Engaging your adult learners in advocacy is one of the best ways to garner support for adult education programs.

The COABE Ambassador Training program has helped educators and student leaders become advocates for adult education funding and resources at the local, state, and federal levels. It not only helps garner support for adult education programs, but also provides real world opportunities for learners to practice and apply their skills and knowledge.

The award-winning program was started in Arizona through Pima Community College’s Adult Education program and has since been adopted by COABE to help educators and learners across the country.

The training program consists of four major components that help with skills and knowledge development:

• Awareness–learning statistics and research that support advocacy for adult basic education and high school equivalency credentials.
• Stories–sharing student experiences that highlight the life-changing impact of adult education programs.
• Public speaking–how to best share your story in-person, on social media, or by phone; what to say based on who you are talking to.
• Meeting with officials–how to set up meetings; participating in mock meetings with public officials, how to continue relationships with officials after a meeting.

Students of all education levels are encouraged to sign up to become ambassadors. The program is designed to be flexible and incorporates teacher support throughout the process. Student ambassadors participate in COABE’s Capitol Hill Day events, state and local days on the Hill, and other activities. Many of the students graduate and continue ambassador work, utilizing their leadership skills as they are the best example of how adult education programs change lives for the better.

GED graduate and college student Megan Linzy shared her story:

I attended the Adult Basic Education and Literacy program at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges: West Davenport Center (EICC: WDC). After three years of studying, I graduated with my GED diploma in 2013.

In 2020, the Dean of Adult Basic Education and Literacy at EICC: WDC Scott J. Schneider nominated me to represent Iowa as their Adult Basic Education Ambassador. I attended COABE’s Ambassador Training virtually in June of 2020.

Due to my learning disabilities, I suffer from anxiety that has improved with education, but speaking in public was still a fear that I face even today. The Ambassador program gave me the tools that helped me build my confidence over time.

As Adult Basic Education students, we must speak up if we want to create change in how adults are educated. The COABE Ambassador program is a course where you will learn how the government system works, who your representatives are, and how you can tell your story to help impact changed within your own personal communities and at a federal level.

Since my graduation with my GED in 2013, I enrolled at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges to earn my associate degree in Education in Davenport, Iowa. Today, I am enrolled in online courses at Bellevue University, where I am earning my bachelor’s degree in Adult Education and plan to be completed in 2022. Today I am also employed full-time at the EICC: WDC as an Office Coordinator. I oversee the registration process of our Adult Basic Education students.

Every day, students like Megan share their stories and show how powerful adult education is and the necessity to have funding to keep programs running and available to others.

The COABE Ambassador Training program is currently accepting new ambassadors and being offered in an online format. Please share this information with your students and encourage them to participate. To get involved, email Jessica Wabler at ambassadorcoordinator@coabe.org.

If you’re looking for ways to promote your adult education program or classes, check out our free marketing materials.

GED.com has a dedicated section for Educators and Administrators. Under “Teaching the Test,” you can view Free Classroom Materials, Teaching Resources, Professional Development, and Prep Products.

The “Promote Your Program” section links to printable flyers that you can customize for your program. They are available as pdf downloads in English and Spanish.

You can also visit the GED PrintHub site to order professionally designed brochures, flyers, pamphlets, and more. All materials are free outside of the shipping and handling costs.

We are always looking to update our resources for educators and programs. Let us know what marketing materials you would like to see added to our website in the comment section.

We’ve put together all you need to know to help your students prepare for the Online Proctored GED test.

Over the last year, we have developed resources to help both students and educators prepare for and navigate the online testing process. Students can find information about eligibility, what states are offering the option, how the online GED test works, exam rules, available tools during the test and much more here: https://ged.com/take-the-ged-test-online/

We recommend that students explore this page to find out all they need to know before signing up for the online GED test subjects.

Educators can also find information related to preparing students for the test on our website. We have included webinars that give an overview of the pilot program, policy fact sheets and demos of the full system check, onscreen whiteboard and calculator tutorial. You can find all that information here: https://ged.com/educators_admins/test_admin/

We also have some recent Tuesdays for Teachers webinars that cover teaching strategies and frequently asked questions related to the Online Proctored GED test. The full archive can be found here: https://ged.com/educators_admins/teaching/professional_development/webinars/

If you missed a session or want a second look at one of our presentations, here’s the full lineup of everything we offered at this year’s COABE conference.

You can download pdf versions of each presentation below. Those registered for the COABE conference can watch the recorded sessions through their website.

