TEACHER & ADMINISTRATOR SUMMIT
The First Year Advantage:
Leading, Equipping, and Empowering from Day One
Start Strong. Stay Grounded. Grow with Purpose.
Generously Sponsored by:
Starting a new role in education is both exciting and challenging. This one-day virtual institute is designed to welcome new teachers and administrators into the profession with clarity, confidence, and community. Anchored in the principles of Lead, Equip, Empower, the training provides a strong foundation for success in the critical first year.
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Through dynamic sessions, participants will explore practical strategies for instruction, leadership, classroom culture, and collaboration. The day emphasizes real-world application, helping new educators translate ideas into immediate practice.
Participants will leave inspired, supported, and prepared to lead effectively, equipped with essential tools for success, and empowered to positively shape learner outcomes from day one.
Tuesday, August 11th
10 AM EST
THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2026
Summit Schedule
Welcome and opening comments
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Presenters: Sharon Bonney, Shaketta Thomas, Marsha Taylor
WIOA | Opening Session
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Presenter: Latoya Newson
Break
Leadership at Full Throttle: Courage, Trust, and Outward Mindsets in Uncertain Times
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Presented By: Kim Glenn
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Leading adult education today feels like the Indy 500 — fast, uncertain, and high-risk. With Title II funding an ongoing concern, this interactive session equips leaders to create psychologically safe, high-trust “pit crews” using research from Amy Edmondson, Arbinger Institute, Brené Brown, Stephen Covey, and Liz Wiseman. Through polls, peer interaction, and collaborative planning, participants will gain concrete, courageous leadership strategies to guide their teams through uncertainty with resilience, trust, and collective intelligence.
Starting Strong: Guidance for the First Day of Teaching and Resources to Support New Educators Throughout the Year
Prsented By: Sarah Goldammer
Break
Leading From Any Seat
Presented By: Brad Coffman
This session empowers adult education professionals to embrace leadership from every level of an organization—not just from formal positions. Based on the “Leading From Any Seat” framework, this workshop emphasizes that leadership is a mindset rooted in influence, initiative, and everyday actions rather than job titles. Participants will explore the L.E.A.D. model (Listen, Engage, Advocate, Demonstrate Integrity), the Influence Formula (Credibility + Relationships + Initiative), and real-life examples of staff leadership making a meaningful difference.Teaching Across Skill Levels: Best Practices for Multi-Level Adult Education Classrooms
Presented BY: Nicole Fleming
Adult education classrooms often include learners with a wide range of backgrounds, confidence levels, and skills. In this interactive session, we'll explore best practices for teaching multi-level classrooms and share practical techniques that encourage participation, support learners at different skill levels, and make the most of the knowledge learners bring to the classroom.Lunch Break
Leading in Uncertain Times: Mindfulness for the Stressed-Out Administrator
Presented By: Carolyn Zachry and Mitch Rosin
In today’s volatile funding landscape, adult education administrators are navigating unprecedented challenges. his session offers a timely and practical framework for leadership in crisis. We’ll explore the current national landscape, examining policy trends, funding disparities, and what’s truly required to restructure services.The 15 Laws of Student Retention: Evidence-Based Insights to Maximize Student Engagement, Retention, and Learning (75 minutes)
Presented By: Teddy Eduardo
This session will share and discuss adult learning theories and 15 evidence-based strategies to maximize adult student engagement, retention, and learning. Attendees will explore two adult learning theories (Theory of Margin, and Transformative Learning) and their implications for teaching and adult education programs' performance. Lastly, participants will discuss applying evidence-based insights to promote student engagement, retention, and learning to help learners reach their objectives.Break
The Characteristics of Adult Learners
Presented By: Dr. Carmine Stewart
Featured Presenters
LaToya Newson
LaToya Newson is the former Director of the U.S. Department of Education's Division of Adult Education and Literacy (DAEL) in the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education. In her role as the national director, she oversaw the office which funds nearly $800 million in state and local grant programs to enable adults to improve their literacy and basic skills, complete high school/equivalency education, transition to postsecondary education and training, and succeed as workers, parents, and citizens. She is a recognized expert in the field of adult education and as an innovative thinker interested in promoting lifelong learning and improving federal support and initiatives for adult learners and has developed strategies for improving education opportunities for this population.
LaToya’s passion for education is rooted in her core values of advocacy, relationship and partnership building, and being purpose-driven. LaToya holds a Bachelor of Science in biological science and Master of Education in counselor education from the University of Mississippi, an Education Specialist degree in educational leadership from Lipscomb University, and she is currently pursuing her doctorate degree in learning and leadership from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
Kim Glenn
Kim Glenn is an accomplished adult education and workforce development leader with more than 20 years of experience across adult education, K-12, government, and nonprofit sectors. As Managing Director of Innovative Learning Solutions at EDSI, she leads initiatives in instructional design, leadership development, workforce consulting, and organizational change to strengthen programs and improve learner outcomes. She is known for translating research-based learning strategies into practical solutions that build organizational capacity and support adult learner success.
A recognized national speaker and thought leader, Kim focuses on the intersection of adult education, workforce development, and artificial intelligence, advocating for a human-centered approach that enhances—not replaces—professional judgment and relationships. She serves on the board of the Association of Adult Literacy Professional Developers (AALPD), is a frequent presenter at national conferences including COABE and ATD, and holds certifications in Hogan Leadership Assessment and DiSC facilitation.
