BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Literacy Texas - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.literacytexas.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Literacy Texas REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20240310T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20241103T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20270314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20271107T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251204T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251204T103000 DTSTAMP:20260426T105434 CREATED:20250918T084036Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T093208Z UID:5814-1764838800-1764844200@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:What Leaders Need: Finding & Keeping Amazing Volunteers DESCRIPTION:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online session will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, December 19\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n This session will focus on best practices in language learning\, language acquisition\, and ESL/ESOL in community-based adult and family literacy programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll start with Dr. Katie Welch (UT-Arlington) to share some data and information about ESL in Texas. Then we’ll switch to an interview format with Betty Reyes (Refugee Language Project) and Ysela Arechiga (Literacy Volunteers of Laredo) who will tell us about their ESL programs and insights they have for language-learning among adult literacy students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie WelchEducational ConsultantWelch Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, is a university instructor\, teacher trainer\, and active volunteer in adult ed classrooms. In addition to teaching international students in UT-Arlington’s English Language Institute and volunteering weekly in a community-based ESL/GED program\, Katie currently provides professional development to language teachers through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State\, Cambridge University Press\, and Literacy ConneXus. Katie’s innovative classroom ideas have been published in academic journals such as Language and American Speech\, and she presents regularly at national and international conferences\, including TESOL International\, COABE\, and the National Center for Families Learning. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-MedinaDirector of Language ServicesRefugee Language Project \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina serves as the Director of Language Services at the Refugee Language Project (RLP) in Amarillo\, Texas. Initially joining RLP as a volunteer\, she was officially hired in 2022 to lead the Interpreting Services program and oversee the Storybook Project and ESL initiatives. In her efforts to effectively serve the language needs of the refugee population in Amarillo\, Betty developed an in-house curriculum tailored to Literacy\, Beginner\, and Intermediate students. This curriculum has been successfully implemented and continues to yield positive results in the classroom. Betty and her team are passionate about fostering a relational approach to teaching English\, emphasizing community and connection. Betty’s English education journey began in Chile while serving in the United Nations program English Opens Doors. There\, she fell in love with teaching and helping others get better access to opportunities through language education. Her deep commitment to service and education inspired her to establish Mochilas para la Esperanza in 2012\, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities in the Caribbean and Central America. After finishing her M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language\, Betty was hired as a professor at the University of Puerto Rico and other private institutions\, where she taught courses in Basic and Intermediate English\, Conversational English\, Literature\, and Research Writing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela ArechigaESL SpecialistLiteracy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela M. Arechiga retired in December 2022 from the position of Assistant Director\, Field Operations – Mission Support for the Department of Homeland Security\, Customs and Border Protection\, Office of Field Operations\, Laredo Field Office. Mrs. Arechiga was administratively responsible for managing a $45 million dollar budget and a broad portfolio of departments including Human Capital\, Finance\, Facilities\, Field Training Programs\, Strategic Communications\, and Labor/Employee Relations. Ysela now volunteers with several organizations including Literacy Volunteers of Laredo\, Laredo Theater Guild International and St. Patrick’s Church (Lector) and in her spare time\, crochets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker 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 two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Katie Welch & Welch Education \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina & Refugee Language Project \n \n \n \n Ysela Arechiga & Literacy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n The Texas Workforce Commission \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAY IN THE KNOW - \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Or get news directly from Literacy Texas: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Checked/updated 12/20/24 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/leaders-dec-2025/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Online Event,Training,What Leaders Need ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-WLN-Volunteers-1200-×-300-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251211T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251211T110000 DTSTAMP:20260426T105435 CREATED:20250918T091454Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251212T033359Z UID:5815-1765447200-1765450800@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:Best of Texas: Career Navigation DESCRIPTION:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online session will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, December 19\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n This session will focus on best practices in language learning\, language acquisition\, and ESL/ESOL in community-based adult and family literacy programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll start with Dr. Katie Welch (UT-Arlington) to share some data and information about ESL in Texas. Then we’ll switch to an interview format with Betty Reyes (Refugee Language Project) and Ysela Arechiga (Literacy Volunteers of Laredo) who will tell us about their ESL programs and insights they have for language-learning among adult literacy students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie WelchEducational ConsultantWelch Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, is a university instructor\, teacher trainer\, and active volunteer in adult ed classrooms. In addition to teaching international students in UT-Arlington’s English Language Institute and volunteering weekly in a community-based ESL/GED program\, Katie currently provides professional development to language teachers through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State\, Cambridge University Press\, and Literacy ConneXus. Katie’s innovative classroom ideas have been published in academic journals such as Language and American Speech\, and she presents regularly at national and international conferences\, including TESOL International\, COABE\, and the National Center for Families Learning. