Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas brings together local experts to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way.
QUICK LINKS FOR THIS BEST OF TEXAS EVENT:
Click on any of the links below to go straight to that section, or simply scroll down the page.
BASIC DETAILS
SAVE THE DATE!
This online session will be held on:
Thursday, August 13, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (CT).
PLEASE NOTE NEW AFTERNOON TIME!
The Zoom room will open to registered attendees at 12:50 PM.
Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins.
This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.
ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC
Parents and caregivers are vital partners in the school system, and Texas Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) programs can serve as the convener and hub that brings these voices together. By working collaboratively with schools, programs can help optimize results – strengthening literacy for both current learners and future generations.
This spotlight explores parent engagement activities, intergenerational literacy projects, and school‑community partnerships, highlighting how adult literacy programs can build a collaborative system that empowers families, supports educators, and creates lasting pathways to academic and workforce success.
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Category
Assigned by TCALL
Pending
Other info:
No other info available at this time.
GUESTS THIS MONTH
Iván J. Tamayo
Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Specialist
Iván J. Tamayo is a Family and Community Engagement Specialist with Aldine ISD in Houston, Texas, where he leads adult education initiatives that empower parents and strengthen family engagement. Through his work, he helps create learning opportunities that build families’ capacity to support their children’s academic success.
An immigrant, educator, and proud lifelong English learner, Iván is passionate about advocating for students and families while recognizing the cultural and linguistic strengths that communities bring to schools. He believes that education has the power to transform lives and create opportunities for future generations.
With more than 20 years of experience in education, Iván has served in a variety of instructional and leadership roles dedicated to expanding access, engagement, and educational opportunity.
Originally from Cuautla, Morelos, Mexico, Iván holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Universidad del Tepeyac, an MBA from Universidad Chapultepec, and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Sam Houston State University.
He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Bilingual Education at Texas A&M University–Kingsville, where his research focuses on the experiences of adult English learners and immigrant communities.
Name
Title
Organization + URL
Bio pending
Name
Title
Organization + URL
Bio pending
Additional guests to be confirmed.
LITERACY TEXAS HOST
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.
FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION
Registration will open soon – watch this space
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
Participants who complete the full session will receive 1 hour of PD credit.
Literacy Texas defines “complete” as:
- Be present for at least 90% of the session;
- Remain on camera for the entire time you are present.
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 – 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!
SPECIAL THANKS
[presenter]
[name of any sponsors or other partners – as many as relevant, new line for each]
The Texas Workforce Commission
STAY IN THE KNOW -
Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:
Thank you so much for your interest!
This event is now over.
Checked/updated 4/30/2026
