Martha Bell is the Director of Adult Education & Literacy at Southeastern Community College in West Burlington, Iowa. She taught adult basic education and HSED preparation classes for 17 years (2004-2021) prior to accepting the director position in June 2021.

She certified as a STAR instructor in spring 2014 and has lead STAR professional development activities for Iowa Department of Education since fall 2014 when she began the trainer certification process. Martha was awarded the National STAR Trainer Certification in January 2016, and has recertified in 2018 and 2021.

Martha earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Iowa Wesleyan and is scheduled to complete her Master of Education degree in Lifelong Learning and Adult Education from Pennsylvania State University in August 2021. She also obtained graduate certificates in Adult Basic Education and Distance Education while pursuing the master degree.


Ashleigh Richmond is the Director of Adult Literacy and Job Corps Scholars at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa. She has taught literature and communications classes for 12 years, including five years in AEL as Lead Instructor for Language Arts.

She became a STAR certified teacher in spring 2016, and began co-leading STAR training for the Iowa Department of Education that fall. Ashleigh earned National STAR Trainer Certification in spring 2021.

Ashleigh’s educational background includes a B.A. in English from Central College, an M.A.T. in English from the University of West Alabama. She is currently working on her doctorate in education at Iowa State University.

Ashleigh enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. She is an avid reader and baker, and she loves to travel.