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Welcome to Vermont Adult Learning!

Vermont Adult Learning helps adult learners, ages 16 and older, acquire reading, writing, math, and computer skills to earn high school diplomas/GEDs. We teach English Language Learners skills to advance educationally and at work. We engage in workforce development. Our services are offered at no cost and are available in person and online. Text VAL to 833-900-0907 or contact a Learning Center nearest to you to learn more!

Note for in-person learning: We no longer require masks in our learning centers. Anyone at high risk or wishing to continue wearing a mask for other reasons is welcome to do so. We will continue to have masks available in our centers for those who need them.

Those who choose to wear a mask do so because it is a decision they have made for their health and safety. Vermont Adult Learning expects that decision to be respected. If you have concerns about your safety, please let us know so we can discuss options to address them.

Learning Matters Blog and VAL Updates

My Vermont “Cinderella” Story by Jolana Walker* (1/13/2021) - Before coming to Vermont in 2007, I looked forward to a nice vacation in a beautiful mountainous place. I have always loved mountains. Even in my dreams, it never occurred to me that the Green Mountain State would one day become my second home. Summer that year was wonderful. The picturesque valley in which I found myself was lined with a wreath of gorgeous woods, glittering lakes and vast green meadows. The scenery was charming, almost like a fairy tale! I was amazed and surprised by the friendly, smiling people. Their willingness to help and lend a hand is anchored in…

VT Adult Learning Teachers Nominated for Award (1/6/2021) - Three Vermont Adult Learning (VAL) Teachers---Janet Baker, Amy Cowan and Elisabeth Woronzoff---have been nominated for a national teaching award. The Coalition on Adult Basic Education issues an Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award to an adult educator, with five or more years of service, who exemplifies extraordinary teaching and commitment to students. Our nominees, recommended by their VAL colleagues, have been advanced the national competition. The winner will be announced at the Coalition on Adult Basic Education's annual conference, to be held virtually, from March 21-24, 2021. The winner receives a $10,000 stipend. VAL is fortunate to have so many…

Student Writing: The Falcon (1/6/2021) - by Nathaniel Greene The falcon that flies so high, I ponder where she goes. Flying through the trees, into the sky, through the dust and the wind. She is very fast and a pretty little thing, birds like her love to soar and glide. She soars to the ground to catch some mice, catching them twice. She hears some cries, baby bird cries. She flies with the mice in tow. She lands in a nest, a big little nest and feeds her young. She gives them love and little baby bird hugs. Then again she flies through the trees, into…

I promise you are not bad at math ~Krissy Shelvey (12/21/2020) - Krissy Shelvey, a teacher at VAL, shares four basic rules in her classroom for her students, and herself: have fun, work hard, be kind and laugh a lot. She assures students that if they abide by those rules, they will be just fine. Krissy joined VAL in 2012 as a Employment Counselor in a grant-funded role working with at-risk fathers with young children. She has been the math and technology teacher since 2014. Krissy earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business at the University of Vermont. While a student, she was recruited by her favorite professor and academic advisor---who…

Emily Gokey Nominated for COABE* Outstanding Adult Learner Award (12/16/2020) - Emily Gokey has been a VAL student since January 2018. She has been an extraordinarily dedicated student with regular attendance at VAL, and has received nearly 600 hours of instruction and other services to date. She has completed most of her credits toward her diploma, with only a few remaining, and is on schedule to graduate in June 2021 or earlier. In addition to her studies at VAL, Emily holds down a full-time job and spends many additional hours caring for her young godson. Her learning experiences, which have included courses in math, financial literacy, and child development, have contributed…