Marketing and PR Strategies to Promote Your Program
Presenters: Eliza Wong and Danielle Wilson
PDF of presentation

Resources for ABE/GED Classrooms in Correctional Facilities
Presenters: Susan Pittman and Debi Faucette
PDF of presentation

The Online Proctored GED® Test: Everything You Need to Know
Presenters: CT Turner and Scott Salesses
PDF of presentation

GED Tools and Essentials for New Educators, Program Directors and Test Proctors
Presenter: Adora Beard
PDF of presentation

Meeting the Challenge of Taking the Online Proctored (OP) GED® Test
Presenters: Debi Faucette and Susan Pittman
PDF of presentation

Best Practices for Corrections Test Administrators
Primary Presenter: Mellissa Hultstrand
PDF of presentation

Harnessing Apps to Promote Mathematical Reasoning
Presenter: Ronald Cruz
PDF of presentation
Resource workbook

Building Writing Skills While Addressing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in the GED Classroom
Primary Presenter: Susan Pittman
PDF of presentation

Committing to Inclusive Learning Environments and Support Systems for Adult Learners
Presenters: Danielle Wilson and Adora Beard
*Panel event, only available through recording on COABE conference site

News and updates for April 2021:

• Two Adult Educators Join the GED Testing Service Board: We’re excited to welcome Phyllis J. Kelley and Kellie Blair Hardt to the GED board. Read the official announcement here.
• Congratulations to our GEDWorks Student of the Month Jessica! Jessica started the GEDWorks program through KFC in September 2020. After earning her GED credential, she was promoted to franchise manager. Read more of her story here.
• Nominate your student for GED Graduate of the Month: Each month we’re selecting a GED graduate with an inspiring story about their GED journey. Winners receive an iPad and are featured on our social media channels.

News and updates for April 2021:

• Two Adult Educators Join the GED Testing Service Board: We’re excited to welcome Phyllis J. Kelley and Kellie Blair Hardt to the GED board. Read the official announcement here.
• Congratulations to our GEDWorks Student of the Month Jessica! Jessica started the GEDWorks program through KFC in September 2020. After earning her GED credential, she was promoted to franchise manager. Read more of her story here.
• Nominate your student for GED Graduate of the Month: Each month we’re selecting a GED graduate with an inspiring story about their GED journey. Winners receive an iPad and are featured on our social media channels.

Students can sign up April 19th through 30th and receive an extra month of GED Flash access for free.

The GED Flash study tool can be used on a phone, tablet or desktop and offers thousands of interactive GED practice questions. Students using the tool can receive immediate feedback and step-by-step explanations on questions covering concepts they need to know to pass.

They can choose from any of the GED test subjects: Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, or Math.

No promo code is needed.

May 17-21 is GED Grad Week. We are celebrating GED graduates and encouraging students still on their journey to continue working hard.

Throughout the week we will be sharing inspirational videos and encouraging messages, including those submitted by fellow educators and graduates, on social media. We have asked recent graduates to share how they overcame obstacles while obtaining their credential and what advice they have for other students.

Social Media Tips

In the weeks leading up to GED Grad Week, we would like you to encourage your students to use our hashtags and personalized giphy stickers when they share their GED stories online.

Next month we’ll share a full Social Media 101 guide that will include all you need to know about sharing on the social media platforms. Here are some tips from that guide on how to share, tag, and use hashtags when participating in GED Grad Week:

Facebook:

Click the “Share” button that is below the post. A drop-down menu will appear as a result.

Choose the “Share to a Page” option and make sure you select the correct page. This opens a “New Post” window in which you can share the post on one of the pages you manage. You can then add text to the post if needed then click on the “share” button.

Twitter:

How to Retweet (share tweet as it is)

1. Click the Retweet button

1. A pop-up will show you the Tweet you’re about to Retweet.

1. Click the Retweet button.

Instagram:

1. Tap below the photo or video in Feed.

1. Tap Add post to your story.

1. Tap Send To.

1. Tap Share next to Your Story, then tap Done.

How to use Giphy Stickers (IG)

1. Tap the Sticker button (a square with a smiley face) to open the sticker tray.
2. Type in “GED” to find the sticker you want and tap it.
3. Use one finger to drag and drop the sticker into the desired location.
4. Use two thumbs to pinch or expand the sticker into the desired size.
5. Finish creating your Story and post.

How to Tag

When writing a caption or posting on your story, type the “@” symbol within your post, and then type out the name of our page (@gedtesting)

How to Use Hashtags

When creating a post, make sure to include the hashtag #GEDGradWeek and #GED. You can do this but typing the “#” symbol before typing out the phrase. You may also click on these hashtags to see other posts.

Keep in mind that you cannot add spaces or punctuation in a hashtag, or it will not work properly.

We’re offering multiple sessions covering GED program updates, professional development and the latest study tools at COABE’s annual conference.

