I’m incredibly grateful that we held the GED Testing Service Annual Conference last month in Atlanta after two years of postponement.
Our conference was a much-needed opportunity for all of us to gather in person. We were able to check in with each other and share the latest updates about what is happening at GED Testing Service, the Workforce Skills Division, and the adult education and workforce development communities.
We are thankful for the over 400 attendees that joined us at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis to participate in professional development workshops about the GED test program, including tracks dedicated to Corrections and DE&I. We presented more than 30 sessions that covered updates and new information about the GED test program, highlighted new study tools and products, shared the latest strategies to prepare learners for the GED test subjects, and much more.
We also had panel discussions highlighting the work happening in the Accelerated Pathways Program, Credly, and Faethm. All focused on how we can better connect our learners to credentials and upskilling opportunities through workforce training and postsecondary education. The discussions were thought-provoking and left us more inspired and energized to find new and better ways to work together to do more for our learners and take the GED test program to the next level.
My favorite part of our conference is our awards luncheon, where we recognize and celebrate very deserving GED graduates, GED Administrators, and honorees. This year we awarded five GED graduates from Georgia with the 2022 GED Graduate of the Year Award. Jalisa, Ashlee, Toby, Natosha, and Angela all earned their GED credentials through preparation programs offered by the Technical College System of Georgia. We also recognized two GED Administrators for their hard work and dedication to improving the GED test program within their states and nationally. Sue Mansfield, GED Administrator for Virginia, and Diane Vaccari, GED Administrator for Florida, received the GED Administrator of the Year Award. In addition, this year’s GED Testing Service Honorees Randy Trask and Kemp Battle were recognized for the significant impact they continue to have on the success of the GED test program. Randy Trask is the immediate past CEO of GED Testing Service and Chairman of the GED Board of Directors. Kemp Battle is a former member of our GED Board of Directors and was a critical part of creating the GED Testing Service under ACE and Pearson. I am thrilled that we had the opportunity to recognize all this year’s awardees in a room full of many of their peers.
One of the most valuable parts of the conference is the chance we have to collaborate. The GED community goes above and beyond to create pathways and support systems for our learners. Working together, we have found ways to reach and positively impact so many lives already, and I’m sure we have a bright future ahead.
I’m incredibly proud of the GED Testing Service and Pearson teams and their hard work in planning and executing this conference. We could not do any of this without your support and your ongoing commitment to the success of the GED test program and our learners.
Thank you!
–Vicki Greene, President & CEO of GED Testing Service and SVP of Americas, Pearson Workforce Skills