Northern Berkshire Adult Education

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

#MotivationMonday #KeepLearning

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program

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

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program

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

#FeelGoodFriday #AdultEducationCommunity

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program

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

#ThankfulThursday #CareerGoals

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program

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

#WellnessWednesday #AdultEducationWorks

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program

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

#TipTuesday #StudySmart

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program

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

#MotivationalMonday #AdultLearners

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program

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.

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program

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

#FeelGoodFriday #CelebrateLife

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program

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

#ThoughtfulThursday #DailyWisdom

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program

💧 Stay hydrated! Water boosts focus and energy.

How many glasses have you had today?

#WellnessWednesday #HealthyHabits

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program

📈 Try one new thing today—small or big. Growth happens outside your comfort zone.

#TipTuesday #GrowthMindset

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program

I teach beginner and advanced ESOL classes remotely for Northern Berkshire Adult Education. I love working with adult learners and helping them feel more confident using English in their everyday lives. My classes focus on real-world communication, and I do my best to create a welcoming space where students feel supported and encouraged as they learn. I've always loved language and learning, and outside of teaching, I enjoy reading, collecting books, and spending time with my family and my cats.

Thanks,
Leah Franke

3 months ago, Zachary Houle

🌞 Begin the week with gratitude and focus.

“What we think, we become.” – Buddha

#MindfulMonday #PositiveThinking

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program

✨ Education for Adults, Opportunity for All ✨

Do you know someone who:
✔ Needs their HiSET/GED
✔ Wants to learn English
✔ Is thinking about college or job training

Tell them about Northern Berkshire Adult Education—we’re enrolling NOW!

📧 adulted@napsk12.org

📞 413-412-1118

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program

My name is Lizzie Whitman. I've been with the North Adams Public Schools English Language Education Department for over ten years. Before that, I traveled the world teaching English.

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program

🎉 Friday check-in: What did you accomplish this week?

Big or small, every win matters—share it with us! 👇

Let’s celebrate YOU! 🙌

Hashtags:
#FeelGoodFriday #CelebrateLearning #AdultLearners

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program

Zachary Houle, M.Ed.

As the Advising, Technology, and Remote Programs Coordinator for Northern Berkshire Adult Education, I oversee the advising department, supporting students as they navigate HiSET testing, course selection, and completion while also guiding them toward their college and career goals.

In addition, I manage technology programs and systems, coordinate all remote learning initiatives, and support the school’s use of educational technology. In addition to these responsibilities, I work closely with the administration team on a wide range of initiatives and projects, contributing to the overall success and growth of the program. Additionally, I manage the NBAE Student & Community newsletter, website, and Facebook.

I have been in education for 9 years as a Special Education Teacher and 4 years in Adult Education here at NBAE, holding roles that include Enrollment & Assessment Coordinator, Student Advisor, Head Student Advisor, and my current position.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, as well as my two cats, Dakota & Winnie. I enjoy Tuesday night trivia with my sisters! I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University and a Master of Education from Westfield State University. Additionally, I am studying at American International College (AIC) in Springfield, MA, for my Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) certification in Educational Leadership.

I remain committed to fostering a supportive and student-centered environment, and I take pride in being a reliable resource for both staff and students. I am also the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator for Northern Berkshire Adult Education, so if you ever have a complaint or need related to a disability not being taken care of correctly here, please don't hesitate to reach out.

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program

🚀 Learning today = opportunities tomorrow. 🚀

Every class you take builds skills that open new doors in your career.

✨ What’s your dream job? Comment below!

Hashtags:
#ThankfulThursday #AdultEducationWorks #CareerGoals

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program

🌿 Learning as an adult takes courage. 🌿

Balancing family, work, and school isn’t easy—but you’re proving it’s possible! 👏

Drop a 💚 if you’re proud of your progress so far this year!

Hashtags:
#WellnessWednesday #AdultEducation #Balance

3 months ago, Northern Berkshire Adult Education Program