Leonardo was awarded his GED diploma at a ceremony on April 23, 2024 at the Downey Adult School. His journey towards this accomplishment is truly remarkable as Leonardo suffered a stroke in August 2017, leaving most of his body paralyzed and unable to speak. He was no longer able to work, as his “new job” was to recover and heal. Over the next two years Leonardo worked on strengthening his mind and body with the help of the Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. As he continued to heal, he realized he wanted to go back to school to get his GED. At the end of 2019, he enrolled at Downey Adult School. There were many obstacles along the way including COVID and his rehabilitation.

Leonardo is best at telling his story: “I now am enrolling at Cerritos College to continue my education in computer technology. I knew that I could not let this opportunity pass. When I was younger, I chose not to finish school and start in construction, but I now believe continuing my education is the key to my success and will only create a stronger foundation for my future.”

Life is a journey, and sometimes the journey is not what you planned, or maybe you did not know what plan was needed. Some people may see the GED as just a piece of paper, but I know it has opened a door for me to go to Cerritos and eventually to a university. It has been a great honor to witness my fellow graduates work diligently, dedicating their time and efforts to school while also balancing life’s day-to-day obligations. For the times we may feel we are not good enough to accomplish good things in our lives, I can now say let the good times continue.”

Leonardo also wanted to thank the entire staff at the Downey Adult School and especially his program counselor, Robert Dame. The school has served the Downey community and surrounding areas for over 70 years. It offers a variety of courses to its diverse community, including 18 different Career Technical Education options. At Downey, the entire staff’s first priority is helping their learners reach their educational, career, and personal goals. Downey Adult School is actively collaborating with Cerritos College and its newly formed consortium, Partnership for Adult Academic and Career Education (PAACE), to further enhance its educational offerings and opportunities.

In an era where education intersects seamlessly with technology, we are so proud to introduce two groundbreaking initiatives aimed at revolutionizing the learning experience: the Education Unplugged podcast and the new GED mobile app, GED & me™

I am happy to share information about our new podcast Education UnplugGED, which I host. My podcast interviews take you on a journey to uncover the evolving landscape of education and workforce development. Through candid conversations with thought leaders, educators, and industry experts, I’ll delve into pressing topics shaping the future of learning. From innovative teaching methodologies to the impact of technology on educational outcomes, each episode offers listeners a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing education today.

My conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds provide a 360-degree view of how education is adapting to meet the demands of a rapidly changing workforce. Whether you’re an educator, a student, or an industry professional, this podcast promises to inspire, inform, and provoke thought on the future of learning.

Mark your calendars for an event that promises to ignite inspiration and innovation in the adult education ecosystem. From July 24-26, 2024, GED Testing Service proudly presents We Are Not Done Yet. This gathering of educators, program administrators, industry leaders, and learners alike will delve into the future of education and the continued pursuit of excellence in academic achievement and innovative partnerships and apprenticeships and other options for GED graduates.

The theme of the conference We Are Not Done Yet captures the ongoing journey towards educational advancement, innovation, and empowerment. In a rapidly changing global landscape, the quest for knowledge and skill development never ceases. “We Are Not Done Yet” invites participants to embrace a mindset of continuous improvement and exploration, acknowledging that there are always new horizons to conquer in education.

Highlights of the GED Conference 2024 include:

• Keynote addresses by Marcus Bullock and GED President Vicki Greene
• Train the Trainer session – the first in five years will be especially useful for new professionals
• Attendees can choose from 54 interactive sessions including hot topics like:
  • ChatGPT: Transforming Classroom Instruction, Amplifying Lesson Planning, Empowering Student Learning!
  • Innovative teaching techniques such as Beyond the Basics: Teaching Algebraic Reasoning Like a Boss
  • Best practices in correctional facilities;
  • Two GED Analytics sessions for instruction for basic and power users.
  • Here is more information on all the sessions.
• Preview the GED mobile app, GED & Me^TM, now available for pre-order at the Apple App store. You can download it here.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with peers, educators, and industry leaders to share ideas, collaborate on initiatives, and build lasting professional relationships.
• Exhibition hall: Explore the latest advancements in educational and technological resources through our exhibition hall, featuring demonstrations and hands-on experiences.

Whether you’re an educator looking to enhance your teaching methods, an administrator learning from your colleagues and other thought leaders, or celebrating student successes, the GED Conference 2024 offers something for everyone. Together, we will chart the course for the future of education and reaffirm our commitment to lifelong learning and changing lives through education.

Here is more information on how you can still register.

President Biden signed legislation on June 19, 2021, making Juneteenth a federal holiday. The measure was passed in the House and Senate with bipartisan support. As educators, we are entrusted with the profound responsibility of teaching history in all its complexities, including moments that reflect the triumphs and challenges of our nation’s journey toward equality and justice. One such pivotal moment in American history is Juneteenth. This celebration holds deep significance for understanding the struggles and achievements of African Americans in their quest for freedom and equality.

Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of slavery following President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, which had been issued two and a half years earlier. This delayed announcement came about because Texas was one of the last Confederate states where slavery continued to persist even after the Civil War had ended.

Juneteenth symbolizes the liberation of African Americans from the bonds of slavery and the beginning of their journey toward full citizenship and civil rights. It marks a critical milestone in American history, illustrating both the enduring struggle for freedom and the resilience of African American communities in the face of adversity.

For educators, Juneteenth offers a valuable opportunity to engage students in meaningful discussions about the legacy of slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights. By exploring these topics, students gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of American history and the enduring impact of slavery on our society today.

Observing the Juneteenth holiday and integrating it into our curriculum allows us to celebrate African Americans’ achievements and contributions while addressing the historical injustices they have faced.

Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice for all Americans. By recognizing and celebrating Juneteenth, we all affirm their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the pursuit of a more just society.

For additional information regarding Juneteenth, please see the following resources:

Read: Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free: The True Story of the Grandmother of Juneteenth by Alice Faye Duncan, 2022

Watch: Henry Louis Gates Jr. on the significance and history of Juneteenth, CBS News, 2023

Listen: Juneteenth: The Untold Story of One Man’s Love, Beyond Black History Month, 2022