Vermont Adult Learning works for the day when all Vermonters are prosperous and have the life skills and knowledge to achieve success in their careers, family, and community. Further, we envision Vermont Adult Learning as a leader in education and training for those 16 years and older, and as a key resource in helping Vermonters to be successful in achieving their goals.
Vermont Adult Learning’s mission is to create an innovative, inclusive, and equitable learning environment that provides personalized opportunities for education and career development for Vermont residents by building relationships, strengthening communities, and fostering lifelong learning.
In a state where 36,000 residents lack high school diplomas, VAL helps adult learners, age 16 and older, acquire the reading, writing, math, and computer skills necessary to earn their high school diploma or GED. We teach English Language Learners (ELL) language skills needed to advance educationally and in the workplace; we help them prepare for citizenship. Our students experience barriers in their public schools, health issues, or displacement from their homelands due to poverty and/or political turmoil. We provide College and Career Readiness support, including active partnerships to help our students continue to college or a better job. We are a safe, welcoming place where students can resume their studies with support and encouragement.
Quantitative Outcomes: Fiscal Year 2024 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024)
Total Learners Served: 1,466
Adult Education and Literacy Students: 1,388
Workforce Development Participants: 78 Energy Works participants across the state trained for careers in green energy.
Total Students Who Earned High School Diplomas or GED: 93
English Language Learners (ELL) Served: 602
Skill Gains Achieved in Reading, Writing, and Math: Students enrolled in our Basic Education and High School Completion Programs are tested for specific skill gains via federally approved standardized tests.
Qualitative Outcomes: What our work looks like
Vermont Adult Learning was established in 1980 as the Vermont Institute for Self-Reliance (VISR), providing Adult Basic Education via correspondence courses. VISR expanded services to include in-home tutors, video courses and GED testing. VISR expanded to serve seven (7) of Vermont’s fourteen (14) counties, via a Vermont Agency of Education Grant. We serve the state’s most populous regions, covering the following counties: Franklin, Grand Isle, Chittenden, Addison, Rutland, Windsor and Windham.
VISR changed its name to Vermont Adult Learning in 1996. We host learning centers across Vermont, providing a safe, comfortable, professional and supportive place for adult students, ages 16 and older, to learn the skills and knowledge they need to prosper in 21st-century Vermont.
Adult Basic Education offers people, aged 16 and older, the opportunity to develop and/or improve basic skills in reading, writing, math, computers and speaking English to get a better job or pursue more education.
Adults who are 16 years old or older who are not enrolled in secondary school (high school, technical center, etc.) and whose learning level in reading, math, writing and speaking English is below the 12th grade level may participate.
If earning your diploma is a goal, we can help you create an educational plan to earn either your high school diploma or prepare for the GED test.
A High School Diploma is awarded by a Vermont school district. A GED Diploma is granted to learners who earn a passing grade on the GED Test of Educational Development.
If you need only a small number of credits to earn your high school diploma, and you have time to complete them, the High School Diploma can be a good choice.
If you need many credits or you wish to earn your high school credential in a short time, the GED may be a better choice.
For help deciding, schedule an appointment to meet with one of our academic advisors. They will be glad to discuss your options and provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision that will prepare you for whatever goals you set.
Executive Director (802) 528-3025 | [email protected]
Tara Brooks, a fifth-generation Vermonter from Addison County, is dedicated to being a compassionate leader who focuses on building community and creating a positive and productive work environment that inspires people to be their best selves. Tara believes in leading with kindness, humor, and humility and creating a space where everyone feels safe to share their thoughts and ideas.
Tara’s impressive career includes a series of leadership roles underlining her capability and experience. She has served as the Director of the Vergennes Recreation Department, Events Manager for the Vergennes Opera House, Executive Director of the Vergennes Partnership, and Director of After-school and Summer Services for the Addison Northwest School District. These positions have involved overseeing staff, grant management, advocacy, budget management, policy development, implementing procedures, expanding revenue streams, and increasing programming. In her most recent role as the Director of Operations for Heartworks Early Education, she managed a team of around 125 staff across six centers, ensuring the well-being of 450 children.
