Regional symposia focus primarily on adult literacy, and provide free professional development for volunteers and staff of nonprofit, community-based adult and family literacy programs.
Your local symposium is an excellent place to network with other literacy providers in your region, and a great source of professional development for volunteer and other instructors, as well as administrative staff.
Thank you so much for your interest!
This event is now over.
QUICK LINKS FOR THE EAST TEXAS SYMPOSIUM:
Click on any of the links below to go straight to that section, or simply scroll down the page.
BASIC DETAILS
The 2025 East Texas Literacy Symposium will be a full-day symposium, and will be held on:
Friday, December 12, 2025, from 8:15 AM to 3:30 PM (CT).
Check-in for pre-registered participants will open at 8:15 AM, with the full program beginning at 8:45 AM.
This symposium is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. See Symposium FAQs for more information.
SYMPOSIUM FAQs
Click on a question to see the answer.
Q: Hang on - "symposium"? Don't you mean "conference"?
A: Literacy Texas does have an annual conference! It’s held every summer.
Our regional symposia are a different type of event to the conference.
Each symposium:
- Takes place in a different Texas region to help minimize travel
- Has a local focus
- Is free to attend
- Generally takes place on one day (some symposia are 2 days)
- Includes workshops for both classroom instructors and program administrators
- Is the primary training Literacy Texas offers for literacy volunteers
- Offers 2.5 – 5 hours of professional development, sometimes more
Q: Who should attend this symposium?
A: Anyone interested in adult and family literacy in Texas is welcome at the symposium. The people who will gain the most are instructors at community-based adult literacy organizations and nonprofits.
Volunteer tutors and teachers are especially welcome!
When we create the symposium program, we use the broadest definition of “literacy”, to include all of Adult Foundational Education: adult basic education, English as an additional language, high school equivalency, digital literacy, and workforce readiness, along with other kinds of teaching and learning.
Q: I don't live in this region. Can I still attend?
A: YES! Anyone who lives in Texas is welcome at any Literacy Texas symposium.
Q: Why should I attend?
Two words: LOCAL + FREE!
Each symposium program includes both key topics of universal interest to adult literacy programs, and a focus on the local needs of the region. When you complete our Annual Survey every year, we use the results to invite speakers and presenters on topics you said you particularly wanted and needed.
Furthermore, registration is free. You won’t need a large budget for travel or an overnight stay, in the vast majority of cases. We hope that many folks from the same organization can come to the symposium – there’s no limit on how many people can attend from one place. It’s a lot harder to send lots of people to conferences, since we know costs stack up pretty quickly.
Q: How much does registration cost?
A: The symposium is free to attend. Thanks to a generous grant from the Texas Workforce Commission, Literacy Texas can cover the costs of your tuition, any meals and snacks offered, materials, and other resources.
Please be aware that in recent years, between 15% and 30% of registrants are no-shows at our training events. Every one of these costs us money (since we’ve already paid for food, materials, and more).
If you’ve registered for a Literacy Texas event but then find you can no longer attend, PLEASE get in touch to cancel your registration.
Q: Do you offer PD credit?
A: Yes! Literacy Texas offers PD credit in conjunction with TCALL.
Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email in the days following the training.
Please pay attention to the due dates communicated at your symposium – after each event is wrapped up, we will not be able to go back and re-issue your PD certificate. If you know you’ll need a certificate at a later date, please take care to request it in a timely manner!
LOCATION
This symposium will be held at the Texarkana Convention Center, 4610 Cowhorn Creek Road Texarkana, Texas 75503.
PLEASE NOTE: The Texarkana Convention Center is in the same building as the Hilton Garden Inn. Some online listings have the Hilton’s address: 2910 S Cowhorn Creek Loop, Texarkana, TX 75503. Both addresses will get you where you need to go.
Symposium space is shown in blue above, and in more detail below.
FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION
REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM
Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive, please check your junk mail!
PD CERTIFICATES
Attendees can receive up to 5.5 hours of PD credit at this symposium.
Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email after the training, and certificates will be prepared and sent after the survey closes.
Please pay attention to the due dates communicated at your symposium – after each event is wrapped up, we will not be able to go back and re-issue your PD certificate. If you know you’ll need a certificate at a later date, please take care to request it in a timely manner!
