The Iowa Literacy Council was established to unite and strengthen Iowa’s adult education and literacy community through a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for adult learners. Recognizing that education is one of the most powerful tools for changing lives, the Council was created to bring together educators, program leaders, workforce partners, community organizations, and advocates who believe every adult deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. By fostering collaboration and providing a unified voice for adult education, the Council helps ensure that literacy and lifelong learning remain priorities across our state.
Today, the Iowa Literacy Council continues that mission by supporting the professionals and organizations that serve adult learners every day. Through leadership, advocacy, professional development, networking, and statewide initiatives, the Council promotes excellence in adult education while championing innovation and opportunity. Together, we are helping Iowans gain the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to strengthen their families, contribute to their communities, and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Byrnes Named Outstanding Educator of the Year
At the 2026 Iowa Adult Education & Literacy Conference, the Iowa Literacy Council was honored to present the Archie Willard Outstanding Educator Award to Katie Byrnes, an instructor at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC).
This prestigious award recognizes an educator whose exceptional dedication, innovative teaching practices, and unwavering commitment empower adult learners to overcome barriers, achieve their goals, and transform their lives. Katie exemplifies these qualities through her compassionate approach to teaching, her commitment to student success, and her ability to create a welcoming learning environment where every student is encouraged to thrive.
Katie creates a classroom where students feel welcomed, valued, and supported, understanding that meeting learners’ basic needs is often the first step toward academic success. Her innovative spirit led to the creation of a HiSET Reading Foundations course that is helping students—including many transitioning from English Language Learning programs—build the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Beyond the classroom, she is a compassionate advocate who goes above and beyond to remove barriers, connect students with resources, and inspire them to persist toward their goals.
Her colleagues describe her as an educator who sees potential in every learner and works tirelessly to help them realize it. Through her creativity, kindness, and unwavering belief in her students, she has made a profound and lasting impact on adult education.
The Iowa Literacy Council is proud to recognize Katie for the lasting impact she has made on the lives of adult learners and for her outstanding contributions to adult education in Iowa. Congratulations Katie on this well deserved recognition!
Hidlebaugh Named 2026 Outstanding Administrator Award
The Iowa Literacy Council was proud to recognize Laura Hidlebaugh as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Administrator Award during the 2026 Iowa Adult Education & Literacy Conference.
The Iowa Literacy Council was proud to recognize Laura Hidlebaugh as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Administrator Award during the 2026 Iowa Adult Education & Literacy Conference.
This prestigious award honors an administrator whose leadership, vision, and dedication have significantly advanced adult education while creating lasting opportunities for learners, educators, and communities. Laura exemplifies these qualities through her collaborative leadership, innovative thinking, and unwavering commitment to student success.
Laura has been instrumental in expanding Integrated Education and Training (IET) and Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) programs, creating pathways that connect adult learners with meaningful workforce opportunities. She has built strong partnerships with employers, workforce agencies, and community organizations while championing continuous improvement across her program.
Throughout periods of significant change, Laura has provided steady, thoughtful leadership, ensuring that both students and staff remained supported. Her colleagues describe her as an exceptional supervisor, trusted mentor, and collaborative leader who values every voice and inspires others to grow professionally. Her influence extends well beyond her own program, strengthening adult education throughout Iowa.
The Iowa Literacy Council is honored to recognize Laura Hidlebaugh for her outstanding leadership and the lasting impact she has made on adult education in Iowa. Her commitment to expanding opportunities for learners and fostering collaboration continues to transform lives and strengthen communities.
Congratulations, Laura, on this well-deserved recognition as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Administrator Award. Thank you for your leadership, vision, and dedication to adult education in Iowa.
Vermeer Corporation Receives the 2026 Outstanding Employer Award
The Iowa Literacy Council was proud to recognize Vermeer Corporation as the recipient of the 2026 Outstanding Employer Award, presented during the 2026 Iowa Adult Education & Literacy Conference.
This award honors an employer that has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to supporting employee education, lifelong learning, and workforce development. Vermeer exemplifies what it means to invest in people—not only as employees, but as individuals with unlimited potential to learn, grow, and succeed.
Vermeer has created a workplace culture where learning is more than an initiative—it’s a core value. By integrating English Language Learning (ELL) into the paid workday, providing a dedicated on-site classroom, and supporting employees through its Vermeer Spanish Team, the company has removed barriers to education while creating meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The impact of these efforts has been remarkable. Employees have strengthened their English language skills, gained confidence, improved workplace communication, and opened doors to new career opportunities. Beyond measurable outcomes, Vermeer has fostered a culture where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
As Carlos Cervantes, Talent Relationship Specialist at Vermeer, shared:
“When we invest in people’s ability to learn, communicate, and grow, we do more than build stronger teams; we help change lives. At Vermeer, we live our Caring Culture by creating opportunities for team members to learn, grow, and thrive in all they do.”
Vermeer’s commitment demonstrates the powerful role employers can play in advancing adult education while strengthening both their workforce and their communities. Their leadership serves as an inspiring example of how investing in employee learning benefits individuals, businesses, and the state of Iowa.
Congratulations to Vermeer Corporation on being named the recipient of the 2026 Iowa Literacy Council Outstanding Employer Award! We thank you for your unwavering commitment to creating opportunities that transform lives through education.