Tara holds a bachelor’s in child development from Charter Oak and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University. She lives in Vergennes with her husband, Josh, her three daughters, Adelaide, Olivia, and Ellie, and her two dogs, two cats, and ten chickens.
Regional Director, Windham County (802) 257-9449 | [email protected]
Matthew, being a jack of all trades, held a variety of jobs in health care, construction, car sales, lumber, and manufacturing before finding his passion when working as a residential counselor for the former Bennington School Inc. After helping students who struggled with academics earn a diploma, he knew what he wanted to do with his life and returned to college to earn a degree in education.
After working for SVSU and some out-of-state nonprofit residential schools as a special educator, classroom teacher, therapeutic crisis interventionist, and work-based learning coordinator, Matthew returned to Vermont and began working in adult education as a Transition Counselor and AEL Program Manager. He hopes to apply his values, life experiences, and passion for education and career/post-secondary planning to ensure the best possible outcomes for VAL students.
All of Matthew’s formal education has been in Vermont, and, although he has lived and worked in NY and MA, he considers Vermont and its communities his true home.
Regional Director, Rutland (802) 560-4281 | [email protected]
Human Resources Director 802-312-0954 | [email protected]
Director of Development (802) 735-1670 | [email protected]
Janine Fleri has a background in nonprofit communications and several years of experience in creative media. Inspired by her mother’s work as a special educator, Janine values accessible, non-traditional learning. She holds a B.A. in Film Studies and Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. in Media Studies from The New School, reflecting her appreciation for progressive education. Janine spent over a decade working in entertainment before transitioning to the nonprofit sector and remains an active multimedia artist and film/tv buff in her free time.
Regional Director, Windsor County (802) 458-0261 | [email protected]
Karen is a passionate educator originally from North Carolina. She holds a B.S. in English Education from East Carolina University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in English from the University of Birmingham’s Shakespeare Institute, located in Stratford-upon-Avon, UK. Prior to her work with Vermont Adult Learning, Karen was a high school English teacher in both North Carolina and Vermont, and also taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses at The University of Birmingham. Karen enjoys spending time in the beautiful scenery of Vermont, hiking, doing yoga, crafting, and reading. When not working, she is often with her constant companions — Monkey (the cat) and Walden (the puppy).
Associate Director (802) 923-3960 | [email protected]
David has served in the nonprofit sector since 2004 as a director, consultant, program manager, developer, teacher, and employment specialist. He leads Vermont Adult Learning’s workforce development administration and expansion, strategic planning implementation, and central office administration.
Ariel Martinez is an innovative educator with fifteen years of experience in designing schools and educational programs aimed at changing the way we approach teaching and learning. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Arcadia University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Ariel is a strong believer in the value of an experiential and customized education powered by curiosity and finds joy in conducting transformative professional development for teachers and their students. In her free time, she is a reader and outdoor enthusiast and loves spending time with her husband, Patrick, son, Evren, and dog, Tavi.
Director of Programs (802) 458-0261 | [email protected]
Joe joined Vermont Adult Learning in 2014 as Regional Director for our Middlebury site and now coordinates VAL’s adult education programs for all our regions. Joe’s background includes many years of teaching in science, math and workforce prep.
Regional Director, Addison County (802) 458-0103 | [email protected]
Natalie joined Vermont Adult Learning in 2011 as a Teacher, GED Educational Advisor and Assessment Trainer. She had a successful career in environmental engineering after earning a degree in Geomechanics from the University of Rochester. Upon moving to Vermont she started a new career in education by joining the alternative program at a local high school. She is a Vermont Licensed Educator for Math in grades 7-12, a Licensed Professional Geologist in Pennsylvania, and a Certified Personal Finance Instructor.
Director of Workforce Development (802) 490-3287 | [email protected]
Kim joined Vermont Adult Learning as the Director of Workforce Development in 2023. In prior roles, Kim worked at the Vermont Council on Rural Development, Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region, and College St. Joseph. She holds a Masters in Business Administration from Fitchburg State University, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from College St. Joseph, and a Digital Marketing Fundamentals Certificate from University of Vermont. Kim is a council member for the Vermont Women’s Fund, a board member for Community Capital of Vermont, a member of the Northeast Kingdom Young Professionals Network, and former President of Rutland Young Professionals. Kim is originally from Rutland County and now lives in St. Johnsbury with her husband and their three dogs.