Sarah Goldammer
Sarah Goldammer, M.S. is a passionate lifelong learner and educator. There is nothing more exciting to her than the “aha” moment and supporting others to find theirs! She currently serves as the Director of the Southern Illinois Professional Development Center - part of the Illinois Community College Board Professional Development Network. Sarah is a certified trainer of Universal Design for Learning through CAST, Center for Applied Special Technologies. She has trained hundreds of individuals throughout her 25 years in adult education using her passions to encourage conversations and promote classroom practices such as UDL, that enhance accessible actions to promote success. She also promotes success by supporting programs as they develop and implement transitional programs. She has coached over 50 programs, creating Bridges and Integrated Education and Training (IET/ICAPS) programs, and has spearheaded the creation of multiple statewide, contextualized curricula.
Brad Coffman
Brad Coffman is the Director of the Russellville Adult Education Center and Supervisor of Alternative Programs for Russellville School District in Arkansas. He directs a multi-site adult education program serving multiple counties in Arkansas, offering a comprehensive range of services including basic education, high school equivalency, English language learning, and workforce-aligned programming, with a particular focus on IET development and Work Ready Community certification. A National Board Certified Educator with over 25 years in public education, Brad's career spans classroom teaching, building-level administration, and district leadership across adult, alternative, and virtual education settings. He is the author of Trail Leadership: Quiet Leadership in a Loud World and a national presenter at COABE, College Board Forum, and ACT Regional and National Summits, among others. At COABE 2026 in Indianapolis, he presented two concurrent sessions. Brad holds an M.Ed. in Instructional Technology and a B.M.E. in Music Education from Arkansas Tech University, with advanced graduate coursework from the University of Arkansas. He serves on the College Board Southwestern Regional Council and the ACT Central Regional Council, and remains committed to developing leaders at every level of adult education.
Nicole Fleming
Nicole Fleming is a facilitator and adult education specialist with over 15 years of experience in professional development, training design, and learner engagement. Known for creating interactive, brain-based learning experiences that support long-term retention, she is passionate about combining cognitive science with practical, real-world application. Nicole is experienced in both in-person and virtual formats, with a focus on strategies that work across generations and learning contexts.
As a Certified Trainer, Certifier, and TBR-VE® Certifier for Training from the BACK of the Room, Nicole brings a practical, experience-based approach to every workshop she leads. Her facilitation style is grounded in the science of learning, shaped by real-world experience, and designed to keep learners active, engaged, and able to apply what they’ve learned.
Carolyn Zachry
Dr. Carolyn Zachry is a nationally respected adult education leader and former California State Director of Adult Education. Through her consulting firm, Teneral Education Partners, she provides leadership consulting in adult education and Career Technical Education (CTE) and serves as Strategic Planning, Policy and Implementation Associate with CASAS. During her nine years with the California Department of Education, she oversaw the federal WIOA Title II program and co-administered California's state-funded Adult Education Program.
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With nearly 40 years of experience in education, Dr. Zachry has served as a teacher, principal, program coordinator, and state leader. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of State Directors of Adult Education (NASDAE), helping shape adult education policy nationwide. Her career reflects a longstanding commitment to strengthening adult education systems and expanding opportunities for learners.
Mitch Rosin
Mitch Rosin has worked in workforce/education/labor field for more than 40 years. After careers as a social worker and classroom teacher, he managed operations for two divisions of McGraw-Hill Education in the United States and lead Adult Education/Workforce/Training initiatives globally. Currently, he consults for several companies both in the United States and internationally including Aztec Software, CASAS, and several Adult Education Consortia in California. Mr. Rosin holds a Master of Arts in Education, a Master of Science in Curriculum Design and Development, and a Master of Science in International Public Policy. He is currently working on a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership.
Teddy Edouard
Teddy Edouard is a Learning Coach at CBL, where he helps develop evidence-based training and instructional systems to equip adult ed programs and instructors to increase learners' engagement, retention― and learning. Coach Teddy has over 24 years of experience in education and has trained and spoken in 30 states. He has an MA in Teaching from SIT Graduate Institute and an MSEd in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University.
Carmine Stewart
Carmine has worked in adult literacy for eighteen years as a volunteer tutor, instructor, program coordinator, program director, and instructional designer. Carmine is the President and CEO of Aspire Consulting and Educational Services, conducting research, evaluation, professional development, executive coaching, and diversity training. Carmine is the President of the Ohio Association of Adult and Continuing Education (OAACE), the moderator for the LINCS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Community, the Chair of the Association of Adult Literacy Professional Developers, and a member of the NAACP Education Committee. Carmine is the Director of the Aspire Program at the Neighborhood Centers Association in Cleveland, Ohio. She is passionate about helping beginning readers, and educating educators about learning and instruction. She dreams of eliminating illiteracy as a social problem, and has started a company “Ending Illiteracy” to extend her work assisting beginning readers beyond the adult literacy space . Carmine earned her doctorate in August 2012, after defending her dissertation, “Teacher Preparation and Professional Development in Adult Literacy Education.”