The Connection Between Community Education and ABE – Seth Ryan
The world of Adult Basic Education is vast, and it involves many people working together to build a community that provides a lot for adults who attend Metro North classes. In this regard, we would like to introduce some of the people behind the scenes who truly make our programs function. Metro North ABE is a partnership of eight school districts’ Community Education departments that work together to serve students in our collective districts smartly. The directors of these community education departments are instrumental in supporting ABE, and we would like you to meet some of them.
Since joining the Brooklyn Center school district in January 2019, Seth Ryan has navigated a transformative seven-year tenure. Ryan’s professional journey is a testament to the “grow your own” philosophy. Starting with a PE degree in 2002, he rose through the ranks as a site supervisor, program manager and Community Education operations manager. These experiences gave him a deep understanding of the “braiding and blending” of funds necessary to sustain complex community Ed programming. For Ryan, the heart of Community Ed is its ability to bridge the gap between traditional schooling and the broader community, serving everyone from Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) participants to adult learners.
A primary focus for Seth is the success of the Adult Basic Education program. He identifies three key strengths that set Brooklyn Center district apart:
- Dedicated, Integrated Space: “Unlike many programs that operate in isolation, our ABE program is housed directly within a school building.” Ryan said, “This physical presence ensures ABE students are treated as an integral part of the district family, rather than a siloed service.”
- Strategic Collaboration: By being part of a larger consortium, the district provides resources and opportunities that would be impossible to sustain alone.
- Future-Ready Pathways: Ryan is passionate about the potential of ABE to offer career training. “We have a Grow Your Own Program here in the district and I think there are many opportunities for new connections and braiding funding to strengthen our community.
By prioritizing connection, Ryan ensures that Community Education remains a vital, visible, and valued asset for all stakeholders.