Funded by the Professional Development Support for Nonprofit Adult Literacy Organizations grant from the Texas Workforce Commission, regional symposia provide free professional development for volunteers and staff of nonprofit, community-based organizations.
Your local symposium is an excellent place to learn and network with other literacy providers in your region, and a great source of professional development for volunteer instructors.
QUICK LINKS FOR THE GULF COAST SYMPOSIUM:
Click on any of the links below to go straight to that section, or simply scroll down the page.
BASIC DETAILS
The symposium has the theme “Braving the Storm” and will be held on:
Friday, June 20 & Saturday, June 21, 2025
Day 1 (Friday) will focus on instructional support in adult literacy classrooms.
Day 2 (Saturday) will focus on administrative support for adult and family literacy programs.
1-day or 2-day registration options are available. Both days are open to all adult literacy staff regardless of position.
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.
A: Literacy Texas does have an annual conference! It’s held every summer.
Our regional symposia are separate to the conference.
Each symposium:
- Takes place in a different Texas region to help minimize travel
- Has a local focus
- Is free to attend
- Is generally a single 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 5+ hours of professional development
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 and family 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.
Two words: LOCAL + FREE!
Each symposium program focuses 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.
A: The symposium is free to attend. Literacy Texas will cover the costs of your tuition, any meals and snacks offered, materials, and other resources.
Please be aware that in recent years, between 25% and 40% 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.
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.
LOCATION
This symposium will be held at Houston Community College Southeast Campus (“The Learning Hub”): 6815 Rustic Street, Houston, 77087
FLOORPLANS
The symposium will use space on the first and second floors of the Learning Hub.
HCC LEARNING HUB - FIRST FLOOR
HCC LEARNING HUB - SECOND FLOOR
When you first enter the building, make your way to Room 108, the Multi-Purpose Room, on the first floor. You will see the check-in table outside that room – please make sure you check in! (Not registered yet? Please use the button on this page to register ahead of time so that we can prepare to host you!)
Exhibitors will be set up in the lobby space outside that room, and all plenary sessions will be in this space.
Throughout the day, you can use the stairs or the elevators to make your way to the second floor. We will be using Rooms 217 – 220, and the two Computer Labs (204 and 205).
LOCAL HOTELS
Need a place to stay in Houston?
These two hotels come recommended by local partners (though please note, Literacy Texas does not have any special relationship or room rate with either of these):
FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION
This session has reached capacity and we are forming a waitlist.
Use the registration button below to add your name to the list.
Registration for this session has now closed
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!
Online registration has now closed – but we have a few spots available for last-minute registrants! Call us on 972-926-3155 to make arrangements.
PD CERTIFICATES
Someone who completes the full session will receive X hours of PD credit.
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.
PROGRAM, SESSIONS, & SPEAKERS
The program is in the process of being finalized; details will be added here as they’re confirmed.
Schedule will be kept as current as possible but is subject to change – check back here for updates
Day 1: Friday, June 20
Day 1 will focus on instructional support in adult literacy classrooms.
Day 2 will focus on administrative support for adult and family literacy programs.
1-day or 2-day registration options are available.
Both days are open to all adult literacy staff regardless of position.
7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: CHECK-IN, BREAKFAST
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: OPENING SESSION
Welcome to The Storm – and Our Voyage Toward Solutions
In addition to the pressure of teaching adult learners, instructors face added challenges of motivating and caring for students in challenging and unstable times.
In this welcome address, Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker will offer strategies instructors can use to help support those we serve. She will also discuss the importance of being sure we take care of ourselves in the process.
Location: Pending
Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker
Executive Director, Literacy Texas
Dr. Frances Villagran-Glover
President, HCC Southeast
8:45 AM – 10:15 AM
Session 1 (90 min)
NOTE: For greater flexibility, the same breakouts will be offered in both Session 1 and Session 2.
Effectively Moving Your ESL Class Online
Getting started teaching online can seem like a daunting task. On top of considering student engagement, retention, and lesson delivery, you also have to wrestle with technical challenges, both for yourself and for your students.