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-MedinaDirector of Language ServicesRefugee Language Project \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina serves as the Director of Language Services at the Refugee Language Project (RLP) in Amarillo\, Texas. Initially joining RLP as a volunteer\, she was officially hired in 2022 to lead the Interpreting Services program and oversee the Storybook Project and ESL initiatives. In her efforts to effectively serve the language needs of the refugee population in Amarillo\, Betty developed an in-house curriculum tailored to Literacy\, Beginner\, and Intermediate students. This curriculum has been successfully implemented and continues to yield positive results in the classroom. Betty and her team are passionate about fostering a relational approach to teaching English\, emphasizing community and connection. Betty’s English education journey began in Chile while serving in the United Nations program English Opens Doors. There\, she fell in love with teaching and helping others get better access to opportunities through language education. Her deep commitment to service and education inspired her to establish Mochilas para la Esperanza in 2012\, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities in the Caribbean and Central America. After finishing her M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language\, Betty was hired as a professor at the University of Puerto Rico and other private institutions\, where she taught courses in Basic and Intermediate English\, Conversational English\, Literature\, and Research Writing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela ArechigaESL SpecialistLiteracy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela M. Arechiga retired in December 2022 from the position of Assistant Director\, Field Operations – Mission Support for the Department of Homeland Security\, Customs and Border Protection\, Office of Field Operations\, Laredo Field Office. Mrs. Arechiga was administratively responsible for managing a $45 million dollar budget and a broad portfolio of departments including Human Capital\, Finance\, Facilities\, Field Training Programs\, Strategic Communications\, and Labor/Employee Relations. Ysela now volunteers with several organizations including Literacy Volunteers of Laredo\, Laredo Theater Guild International and St. Patrick’s Church (Lector) and in her spare time\, crochets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker 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 two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Katie Welch & Welch Education \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina & Refugee Language Project \n \n \n \n Ysela Arechiga & Literacy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n The Texas Workforce Commission \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAY IN THE KNOW - \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Or get news directly from Literacy Texas: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Checked/updated 12/20/24 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/best-of-texas-dec-2025/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Best of Texas,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-BEST-CAREER-NAVIGATION-1200-x-300-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251215T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251215T113000 DTSTAMP:20260426T105435 CREATED:20250918T092234Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T064313Z UID:5816-1765794600-1765798200@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:LitTX Group Chat DESCRIPTION:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online session will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, December 19\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n This session will focus on best practices in language learning\, language acquisition\, and ESL/ESOL in community-based adult and family literacy programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll start with Dr. Katie Welch (UT-Arlington) to share some data and information about ESL in Texas. Then we’ll switch to an interview format with Betty Reyes (Refugee Language Project) and Ysela Arechiga (Literacy Volunteers of Laredo) who will tell us about their ESL programs and insights they have for language-learning among adult literacy students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie WelchEducational ConsultantWelch Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, is a university instructor\, teacher trainer\, and active volunteer in adult ed classrooms. In addition to teaching international students in UT-Arlington’s English Language Institute and volunteering weekly in a community-based ESL/GED program\, Katie currently provides professional development to language teachers through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State\, Cambridge University Press\, and Literacy ConneXus. Katie’s innovative classroom ideas have been published in academic journals such as Language and American Speech\, and she presents regularly at national and international conferences\, including TESOL International\, COABE\, and the National Center for Families Learning. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-MedinaDirector of Language ServicesRefugee Language Project \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina serves as the Director of Language Services at the Refugee Language Project (RLP) in Amarillo\, Texas. Initially joining RLP as a volunteer\, she was officially hired in 2022 to lead the Interpreting Services program and oversee the Storybook Project and ESL initiatives. In her efforts to effectively serve the language needs of the refugee population in Amarillo\, Betty developed an in-house curriculum tailored to Literacy\, Beginner\, and Intermediate students. This curriculum has been successfully implemented and continues to yield positive results in the classroom. Betty and her team are passionate about fostering a relational approach to teaching English\, emphasizing community and connection. Betty’s English education journey began in Chile while serving in the United Nations program English Opens Doors. There\, she fell in love with teaching and helping others get better access to opportunities through language education. Her deep commitment to service and education inspired her to establish Mochilas para la Esperanza in 2012\, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities in the Caribbean and Central America. After finishing her M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language\, Betty was hired as a professor at the University of Puerto Rico and other private institutions\, where she taught courses in Basic and Intermediate English\, Conversational English\, Literature\, and Research Writing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela ArechigaESL SpecialistLiteracy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela M. Arechiga retired in December 2022 from the position of Assistant Director\, Field Operations – Mission Support for the Department of Homeland Security\, Customs and Border Protection\, Office of Field Operations\, Laredo Field Office. Mrs. Arechiga was administratively responsible for managing a $45 million dollar budget and a broad portfolio of departments including Human Capital\, Finance\, Facilities\, Field Training Programs\, Strategic Communications\, and Labor/Employee Relations. Ysela now volunteers with several organizations including Literacy Volunteers of Laredo\, Laredo Theater Guild International and St. Patrick’s Church (Lector) and in her spare time\, crochets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker 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 two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Katie Welch & Welch Education \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina & Refugee Language Project \n \n \n \n Ysela Arechiga & Literacy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n The Texas Workforce Commission \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAY IN THE KNOW - \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Or get news directly from Literacy Texas: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Checked/updated 12/20/24 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/group-chat-dec-2025/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Group Chat,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-Group-Chat-1200-x-300-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260108T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260108T110000 DTSTAMP:20260426T105435 CREATED:20251028T020302Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T221654Z UID:6087-1767866400-1767870000@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:Best of Texas: Wraparound Services DESCRIPTION:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online session will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, December 19\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n This session will focus on best practices in language learning\, language acquisition\, and ESL/ESOL in community-based adult and family literacy programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll start with Dr. Katie Welch (UT-Arlington) to share some data and information about ESL in Texas. Then we’ll switch to an interview format with Betty Reyes (Refugee Language Project) and Ysela Arechiga (Literacy Volunteers of Laredo) who will tell us about their ESL programs and insights they have for language-learning among adult literacy students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie WelchEducational ConsultantWelch Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, is a university instructor\, teacher trainer\, and active volunteer in adult ed classrooms. In addition to teaching international students in UT-Arlington’s English Language Institute and volunteering weekly in a community-based ESL/GED program\, Katie currently provides professional development to language teachers through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State\, Cambridge University Press\, and Literacy ConneXus. Katie’s innovative classroom ideas have been published in academic journals such as Language and American Speech\, and she presents regularly at national and international conferences\, including TESOL International\, COABE\, and the National Center for Families Learning. