Proposal Submissions

2025 Conference Strands

 

Innovations in Adult Learning: Technology & Teaching Strategies

  • Integrating AI, virtual learning, and digital tools in adult education
  • Best practices for engaging adult learners in hybrid and online environments
  • Gamification, micro-credentials, and adaptive learning strategies

Audience: Adult educators, instructional designers, and curriculum developers, EdTech professionals and AI specialists in education, Online learning coordinators and hybrid program facilitators, Administrators implementing digital tools in adult education programs

Workforce Development & Career Pathways

  • Strengthening partnerships between adult education and industry leaders
  • Developing career-aligned curricula and certifications for adult learners
  • Addressing skills gaps and preparing learners for high-demand jobs

Audience: Workforce development professionals and career counselors, Industry leaders and employers partnering with adult education, Community college and technical school representatives, Policy makers focused on workforce readiness and economic development

Equity, Inclusion, & Student Support Services

  • Supporting English language learners and adult learners with disabilities
  • Expanding access for underrepresented and rural populations
  • Addressing barriers to learning, such as transportation, childcare, and digital access

Audience: ESL instructors and specialists in adult learning disabilities, Program coordinators serving underrepresented or rural populations, social workers and student support service providers, Advocacy groups focused on accessibility and adult learner success

GED, Literacy, and Foundational Skills for Lifelong Learning

  • Innovations in GED, High School Diploma Option, and adult literacy programs
  • Strategies for enhancing numeracy, reading comprehension, and financial literacy
  • Preparing learners for higher education and career advancement

Audience: GED and adult literacy instructors, High School Diploma Option program coordinators, Tutors and mentors working with adult learners, Librarians and community literacy program leaders

Leadership & Professional Growth in Adult Education

  • Developing strong leadership pipelines for educators and administrators
  • Coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities
  • Building resilience and preventing burnout among adult education professionals

Audience: Adult education administrators and program directors, Emerging leaders in adult education institutions, Professional development trainers and coaches, Policy makers and educational researchers

Community Engagement & Partnerships for Success

  • Strengthening collaborations between adult education programs and community organizations
  • The role of libraries, nonprofits, and faith-based groups in adult learning
  • Funding opportunities, grants, and advocacy for adult education initiatives

Audience: Nonprofit leaders and faith-based organization representatives, Public library staff involved in adult education initiatives, Grant writers and fundraising professionals, Local government officials supporting adult learning initiatives

General Interest Strand

  • Explore topics broadly relevant to adults and to serving adult students

Audience: Anyone with a broad interest in adult education, professional development, and student success, Individuals working with or supporting adult learners in various capacities, Community members seeking to engage in adult learning initiatives

 

Proposal Form

Larissa Benz

District 5 Representative
Ingram State Technical

Larissa Benz is ISTC Adult Education Coordinator for Southern Region. Prior to this position, she worked as an ESL instructor at Auburn University at Montgomery and an Adult Education Coordinator at Southern Union State Community College. There, Benz developed a Career Pathways certification course in Medical Terminology and a Career Pathway certification course for translators and interpreters to meet the needs of the community in medical and legal fields. 
 
Larissa grew up in Ukraine when it was still a part of the Soviet Union. That allowed her to live in different places and travel to countries across EuroAsian continent. Growing up, she was fascinated by various cultures and the diversity. Larissa possesses Master’s degree in Linguistics. The degree opened the doors for her to teach foreign languages and be an interpreter for the UN and European Council conferences, translator for government agencies, non-profit organizations and ministries. 
 
Larissa Benz served as a lecturing professor at Tavria University of Management and Commerce and got her Master’s in Business from there. She also taught at the Crimea University of Pedagogy and Engineering, got accepted to the PhD program and did the research for her thesis there.
 
Benz and her son came to the U.S. in 2001 and worked with several ministries which served children and their families from underserved areas. She created projects and programs for cultural exchange and educational purposes. 
 
She is certified by the British Council to teach Business English and to translate legal documents. In 2022, Ms. Benz earned a certificate in leadership from LEAD University. Languages, art and hiking are her hobbies. 
 
Alabama became Larissa’s promise land and she has embraced the southern culture as her own even though she is still learning its beautiful idiosyncrasies. 

Marsha LeMacks

District 7 Representative
Wallace Dothan

Marsha S. LeMacks is a professional educator with 20+ years of teaching experience.  She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from Southern Wesleyan University in South Carolina.  She is also a 2025 graduate of the ACCS Instructional Leadership Academy.  Marsha is currently a full-time adult education instructor at Wallace Community College in Dothan, Alabama, and she previously served as the  2024-2025 ALAPCAE  District 7 Representative.