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.
Thank you so much for your interest!
This event is now over.
QUICK LINKS FOR THIS BEST OF TEXAS EVENT:
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BASIC DETAILS
This online session will be held on:
Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT).
The Zoom room will open to registered attendees at 9:50 AM.
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
Adult learners and families across Texas thrive when wraparound services and intentional partnerships connect schools, libraries, workforce boards, community organizations, and social agencies to meet holistic needs — from childcare and transportation to health, housing, and financial literacy – collaboration is key!
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.
GUESTS THIS MONTH
Logan Garza
Tutor
Literacy Council of Bowie & Miller Counties
Logan Garza is a mother of three, a college student, and a tutor at the Literacy Council of Bowie & Miller Counties.
She expects to receive her Associate’s Degree in Behavioral Science this month, and she is continuing on for her Bachelor’s. This took hard work, long nights, and endless support from her local literacy council and the 100 Families program.
Kristina Rivas
Director of EagleLEAD Presidential Scholars Program and Lecturer
Texas A&M University – Texarkana
Kristina brings with her over 20 years of combined experience in healthcare, marketing, higher education, and as a former small business owner. This work is incredibly personal to her. She knows exactly what can happen when a community steps in because she is the first generation removed from generational poverty.
Kristina completed her Human and Family Development thesis and graduated with a Master of Science in Human Services from Stephen F. Austin State University.
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.
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
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;
- Have your camera on 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
Logan Garza
Kristina Rivas
The Texas Workforce Commission
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Checked/updated 1/9/2026