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-MedinaDirector of Language ServicesRefugee Language Project \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina serves as the Director of Language Services at the Refugee Language Project (RLP) in Amarillo\, Texas. Initially joining RLP as a volunteer\, she was officially hired in 2022 to lead the Interpreting Services program and oversee the Storybook Project and ESL initiatives. In her efforts to effectively serve the language needs of the refugee population in Amarillo\, Betty developed an in-house curriculum tailored to Literacy\, Beginner\, and Intermediate students. This curriculum has been successfully implemented and continues to yield positive results in the classroom. Betty and her team are passionate about fostering a relational approach to teaching English\, emphasizing community and connection. Betty’s English education journey began in Chile while serving in the United Nations program English Opens Doors. There\, she fell in love with teaching and helping others get better access to opportunities through language education. Her deep commitment to service and education inspired her to establish Mochilas para la Esperanza in 2012\, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities in the Caribbean and Central America. After finishing her M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language\, Betty was hired as a professor at the University of Puerto Rico and other private institutions\, where she taught courses in Basic and Intermediate English\, Conversational English\, Literature\, and Research Writing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela ArechigaESL SpecialistLiteracy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela M. Arechiga retired in December 2022 from the position of Assistant Director\, Field Operations – Mission Support for the Department of Homeland Security\, Customs and Border Protection\, Office of Field Operations\, Laredo Field Office. Mrs. Arechiga was administratively responsible for managing a $45 million dollar budget and a broad portfolio of departments including Human Capital\, Finance\, Facilities\, Field Training Programs\, Strategic Communications\, and Labor/Employee Relations. Ysela now volunteers with several organizations including Literacy Volunteers of Laredo\, Laredo Theater Guild International and St. Patrick’s Church (Lector) and in her spare time\, crochets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker 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 two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Katie Welch & Welch Education \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina & Refugee Language Project \n \n \n \n Ysela Arechiga & Literacy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n The Texas Workforce Commission \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAY IN THE KNOW - \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Or get news directly from Literacy Texas: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Checked/updated 12/20/24 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/best-of-texas-jan-2026/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Best of Texas,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-BEST-WRAPAROUND-SERVICES-1200-x-300-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260127T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260127T103000 DTSTAMP:20260426T105435 CREATED:20251029T104000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T102144Z UID:6094-1769504400-1769509800@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:The Expert Edge: Building a Positive Classroom Environment DESCRIPTION:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online session will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, December 19\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n This session will focus on best practices in language learning\, language acquisition\, and ESL/ESOL in community-based adult and family literacy programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll start with Dr. Katie Welch (UT-Arlington) to share some data and information about ESL in Texas. Then we’ll switch to an interview format with Betty Reyes (Refugee Language Project) and Ysela Arechiga (Literacy Volunteers of Laredo) who will tell us about their ESL programs and insights they have for language-learning among adult literacy students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie WelchEducational ConsultantWelch Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, is a university instructor\, teacher trainer\, and active volunteer in adult ed classrooms. In addition to teaching international students in UT-Arlington’s English Language Institute and volunteering weekly in a community-based ESL/GED program\, Katie currently provides professional development to language teachers through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State\, Cambridge University Press\, and Literacy ConneXus. Katie’s innovative classroom ideas have been published in academic journals such as Language and American Speech\, and she presents regularly at national and international conferences\, including TESOL International\, COABE\, and the National Center for Families Learning. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-MedinaDirector of Language ServicesRefugee Language Project \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina serves as the Director of Language Services at the Refugee Language Project (RLP) in Amarillo\, Texas. Initially joining RLP as a volunteer\, she was officially hired in 2022 to lead the Interpreting Services program and oversee the Storybook Project and ESL initiatives. In her efforts to effectively serve the language needs of the refugee population in Amarillo\, Betty developed an in-house curriculum tailored to Literacy\, Beginner\, and Intermediate students. This curriculum has been successfully implemented and continues to yield positive results in the classroom. Betty and her team are passionate about fostering a relational approach to teaching English\, emphasizing community and connection. Betty’s English education journey began in Chile while serving in the United Nations program English Opens Doors. There\, she fell in love with teaching and helping others get better access to opportunities through language education. Her deep commitment to service and education inspired her to establish Mochilas para la Esperanza in 2012\, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities in the Caribbean and Central America. After finishing her M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language\, Betty was hired as a professor at the University of Puerto Rico and other private institutions\, where she taught courses in Basic and Intermediate English\, Conversational English\, Literature\, and Research Writing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela ArechigaESL SpecialistLiteracy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela M. Arechiga retired in December 2022 from the position of Assistant Director\, Field Operations – Mission Support for the Department of Homeland Security\, Customs and Border Protection\, Office of Field Operations\, Laredo Field Office. Mrs. Arechiga was administratively responsible for managing a $45 million dollar budget and a broad portfolio of departments including Human Capital\, Finance\, Facilities\, Field Training Programs\, Strategic Communications\, and Labor/Employee Relations. Ysela now volunteers with several organizations including Literacy Volunteers of Laredo\, Laredo Theater Guild International and St. Patrick’s Church (Lector) and