But hopefully this presentation will make things easier for you! We’ll look at strategies for lesson delivery, routines that encourage participation and retention, methods for students to access materials, and a lot of activity ideas to develop community in your online classroom.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Amber Miller
TCALL
Bio pending
Structured Literacy Models: Differentiated, High-Quality Teaching and Learning
Explore ways that research grounded in the science of reading informs structured literacy, why the components of structured literacy are necessary for developing skilled readers, and how these components can be practically applied during direct instruction.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Lara Speights
Vice President for Family Support and Adult Literacy, Neuhaus Education Center
Lara Speights, M.Ed., LDT, CALT is a dedicated literacy advocate and researcher who is passionate about creating systems that connect individuals and families to evidence-based literacy experiences. Her expertise lies in dyslexia therapy, with a particular focus on working with emerging bilinguals, adults (16+), and individuals with low literacy. She is also highly knowledgeable in family literacy engagement across generations.
At Neuhaus Education Center, Lara is the Vice President of Family Support and Adult Literacy, where she oversees the Community Programs, which provide free services to the Greater Houston Area. Her role includes leading the Margaret H. Ley Adult Literacy program, which offers virtual and in-person evening literacy classes for adult learners (16+) with dyslexia and related reading difficulties.
Additionally, she directs the Family Support Office, which not only delivers community presentations on reading-related topics but also responds to numerous calls annually from family members seeking information and resources to support their children struggling with reading.
Prior to joining Neuhaus, she brings over a decade of experience as a teacher, dyslexia therapist, EB program coordinator, and instructional coach in public schools across Texas, with specific experience collaborating with families to advocate for students in special populations such as emerging bilinguals and students with learning disabilities.
Speights earned an M.Ed. in Language and Literacy from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and a B.A. in Spanish and English from Texas A&M University, where she is also currently a doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction.
A Taste of AI: Hands-On EdTech for Adult Literacy
Step into the future of adult literacy with this interactive, hands-on session! Explore AI-powered tools used in real pilot projects by the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy. Rotate through experience stations featuring zSpace, Burlington English, Learning Upgrade, Study Buddy, and Northstar Digital Literacy. See how each tool is transforming instruction, boosting engagement, and supporting learners in Houston.
Perfect for adult literacy educators ready to explore what’s next in EdTech!
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Ed Tech Partners
Bio pending
How to Develop a Digital Navigator Training Partnership Through Coursera – The Goodwill Experience
Closing the digital divide is essential for fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. A recent report by the National Skills Coalition found that 92% of current job listings require digital skills. Imagine not being able to enter the workforce due to a deficit in these essential skills.
The Goodwill Digital Navigator training, co-developed with World Education, a division of JSI Research and Training Institute, is designed to equip service providers with specific skills and information to support customers to get on their own learning pathway to economic sufficiency.
Hear from speakers from Goodwill Industries International and Goodwill of Houston how this program was developed and how it is being used to upskill employees to better serve their neighbors.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Amy Johnson
Senior Partnership and Products Specialist, Goodwill Industries International
Bio pending.
Houston Citizenship & Naturalization in 2025 & What Adult Educators Need to Know
In 2025, the path to U.S. citizenship is shifting. This session will explore the most recent updates, policy changes, and evolving USCIS procedures impacting lawful permanent residents in the Greater Houston area.
Participants will gain practical strategies to adapt their instruction, ensure curriculum compliance, and meet the needs of diverse immigrant learners. We’ll also discuss how to navigate new challenges and help students prepare not only for the naturalization test, but for active and informed civic participation.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Luis A. Garcia-Alvarez immigrated to the U.S. at the start of the century to pursue his dreams and enhance the lives of Hispanic immigrants. In 2008, he founded SEDES (System for Education Empowerment and Success), where he serves as President. He also serves as the Senior Community Engagement Advisor for USAHello, helping immigrants achieve financial freedom and societal development. He holds a Master’s in Human Rights and International Law.