Regional Director, Chittenden County (802) 735-0124 | [email protected]
Sara came to Vermont Adult Learning (and the state of VT) in the summer of 2019 as the Burlington Instructional Coordinator before moving into her role as Regional Director. Prior to moving to Vermont, she spent 15 years in Phoenix, Arizona as an English teacher and administrator. Originally from the Midwest, Sara is an avid Big 10 football fan (GO PURDUE), and Chicago White Sox fan. When not working she is often on an outdoor adventure with her partner and their four-legged pack.
Martha Adams, a resident of South Royalton, serves as a student/alumni representative on Vermont Adult Learning’s Board of Trustees. She is a full-time student at the Community College of Vermont, pursuing a double major in Early Childhood Education and Business. She has been invited to her college’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She is married and homeschools, in her words, “an amazing little boy.”
Edmund Booth is a IT and Network Administrator for Vermont Legal Aid. He brings over 15 years of board and committee experience in Vermont and New England. He has formerly taught in both public and technical schools in Vermont. He holds an undergraduate teacher’s degree from Keene State University and is a graduate of the Vermont School Leadership Project of the Snelling Center for Government.
James brings decades of management experience in the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries and has held significant positions helping low- and moderate-income seniors living in rural communities. He also serves as a commissioner on SerVermont, the state’s commission on National and Community Service.
Dwight DeCoster’s unique blend of experience, from military and fire service to weatherization, sets him apart. His unwavering dedication to workforce development and youth support, evident in his diverse expertise in education, employment counsel, corporate/business management, nonprofit management, programming, evaluation, and training, is truly inspiring. Currently serving as the Weatherization Director at the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity (CVOEO), Dwight’s unwavering commitment makes him a trusted professional, reassuring the audience of his steadfast dedication. Dwight is a resident of Underhill.
Liz DiMarco Weinmann, MBA, is a first-generation Italian-American and a dedicated educator with a profound passion for supporting adult learners. Drawing from her own family’s immigrant experiences, Liz not only understands but deeply empathizes with the challenges faced by the individuals VAL serves, making the audience feel understood and cared for. With a background as a former college professor and current strategic growth specialist, Liz deeply values VAL’s operational excellence and the commitment of its staff. Liz has provided counsel and guidance to various Vermont nonprofits and has conducted educational workshops for nonprofit leaders in the mid-Atlantic region as well as Vermont. Her expertise spans nonprofit management; strategic planning; cultivation, fundraising, and stewardship of major donors and corporate executives; and organizational development. Liz is a resident of Rutland.
Meghan Fay-McCaffrey has overcome educational barriers and achieved career growth through non-traditional education. She is a passionate advocate for VAL and has seen its positive impact on her daughter. Meghan is dedicated to helping others overcome education and career advancement challenges. Her professional background includes employment counseling, corporate and nonprofit management, fundraising, and HR leadership. She holds an undergraduate degree in Organizational Behavior and Communication and has been accepted into the Leadership Studies program at Vermont State University. Meghan has been a Board Member of Green Mountain Habitat for Humanity and has held positions within The UVM Health Network. She resides in Burlington.
Dee is the Associate Director for Employer Development in the Center for Careers and Internships at Middlebury College. She fosters employer relationships to provide high-quality and diverse employment and internship opportunities to students. Dee is passionate about helping people set and achieve goals and brings seventeen years of Human Resources experience in higher education. She is active in her church and has served as a volunteer for Vermont Adult Learning since 2013.
Ashley Griggs, a resident of Chester, serves as a student/alumni representative on Vermont Adult Learning’s Board of Trustees. She attends the Community College of Vermont and is working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education. She enjoys drawing and photography in her free time.
Tuipate works at the Community College of Vermont as a Coordinator of Student Advising. He worked at Howard Center as Diversity Coordinator for 13 years until the beginning of January 2020. In 1999, he co-founded the Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV), a community-based organization that serves more than 3,000 people each year and is its Board President.
