Transforming Adult Education in Alabama
Over the last six decades, Alabama’s adult education landscape has undergone a significant transformation, marked by notable success yet largely unnoticed.
I was honored to address the Annual Adult Education Conference at the Renaissance Center in downtown Montgomery last June. When I agreed to speak, I anticipated a modest turnout of 50 to 60 attendees. However, I walked into a room brimming with enthusiastic, committed educators and administrators, and I was truly impressed.
It quickly became apparent to me that Alabama has one of the foremost adult education programs in the country. The individuals present were not just fulfilling roles; they were driven by their passion and purpose. This is more than a job for them; it’s a movement that’s reshaping lives and broadening opportunities across generations.
This event transcended typical professional development; it was a celebration of the impact of purpose, perseverance, and education on lives of all ages.
Often, adult education is narrowly perceived as only a pathway to obtaining a GED. While that remains crucial, the conference this year expanded the conversation to encompass a richer vision that includes digital literacy, English language acquisition, job readiness skills, workforce certification, and career pathways aimed toward sustainable employment.
A key point of discussion was the newly enacted Reach Act, which offers a pathway to a high school diploma and revives the focus on completing high school education. This act was brought to life by Senator Matt Woods, who previously served as a representative.
Participants were also introduced to various employment and technical training programs available through the Alabama Community College Innovation Center. These Skills for Success courses are tailored to equip adult learners with in-demand skills that support Alabama’s economic growth.
This 60th anniversary gathering was also a tribute to the pioneers of adult education in Alabama. Among those honored was the late Pete Turnham of Auburn, who is widely regarded as the father of adult education in the state.
My invitation to speak stemmed from my personal connection to Pete Turnham, not just as a political commentator or historian, but as a friend and former legislative colleague. We shared adjacent offices in the Alabama House of Representatives for nearly two decades. He wasn’t merely a mentor to me, but like a father figure. In fact, my daughters viewed him as a grandfather. He genuinely cared about Alabama, particularly Auburn, and was passionate about furthering education in our state.
Pete’s background was shaped by the challenges of the Great Depression. He served as the “House Dean” and prospered in business. Upon retiring from Congress in 1998, he held the record for the longest tenure in state history. Although he didn’t boast about it, Pete was a hero from World War II, having fought alongside General Patton in Europe, representing what many call the “greatest generation.”
During his lengthy congressional career, Pete served on the House Ways and Means Committee, where he was influential in budget allocations. He was instrumental in securing a $1 million budget specifically for adult education, a groundbreaking development at the time and the first funding of its kind in Alabama.
Pete Turnham was a notable figure in Alabama’s legislative history, consistently advocating for non-traditional learners. His defense of adult education was profoundly personal, driven by the belief that education is a universal right—not a privilege—regardless of age or circumstances. A scholarship named in his honor continues his legacy, assisting adult learners as they re-enter the classroom.
The impressive turnout at the 60th anniversary event emphasized an important lesson for those of us in politics: there is a genuine appetite for education in Alabama. While budget issues and elections often grab headlines, investments in adult education yield some of the most significant returns.
Until next week.
