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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

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…

Teresa Terrazas Nominated for COABE* Outstanding Adult Learner Award (12/15/2020) - Teresa Terrazas has been a VAL student since October 2019. She has been an extraordinarily dedicated student with regular attendance at VAL, and has received nearly 250 hours of instruction and other services to date. Teresa is working very hard to achieve her goal of graduation in June 2021 or shortly thereafter. She has completed several credits and is currently juggling several more courses, including Algebra, Physical Science, U.S. History, and American Literature. In addition to her studies at VAL, Teresa cares full-time for her young daughter. She is currently unemployed due to the demands of motherhood and school. When…

Focus on the future and what can be ~Cathryn Hayes (12/10/2020) - VAL-Windham Director, Cathryn Hayes, is retiring in December after eight years at our organization. We appreciate Cathryn’s many contributions and, although we will miss her, we are excited for what the future holds for her in this new chapter. Cathryn grew up on the U.S.-Canadian border in Massena, New York. It was across-cultural community where educational, sports and entertainment activities were accessed equally between New York and Ontario. Crossing the border was easy. You simply waved to your friendly border guard! She attended SUNY Potsdam, earning a degree in Psychology. She holds an M.Ed. in Counseling and Human Behavior from St. Lawrence…

Meet Dee Dee O’Brien VAL Volunteer (11/25/2020) - Dee Dee O’Brien grew up in Los Angeles. She studied molecular biology and biochemistry in college before earning a Master’s Degree in Public Health. She spent time working in research labs and, eventually, shifted her career to graphic arts. An eye for detail in a lab specimen translates easily to an eye for detail in design. She also actively studies French, a helpful skill in her role at VAL. Dee Dee has volunteered in VAL’s Beginning Literacy classes, alongside teacher Anne Clift, since 2017. She supports English Language Learning for New American students, many of whom are refugees. Dee Dee…

Is the Time the Same or Faster? (11/19/2020) - Written by Rhaiza Ebel, a VAL English Language Learning Student from Brazil “A lot of people use watches, only a few with time.” I do not know the author of this phrase, however, it makes me think about it. Before the pandemic, I had heard a lot of people (me included) saying: “I don’t have time to do this,” but is this true? Or is this just us saying no for something in a “educated/polite” way? Or this is us not giving/wanting the “right” attention for something? Saying "no" to a friend or parents who need/want to talk, saying "no"…