See below for upcoming SABES PD events for ESOL or check out the ESOL Upcoming Events Calendar tab anytime!
Note: you are welcome to request ESOL instructional coaching for program staff. If interested, please email Kate Anderson, Assistant Director (kateanderson@edc.org), or Cynthia Faulkner, Adult ESOL and Professional Development Specialist (cfaulkner@edc.org).
All PD offerings are online and facilitated unless indicated otherwise.
Tuesday, October 27
ESOL Lesson Planning Using Backward Design (Online Blended)
In this participatory workshop, you will develop ESOL lesson plans using the Backward Design approach, aligning learning objectives, assessments, instructional activities, and the Massachusetts English Language Proficiency Standards (MA ELPS) benchmarks. Through intentional planning, you will create lessons that support learners' language development while helping prepare them for continued education, workforce readiness, and economic mobility.
- October 27, 2026 | Course opens at 8 a.m.
- November 3, 2026 | 3 - 5 p.m.
- November 10, 2026 | 3- 5 p.m.
- November 17, 2026 | 3 - 5 p.m.
Collaboration Events
Monday, October 19
Introduction to Teaching Skills That Matter (Self-Paced)
This introduction to the Teaching Skills That Matter in Adult Education provides an overview of the TSTM instructional framework and the TSTM Toolkit. The introduction also provides materials and guidance to train teachers to incorporate the skills that matter into adult education programming by using instructional approaches that work across relevant topic focus areas that are connected to student needs. Using the TSTM project’s tools and training, adult education teachers can teach the transferable skills students need in these critical contexts.
- October 19, 2026 | Course opens at 9 a.m.
- December 31, 2026 | Course closes at 11:59 p.m.
Wednesday, October 28
Opening Digital Doors: Developing Adult Learners’ Digital Literacy Through Reading and Writing Tasks
Adult educators can support their learners’ reading and writing skill development across a wide range of contexts and digital formats. This workshop explores edtech routines that promote the critical digital literacy skills adult learners need to increase their reading and writing fluency while supporting workforce preparation and success in today’s digital world. Participants will also consider the growing role of AI-enabled tools in digital communication and literacy, helping learners use these technologies thoughtfully and effectively as part of broader digital literacy instruction.
- October 28, 2026 | 2 - 4 p.m.
Thursday, October 29
Strengthening Instruction Through Culturally Responsive Teaching
How can adult educators create classrooms where every learner feels valued, challenged, and able to succeed? In this interactive workshop, participants will explore how Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT) strengthens engagement, supports rigorous learning, and builds on the knowledge and experiences adult learners bring to the classroom.
- October 29, 2026 | 1 - 3 p.m.
