8:30A.M. - 9:00A.M.: Welcome Remarks
AALL Board President Welcome: Cindy Fisher-Smith
Pledge of Allegiance:
ADE Welcome: Beverly Wilson, Deputy Associate Superintendent / State Director, Adult Education and High School Equivalency Services, Arizona Department of Education
9:00A.M. - 9:30A.M.: Keynote Speaker
Kate Redmon, founder of Light & Salt Learning
Ms. Redmon’s Bio
9:30A.M. - 10:00A.M.: AALL Spring Awards 2026
10:00A.M. - 10:10A.M.: Break
10:10 A.M. - 11:05 A.M.: Breakout Session 1
Strand 1: AI and Strategic Technology Integration
Empowering Your Teaching with Custom AI Tools (Double Session)
Vi Hawes, Consultant / Ed Tech Specialist, VH Ed Tech Consulting
Strand 2: Instructional Practice and Learner Engagement
Listen Up: Activities to Target Listening Skills in a Low-Beginning Level ESOL Class
Emily Marderness, Instructor, Pima Community College Adult Basic Education for College and Career
Strand 3: Access, Systems, and Workforce Pathways
Bridging Walls: Blended Learning in Correctional Facilities as a Pathway to Opportunity
Dr. LaToya Newson, Coach & Consultant, Independent Coach and Consultant
Strand 2: Instructional Practice and Learner Engagement | Strand 4 - Ambassadors
Honoring Our Stories: Centering Culture to Affirm Identity and Increase Engagement
JakinDee Perez Kosaka, Workforce Development Instructor/Trainer, Maricopa County Adult Probation (MCAP). Shandiin Deputee, Faculty - College and Career Preparation, Northland Pioneer College. Dr. Nuria Sanchez, Director of Student Success, Glendale Community College
11:05 A.M. - 11:20 A.M.: Break
11:20 A.M. - 12:15 A.M.: Breakout Session 2
Strand 1: AI and Strategic Technology Integration
Empowering Your Teaching with Custom AI Tools (Double Session)
Vi Hawes, Consultant / Ed Tech Specialist, VH Ed Tech Consulting
Strand 2: Instructional Practice and Learner Engagement
Small Groups, Big Energy: Game-Based Routines for Adult Learners (That Still Hit Standards)
Michelle Blanks, ADE-AES Teaching and Learning Specialist, Arizona Department of Education - Adult Education Specialist
Strand 1: AI and Strategic Technology Integration | Strand 3: Access, Systems, and Workforce Pathways
Computer Essentials: Building Digital Literacy and Closing the Digital Divide
Derek Papa, Director of West, Essential Education. Yesenia Flores, Essential Education
Strand 4 - Ambassadors
Ambassador 1 - Student Experience panel
Katy Brown, Adjunct Faculty, Pima Community College, AALL Membership Chair. Shandiin Deputee, Faculty - College and Career Preparation, Northland Pioneer College
12:15 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.: Lunch
1:00 P.M. - 1:55 P.M.: Breakout Session 3
Strand 1: AI and Strategic Technology Integration
Using the EdTech Integration Strategy Toolkit to Support Adult Learners
Jennifer Lane, Technology Instructional Specialist, Adult Education Services, Arizona Department of Education
Strand 2: Instructional Practice and Learner Engagement
Ready to Work with Burlington English
Corey Muren, Teacher Trainer, Burlington English
Strand 1: AI and Strategic Technology Integration
False Promises and Irrational Fears around Artificial Intelligence
Joseph Callahan, Instructor, Pima Community College Adult Basic Education for College and Career
Strand 4 - Ambassadors
Ambassador 2 - Who Do we Talk With - Plan a Meeting
Katy Brown, Adjunct Faculty, Pima Community College, AALL Membership Chair. Shandiin Deputee, Faculty - College and Career Preparation, Northland Pioneer College. Wendy Scheder Black, Director, College & Career Transitions and Partnerships, Pima Community College Adult Basic Education for College & Career
1:55 P.M. - 2:05 P.M.: Break
2:05 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.: Breakout Session 4
Strand 1: AI and Strategic Technology Integration
AI Without Confusion: A Strategic Framework for Responsible AI Adoption in Adult Education
Moniek James, Certified AI Consultant & Founder, Renegade Creative Media Group, Renegade Creative Media Group
Strand 2: Instructional Practice and Learner Engagement
Climate Ready Careers- Building Heat Awareness and Resilience in Workforce Education
Dr. Eugene Livar, Chief Heat Officer and Assist Dir of Public Health Resiliency, Environment and Policy - AZ Dept of Health Services
Strand 3: Access, Systems, and Workforce Pathways
Supporting Healthcare Career Pathways for ELLs with Ellii
Kylie VanderMeulen, Lead Teacher Trainer, Ellii
Strand 4 - Ambassadors
Ambassador 3 - Let's talk - The meeting
Katy Brown, Adjunct Faculty, Pima Community College, AALL Membership Chair
3:00 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.: Closing Remarks