Are you an educator who works with adult learners? Are you interested in discovering new, learner-centered approaches, effective communication strategies, and helpful resources for further professional development?

Consider the Adult Education Pathways Program. It’s designed to equip adult education professionals with the basic tools and knowledge needed to advance adult education.

What is the Pathway Program?

The Pathway Program is a free training system that teaches the fundamentals of working with adult learners. It was developed by Adult Education Philadelphia in partnership with Community College of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

What pathways are available?

Currently, there are four pathways to choose from:

  • Adult Basic Education (ABE) – helping learners build foundational reading, writing, and math skills
  • Digital Skills (DS) – introducing learners to computers and software applications
  • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) – supporting learners to develop English language skills
  • High School Equivalency (HSE) – preparing learners for the GED or other equivalency diploma

Who is the Pathway Program for?

While available to everyone, we believe the Pathway Program will be especially helpful for the following:

  • New instructors – those with less than three years of experience teaching adult learners, making the switch from K–12 or higher ed, or exploring new pathways in adult education.
  • Future instructors – former learners, college graduates, or volunteers preparing to or interested in teaching adult learners.
  • Professionals seeking growth – administrators expanding their knowledge, people changing careers, or instructors wanting to refresh the basics.

What are the goals of the Pathway Program?

The Pathway Program strives to achieve five core objectives:

  1. Equip new instructors with the necessary skills and knowledge to work with adult learners
  2. Promote innovative teaching practices in basic adult education
  3. Foster a supportive learning environment for adult learners
  4. Improve learner outcomes
  5. Improve the overall quality of adult education in Philadelphia and beyond

What is the time commitment to complete one pathway?

Each pathway varies in length, but most can be completed in 20–40 hours:

  • ESOL Pathway: 22-25 hours
  • ABE Pathway: 20-24 hours
  • HSE Pathway: 24-40 hours
  • Digital Skills Pathway: 23-25 hours

How rigorous is the Pathway Program?

The Pathway Program is intended to lay the foundation for working with adult learners while recognizing that participants lead busy lives. Therefore, this program is highly flexible to accommodate even the most challenging schedules.

Every pathway includes:

  • Core modules – 5 self-paced modules shared across all pathways
  • Facilitated workshop series – a combination of self-paced work, webinars, and coaching sessions led by a content expert in your pathway
  • Electives – currently 2 are available (with more on the way); participants must complete either two electives OR a second facilitated workshop series
  • Final assignment – a lesson plan with a one-page reflection demonstrating how you applied what you learned

Why should I sign up for the Pathway Program?

The Pathway Program provides many benefits for instructors of all backgrounds and experience levels:

  • Better learner outcomes – design engaging lessons, understand diverse needs, and use effective teaching methods
  • Career growth – qualify for new opportunities, higher positions, and increased earning potential
  • Job satisfaction – gain tools to overcome challenges, connect with learners, and achieve teaching goals
  • Stay current – keep up with evolving theories, technologies, and best practices
  • Networking – connect with fellow educators, exchange ideas, and build relationships
  • Recognized credential – earn badges and a certificate to validate your expertise

How do I earn badges and the certificate of completion?

Badges are awarded for the following milestones:

  • Completion of the Core Modules
  • Completion of any facilitated workshop

Certificates of Completion are awarded upon completing all of the following:

  • Core modules
  • Pathway modules
  • Facilitated workshops
  • At least one elective module
  • Submission of final assignment

This all sounds great! How do I sign up?

Register for the Pathway Program today on the CCP website.

I still have a few questions!

Learn more about the Pathway Program on AEPHL.org.

I need further assistance. Who can help me?

Please email adultedu@phila.gov with any questions.