in her spare time\, crochets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker 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 two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Katie Welch & Welch Education \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina & Refugee Language Project \n \n \n \n Ysela Arechiga & Literacy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n The Texas Workforce Commission \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAY IN THE KNOW - \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Or get news directly from Literacy Texas: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Checked/updated 12/20/24 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/expert-edge-jan-2026/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Online Event,Other Events,The Expert Edge,Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-Edge-Positive-Classroom-1200x300-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260212T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260212T110000 DTSTAMP:20260426T105435 CREATED:20251125T221639Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T103405Z UID:6135-1770890400-1770894000@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:Best of Texas: HSE/GED DESCRIPTION:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online session will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, December 19\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n This session will focus on best practices in language learning\, language acquisition\, and ESL/ESOL in community-based adult and family literacy programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll start with Dr. Katie Welch (UT-Arlington) to share some data and information about ESL in Texas. Then we’ll switch to an interview format with Betty Reyes (Refugee Language Project) and Ysela Arechiga (Literacy Volunteers of Laredo) who will tell us about their ESL programs and insights they have for language-learning among adult literacy students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie WelchEducational ConsultantWelch Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, is a university instructor\, teacher trainer\, and active volunteer in adult ed classrooms. In addition to teaching international students in UT-Arlington’s English Language Institute and volunteering weekly in a community-based ESL/GED program\, Katie currently provides professional development to language teachers through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State\, Cambridge University Press\, and Literacy ConneXus. Katie’s innovative classroom ideas have been published in academic journals such as Language and American Speech\, and she presents regularly at national and international conferences\, including TESOL International\, COABE\, and the National Center for Families Learning. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-MedinaDirector of Language ServicesRefugee Language Project \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina serves as the Director of Language Services at the Refugee Language Project (RLP) in Amarillo\, Texas. Initially joining RLP as a volunteer\, she was officially hired in 2022 to lead the Interpreting Services program and oversee the Storybook Project and ESL initiatives. In her efforts to effectively serve the language needs of the refugee population in Amarillo\, Betty developed an in-house curriculum tailored to Literacy\, Beginner\, and Intermediate students. This curriculum has been successfully implemented and continues to yield positive results in the classroom. Betty and her team are passionate about fostering a relational approach to teaching English\, emphasizing community and connection. Betty’s English education journey began in Chile while serving in the United Nations program English Opens Doors. There\, she fell in love with teaching and helping others get better access to opportunities through language education. Her deep commitment to service and education inspired her to establish Mochilas para la Esperanza in 2012\, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities in the Caribbean and Central America. After finishing her M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language\, Betty was hired as a professor at the University of Puerto Rico and other private institutions\, where she taught courses in Basic and Intermediate English\, Conversational English\, Literature\, and Research Writing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela ArechigaESL SpecialistLiteracy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela M. Arechiga retired in December 2022 from the position of Assistant Director\, Field Operations – Mission Support for the Department of Homeland Security\, Customs and Border Protection\, Office of Field Operations\, Laredo Field Office. Mrs. Arechiga was administratively responsible for managing a $45 million dollar budget and a broad portfolio of departments including Human Capital\, Finance\, Facilities\, Field Training Programs\, Strategic Communications\, and Labor/Employee Relations. Ysela now volunteers with several organizations including Literacy Volunteers of Laredo\, Laredo Theater Guild International and St. Patrick’s Church (Lector) and in her spare time\, crochets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker 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 two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Katie Welch & Welch Education \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina & Refugee Language Project \n \n \n \n Ysela Arechiga & Literacy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n The Texas Workforce Commission \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAY IN THE KNOW - \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Or get news directly from Literacy Texas: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Checked/updated 12/20/24 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/best-of-texas-feb-2026/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Best of Texas,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-BEST-HSEGED-1200-x-300-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260217T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260217T103000 DTSTAMP:20260426T105435 CREATED:20251125T223425Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T064837Z UID:6136-1771318800-1771324200@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:What Leaders Need: Communications That Work DESCRIPTION:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online session will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, December 19\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n This session will focus on best practices in language learning\, language acquisition\, and ESL/ESOL in community-based adult and family literacy programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll start with Dr. Katie Welch (UT-Arlington) to share some data and information about ESL in Texas. Then we’ll switch to an interview format with Betty Reyes (Refugee Language Project) and Ysela Arechiga (Literacy Volunteers of Laredo) who will tell us about their ESL programs and insights they have for language-learning among adult literacy students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie WelchEducational ConsultantWelch Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, is a university instructor\, teacher trainer\, and active volunteer in adult ed classrooms. In addition to teaching international students in UT-Arlington’s English Language Institute and volunteering weekly in a community-based ESL/GED program\, Katie currently provides professional development to language teachers through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State\, Cambridge University Press\, and Literacy ConneXus. Katie’s innovative classroom ideas have been published in academic journals such as Language and American Speech\, and she presents regularly at national and international conferences\, including TESOL International\, COABE\, and the National Center for Families Learning. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-MedinaDirector of Language ServicesRefugee Language Project \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina serves as the Director of Language Services at the Refugee Language Project (RLP) in Amarillo\, Texas. Initially joining RLP as a volunteer\, she was officially hired in 2022 to lead the Interpreting Services program and oversee the Storybook Project and ESL initiatives. In her efforts to effectively serve the language needs of the refugee population in Amarillo\, Betty developed an in-house curriculum tailored to Literacy\, Beginner\, and Intermediate students. This curriculum has been successfully implemented and continues to yield positive results in the classroom. Betty and her team are passionate about fostering a relational approach to teaching English\, emphasizing community and connection. Betty’s English education journey began in Chile while serving in the United Nations program English Opens Doors. There\, she fell in love with teaching and helping others get better access to opportunities through language education. Her deep commitment to service and education inspired her to establish Mochilas para la Esperanza in 2012\, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities in the Caribbean and Central America. After finishing her M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language\, Betty was hired as a professor at the University of Puerto Rico and other private institutions\, where she taught courses in Basic and Intermediate English\, Conversational English\, Literature\, and Research Writing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela ArechigaESL SpecialistLiteracy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela M. Arechiga retired in December 2022 from the position of Assistant Director\, Field Operations – Mission Support for the Department of Homeland Security\, Customs and Border Protection\, Office of Field Operations\, Laredo Field Office. Mrs. Arechiga was administratively responsible for managing a $45 million dollar budget and a broad portfolio of departments including Human Capital\, Finance\, Facilities\, Field Training Programs\, Strategic Communications\, and Labor/Employee Relations. Ysela now volunteers with several organizations including Literacy Volunteers of Laredo\, Laredo Theater Guild International and St. Patrick’s Church (Lector) and in her spare time\, crochets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker 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 two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Katie Welch & Welch Education \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina & Refugee Language Project \n \n \n \n Ysela Arechiga & Literacy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n The Texas Workforce Commission \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAY IN THE KNOW - \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Or get news directly from Literacy Texas: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Checked/updated 12/20/24 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/leaders-feb-2026/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Online Event,Other Events,Training,What Leaders Need ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-WLN-Comms-1200-×-300-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260312T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260312T110000 DTSTAMP:20260426T105435 CREATED:20260109T112928Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260313T073012Z UID:6214-1773309600-1773313200@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:Best of Texas: Work Readiness & Soft Skills DESCRIPTION:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online session will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, December 19\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n This session will focus on best practices in language learning\, language acquisition\, and ESL/ESOL in community-based adult and family literacy programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll start with Dr. Katie Welch (UT-Arlington) to share some data and information about ESL in Texas. Then we’ll switch to an interview format with Betty Reyes (Refugee Language Project) and Ysela Arechiga (Literacy Volunteers of Laredo) who will tell us about their ESL programs and insights they have for language-learning among adult literacy students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie WelchEducational ConsultantWelch Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, is a university instructor\, teacher trainer\, and active volunteer in adult ed classrooms. In addition to teaching international students in UT-Arlington’s English Language Institute and volunteering weekly in a community-based ESL/GED program\, Katie currently provides professional development to language teachers through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State\, Cambridge University Press\, and Literacy ConneXus. Katie’s innovative classroom ideas have been published in academic journals such as Language and American Speech\, and she presents regularly at national and international conferences\, including TESOL International\, COABE\, and the National Center for Families Learning. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-MedinaDirector of Language ServicesRefugee Language Project \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina serves as the Director of Language Services at the Refugee Language Project (RLP) in Amarillo\, Texas. Initially joining RLP as a volunteer\, she was officially hired in 2022 to lead the Interpreting Services program and oversee the Storybook Project and ESL initiatives. In her efforts to effectively serve the language needs of the refugee population in Amarillo\, Betty developed an in-house curriculum tailored to Literacy\, Beginner\, and Intermediate students. This curriculum has been successfully implemented and continues to yield positive results in the classroom. Betty and her team are passionate about fostering a relational approach to teaching English\, emphasizing community and connection. Betty’s English education journey began in Chile while serving in the United Nations program English Opens Doors. There\, she fell in love with teaching and helping others get better access to opportunities through language education. Her deep commitment to service and education inspired her to establish Mochilas para la Esperanza in 2012\, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities in the Caribbean and Central America. After finishing her M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language\, Betty was hired as a professor at the University of Puerto Rico and other private institutions\, where she taught courses in Basic and Intermediate English\, Conversational English\, Literature\, and Research Writing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela ArechigaESL SpecialistLiteracy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela M. Arechiga retired in December 2022 from the position of Assistant Director\, Field Operations – Mission Support for the Department of Homeland Security\, Customs and Border Protection\, Office of Field Operations\, Laredo Field Office. Mrs. Arechiga was administratively responsible for managing a $45 million dollar budget and a broad portfolio of departments including Human Capital\, Finance\, Facilities\, Field Training Programs\, Strategic Communications\, and Labor/Employee Relations. Ysela now volunteers with several organizations including Literacy Volunteers of Laredo\, Laredo Theater Guild International and St. Patrick’s Church (Lector) and in her spare time\, crochets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker 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 two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Katie Welch & Welch Education \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina & Refugee Language Project \n \n \n \n Ysela Arechiga & Literacy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n The Texas Workforce Commission \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAY IN THE KNOW - \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Or get news directly from Literacy Texas: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Checked/updated 12/20/24 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/best-of-texas-mar-2026/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Best of Texas,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-BEST-Work-Readiness-Soft-Skills-1200-x-300-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T140000 DTSTAMP:20260426T105435 CREATED:20250815T071904Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T003232Z UID:5754-1774530000-1774533600@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:LitTX Group Chat - March 2026 DESCRIPTION:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online session will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, December 19\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n This session will focus