Adult Education Professional Development
Welcome to the Professional Development page for Adult Education programs. The success of our learners begins with the dedication, expertise, and continuous growth of the educators and staff who serve them.
Research shows that the quality of instruction is the greatest predictor of student success, making professional learning an essential investment for our programs. We believe active participation in on-going professional development supports staff retention, fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment, and promotes consistency in instructional quality. These benefits lead to stronger programs and better outcomes for our learners.
We are honored to partner with you in your professional growth and lifelong learning.
Director Professional Development
These activities represent a series of professional development events designed to strengthen CCR Directors’ leadership, program management, and implementation of Adult Education programs.
Instructor Credentialing Courses
Since 2012, NCCCS has offered a robust credentialing system that equips educators with evidence-based teaching methodologies tailored to Adult Basic Education (ABE), Adult Secondary Education (ASE), and English as a Second Language (ESL). The five instructor credentialing courses equip educators with the required qualifications and competencies to effectively deliver high-quality adult education instruction.
All courses are...
- Accessible to full or part-time Title II instructors or community-based volunteers;
- Ten weeks long;
- Online and asynchronous;
- With scheduled assignments due every week via the NC Title II Moodle Portal.
Scholarship Opportunities
Commitment
- Applicants will spend approximately three hours per week, completing the required assignments by the weekly due date.
- Applicants must complete coursework by the course end date.
- Fulfillment of course requirements will result in a credential certificate of 30 professional development hours for the applicant.
Application Process
Prospective participants are required to complete an application for a scholarship to participate in the course.
Scholarship applications may be submitted, after the applicant has discussed their professional development goals with their program director.
Scholarship links will open to receive applications approximately six weeks prior to the start of each course.
Fundamentals of Teaching Adult Learners Part I
August 24, 2026 - November 1, 2026
Scholarship applications open approximately six weeks prior to the start of the course.
Fundamentals of Teaching ESL Part I
September 14, 2026 - November 22, 2026
Scholarship applications open approximately six weeks prior to the start of the course.
Fundamentals of Teaching ESL Part II
January 25, 2027 - April 4, 2027
Scholarship applications open approximately six weeks prior to the start of the course.
Teaching Adult Secondary Mathematics
February 1, 2027 - April 11, 2027
Scholarship applications open approximately six weeks prior to the start of the course.
Fundamentals of Teaching Adult Learners Part II
February 15, 2027 - April 25, 2027
Scholarship applications open approximately six weeks prior to the start of the course.
Instructor Boot Camps
NCCCS offers two comprehensive boot camps, designed to train instructors and administrators in emerging technologies, such as generative AI and distance learning.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: these courses do not meet the requirements of an instructional credential, as outlined in the NC Title II Providers’ Guide.**
All boot camps are...
- Accessible to full or part-time Title II staff members or community-based volunteers;
- Five weeks long;
- Online and asynchronous;
- With scheduled assignments due every week via the NC Title II Moodle Portal.
Optional one-hour weekly synchronous sessions, conducted on Zoom, will provide an opportunity to discuss course content, address questions, and explore advanced applications of the material.
Mastering Live Online Instruction Boot Camp
Designed to help instructors create and facilitate intentionally engaging synchronous online learning experiences across ABE, ASE, CTE and ELA contexts, this course provides the tools to structure and improve online learning and engagement, while increasing comfort and confidence with cutting edge EdTech tools.
Beginner and experienced online instructors are encouraged to apply.
Generative AI Boot Camp for Adult Ed Professionals
Designed to enhance skills in leveraging and integrating generative AI across ABE, ASE, HSE and ELA contexts, this course provides the tools to optimize lesson planning, develop engaging instructional materials, and streamline administrative tasks.
Beginner and experienced AI users are welcome.
Scholarship Opportunities
Commitment
- Applicants will spend approximately three hours per week, completing the required assignments by the weekly due date.
- Applicants must also commit to completing the coursework by the course end date.
- Fulfillment of course requirements will result in a certificate of 15 professional development hours for the applicant.
Application Process
Prospective participants are required to complete an application for a scholarship to participate in the course.
Scholarship applications may be submitted, after the applicant has discussed their professional development goals with their program director.
Scholarship links will open to receive applications approximately six weeks prior to the start of each course.
Mastering Live Online Instruction Boot Camp
September 21, 2026 - October 25, 2026
Scholarship applications open approximately six weeks prior to the start of the course.
AI Boot Camp for Adult Education Professionals
October 12, 2026 - November 15, 2026
Scholarship applications open approximately six weeks prior to the start of the course.
Mastering Live Online Instruction Boot Camp
April 19, 2027 - May 23, 2027
Scholarship applications open approximately six weeks prior to the start of the course.
The Best Practices for Adult Education Webinar Series
Highlighting the best practices in adult education, this webinar series endeavors to support practitioners in enhancing instructional quality, program effectiveness, and learner outcomes.
Join our guest presenters as they showcase their key takeaways from professional development events held during the previous program year.
Session One -
September 1, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Session Two -
October 6, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Session Three -
November 17, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Session Four - Soft Skills in Action: Practice Strategies for EL Classrooms
December 8, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Session Five -
January 12, 2027
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Session Six -
February 16, 2027
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
In-Person Professional Development Events
The following in-person professional development events provide CCR staff with collaborative, hands-on learning opportunities to strengthen instructional practices and program delivery.
Registration opens approximately eight weeks prior to the event date.
CCR Convocation
September 16-17, 2026
Cape Fear Community College
NCCCS System Conference
Eastern/Central Region PD Day
April 23, 2027
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Mountain/Central Region PD Day
April 30, 2027
Caldwell Community College & TI
Upcoming Program Support Events
The following related events support the implementation and continuous improvement of high-quality Adult Education programs.
| Event Title | Event Details | Event Registration |
|
IIPS Summer Conference
|
July 13–15, 2026
Charlotte, North Carolina
|
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NCWorks Partnership Conference
|
October 14–16, 2026
Greensboro, North Carolina
|
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NC Center for Nonprofits Conference
|
October 20–21, 2026
Raleigh, North Carolina
|
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| Families Learning Conference |
November 8–11, 2026
San Antonio, Texas
|
Families Learning Conference Website |
| Adult Education Workforce Summit |
Spring 2027
Raleigh, North Carolina
|
Registration link will open approximately eight weeks prior to the event |
| TESOL Conference |
March 15–18, 2027
Houston, Texas
|
TESOL Conference Website |
|
COABE Conference
|
April 11–14, 2027
New Orleans, Louisiana
|
COABE Conference Website |
