GED at 80: Reinventing Adult Learning for a Skills-First Future with CT Turner

Send us Fan MailCT Turner is President of GED Testing Service and VP at Pearson’s Enterprise Learning and Skills division. A recognized leader in workforce development, he champions equitable economic opportunities for underserved populations. CT supports adult education and workforce initiatives, holding degrees from Indiana University and Wichita State University.💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:How the GED has evolved over 80 years to serve a changing learner populationThe role of GED in bridging education, workforce, and economic opportunityHow technology, gamification, and AI are transforming GED preparationStories of GED graduates who turned barriers into breakthroughsThe future of skills-based pathways and credentials beyond the high school diploma✨ Episode Highlights:[00:02:23] CT Turner’s journey from higher ed to leading the GED [00:05:42] How GED bridges education, workforce, and opportunity [00:09:08] Shifts from degrees to skills in today’s job market [00:13:03] GED success stories from the U.S. and abroad[00:16:10] Tech tools transforming GED prep, from AI to apps [00:23:49] Higher persistence and pass rates with the GED app [00:25:59] Gamification and nudges keeping learners engaged [00:32:43] AI as a safe space for motivation and guidance [00:37:28] Building direct pathways from GED to careers [00:44:08] Future of contextualized tests and digital credentials [00:48:19] Why “non-traditional” learners are now the norm 😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders! Follow our Podcast on:Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusicSign up for the Edtech Insiders newsletter.Follow Edtech Insiders on LinkedIn!🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com. This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Cooley LLP. Cooley is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education. Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.