on best practices in language learning\, language acquisition\, and ESL/ESOL in community-based adult and family literacy programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll start with Dr. Katie Welch (UT-Arlington) to share some data and information about ESL in Texas. Then we’ll switch to an interview format with Betty Reyes (Refugee Language Project) and Ysela Arechiga (Literacy Volunteers of Laredo) who will tell us about their ESL programs and insights they have for language-learning among adult literacy students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie WelchEducational ConsultantWelch Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, is a university instructor\, teacher trainer\, and active volunteer in adult ed classrooms. In addition to teaching international students in UT-Arlington’s English Language Institute and volunteering weekly in a community-based ESL/GED program\, Katie currently provides professional development to language teachers through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State\, Cambridge University Press\, and Literacy ConneXus. Katie’s innovative classroom ideas have been published in academic journals such as Language and American Speech\, and she presents regularly at national and international conferences\, including TESOL International\, COABE\, and the National Center for Families Learning. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-MedinaDirector of Language ServicesRefugee Language Project \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina serves as the Director of Language Services at the Refugee Language Project (RLP) in Amarillo\, Texas. Initially joining RLP as a volunteer\, she was officially hired in 2022 to lead the Interpreting Services program and oversee the Storybook Project and ESL initiatives. In her efforts to effectively serve the language needs of the refugee population in Amarillo\, Betty developed an in-house curriculum tailored to Literacy\, Beginner\, and Intermediate students. This curriculum has been successfully implemented and continues to yield positive results in the classroom. Betty and her team are passionate about fostering a relational approach to teaching English\, emphasizing community and connection. Betty’s English education journey began in Chile while serving in the United Nations program English Opens Doors. There\, she fell in love with teaching and helping others get better access to opportunities through language education. Her deep commitment to service and education inspired her to establish Mochilas para la Esperanza in 2012\, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities in the Caribbean and Central America. After finishing her M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language\, Betty was hired as a professor at the University of Puerto Rico and other private institutions\, where she taught courses in Basic and Intermediate English\, Conversational English\, Literature\, and Research Writing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela ArechigaESL SpecialistLiteracy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela M. Arechiga retired in December 2022 from the position of Assistant Director\, Field Operations – Mission Support for the Department of Homeland Security\, Customs and Border Protection\, Office of Field Operations\, Laredo Field Office. Mrs. Arechiga was administratively responsible for managing a $45 million dollar budget and a broad portfolio of departments including Human Capital\, Finance\, Facilities\, Field Training Programs\, Strategic Communications\, and Labor/Employee Relations. Ysela now volunteers with several organizations including Literacy Volunteers of Laredo\, Laredo Theater Guild International and St. Patrick’s Church (Lector) and in her spare time\, crochets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker 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 two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Katie Welch & Welch Education \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina & Refugee Language Project \n \n \n \n Ysela Arechiga & Literacy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n The Texas Workforce Commission \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAY IN THE KNOW - \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Or get news directly from Literacy Texas: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Checked/updated 12/20/24 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/group-chat-mar-2026/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Group Chat,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-Group-Chat-1200-x-300-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260409T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260409T110000 DTSTAMP:20260426T105435 CREATED:20260217T101016Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T194951Z UID:6305-1775728800-1775732400@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:Best of Texas: Math Literacy & Numeracy DESCRIPTION:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online session will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, December 19\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n This session will focus on best practices in language learning\, language acquisition\, and ESL/ESOL in community-based adult and family literacy programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll start with Dr. Katie Welch (UT-Arlington) to share some data and information about ESL in Texas. Then we’ll switch to an interview format with Betty Reyes (Refugee Language Project) and Ysela Arechiga (Literacy Volunteers of Laredo) who will tell us about their ESL programs and insights they have for language-learning among adult literacy students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie WelchEducational ConsultantWelch Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, is a university instructor\, teacher trainer\, and active volunteer in adult ed classrooms. In addition to teaching international students in UT-Arlington’s English Language Institute and volunteering weekly in a community-based ESL/GED program\, Katie currently provides professional development to language teachers through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State\, Cambridge University Press\, and Literacy ConneXus. Katie’s innovative classroom ideas have been published in academic journals such as Language and American Speech\, and she presents regularly at national and international conferences\, including TESOL International\, COABE\, and the National Center for Families Learning. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-MedinaDirector of Language ServicesRefugee Language Project \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina serves as the Director of Language Services at the Refugee Language Project (RLP) in Amarillo\, Texas. Initially joining RLP as a volunteer\, she was officially hired in 2022 to lead the Interpreting Services program and oversee the Storybook Project and ESL initiatives. In her efforts to effectively serve the language needs of the refugee population in Amarillo\, Betty developed an in-house curriculum tailored to Literacy\, Beginner\, and Intermediate students. This curriculum has been successfully implemented and continues to yield positive results in the classroom. Betty and her team are passionate about fostering a relational approach to teaching English\, emphasizing community and connection. Betty’s English education journey began in Chile while serving in the United Nations program English Opens Doors. There\, she fell in love with teaching and helping others get better access to opportunities through language education. Her deep commitment to service and education inspired her to establish Mochilas para la Esperanza in 2012\, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities in the Caribbean and Central America. After finishing her M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language\, Betty was hired as a professor at the University of Puerto Rico and other private institutions\, where she taught courses in Basic and Intermediate English\, Conversational English\, Literature\, and Research Writing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela ArechigaESL SpecialistLiteracy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela M. Arechiga retired in December 2022 from the position of Assistant Director\, Field Operations – Mission Support for the Department of Homeland Security\, Customs and Border Protection\, Office of Field Operations\, Laredo Field Office. Mrs. Arechiga was