Catherine Coleman
Worcester
Summary
Experienced adult educator, trainer, content creator, and creative communicator who has spent over two decades helping adults believe in themselves, engage in lifelong learning, and develop new skills to support personal and professional growth. Whether through online education, classroom instruction, or customized staff development, my core mission remains the same: to empower individuals and organizations with tools, confidence, and connection. I thrive in spaces where education, technology, creativity, and human connection intersect. I'm known for making complex ideas accessible, building rapport with even the most reluctant learners, and using media to motivate and engage.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Digital Literacy Instructor
Hudson Maynard Adult Learning Center
Hudson
01.2024 - Current
- Conducted needs assessment in classrooms to determine current level of ability and likely tech needs
- Conducted research on current trends in digital literacy education and identified areas for improvement in existing educational materials.
- Trained staff on the use of technology in the classroom.
- Worked with students and instructors troubleshooting technology issues as they arose.
- Drafted user material for use by instructors and students on new technologies and created step-by-step guides.
- Designed instructional units on using critical thinking skills to evaluate media (included AI related topics).
Basic Computer Skills Instructor (Remote)
Operation ABLE/ CWI Center for Workforce Development
Boston
04.2021 - Current
- Design curriculum and deliver online instruction in basic computer skills (Windows, Word, Excel, Email, Internet use) to a wide range of students in the ABLE Beginnings Program which serves low income and elder adults seeking to re-enter the employment market.
- Developed new remote teaching methods utilizing breakrooms and remote group work.
- Helped to design pre-class in person 'Boot Camp' to provide learners with no computer experience a user-friendly introduction to the most basic computer skills.
Co-Facilitator Distance Education for Adult Educators (Remote)
World Education
Boston
04.2020 - 05.2021
- Facilitated Moodle discussion groups and webinars for adult educators on topics of recruitment, screening, orientation, instruction, and assessment in blended learning environments.
Technical Support Coordinator/Technology Instructor
Quinsigamond Community College
Worcester
09.2020 - 04.2021
- Designed, edited, and delivered curriculum for three, six-week technology courses for ESOL and GED adult students to build a digital literacy foundation to support academic success during the pandemic.
- Created, edited, and published 20+ video tutorials on use of various technology tools based on need identified by faculty to promote students' learning and efficiency.
- Provided on-going technical assistance to over 75 teachers and students in a large adult education program.
- Collaborated with program-wide leadership team to identify technology needs of faculty and students and brainstorm solutions.
- Created and distributed program marketing materials via flyers, social media, and video.
Curriculum Developer GED/ECP (Education & Career Preparation)
Quinsigamond Community College
Worcester
01.2019 - 08.2020
- Facilitated the development, implementation, and revisions of program wide curriculum.
- Supervised development team for compliance with MA College & Career Readiness standards and ACLS standards.
Coordinator/Instructor Blended Online Learning for the HiSET/GED
Quinsigamond Community College
Worcester
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Served over 120 students/year seeking to further their education by passing the GED exam.
- Coordinated and trained over 25 staff members at 7 partner/feeder agencies around Massachusetts in screening and orientation of online GED students.
- Designed and delivered in person bi-weekly group and individual tutoring sessions which included peer support and persistence and time management strategies.
- Created program marketing, screening and orientation material and data tracking system.
- Developed strategies to engage and motivate students including the 'Reality Check' Check Ins.
- Developed video PSA (public service announcement) using visual metaphor (your education may need a 'jump start') to advertise our program.
Distance Learning GED/HiSET Teacher
Quinsigamond Community College
Worcester
01.2004 - 01.2020
- Classroom GED/ HISET Teacher (Most recent focus math specializing in problem solving, critical thinking, and algebraic thinking).
- Provided support and guidance, to GED distance learnings via email, phone, and live webinars.
- Designed and delivered engaging learning experiences for students in all subjects of the GED.
- Developed and delivered synchronous webinar sessions on multiple topics.
- Delivered face to face class sessions on a monthly basis to cohorts of students for hybrid students.
Coordinator, Distance Learning GED/HiSET Hub for Massachusetts
Quinsigamond Community College
Worcester
01.2004 - 01.2018
- Responsible for all facets of program including program design and training/supervising DL Hub instructors.
- Consultative support and training of partner agencies statewide.
Associate Workshop Producer (Remote)
Online Learning Consortium
Boston
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Coordinated live webinar sessions, edited transcripts, provided tech support to participants.
- (Formerly Sloan Consortium)
Curriculum & Assessment Coordinator
SABES (System for Adult Basic Education Support)
Worcester
01.1998 - 01.2004
- Provided professional development and technical assistance to adult basic education programs and teachers on creating engaging curriculum based on the MA curriculum frameworks.
- Created regional wide publication showcasing exemplary curriculum development.
- Edited and coordinated regional student writing publication "Do the Write Thing."
- Provided training on integrating digital literacy and educational software in the classroom teaching.
Staff Developer in Media and Practitioner Research
World Education
Boston
01.1996 - 01.2001
- Provided statewide training and technical assistance to adult education teachers in the use of media to enhance classroom instruction and classroom-based research projects.
Education
BS - PSYCHOLOGY
Worcester State University
Worcester, MAWorcester, MA
Skills
- Student engagement strategies
- Analytical thinking
- Instructional Design
- Problem-solving
- Organizational skills
- Excellent communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Professional development
- Needs assessment
- Adult learning principles
- Blended learning
- Microsoft Applications
- Google Classroom
- Moodle
- Blackboard LMS
- Zoom
- Google Classroom/Suite
- Camtasia
- Audacity
- Video editing
- Online teaching
- Virtual collaboration
- Online community building
- Teacher mentoring
Accomplishments
- Designed interactive online lessons and materials on broad range of educational topics.
- Produced and edited videos for marketing, instruction and specialty events.
- Guest edited statewide adult education publication: 'Field Notes'.
- Integrated podcasts and old-time radio programs in reading and history lessons.
- Wrote and produced rap video to encourage student persistence.
Awards
- Excellence Award, National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development, 2020
- Teacher of the Year, Quinsigamond Community College Adult Community Learning Center, 2010
Timeline
Digital Literacy Instructor
Hudson Maynard Adult Learning Center
01.2024 - Current
Basic Computer Skills Instructor (Remote)
Operation ABLE/ CWI Center for Workforce Development
04.2021 - Current
Technical Support Coordinator/Technology Instructor
Quinsigamond Community College
09.2020 - 04.2021
Co-Facilitator Distance Education for Adult Educators (Remote)
World Education
04.2020 - 05.2021
Curriculum Developer GED/ECP (Education & Career Preparation)
Quinsigamond Community College
01.2019 - 08.2020
Coordinator/Instructor Blended Online Learning for the HiSET/GED
Quinsigamond Community College
01.2016 - 01.2020
Associate Workshop Producer (Remote)
Online Learning Consortium
01.2010 - 01.2012
Distance Learning GED/HiSET Teacher
Quinsigamond Community College
01.2004 - 01.2020
Coordinator, Distance Learning GED/HiSET Hub for Massachusetts
Quinsigamond Community College
01.2004 - 01.2018
Curriculum & Assessment Coordinator
SABES (System for Adult Basic Education Support)
01.1998 - 01.2004
Staff Developer in Media and Practitioner Research
World Education
01.1996 - 01.2001
BS - PSYCHOLOGY
Worcester State University