you suspect cheating you should contact our call center at 1-877-EXAM-GED (877-392-6433). It’s helpful to have names and dates of test events, this includes testers’ names and names of personnel involved or negligent in test administration.

My days are very unconventional, as mainly particular issues that arise within my portfolio of jurisdictions will drive it. My focus is to fully understand state requirements and to be in constant communication about the efficacy of the program. I enjoy the “toggle” of representing the GED Testing Service, while simultaneously giving voice to a jurisdiction’s unique utilization of the GED program. If there are any issues, then I follow up with the relevant teams to make sure that we all understand the state’s rules and regulations and to ensure that the problems are resolved.

I always say that in order to do my best work, I must be among those that roll up their sleeves and get the job done. In keeping with that, you will find me in the midst of Alabama, Connecticut, Idaho, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan Prisons, Rhode Island, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

How long have you been working with GED Testing Service?

I have been working with GED Testing Service for 25 years and it continues to be a remarkable journey, indeed!!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I love seeing our partners reach state program goals and being a part of that story. I see myself as a trusted advisor and it is exciting every single time we deliver new features or system enhancements that help jurisdictional programs make good on promises made to their students.

What kind of work did you do before coming to GED Testing Service?

I have worn many, many hats throughout my lengthy career! Finance, administration, and management remains the baseline of my career. Meanwhile, along the same trajectory as the job that I have now, I have worked with the American Council on Education’s former External Diploma Program and prior to that the Council for International Exchange of Scholars’ Fulbright Program.

Where is your hometown?

I consider Silver Spring, Maryland my hometown because it is the place that I have lived the longest. I’m a “Navy brat” and come from a military family.

Favorite travel spot?

Malta – A jewel of a place that both humbles and inspires me upon every visit.

Ocean City, Maryland – Good old fashion fun that brings pure joy to my family and closest friends!

What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?

I LOVE music! All music soothes my soul and has a purpose in my life. The genre is of no consequence, it just has to be good music. Some days I need the music and some days I need the lyrics. I am also a novice motorcycle and classic car enthusiast.

If you were stuck on an island what three things would you bring?

A knife, sheet music, and a whole lot of faith.

What was your favorite toy as a child?

My parent’s old high-fidelity vinyl record player and I was the best D.J. on the block.

Who is the best teacher you ever had? Why?

My son. There are no instructions for when you first become a parent. Important lessons are taught along the way and he was a patient teacher.

What are two things still on your bucket list?

I would love to get the old band back together (I was the lead singer in a band during my early twenties) for one more gig! Even if it is just in my small garage.

I still dream of having my very own motorcycle and of course, it’s going to be a Harley.