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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

Esther Behling: Individualizing the Learning Experience (8/16/2021) - Esther Behling is one of VAL’s talented education advisors and teachers at the Windham County VAL in Brattleboro. Originally from New York State, Esther studied education during her undergraduate years at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. She went on to receive a Teaching Certificate in Secondary English from Bennington College. From there, Esther worked in the public school field for several years where she taught reading and writing to elementary, middle, and high school students. She also worked as a high school academic support teacher, providing advice and guidance to students. When she began her work at VAL, Esther was…

Allison: VAL helped me learn that I was resilient (8/4/2021) - Allison works at Lucas Industries, an aerospace company in North Springfield, Vermont. The Springfield area, historically, has been a center for precision industries. Allison supports manufacturing of helicopter blades. She is also intentional in her willingness to work across areas of the company as needs arise. She hopes to work her way up within the company. She recognizes that growing her skills---across departments---enhances her value as an employee. Allison is also a newly-minted high school graduate, having completed her studies at VAL’s Learning Center in Springfield, Vermont. Her high school experience was impacted by anxiety, depression and simply feeling unwell…

Kathy McCullough: Keeping VAL Organized (7/28/2021) - When it comes to highlighting the talented staff at Vermont Adult Learning, who better to spotlight than Kathy McCullough, the Office Manager at the Windsor County Learning Center in White River Junction. Kathy grew up in Westerly, Rhode Island, before making her way up to Vermont during adulthood. Prior to working at VAL, she spent her time in Student Affairs at Vermont Law School (VLS), where she loved working directly with student affinity groups to plan events and celebrations. For a few years, Kathy planned the commencement ceremony for the law school, and this year she will be doing the…

Ethan Maurer: Bringing Excitement and Energy to Learning (7/22/2021) - Ethan, the Regional Director for Chittenden County, has been with VAL for around thirteen years. He began by working as a High School Completion Plan Manager where he worked with students to create individualized programs to help them achieve their diplomas. After that, he became the High School Completion Program Manager where he oversaw the program on a state-wide level. Ethan has always recognized the significance of education; his parents instilled its importance into him from a young age. However, he says he was not very invested in his traditional educational experience, which is a big reason he values VAL’s…

Sue Smithson: Inspired by the Courage of Our Students (7/14/2021) - Sue is the Office Manager for VAL’s Addison County Learning Center. Sue proctors GED and student assessment tests, conducts student orientation and onboarding, serves on an agency-wide data specialist group, performs data entry, meets with students (new and old), and makes sure the needs of teachers are met---usually in regards to ordering needed materials. VAL’s Addison County office recently moved and Sue assumed many tasks associated with the transition to a new space in the Marble Works in Middlebury. After high school, Sue attended a 2-year technical school in order to become a veterinary technician. Following graduation, she moved to…