PROGRAM, SESSIONS, & SPEAKERS
Schedule will be kept as current as possible but is subject to change; check back here for updates
8:15 AM – 8:45 AM: CHECK-IN FOR PRE-REGISTERED ATTENDEES
Location: Outside Ballroom D
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM: WELCOME, OPENING REMARKS
Location: Ballroom D
Jacqueline Aguilera
Community Liaison & Program Host, Literacy Texas
Jacqueline “Jackie” Aguilera has logged 38 years of diverse experience across educational and non-profit sectors. With a focus on adult literacy, she has left an indelible mark on various initiatives and projects in the multi-layered field of adult literacy.
As an experienced adult education innovations designer, she earned a 2021 Ford Foundation Mujeres Legendarias Award for creative ed tech applications in adult education. Her service impact also extends beyond the classroom into the workforce. She empowers both employers and employees through worksite literacy training and independent consulting. She leads a local fellowship of adult education providers called the Houston Area Adult Literacy Collective (the incredible HAALC), serves on many committees, boards, and projects impacting adult learners and families, and most recently served as Project Manager for Houston’s Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy.
In summary, Jacqueline’s multifaceted career reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing literacy and education across diverse communities and platforms. Currently on a journey through breast cancer treatment, she is more than ever committed to advancing the lives of all those she serves, making her a messenger of inspiration, innovation, and evolution.
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Opening Session (30 min)
Title of Session
Session description pending.
Location: Ballroom D
Natasha Duncan
Executive Director, East Texas Literacy Council
Natasha Duncan is the Executive Director for the East Texas Literacy Council in Longview Texas. Her background is in early child education from the University of Maryland. She has a passion for Adult Education in her community.
Natasha has 20 plus years in non-profit management, her extensive background of working in low-income communities, helped her to focus her efforts on the lasting effects that education can have on families and the catalyst it can be for future generations. She is a proud wife, and mother of two Longview Lobos.
This year Natasha was featured as a member in our community that makes a difference with Texas Bank and Trust, she keeps active community representation of adult education and nonprofit leadership with her Chamber of Commerce, she has enjoyed collaborating with Longview ISD, city organizations and Greater Longview United Way for speaking engagements, sits on several community boards in her city and has a passion for making a difference in her community.
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Networking Activity (30 min)
“Real People. Real Needs. Real Opportunities.”
Real people, real needs, and real opportunities to build together. Come ready to listen, share, and remix in this dynamic 30-minute session —a fast-paced, high-impact networking experience designed to spark meaningful connections, uncover shared challenges, and ignite collaborative solutions across the East Texas literacy landscape.
Location: Ballroom D
Jacqueline Aguilera
Community Liaison & Program Host, Literacy Texas
Jacqueline “Jackie” Aguilera has logged 38 years of diverse experience across educational and non-profit sectors. With a focus on adult literacy, she has left an indelible mark on various initiatives and projects in the multi-layered field of adult literacy.
As an experienced adult education innovations designer, she earned a 2021 Ford Foundation Mujeres Legendarias Award for creative ed tech applications in adult education. Her service impact also extends beyond the classroom into the workforce. She empowers both employers and employees through worksite literacy training and independent consulting. She leads a local fellowship of adult education providers called the Houston Area Adult Literacy Collective (the incredible HAALC), serves on many committees, boards, and projects impacting adult learners and families, and most recently served as Project Manager for Houston’s Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy.
In summary, Jacqueline’s multifaceted career reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing literacy and education across diverse communities and platforms. Currently on a journey through breast cancer treatment, she is more than ever committed to advancing the lives of all those she serves, making her a messenger of inspiration, innovation, and evolution.
10:10 AM – 11:40 AM
Breakout #1 (90 min)
East Texas Adult Literacy: Landscape Analysis
Over the last year, Literacy Texas has been working with the American Institutes of Research and Texas A&M University – Texarkana on a research project that explores adult literacy in the east Texas region.
This presentation will step through the final report, and start conversations about next steps for the region.
Location: Ballroom D
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Category
Assigned by TCALL
Other info:
No other info available at this time.
Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker
Executive Director, Literacy Texas
Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.
She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship.
Close Reading Across the Content Areas (Part 1 of 2)
This session focuses on the importance of close reading skills in life, the workplace, and across the GED content areas. We will explore the characteristics of complex texts and how to use close reading strategies to help students break down those texts. Participants will also gain access to and use close reading resources for their classrooms.
Location: Ballroom G
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Category
Assigned by TCALL
Other info:
This is a 3-hour session in two parts, the first being a dive into close reading and the second being more focused on practical application of close reading in different areas. Please plan to attend both parts!
Megan Webb
Professional Development Specialist, TCALL
Megan Webb is a Professional Development Specialist with a background in adult and secondary education, language instruction, and instructional design. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and Spanish from Central College in Pella, Iowa, and an M.A. in TESOL and Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College in Illinois.
Megan’s teaching experience spans international and local contexts, including serving as an EFL instructor at teacher training colleges in Savannakhet and Luang Prabang, Laos; teaching ELAR at Odessa High School in Texas; and briefly working as an ESL instructor at the Shepherd School of Language in Carrollton.
In her current role with TRAIN PD at TCALL, Megan provides data-driven professional development consultation to Texas AEL programs, supports the design and delivery of statewide training, and contributes subject matter expertise to PD initiatives. She also evaluates and guides trainers, stays current on trends in the field, and assists with research and other center goals to strengthen professional learning across the state.
Educating and Developing Adults in the GED (Part 1 of 2)
This workshop is focused on providing High School Equivalency instructors with information on the General Educational Development (GED) exam. This workshop identifies the four content areas of the GED exam and provides an overview of the skills required for students to succeed in passing the GED exam. Participants will also get an opportunity to sample GED practice instructions and questions.
Location: Ballroom H
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Category
Assigned by TCALL
Other info:
No other info available at this time.
Denise Sumlin-Johnson
Trainer, TCALL
Denise Sumlin-Johnson is a graduate of Grambling State University and Lamar University. She is blessed to be the mother of one son, Denise’s greatest accomplishment. Early in her career she worked at International Business Machines (IBM), as a software engineer and project manager. She has over 29 years of experience in technology, project management, training, and education.
Ms. Sumlin-Johnson has a successful track record of leadership, networking, and innovative problem solving. Ms. Sumlin-Johnson currently serves as an Internal Auditor for Houston-Galveston Area Council. Prior to her current position she served as the Program Administrator, Adult Education and Literacy where she was successful at building and strengthening relationships with internal and external partners.
Having served over 17 years in Adult Education and Literacy, where she started as a part-time instructor and went on to also serve as distance learning, workforce, and field program assistant. As professional development Coordinator, Ms. Sumlin-Johnson was able to passionately help adult learners develop both professionally and personally. As a program manager Ms. Sumlin-Johnson managed the Integrated Education and Training (IET) and the Data Entry Departments. Ms. Sumlin-Johnson coming from a humble background has a passion to help people (youth and adults) transition from jobs to careers.
11:40 AM – 12:40 PM: WORKING LUNCH
Collect lunch from outside Ballroom D
Panel Discussion (45 min)
“Literacy, Business, and Economic Impact”
Session description pending.
Location: Ballroom D
PANEL MODERATOR
Natasha Duncan
Executive Director
East Texas Literacy Council
Natasha Duncan is the Executive Director for the East Texas Literacy Council in Longview Texas. Her background is in early child education from the University of Maryland. She has a passion for Adult Education in her community.
Natasha has 20 plus years in non-profit management, her extensive background of working in low-income communities, helped her to focus her efforts on the lasting effects that education can have on families and the catalyst it can be for future generations. She is a proud wife, and mother of two Longview Lobos.
This year Natasha was featured as a member in our community that makes a difference with Texas Bank and Trust, she keeps active community representation of adult education and nonprofit leadership with her Chamber of Commerce, she has enjoyed collaborating with Longview ISD, city organizations and Greater Longview United Way for speaking engagements, sits on several community boards in her city and has a passion for making a difference in her community.
PANELIST
Hillary Cloud
Director of Workforce Development & Business Retention
Texarkana Chamber of Commerce
Hillary Cloud was born and raised in Texarkana, Texas, and has dedicated her career to developing people and strengthening her community. With a degree in education, she spent over a decade coaching women’s soccer at multiple levels, from youth to collegiate athletics, building skills in leadership, mentorship, and team development.
Following her transition from coaching, Hillary advanced into community development through Leadership Texarkana, where she discovered a strong passion for economic development. She now serves as Director of Business Retention and Expansion and Workforce Development, a role that allows her to connect education and workforce initiatives under the broader umbrella of economic growth.
By fostering partnerships, supporting employers, and aligning workforce readiness with business needs, Hillary is positioned to make a lasting impact on the Texarkana region and its future economic resilience.
PANELIST
Vashil Fernandez, AICP
Director of Planning, Community Development, and Health
City of Texarkana
Vashil Fernandez serves as the Director of Planning, Community Development, and Health for the City of Texarkana, Texas, where he also manages Quality Assurance for the City’s Brownfields Program. He holds two master’s degrees from Valparaiso University, International Commerce and Policy, and International Economics and Finance, as well as a bachelor’s degree in International Business.
Vashil after transitioning from being a professional athlete, has spent his career working in community-focused programs, previously managing the Continuum of Care housing grant, neighborhood revitalization initiatives, and neighborhood stabilization plans. His work reflects a deep commitment to strengthening communities, improving access to resources, and fostering long-term economic and neighborhood growth.
In his current role, Vashil oversees a wide range of projects, grants, and staff across the Planning, Community Development, and Health Departments. He leads the city’s planning processes, supports economic development efforts, and administers federal, state, and local funding to advance neighborhood and downtown revitalization.
Vashil is highly engaged in professional and community leadership. He serves as the Director for the APA Texas East Section and is the Board Chair for the Literacy Council of Miller and Bowie Counties, where he champions efforts to expand adult education and literacy opportunities across the region. He is also involved with organizations such as the Texarkana Homeless Coalition, the Salvation Army, and Prime Impact Solutions. Vashil remains passionate about building strong, resilient communities and contributing to meaningful change throughout the Texarkana area.
Vashil Enjoys spending time with his family (his beautiful wife and 4 daughters), serving at his church, reading, cooking, and playing basketball.
PANELIST
Jackie Whittington
Executive Director
Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties
Jacklyn Hudson Whittington serves as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties, where she leads community-wide efforts to expand adult literacy, ESL, GED preparation, digital skills, and workforce-readiness programs across the Texarkana region.
A first-generation college graduate, Jacklyn earned her A.S. in Education from Texarkana College and her B.S. in Elementary Education from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. With a professional background in education and experience as a former 2nd-grade teacher, she brings an instructional lens, a collaborative leadership style, and a deep commitment to breaking cycles of poverty through accessible, community-centered education.
12:50 PM – 1:35 PM
Spotlight Session (45 min)
Retention vs Persistence
What keeps adult learners coming back to our classes? How can we be inspired by our local peers to make creative changes and improvements? And what does Literacy Texas offer that could be of assistance?
In this dynamic and focused session on adult learner persistence, you’ll work in small groups to discuss, define, refine, and make plans for dynamic solutions you can implement immediately.
Location: Ballroom D
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Category
Assigned by TCALL
Other info:
No other info available at this time.
Jacqueline Aguilera
Community Liaison & Program Host, Literacy Texas
Jacqueline “Jackie” Aguilera has logged 38 years of diverse experience across educational and non-profit sectors. With a focus on adult literacy, she has left an indelible mark on various initiatives and projects in the multi-layered field of adult literacy.
As an experienced adult education innovations designer, she earned a 2021 Ford Foundation Mujeres Legendarias Award for creative ed tech applications in adult education. Her service impact also extends beyond the classroom into the workforce. She empowers both employers and employees through worksite literacy training and independent consulting. She leads a local fellowship of adult education providers called the Houston Area Adult Literacy Collective (the incredible HAALC), serves on many committees, boards, and projects impacting adult learners and families, and most recently served as Project Manager for Houston’s Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy.
In summary, Jacqueline’s multifaceted career reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing literacy and education across diverse communities and platforms. Currently on a journey through breast cancer treatment, she is more than ever committed to advancing the lives of all those she serves, making her a messenger of inspiration, innovation, and evolution.
1:45 PM – 3:15 PM
Breakout #2 (90 min)
Group Chat IRL: Incorporating Student Voice as an Instructional Strategy
When students have ownership in their instruction, they are more engaged in learning. In this session, we will discuss the importance of incorporating student voice as an instructional strategy. We will imagine what it would look like in your organization to use journals, student-produced newsletters, and student leadership in your organization as a way to improve literacy skills, connections between their lives and lessons, and ultimately persistence.
Location: Ballroom D
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Category
Assigned by TCALL
Other info:
No other info available at this time.
Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker
Executive Director, Literacy Texas
Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.
She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship.
Close Reading Across the Content Areas (Part 2 of 2)
This session focuses on the importance of close reading skills in life, the workplace, and across the GED content areas. We will explore the characteristics of complex texts and how to use close reading strategies to help students break down those texts. Participants will also gain access to and use close reading resources for their classrooms.
Location: Ballroom G
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Category
Assigned by TCALL
Other info:
This is a 3-hour session in two parts, the first being a dive into close reading and the second being more focused on practical application of close reading in different areas. Please plan to attend both parts!
Megan Webb
Professional Development Specialist, TCALL
Megan Webb is a Professional Development Specialist with a background in adult and secondary education, language instruction, and instructional design. She holds a B.A. in Sociology and Spanish from Central College in Pella, Iowa, and an M.A. in TESOL and Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College in Illinois.
Megan’s teaching experience spans international and local contexts, including serving as an EFL instructor at teacher training colleges in Savannakhet and Luang Prabang, Laos; teaching ELAR at Odessa High School in Texas; and briefly working as an ESL instructor at the Shepherd School of Language in Carrollton.
In her current role with TRAIN PD at TCALL, Megan provides data-driven professional development consultation to Texas AEL programs, supports the design and delivery of statewide training, and contributes subject matter expertise to PD initiatives. She also evaluates and guides trainers, stays current on trends in the field, and assists with research and other center goals to strengthen professional learning across the state.
Educating and Developing Adults in the GED (Part 2 of 2)
This workshop is focused on providing High School Equivalency instructors with information on the General Educational Development (GED) exam. This workshop identifies the four content areas of the GED exam and provides an overview of the skills required for students to succeed in passing the GED exam. Participants will also get an opportunity to sample GED practice instructions and questions.
Location: Ballroom H
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Category
Assigned by TCALL
Other info:
No other info available at this time.
Denise Sumlin-Johnson
Trainer, TCALL
Denise Sumlin-Johnson is a graduate of Grambling State University and Lamar University. She is blessed to be the mother of one son, Denise’s greatest accomplishment. Early in her career she worked at International Business Machines (IBM), as a software engineer and project manager. She has over 29 years of experience in technology, project management, training, and education.
Ms. Sumlin-Johnson has a successful track record of leadership, networking, and innovative problem solving. Ms. Sumlin-Johnson currently serves as an Internal Auditor for Houston-Galveston Area Council. Prior to her current position she served as the Program Administrator, Adult Education and Literacy where she was successful at building and strengthening relationships with internal and external partners.
Having served over 17 years in Adult Education and Literacy, where she started as a part-time instructor and went on to also serve as distance learning, workforce, and field program assistant. As professional development Coordinator, Ms. Sumlin-Johnson was able to passionately help adult learners develop both professionally and personally. As a program manager Ms. Sumlin-Johnson managed the Integrated Education and Training (IET) and the Data Entry Departments. Ms. Sumlin-Johnson coming from a humble background has a passion to help people (youth and adults) transition from jobs to careers.
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM: FAREWELL & DOOR PRIZES
Location: Ballroom D
DOWNLOADS
Download or print a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending the symposium.
Download or print a copy of the symposium program.
SPECIAL THANKS TO -
[name of any sponsors or other partners – as many as relevant, new line for each]
The regional symposia are funded by the Professional Development Support for Nonprofit Adult Literacy Organizations grant from the Texas Workforce Commission.
STAY IN THE KNOW -
Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:
Checked/updated: 12/17/25