In 2021, he received the Hispanic Heritage Award from Houston and was named MLS Community MVP for representing the Houston Dynamo. His leadership on various advisory boards reflects his dedication to a brighter future. In his essay for the Hispanic Leaders Program, he envisions the U.S. as a cultural melting pot and an opportunity to strengthen the Hispanic community.
Having Resource Challenges in Your Adult and Family Literacy Programming? HPL CEET Team to the Rescue!
Discover how the Houston Public Library’s CET team supports adult literacy providers with their mobile express technology lab:
Events, classroom, and teacher support!
Access to trained staff, advanced technology, educational manipulatives, and so much more!
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
HPL CEET Team
Bio pending
10:20 AM – 11:50 AM
Session 2 (90 min)
NOTE: For greater flexibility, the same breakouts will be offered in both Session 1 and Session 2.
Please see session descriptions above, under Session 1.
11:50 AM – 1:00 PM: WORKING LUNCH
Includes Special Recognition for Literacy Texas and HCC Southeast College on behalf of US Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia
Creative Programming for Stormy Times
Get the latest updates from Texas Adult Education State Director Mahalia Baldini on the state’s key strategic priorities: expanding employment opportunities, increasing transition to higher education, improving essential skills, and boosting high school completion rates. Even in the midst of uncertain times, programs can future focus on developing practical strategies to align your programs with workforce demands and empower your students to achieve success.
Mahalia Baldini
AEL State Director, Texas Workforce Commission
Mahalia Baldini was named the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) State Director in September 2020 after serving as the program’s supervisor for over six years. She earned her B.A in Journalism from the University of Kentucky and her Master’s in Education from Texas State University.
Mrs. Baldini has spent the last fifteen years integrating workforce and economic development with educational solutions that center on outcomes for low and middle skill workers. She believes in and values a system that supports equitable education and learning opportunities that focus on an individual’s academic preparedness and advancement as well as the social and emotional intelligence needed to contribute to a positive work culture aligned to employer needs.
Networking Activity: The Map of Troubled Waters
Session description pending
Location: Pending
Jacqueline Aguilera
Project Manager, Mayor’s Office of Adult Literacy – Houston
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, all while serving 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.
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Session 3 (60 min)
Elevating AEL Instruction: Seamless Workforce Integration Strategies for Texas Educators
Get ready to transform your teaching with this session, designed for Texas AEL instructors. You’ll be empowered with innovative strategies to seamlessly integrate workforce skills into your classroom instruction, ensuring your learners are prepared for the competitive workforce.
Discover how to weave essential skills—like literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, and soft skills—into your existing curriculum. Learn to apply effective instructional techniques such as blended learning, contextualized learning, and project-based learning to create lessons that mimic real-world scenarios and workplace tasks.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Julio Medina – TCALL Presenter
Academic Advisor III, West Texas A&M University
Julio A. Medina is an experienced professional in adult education, workforce development, curriculum development, and instructional design with over a decade of experience. Currently an Academic Advisor III at West Texas A&M University, he specializes in creating accessible learning pathways, aligning education with workforce needs, and fostering student success.
Julio has served in various roles, including Career Pathways Specialist, Career Counseling and Skill Development Manager, where he developed expertise in curriculum development, professional training, and community partnerships. Passionate about supporting diverse populations, he has worked extensively with justice-involved individuals, English language learners, and rural communities.
With a Project Management Certificate from Google and fluency in both English and Spanish, Julio holds a BA in Psychology from Texas Tech University and is pursuing an MBA at West Texas A&M University. A passionate advocate for education, he is actively involved in his community, supporting underserved populations and promoting access to resources that empower individuals.
2:15 PM: END OF DAY 1
2:15 PM – 2:30 PM: FAREWELL & DOOR PRIZES
Day 2: Saturday, June 21
Day 1 will focus on instructional support in adult literacy classrooms.
Day 2 will focus on administrative support for adult and family literacy programs.
1-day or 2-day registration options are available.
Both days are open to all adult literacy staff regardless of position.
