Optimizing the Development Curve

Amber Pleasant, Program Director of Adult Education and English Language Learning at AIMS Community College

Education has been digitalized far beyond expectations. Now the processes of teaching and learning are under constant adjustments for improvement. This has urged academic facilitators to identify and enhance suitable parameters that support collective growth of students, staff members and the community.

As the Program Director at Aims Community College, Pleasant manages several critical functions that contribute to the program's overall success. Her responsibilities include recruiting top-tier instructor and staff talent, ensuring that each person is matched with the most suitable role. She also emphasizes the significance of continuous professional development, working closely with employees to craft development plans that align with their personal goals and the program's broader objectives.

Pleasant is also instrumental in leading the college's strategic planning initiatives. She facilitates the development of a strategic vision for her department, guiding the creation of goals that will steer the program forward. Student enrollment is another area of focus, where she collaborates with coordinators to streamline the enrollment process and remove barriers that may hinder students from accessing education. This includes addressing challenges such as affordable childcare, transportation, and course costs, often working with community partners to find practical solutions. Pleasant’s approach is deeply rooted in identifying and overcoming obstacles to ensure student success.

“Collaboration is paramount; it’s crucial to genuinely hear the perspectives of my team members and work together to find solutions.”

In this interview, Amber Pleasant illustrates a modern reflection of learning and development initiatives and its emphasis on interdepartmental collaboration. 

Boosting Participation in Learning Programs

In creating and maintaining student-oriented educational programs, I face several universal challenges. One significant challenge is the need for increased partnership and collaboration between different departments and programs within Community Colleges. I believe that enhancing inter-departmental collaboration can significantly improve the support available to students already enrolled in various programs. It’s crucial to improve communication with students about the programs offered and the support available to them, as this can ultimately enhance their learning experience.

Another challenge is demonstrating the value of our programs to both current and prospective students. Particularly in Colorado, academic programs must prove they lead to gainful employment. To address this, my department is developing more English for Specific Purposes (ESP) programs. For instance, we recently piloted a partnership with the CDL program to offer an ESP course tailored for speakers of other languages pursuing their CDL licensure.

Cost is another universal challenge that many students face. I am committed to reducing financial barriers wherever possible. Aims Community College supports learning in a subsidized way, and within my department, we have specific funds available to help subsidize costs for students. Additionally, there are scholarships through the foundation program and partnerships with community organizations that provide further financial support. My goal is to make education accessible to motivated students, regardless of their financial constraints.

A more context-specific challenge is the registration process. While handling registration within the department has allowed the program to grow, the process can be lengthy and difficult for students, especially those who have to take time off work to register in person. Many students in adult education and English language learning programs also struggle with low digital literacy, making it hard for them to complete registration steps independently. To address this, my department is looking to hire someone with expertise in digital literacy development within a higher education context to better support these students.

Improvement through Internal Efforts

It’s crucial to genuinely hear the perspectives of my team members and work together to find solutions. Collaboration is paramount, and I stress the importance of functioning as a cohesive team. I advocate for a servant leadership approach, where instead of imposing directives from the top down, I ask questions like, "What can I do to help you today?" and "What barriers are preventing you from achieving your goals this week?" By identifying and removing these barriers, I aim to empower my team members to do their jobs effectively.

Not all solutions will be immediate—some will require long-term efforts. However, I encourage leaders to focus on small victories that can be achieved in the short term while working towards larger goals. Regular check-ins with the team are essential to maintaining a supportive and collaborative environment.

In addition to listening to my team members, I highlight the importance of listening to students. In the field of education, programs are only as strong as the students they serve. Regularly soliciting targeted feedback from students ensures that the programs we offer align with their needs. Continuous evaluation and adaptation based on student feedback are vital to maintaining a relevant and effective educational program.

Embracing and Enhancing Digital Literacy

Adapting to the new age means embracing AI as a tool to enhance educational programs. I advocate for taking the time to understand and learn how to use AI effectively. The goal is to incorporate AI in a way that improves both the work and learning experiences for everyone involved in the program.

With higher education becoming more digitally oriented, it’s crucial to support students in developing the digital skills necessary for success in today’s technology-driven world. As AI becomes a part of the work and learning environment, the demands on digital literacy will go beyond just mastering basic tools like email and word documents. Educators must help students not only master these basics but also become comfortable and prepared to meet the expectations of a workforce increasingly reliant on advanced digital skills, including AI proficiency.

These trends underscore the need for educators to stay ahead of technological advancements and to ensure that students are equipped with the skills needed for the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

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