Practitioner Spotlights
Ruth Rodriguez – Todd Wagner Award Recipient for 2026
Ruth has been involved with ABE, mostly working at St. Paul Public Schools, for nearly 35 years. During this time, she has recruited, trained and placed more than 1,350 volunteers (according to Hubbs’ SID database), who have contributed a whopping 151,379 hours to the program. This equates to more than 72 people working full-time for
Diane Penttila – Not Your Average GED Proctor
From the moment a GED tester walks through the door, she makes it clear that they are not just another test-taker. They are someone worth believing in. As both a dedicated GED instructor and test proctor, Diane has created a testing center that feels less like an intimidating exam room and more like a place
Champion for Adult Learners: Kim Reyant
Kim Reyant embodies the qualities of dedication, service, and leadership. Through unwavering commitment, long hours, and tireless efforts to serve students, Kim has made a profound impact on the Owatonna community and her sphere of influence within MN ABE. Whether through volunteer work, professional contributions, and mentorship, Kim has consistently gone above and beyond to
Resilient in the Challenge: Jane Graupman
Our state is appearing in national newspapers. This is the second time in this decade that unrest in Minnesota has highlighted a real national challenge. It is also a time when Minnesotans rise to the challenge of leading our state, and our nation through these hard times. When the media from around the world wants
Aaron Gutzke, Centering Access & Belonging
Aaron Gutzke greeted the ATLAS staff for a recent visit at the ThinkSelf offices in St. Paul. We were welcomed into a beautiful, inviting space with a wall of vibrant plants along the window. ThinkSelf is an organization that makes warmth and belonging a priority for its learners, and Aaron is at the center! ThinkSelf’s
Strengthening ABE Through Lived Experience: Debora’s Journey
Debora began her ABE journey in 2018. Originally from Mexico, she entered at an NRS ESL Level 6, determined to strengthen her English skills and build confidence in a new country. Over time, she grew not only in language but in leadership and community involvement. Her dedication and positive attitude stood out, and in 2021