Here’s a look at what we’re offering each day:

Monday, March 22nd

Marketing and PR Strategies to Promote Your Program
Date/Time: Monday, 3/22, 8:00 am – 9:15 am CT
Presenters: Eliza Wong and Danielle Wilson
Summary: This session will cover digital marketing and PR strategies that will help you promote your program while recruiting students and sharing successes

Committing to Inclusive Learning Environments and Support Systems for Adult Learners
Date/Time: Monday, 3/22, 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm CT
Presenters: Danielle Wilson and Adora Beard
Summary: This panel will discuss how adult ed programs, workforce development organizations and others can further their commitment to and advocacy for learners from Black communities and other historically marginalized groups.

Tuesday, March 23rd

Resources for ABE/GED Classrooms in Correctional Facilities
Presenters: Susan Pittman and Debi Faucette
Date/Time: Tuesday, 3/23, 8:00 am – 9:15 am CT
Summary: Instruction in correctional facilities has slowly come back online. Teachers are working hard to get their students back on track. More technology is available through smart boards, Study Buddies, and even tablets and laptops. This session will focus on a range of materials from print to multimedia to online resources that teachers can use in their programs. Join us as we look at new materials that you can bring into your classroom to engage students.

The Online Proctored GED® Test: Everything You Need to Know
Date/Time: Tuesday, 3/23, 3:45 pm – 5:00 pm CT
Presenters: CT Turner and Scott Salesses
Summary: Participants will learn about the Online Proctored GED Test so that educators are able to help prepare, and advise, their students on the best method of GED testing that suits them. Session will include all of the information educators need along with resources and tools for students

Wednesday, March 24th

GED Tools and Essentials for New Educators, Program Directors and Test Proctors
Presenter: Adora Beard
Date/Time: Wednesday, 3/24, 8:00 am – 9:15 am CT
Summary: This session will focus on diverse platforms of tools and resources to effectively run your GED program and prepare students for success on the GED test.

Meeting the Challenge of Taking the Online Proctored (OP) GED® Test
Date/Time: Wednesday, 3/24, 8:00 am – 9:15 am CT
Presenters: Debi Faucette and Susan Pittman
Summary: Where is my scratch paper and calculator? Does that sound familiar to you? It does if you have had students take the Online Proctored (OP) GED test. Schedule it to meet your needs. Test in the privacy of your home. However, there are a few things that strike fear into students’ hearts. Join us as we share tips for making the online white board and calculator a positive rather than a negative.

Best Practices for Corrections Test Administrators
Primary Presenter: Mellissa Hulstrand
Date/Time: Wednesday, 3/24, 9:30 am – 10:45 am CT
Summary: Testing in corrections has its own unique challenges from test preparation to test delivery. The unique learning and testing environment calls for unique solutions that can be found in GED Testing Service tools and resources that can be modified for teacher and test administrator use. This session will review some successful classroom modifications, tools and resources for educators but will focus on pre-test and post- test delivery considerations for test administrators.

Harnessing Apps to Promote Mathematical Reasoning
Presenter: Ronald Cruz
Date/Time: Wednesday, 3/24, 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm CT
Summary: Adult educators across the US are experiencing challenging times as they cope with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Many are forced to conduct virtual lessons with little training and preparation. Let us take advantage of this opportunity to use powerful technology tools as we continue to improve our practice in this virtual learning environment. This session will focus on desktop, web, and mobile apps to promote mathematical reasoning in virtual learning environments.

Building Writing Skills While Addressing Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in the GED Classroom
Primary Presenter: Susan Pittman
Date/Time: Wednesday, 3/24, 11:15 am – 12:30 pm CT
Summary: Many GED students are juggling their own learning with that of their children and changing work schedules. The stress can be debilitating and lead to putting their own goals on hold. Use this time to help students stay engaged in learning while at the same time addressing their social and emotional issues? Join us as we discuss how to combine writing instruction and practice with social emotional learning.

You can still register for this year’s virtual event here: https://coabe.org/2021-coabe-national-conference/

Phyllis J. Kelley is the Director of Adult Learning at Central Alabama Community College.

Kellie Blair Hardt is an adjunct faculty member and math instructor at Montgomery College’s GED program in Rockville, Maryland.

This month’s Tuesdays for Teachers webinar highlights the essentials you and your students need to help them succeed.

Our Professional Development team will cover important tips and strategies to help adult learners with the GED test subjects. Virtual instruction and other related technology have focused on the switch to remote learning, but the fundamentals of the GED test remain.

Join us on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, from 3:30 – 5:00 PM ET / 2:30 – 4:00 PM CT as we review the content “must-haves” for the GED classroom. You can register for the webinar here.

If you’re looking for more webinars and free resources for educators, you can always check out our professional development archive on GED.com.