Northern Berkshire Adult Education -

🎉 End of week challenge: Share one way you moved closer to your career goals this week.

#FeelGoodFriday #CareerSuccess

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” – Benjamin Franklin 💡

#ThoughtfulThursday #WorkforceDevelopment

⚖️ Balance matters. A 10-minute break can recharge your productivity.

#WellnessWednesday #WorkLifeBalance

🖥️ Tech Tip: Master keyboard shortcuts—they save hours of work each week!
CTRL+C (copy), CTRL+V (paste), CTRL+Z (undo).

#TipTuesday #WorkforceSkills

💼 Education is your ticket to new career opportunities. 🚀
What’s your dream job?

#MotivationalMonday #CareerReady

👏 End of week reflection: What’s ONE thing you learned this week?

#FeelGoodFriday #LifelongLearner

🙏 Who has supported your learning journey? Tag them below!

#ThankfulThursday #SupportMatters

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis

#WisdomWednesday #LifelongLearning

💡 Break big goals into small steps—it makes them easier to achieve!

#TipTuesday #Progress

📖 A new week = a new chance to learn.
What skill are you excited to build this week?

#MotivationMonday #KeepLearning

Hello NBAE students, colleagues, and friends! I am so excited to be working with you in this new role.

You might recognize me from my past work with BART Charter Public School, the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (nbCC), or my time on the North Adams City Council. Also, even though it closed 20 years ago, people are often more likely to recognize me from my years working behind the counter at the Appalachian Bean Café. I’ve been lucky to have these roles that I’ve loved in which I’ve been able to work with people in our region to improve their lives and our community. I’m passionate about making people feel seen, heard, and taken seriously and equipping folks with the resources and support they need to thrive.

A lifelong resident of North Adams and graduate of North Adams Public Schools, I’m thrilled to now be working with NAPS as the Director of Northern Berkshire Adult Education and 21st Century Programming! I’ve heard many wonderful things from Annie, our outgoing Director (and new NAPS Assistant Superintendent!) about the work of NBAE and the people involved.

So far, everyone I’ve met has been warm and welcoming and I am grateful for it. I look forward to meeting more of you soon as well as being reconnected with old friends along the way!

-Kate Merrigan

💬 Drop a supportive message for your fellow learners below!
Let’s finish the week by lifting each other up. 🙌

#FeelGoodFriday #AdultEducationCommunity

🎯 Education is the first step toward your career goals.
✨ Imagine where you’ll be a year from now if you keep going!

#ThankfulThursday #CareerGoals

👏 Shoutout to all the amazing adult learners—you inspire us every day!
💬 What motivates YOU to keep going?

#WellnessWednesday #AdultEducationWorks

📝 Study Hack: Rewrite your notes in your own words—it makes them stick better!

#TipTuesday #StudySmart

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela 💪
Start the week believing in yourself—you’ve got this!

#MotivationalMonday #AdultLearners

Sarah Schmidt coached HiSET students for 10 years in Missouri before moving to the Berkshires in 2023 and continuing her adult ed work here. She loves teaching and enjoys all the HiSET topics, including math! Her first career was newspaper and magazine journalism, after which she returned to university to get state certified (in MO) as an elementary teacher. In addition to adult education, she coaches college essay writing and leads tours at the Clark Art Institute. In her spare time, she loves playing with her ginger cat, Zeus.

🎉 Share something GOOD that happened this week (no matter how small).

#FeelGoodFriday #CelebrateLife

“Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.” 🌟

#ThoughtfulThursday #DailyWisdom

💧 Stay hydrated! Water boosts focus and energy.

How many glasses have you had today?

#WellnessWednesday #HealthyHabits