Jen Vanek directs the IDEAL Consortium at the EdTech Center@World Education, implements the field testing of technologies designed to support adults with basic skills needs, and provides PD and technical assistance to improve and expand opportunities for distance and blended learning in adult literacy and ESOL programs. She received her PhD in Curriculum & Instruction/Second Language Education at the University of Minnesota. She’s been working in the field of adult literacy since receiving her MA in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 1995. Her recent work centers on creating online content for Adult Basic Education (ABE) learners and supporting the professional development of ESL and ABE teachers in the area of digital literacy, distance learning, and adult career pathways.