Schedule will be kept as current as possible but is subject to change; check back here for updates
7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: CHECK-IN, BREAKFAST
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: OPENING SESSION
Welcome to Strategically Navigating the Storm
Adult education and literacy leaders are facing incredible challenges on levels we have not faced in the past. In this welcome address, Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker will offer strategies leaders can use to continue building in a time when so many things feel as though they are falling apart. She will also discuss the importance of prioritizing the morale of teams and leaders, and she will address the need for open and clear communication.
Location: Pending
Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker
Executive Director, Literacy Texas
Dr. Frances Villagran-Glover
President, HCC Southeast
8:40 AM – 9:40 AM
Session 1 (60 min)
What Do Employers Need from Providers? Houston Adult Literacy Providers & Employers Speak Out
Session description pending
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Adriana Gonzalez
President, Cámara de Empresarios Latinos de Houston
Bio pending.
Sabrina Lewis
Executive Director, Houston Money Week
Bio pending.
Jha Allan
Founder, Endless 8 Marketing
Digital Marketing Trainer & Consultant
Bio pending.
9:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Session 2 (90 min)
Apprenticeships – The Future of Adult Literacy Programming
Strengthen your leadership skills and forge impactful partnerships with employers through this dynamic session designed to equip educational leaders with the strategies and tools needed to develop and sustain meaningful collaborations with employers, enhancing funding opportunities, career development, apprenticeships, and mentoring programs.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Traci Nolen
Program Specialist, Texas Workforce Commission Office of Apprenticeship
Traci Nolen, Program Specialist for the Texas Workforce Commission Office of Apprenticeship, provides consultation and technical assistance work for the Texas Workforce Commission. With over 20 years of workforce development experience across Kentucky and Texas, Traci has served as a Project Manager for local workforce boards in both states. Over the years, some of Traci’s favorite workforce projects includes turning Coals Miners into coders, establishing a network of 15 community Job Clubs across Eastern Kentucky during the height of the recession, and working hand-in-hand with the City of Houston providing workforce recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey. Today, she is proud to be on the front lines for TWC supporting apprenticeship expansion efforts for employers across Texas.
11:20 AM – 12:20 PM: WORKING LUNCH
Organizational Resilience in the Eye of the Storm
As Texas’ workforce demands continue to grow, adult education is emerging as a critical solution. Join Texas Adult Education State Director, Mahalia Baldini, for an update on the evolving landscape of adult foundational education in Texas. Learn about the state’s new strategic goals, the importance of leveraging partnerships and funding, and how Texas’ vast network of adult educators is poised to support expanding industry development.
Location: Pending
Mahalia Baldini
AEL State Director, Texas Workforce Commission
Mahalia Baldini was named the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) State Director in September 2020 after serving as the program’s supervisor for over six years. She earned her B.A in Journalism from the University of Kentucky and her Master’s in Education from Texas State University.
Mrs. Baldini has spent the last fifteen years integrating workforce and economic development with educational solutions that center on outcomes for low and middle skill workers. She believes in and values a system that supports equitable education and learning opportunities that focus on an individual’s academic preparedness and advancement as well as the social and emotional intelligence needed to contribute to a positive work culture aligned to employer needs.
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Session 3 (90 min)
Grant-Writing in Stormy Times
While funding for community-based organizations is always a challenge, it is especially difficult in light of recent events.
In this interactive session, we will talk about the fundamentals of solid grant writing and reporting. You’ll also learn about documents that are often requested from funders, proposals that get noticed, and the importance of stewardship.
You’ll walk away with action items that might help you have the funding you need to keep your organization afloat.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker
Executive Director, Literacy Texas
2:15 PM: END OF DAY 2
2:15 PM – 2:30 PM: FAREWELL & DOOR PRIZES
DOWNLOADS
Download or print a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending the symposium.
Download a printable copy of the symposium program. [link whole sentence to PDF]
Printable PDF copy of the symposium program is coming soon.
SPECIAL THANKS TO -
jagEDsolutions
Houston Community College Southeast
The Texas Center for Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)
The Texas Workforce Commission
STAY IN THE KNOW -
Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:
Checked/updated: 6/5/25
Thank you so much for your interest!
This event is now over.
