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 EVENT:
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BASIC DETAILS
This online session will be held on:
Thursday, September 11, 2025, 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 education and literacy are among the most important causes in the country – yet too many people don’t know why they matter so much. And right now, the value of adult learning is seriously threatened.
Raising our voices on behalf of adult learners, their families, and our vital programs has never been more important. In this session, you’ll hear from folks who are on the front lines of advocacy and outreach – and learn practical ideas to bring advocacy alive in your local community.
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
Irene Ramos
Independent Consultant
TALAE
Irene Ramos has dedicated 35 years to advancing adult education and workforce training, serving in a variety of impactful roles including instructor, coordinator, staff development trainer, Center Manager, Independent Consultant and Program Manager. With a unique blend of experience across the workforce, adult education, and civic leadership spheres, she brings a comprehensive perspective to each initiative she leads, especially in her current role as an Independent Education Consultant.
Ramos holds a bachelor’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio. Among her accomplishments Ramos successfully designed and built the Adult Education program, Crossroads in the coastal Bend from the ground up thereby rebranding adult education in the Coastal Bend area. Ramos is currently the Vice President of TALAE, the state Adult Education organization and is participating in the COABE sponsored Adult Education Advocacy Fellowship.
A lifelong resident of Poteet, Texas, Ramos has been married to her husband, Ed, for 36 years and is the proud mother of three accomplished children. Her commitment to community, education, and family is evident in all facets of her work and life.
Kelli G. Rhodes, MBA
President & CEO
Restore Education
Kelli G. Rhodes, MBA, is the President & CEO, and Co-Founder of Restore Education.
An alumna of UTSA, she has two decades of experience in education, first as a middle and high school teacher. In 2008, Ms. Rhodes partnered with the founding Executive Director to create Restore Education as an innovative and flexible program to help individuals earn their GED and successfully transition to postsecondary.
During her tenure, Restore Education has seen exponential growth and has become an established leader in adult education and workforce development in South Texas. In 2020, she was awarded Administrator of the Year from the Texas Association for Literacy and Adult Education. She has served on the board of Workforce Solutions Alamo since 2020 and is a graduate of Leadership San Antonio Class 47, and the Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunities Program as part of the Alamo Region’s Workforce Leadership Academy.
Laura Barrera
Adult Education Supervisor
ESC Region 2 Crossroads Program
Laura Barrera has dedicated her career to education, with nearly two decades in adult education and more than 30 years in K–12 instruction. Since 2019, she has served with the ESC Region 2 Crossroads Program, where she played a key role in its development and continues to support every adult learner who walks through the door.
Before joining adult education full-time, Laura retired in 2015 after a distinguished career with the San Antonio Independent School District. She taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels before becoming an Instructional Coach, guiding teachers to improve literacy instruction and student outcomes.
Her work has been recognized at both the state and national levels. In 1998, Laura was named Bilingual Teacher of the Year for the State of Texas, and in 2013 she was honored by Johns Hopkins University as the Literacy Coach of the Year for Talent Development.
In addition to her K–12 experience, Laura has taught ESL and served as an Adult Education supervisor for ten years, making her especially skilled at supporting English learners. She is passionate about helping teachers build strong professional learning communities to drive student success.
Beyond education, Laura serves as a Buddhist Dharma Teacher in San Antonio, Texas, where she continues to live and teach with compassion and purpose.
Host:
Lindsay Robbins
Administrative Manager
Literacy Texas
Lindsay Robbins has an accounting and finance background and joined Literacy Texas as Administrative Manager in September 2023. She spent the previous 4 years as President of the Friends of the Sachse Public Library, helping to fundraise and support the library and all their programs. She also homeschools her children and teaches in their local co-op.
Lindsay is excited to be part of Literacy Texas and give support in providing resources and education to Adult and Family Literacy programs around the state.
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
Someone who completes the full session will receive 1 hour 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.
SPECIAL THANKS
Irene Ramos
Kelli G. Rhodes
Laura Barrera
The Texas Workforce Commission
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Checked/updated 9/11/25