Rich works for HireAbility Vermont as the Career Advancement Director, managing an exciting new statewide research project that helps individuals with disabilities develop and pursue career pathways leading to higher-wage employment. Rich earned a B.S. in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan and a Master’s in Education from UVM.
Vermont Adult Learning actively cultivates relationships with partners from the governmental, educational, nonprofit, foundation and business sectors. We recognize that working across traditional boundaries enhances outcomes for our students.
VAL values transparency and we want our staff, students, and donors to be informed of the financial health of our organization. We publish an Annual Report to share this information while highlighting accomplishments for our Fiscal Year, which is from July 1 to June 30. Our archive of Annual Reports can be accessed here.
At Vermont Adult Learning, each member of our staff can make a positive difference in a student’s life. That’s why we seek talented individuals who share our commitment to helping adult learners learn, grow, and thrive.
Advising Coordinator – Burlington, VT
Educational Advisor – Middlebury, VT
Online Learning Center STEM Instructor, Remote
Regional Director – St Albans, VT
Are you inspired by our mission of lifelong learning, and want to be considered for future positions that match your skills and experience? We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at [email protected]
“I love working here at Vermont Adult Learning. Every student who walks through the door gives me an opportunity to ask the right questions, thus giving students a pathway to find their right answers. It is in the discovery of finding their answers that they find themselves.” ~ MJ
“I love the diversity of work here. Each student brings their unique goals, talents, and challenges and the wide variety of learning opportunities here allows us to really craft an educational plan that fits that student and helps them move toward their goals. It can be hard work and there is always a lot to learn, but it is also incredibly rewarding.” ~ Joe
Vermont Adult Learning is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, annual leave, sick leave, holiday leave, an Employee Assistance Program, and a 403(b) matching option.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Vermont Adult Learning is committing time, money, and resources with the goal of making Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) an integral piece of VAL culture. We would love to involve the insight of more VAL students, alumni, staff, board members, and community partners in this work. If you are interested in participating in some way with the VAL DEI Committee, please contact [email protected].
VAL is steadfast in its commitment to diversity and providing equal access to participation in its programs and services. We strive to be sensitive to known barriers of gender, race, national origin, color, disability or age. We pursue equitable recruitment and hiring practices in an effort to attract qualified staff and volunteers reflecting our population’s diversity.
Gender – All staff will work to ensure a gender-equitable environment, with the understanding that gender and sexuality are fluid, not binary. All outreach efforts and programs are gender-neutral. Faculty and staff will refrain from stereotyping based on gender identity, using gender-neutral pronouns, or student-chosen pronouns, whenever possible.
Race, Age, National Origin, Color – Recruitment is unbiased and Vermont Adult Learning staff will work to ensure every person, regardless of race, age, national origin or color receives equal access to all services. Hiring practices will reflect a commitment to full equity and inclusion. Our website’s Homepage (www.vtadultlearning.org) offers an auto-translate feature, making services more accessible to New Americans.
Disability – Vermont Adult Learning recognizes that many of our students and potential students meet the definition of having a “disability,” as defined by the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). We make every effort to accommodate disabilities, such as maintaining ADA-compliant facilities, using assistive technologies (where available and applicable), offering flexible scheduling and many other appropriate accommodations and services. We are committed to removing barriers inhibiting equal access to our spaces and services.
Recruitment and hiring – Vermont Adult Learning has a commitment to fair hiring. We do not discriminate based on gender, race, age, nationality, color, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, including, but not limited to, ADA-accessible Learning Centers and assistive technologies.
Student outreach and intake – We collaborate with religious groups of all denominations, migrant justice groups, mental health providers, agencies, etc. Our outreach and communications include student representation from diverse demographic sectors. We create opportunities for and encourage staff to participate in trainings addressing issues of equity for the varied constituencies we serve. These measures, coupled with outreach and intake, are designed to increase staff awareness and remove many of the barriers our students encounter.
Vermont Adult Learning has in place a vast array of policies ensuring compliance with American with the Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102), WIOA Section 3(25), and the General Education Provisions Act, Section 427. We actively ensure that staff, students and potential students are afforded protections granted under the above provisions.
© Vermont Adult Learning