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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

“We do not give up.” (7/23/2020) - By Jolana, an ELL Student at our Addison County Learning Center My beginnings in Vermont were marked by euphoria. Everything was new to me, exciting and interesting. My self-taught English was met with considerate understanding, absolute hospitality and friendly encouragement. My pronunciation has sometimes been the subject of smiling situations. Can you imagine how terrified I was when I ordered “vodka” as a drink instead of ordinary water at a restaurant? When this situation repeated itself a few times a ‘la Amelia -Bedelia, it ceased to be cute; it became frustrating to me. My lifelong passion for reading books turned…

Train for a new career with SWFI (7/16/2020) - The Strengthening Working Families Initiative is a no-cost training program in manufacturing for eligible parents. Get on a better career path with higher wages and more stability for your family! Sign-up and classes have moved online in response to COVID-19. We are presently recruiting for an online class due to begin September 8th. If you live in Franklin, Grand Isle, Chittenden or Addison County, contact Gina at (802) 846-7245 x 2561 or [email protected]. If you live in Rutland, Windsor or Windham County, contact Whitney at (802) 846-7245 x 2561. The Strengthening Working Families Initiative is funded in full through a…

“I can read things in my mail. I can understand a bill, something my kids used to help me with.” (7/15/2020) - Lisa worked for over 20 years as a nurse’s aide in Chittenden County. She was employed at Starr Farm Nursing Center for many years, rising to a coordinator position. “I loved my job,” Lisa said. “I loved working with the elderly.” Lisa attended high school in South Burlington. She experienced learning disabilities and, although a few teachers tried to help her, there was no federal mandate to provide special education services at that time. Learning to read presented a significant stumbling block. Lisa became pregnant and left high school. Her life became busy and full between working and raising two…

Natalie Reigle named Interim Regional Director of Vermont Adult Learning’s Addison County Site (7/9/2020) - Natalie Reigle was named Interim Regional Director of Vermont Adult Learning’s (VAL) Addison County Learning Center in Middlebury. She joined the educational nonprofit in 2011 following work at Middlebury Union High School and a successful career in environmental engineering. Reigle’s roles at VAL include Math and Science Teacher, GED Educational Advisor and Assessment Trainer. VAL’s Middlebury site is actively working with students, offering virtual and---if needed---in-person services amid COVID-19. Protocols are in place to ensure a safe, welcoming and healthy environment for students and staff. VAL serves adults ages 16 years and older. Programs include basic education and literacy, high…

“Believe in yourself and believe in your teacher.” (7/1/2020) - Tetyana grew up in Sumy, a city in northeastern Ukraine on the banks of the Psel River. Her home city has a population of 265,000 people, far larger than the population of Vermont. Prior to her arrival in the U.S., Tetyana worked as a registered nurse at a children’s hospital. She spent much of her career working in the neonatal intensive care unit with babies born prematurely. “I always liked to help people,” Tetyana said. This inspired Tetyana to earn a nursing degree at the Sumy State University Medical Institute. Since immigrating to the U.S. in 2011, Tetyana has trained…