The 2026 Iowa Adult Education and Literacy Council Conference brings together administrators and instructors from adult literacy and education programs across Iowa for two days of connection, collaboration, and inspiration. This annual gathering is an opportunity to strengthen our shared commitment to adult learners, explore innovative strategies and emerging best practices, and build meaningful professional networks. Together, we will learn from one another, discover new ideas, and ignite fresh possibilities for advancing adult education throughout our state. Registration will open in May!

Call for Proposals

We are excited to announce that we are now accepting session proposals for Ignite Iowa: Where Learning Sparks Change, the Iowa Literacy Council’s 2026 Summer Conference for adult education professionals.

If you wish to share an effective strategy, best practice, or partnership story, please submit your proposal by completing the Call for Proposal form.

New this year: Accepted presenters receive $60 off their conference registration as thanks for their expertise.

Below is a listing of the conference strands for the conference and a description of each:

English Language Learners – Sessions designed to strengthen outcomes for multilingual learners through culturally responsive instruction and supportive systems. Topics may include language development, differentiated instruction, assessment strategies, student engagement, digital equity, outreach, and reducing language and cultural barriers to access and persistence.

High School Equivalency – Sessions that support adult learners pursuing high school equivalency through effective instruction and skill-building. Topics may include math and numeracy, reading, writing, science, social studies, test-taking strategies, critical thinking, time management, and learner confidence.

Instructional Strategies – Sessions offering practical, classroom-ready approaches that improve engagement and learning across adult education contexts. Topics may include evidence-based reading strategies (e.g., STAR), classroom management, learning disabilities, learner persistence, trauma-informed teaching, digital literacy, Canvas and distance education tools, and strategies to overcome barriers to participation.

Program Leadership & Support – Sessions that strengthen adult education by focusing on the people and practices behind the work, program leadership, staff wellbeing, innovation, and technology that supports quality and sustainability. Topics may include leadership development; program improvement; state and local innovations; data and evaluation; recruitment and retention; outreach; partnerships with community-based organizations; volunteer recruitment/management; technology and AI tools; student management systems; research, policy, and practice; building systems of support.

Workforce Collaborations – Sessions that connect adult education to workforce advancement through strong partnerships and pathway models. Topics may include career pathways, sector partnerships, employer engagement, contextualized learning, workplace literacy, employability skills (including digital literacy), wrap-around services, WIOA alignment, and IET/IELCE models and best practices.

Thank you for supporting adult learners. We encourage you to present and help us make an impact across Iowa!

For questions regarding sessions or presentations, contact Jessica Frederickson at jafrederickson@dmacc.edu.

Hotel Information

The following are located within 1/2 mile of the Conference Center.

Tru by Hilton
1230 SW District Drive
Ankeny, IA  50023

Marriott Residence Inn
1515 SW Main Street
Ankeny, IA  50023

Sponsors

Each year the Iowa Adult Education and Literacy Conference, hosted by the Iowa Literacy Council, brings together nearly 300 adult education professionals from every Iowa community college, along with valued partners in workforce development, corrections education, ELL instruction, and literacy advocacy.

We believe progress happens through partnership. We invite mission-driven organizations to collaborate with us in expanding adult literacy, workforce readiness, and educational access across our state. Your support strengthens the network of educators making a lasting difference in Iowa communities.

Visit our Sponsor Page to learn more!

Awards

We invite you to submit a nominations for our annual Adult Education Awards to be presented at this year’s summer conference. This is your chance to honor the exceptional educators, learners, administrators, and employers who have made a significant difference in the field of adult education and literacy. By nominating a deserving individual or organization, you contribute to the recognition and celebration of their hard work and dedication.

The awards, which will be presented during the awards luncheon at the annual Iowa Adult Education Literacy Summer Conference (July 6-7, 2026) in Ankeny, Iowa, include:

Outstanding Adult Education Educator: Honoring an educator who has shown exceptional dedication and innovative teaching methods to help adult learners achieve their goals.  Nomination Form

Outstanding Adult Education Learner: Celebrating two learners who have demonstrated remarkable commitment, progress, and success in their educational journey.  Nomination Form

Outstanding Adult Education Administrator: Recognizing an administrator whose leadership and vision have significantly advanced adult education programs and policies.  Nomination Form

Outstanding Adult Education Employer: Acknowledging an employer who has shown extraordinary support and encouragement for employee education and lifelong learning.  Nomination Form

If you have any questions, contact Barbara Ledvina, Iowa Literacy Council