administratively responsible for managing a $45 million dollar budget and a broad portfolio of departments including Human Capital\, Finance\, Facilities\, Field Training Programs\, Strategic Communications\, and Labor/Employee Relations. Ysela now volunteers with several organizations including Literacy Volunteers of Laredo\, Laredo Theater Guild International and St. Patrick’s Church (Lector) and in her spare time\, crochets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker 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 two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Katie Welch & Welch Education \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina & Refugee Language Project \n \n \n \n Ysela Arechiga & Literacy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n The Texas Workforce Commission \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAY IN THE KNOW - \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Or get news directly from Literacy Texas: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Checked/updated 12/20/24 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/best-of-texas-apr-2026/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Best of Texas,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-BEST-Math-Numeracy-1200-x-300-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260429T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260429T153000 DTSTAMP:20260426T105435 CREATED:20260226T101900Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T094138Z UID:6323-1777471200-1777476600@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:The Expert Edge: Worth the Stay - Persistence in Action DESCRIPTION:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online session will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, December 19\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n This session will focus on best practices in language learning\, language acquisition\, and ESL/ESOL in community-based adult and family literacy programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll start with Dr. Katie Welch (UT-Arlington) to share some data and information about ESL in Texas. Then we’ll switch to an interview format with Betty Reyes (Refugee Language Project) and Ysela Arechiga (Literacy Volunteers of Laredo) who will tell us about their ESL programs and insights they have for language-learning among adult literacy students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie WelchEducational ConsultantWelch Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, is a university instructor\, teacher trainer\, and active volunteer in adult ed classrooms. In addition to teaching international students in UT-Arlington’s English Language Institute and volunteering weekly in a community-based ESL/GED program\, Katie currently provides professional development to language teachers through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State\, Cambridge University Press\, and Literacy ConneXus. Katie’s innovative classroom ideas have been published in academic journals such as Language and American Speech\, and she presents regularly at national and international conferences\, including TESOL International\, COABE\, and the National Center for Families Learning. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-MedinaDirector of Language ServicesRefugee Language Project \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina serves as the Director of Language Services at the Refugee Language Project (RLP) in Amarillo\, Texas. Initially joining RLP as a volunteer\, she was officially hired in 2022 to lead the Interpreting Services program and oversee the Storybook Project and ESL initiatives. In her efforts to effectively serve the language needs of the refugee population in Amarillo\, Betty developed an in-house curriculum tailored to Literacy\, Beginner\, and Intermediate students. This curriculum has been successfully implemented and continues to yield positive results in the classroom. Betty and her team are passionate about fostering a relational approach to teaching English\, emphasizing community and connection. Betty’s English education journey began in Chile while serving in the United Nations program English Opens Doors. There\, she fell in love with teaching and helping others get better access to opportunities through language education. Her deep commitment to service and education inspired her to establish Mochilas para la Esperanza in 2012\, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities in the Caribbean and Central America. After finishing her M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language\, Betty was hired as a professor at the University of Puerto Rico and other private institutions\, where she taught courses in Basic and Intermediate English\, Conversational English\, Literature\, and Research Writing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela ArechigaESL SpecialistLiteracy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela M. Arechiga retired in December 2022 from the position of Assistant Director\, Field Operations – Mission Support for the Department of Homeland Security\, Customs and Border Protection\, Office of Field Operations\, Laredo Field Office. Mrs. Arechiga was administratively responsible for managing a $45 million dollar budget and a broad portfolio of departments including Human Capital\, Finance\, Facilities\, Field Training Programs\, Strategic Communications\, and Labor/Employee Relations. Ysela now volunteers with several organizations including Literacy Volunteers of Laredo\, Laredo Theater Guild International and St. Patrick’s Church (Lector) and in her spare time\, crochets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker 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 two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Katie Welch & Welch Education \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina & Refugee Language Project \n \n \n \n Ysela Arechiga & Literacy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n The Texas Workforce Commission \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAY IN THE KNOW - \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Or get news directly from Literacy Texas: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Checked/updated 12/20/24 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/expert-edge-apr-2026/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Online Event,Other Events,The Expert Edge,Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-Edge-Worth-the-Stay-1200x300-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T140000 DTSTAMP:20260426T105435 CREATED:20260401T024855Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260423T221329Z UID:6371-1778763600-1778767200@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:Best of Texas: Clear Communication DESCRIPTION:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online session will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, December 19\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n This session will focus on best practices in language learning\, language acquisition\, and ESL/ESOL in community-based adult and family literacy programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll start with Dr. Katie Welch (UT-Arlington) to share some data and information about ESL in Texas. Then we’ll switch to an interview format with Betty Reyes (Refugee Language Project) and Ysela Arechiga (Literacy Volunteers of Laredo) who will tell us about their ESL programs and insights they have for language-learning among adult literacy students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie WelchEducational ConsultantWelch Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, is a university instructor\, teacher trainer\, and active volunteer in adult ed classrooms. In addition to teaching international students in UT-Arlington’s English Language Institute and volunteering weekly in a community-based ESL/GED program\, Katie currently provides professional development to language teachers through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State\, Cambridge University Press\, and Literacy ConneXus. Katie’s innovative classroom ideas have been published in academic journals such as Language and American Speech\, and she presents regularly at national and international conferences\, including TESOL International\, COABE\, and the National Center for Families Learning. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-MedinaDirector of Language ServicesRefugee Language Project \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina serves as the Director of Language Services at the Refugee Language Project (RLP) in Amarillo\, Texas. Initially joining RLP as a volunteer\, she was officially hired in 2022 to lead the Interpreting Services program and oversee the Storybook Project and ESL initiatives. In her efforts to effectively serve the language needs of the refugee population in Amarillo\, Betty developed an in-house curriculum tailored to Literacy\, Beginner\, and Intermediate students. This curriculum has been successfully implemented and continues to yield positive results in the classroom. Betty and her team are passionate about fostering a relational approach to teaching English\, emphasizing community and connection. Betty’s English education journey began in Chile while serving in the United Nations program English Opens Doors. There\, she fell in love with teaching and helping others get better access to opportunities through language education. Her deep commitment to service and education inspired her to establish Mochilas para la Esperanza in 2012\, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities in the Caribbean and Central America. After finishing her M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language\, Betty was hired as a professor at the University of Puerto Rico and other private institutions\, where she taught courses in Basic and Intermediate English\, Conversational English\, Literature\, and Research Writing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela ArechigaESL SpecialistLiteracy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela M. Arechiga retired in December 2022 from the position of Assistant Director\, Field Operations – Mission Support for the Department of Homeland Security\, Customs and Border Protection\, Office of Field Operations\, Laredo Field Office. Mrs. Arechiga was administratively responsible for managing a $45 million dollar budget and a broad portfolio of departments including Human Capital\, Finance\, Facilities\, Field Training Programs\, Strategic Communications\, and Labor/Employee Relations. Ysela now volunteers with several organizations including Literacy Volunteers of Laredo\, Laredo Theater Guild International and St. Patrick’s Church (Lector) and in her spare time\, crochets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker 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 two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Katie Welch & Welch Education \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina & Refugee Language Project \n \n \n \n Ysela Arechiga & Literacy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n The Texas Workforce Commission \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAY IN THE KNOW - \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Or get news directly from Literacy Texas: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Checked/updated 12/20/24 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/best-of-texas-may-2026/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Best of Texas,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-BEST-Clear-Communication-1200-x-300-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260604T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260604T103000 DTSTAMP:20260426T105435 CREATED:20260409T082310Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T082607Z UID:6383-1780563600-1780569000@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:What Leaders Need: Student Recruitment & Orientation DESCRIPTION:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online session will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, December 19\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n This session will focus on best practices in language learning\, language acquisition\, and ESL/ESOL in community-based adult and family literacy programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll start with Dr. Katie Welch (UT-Arlington) to share some data and information about ESL in Texas. Then we’ll switch to an interview format with Betty Reyes (Refugee Language Project) and Ysela Arechiga (Literacy Volunteers of Laredo) who will tell us about their ESL programs and insights they have for language-learning among adult literacy students. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie WelchEducational ConsultantWelch Education \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, is a university instructor\, teacher trainer\, and active volunteer in adult ed classrooms. In addition to teaching international students in UT-Arlington’s English Language Institute and volunteering weekly in a community-based ESL/GED program\, Katie currently provides professional development to language teachers through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State\, Cambridge University Press\, and Literacy ConneXus. Katie’s innovative classroom ideas have been published in academic journals such as Language and American Speech\, and she presents regularly at national and international conferences\, including TESOL International\, COABE\, and the National Center for Families Learning. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-MedinaDirector of Language ServicesRefugee Language Project \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina serves as the Director of Language Services at the Refugee Language Project (RLP) in Amarillo\, Texas. Initially joining RLP as a volunteer\, she was officially hired in 2022 to lead the Interpreting Services program and oversee the Storybook Project and ESL initiatives. In her efforts to effectively serve the language needs of the refugee population in Amarillo\, Betty developed an in-house curriculum tailored to Literacy\, Beginner\, and Intermediate students. This curriculum has been successfully implemented and continues to yield positive results in the classroom. Betty and her team are passionate about fostering a relational approach to teaching English\, emphasizing community and connection. Betty’s English education journey began in Chile while serving in the United Nations program English Opens Doors. There\, she fell in love with teaching and helping others get better access to opportunities through language education. Her deep commitment to service and education inspired her to establish Mochilas para la Esperanza in 2012\, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities in the Caribbean and Central America. After finishing her M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language\, Betty was hired as a professor at the University of Puerto Rico and other private institutions\, where she taught courses in Basic and Intermediate English\, Conversational English\, Literature\, and Research Writing. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela ArechigaESL SpecialistLiteracy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ysela M. Arechiga retired in December 2022 from the position of Assistant Director\, Field Operations – Mission Support for the Department of Homeland Security\, Customs and Border Protection\, Office of Field Operations\, Laredo Field Office. Mrs. Arechiga was administratively responsible for managing a $45 million dollar budget and a broad portfolio of departments including Human Capital\, Finance\, Facilities\, Field Training Programs\, Strategic Communications\, and Labor/Employee Relations. Ysela now volunteers with several organizations including Literacy Volunteers of Laredo\, Laredo Theater Guild International and St. Patrick’s Church (Lector) and in her spare time\, crochets. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker 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 two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned 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.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Katie Welch & Welch Education \n \n \n \n Betty Reyes-Medina & Refugee Language Project \n \n \n \n Ysela Arechiga & Literacy Volunteers of Laredo \n \n \n \n The Texas Workforce Commission \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAY IN THE KNOW - \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Or get news directly from Literacy Texas: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Checked/updated 12/20/24 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/leaders-jun-2026/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Online Event,Other Events,Training,What Leaders Need ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/WLN-Tri-State-Google-DATELESS-1200-×-300-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR