What three suggestions would you have for new GED Program Administrators or Educators new to GED Testing Service? 

  1. First and foremost, read the federal and state laws, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to GED and Adult Education to understand the rules, expectations, and connectivity of the programs.  When you begin with a general understanding of the guidelines, you will make quantum leaps in connecting the laws to understanding the daily activities of staff who execute those requirements. 
  1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!  Take advantage of the deep and rich human resources in the GED and Adult Education Community.  We are in this field because we are passionate about the learners we serve.  You will find the us equally passionate to support or lean on others to achieve that goal.  Engage and learn by participation in organizations at the national, state, and local level. 
  1. Get OUT of the office and as often as possible.  Never let the bureaucratic issues bog you down to keep you from interacting with your “North Star,” the adult learner.  It will keep you true to your mission! 

Q. What is the most significant change you have seen during your tenure at GEDTS?  

A. Let me begin by saying what has NOT changed in my 30+ year relationship with GED Testing Service:  The focus has always been what’s best for the learner.  With that, the most significant change I have enjoyed is how GED Testing Service has continued to ask “What’s best for the learner?” and expanded its investment to “What MORE can we do for the learner?”  That question permeates every meeting, action, and decision we consider.  When I first engaged with GED Testing Service (GEDTS) as State Director, GED Testing Service was all about the test.  There was no engagement from GEDTS with the learner before or after the test.  I have enjoyed GEDTS’ remarkable accomplishments in partnership with adult education stakeholders to support the learner in their test preparation, testing, and college and career choices after earning a credential. 

Q. Please share one of your most rewarding memories during your time at GEDTS.  

 A. It is almost a trick question to be asked to pick one memory from my time at GEDTS!  I will have to tell you two. We all know there is no happier, more emotional, more fantastic celebration than to attend an Adult Education Graduation. You understand why we do what we do because you see what it means to the adult learners we serve and their families. I was thrilled that in the first three months of his tenure, our President, Randy Trask, attended his first adult education graduation with me in New Orleans. My second rewarding memory is the privilege of engaging with the passionate, invested adult education community across the United States. I never fail to thank an audience for the privilege of being a part of their work and passion. It is true and not a comment I have ever made lightly.