BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Literacy Texas - ECPv6.17.5.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Literacy Texas 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:20230312T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20231105T070000 END:STANDARD 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 END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240919T133500 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240919T163000 DTSTAMP:20240913T012727Z CREATED:20240910T121108Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240913T012727Z UID:4850-1726752900-1726763400@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:Rangers Game - AEFL Week DESCRIPTION:Regional symposia focus primarily on adult literacy\, and provide free professional development for volunteers and staff of nonprofit\, community-based adult and family literacy programs.  Your local symposium is an excellent place to network with other literacy providers in your region\, and a great source of professional development for volunteer and other instructors\, as well as administrative staff. Read more about Literacy Texas regional symposia\, made possible through a generous grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n QUICK LINKS FOR THE 2026 EAST TEXAS SYMPOSIUM: \n \n \n \n Click on any of the links below to go straight to that section\, or simply scroll down the page. \n \n \n \n Basic details \n \n \n \n Symposium FAQs \n \n \n \n Exhibitors at this symposium \n \n \n \n Venue details \n \n \n \n Free online registration \n \n \n \n PD certificates \n \n \n \n Schedule outline \n \n \n \n Program\, sessions\, speakers \n \n \n \n Downloads and printable documents \n \n \n \n Special thanks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BASIC DETAILS \n \n \n \n The 2026 East Texas Literacy Symposium will be a full-day symposium\, and will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, September 24\, 2026 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM (CT) \n \n \n \n Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd\, Longview\, TX 75604 \n \n \n \n Check-in for pre-registered participants will open at 8:00 AM\, with the full program beginning at 8:15 AM. \n \n \n \n This symposium is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. See Symposium FAQs for more information. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SYMPOSIUM FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click on a question to see the answer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Hang on - "symposium"? Don't you mean "conference"? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n A: Literacy Texas does have an annual conference! It’s held every summer. Our regional symposia are a different type of event to the conference. Each symposium: Takes place in a different Texas region to help minimize travelHas a local focusIs free to attendGenerally takes place on one day (some symposia are 2 days)Includes workshops for both classroom instructors and program administratorsIs the primary training Literacy Texas offers for literacy volunteersOffers 2.5 – 5.5 hours of professional development\, sometimes more \n \n \n \n Read more about the symposia here. Read more about the annual conference here. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Who should attend this symposium? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n A: Anyone interested in adult and family literacy in Texas is welcome at the symposium. The people who will gain the most are instructors at community-based adult literacy organizations and nonprofits. Volunteer tutors and teachers are especially welcome! When we create the symposium program\, we use the broadest definition of “literacy”\, to include all of Adult Foundational Education: adult basic education\, English as an additional language\, high school equivalency\, digital literacy\, and workforce readiness\, along with other kinds of teaching and learning. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: I don't live in this region. Can I still attend? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n A: YES! Anyone who lives in Texas is welcome at any Literacy Texas symposium.  \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Why should I attend? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Two words: LOCAL + FREE! Each symposium program includes both key topics of universal interest to adult literacy programs\, and a focus on the local needs of the region. When you complete our Annual Survey every year\, we use the results to invite speakers and presenters on topics you said you particularly wanted and needed. Furthermore\, registration is free. You won’t need a large budget for travel\, and you shouldn’t need an overnight stay. We hope that many folks from the same organization can come to the symposium – there’s no limit on how many people can attend from one place. It’s a lot harder to send lots of people to conferences\, since we know costs stack up pretty quickly.  \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: How much does registration cost? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n A: The symposium is free to attend. Thanks to a generous grant from the Texas Workforce Commission\, Literacy Texas can cover the costs of your tuition\, any meals and snacks offered\, materials\, and other resources.  Please be aware that in recent years\, between 10% and 25% of registrants are no-shows at our training events. Every one of these costs us money (since we’ve already paid for food\, materials\, and more). If you’ve registered for a Literacy Texas event but then find you can no longer attend\, PLEASE get in touch to cancel your registration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Do you offer PD credit? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n A: Yes! Literacy Texas offers PD credit in conjunction with TCALL. You must use the Literacy Texas app to scan in to all sessions if you want an official record of your professional development. We will send records via email to all app users in the weeks following the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EXHIBITORS \n \n \n \n Literacy ConneXus \n \n \n \n Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Pearson English \n \n \n \n Texarkana College Adult Education and Literacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n VENUE DETAILS \n \n \n \n LOCATION\, MAP\, AND PARKING \n \n \n \n This symposium will be held at the Maude Cobb Convention Center\, 100 Grand Blvd\, Longview\, TX 75604 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click here for map and parking information\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n VENUE FLOORPLAN \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION \n \n \n \n This session has reached capacity and we are forming a waitlist.Use the registration button below to add your name to the list. \n \n \n \n Registration for this session has now closed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Online registration has now closed – but we have a few spots available for last-minute registrants! Call us at 972-926-3155 to make arrangements. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PD CERTIFICATES \n \n \n \n Attendees can receive up to 5.5 hours of PD credit at this symposium. \n \n \n \n You must use the Literacy Texas app to track your session attendance if you want to receive PD credit. Information about how to access and use the app will be sent to registrants ahead of the symposium. Certificates of completion will be sent via email in the weeks after the event to anyone who tracked their sessions in the Literacy Texas app. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHEDULE OUTLINE \n \n \n \n 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM | Check-in for pre-registered attendees; breakfast \n \n \n \n 8:15 AM – 8:25 AM | Literacy Texas welcome \n \n \n \n 8:25 AM – 8:40 AM | “Together for Literacy” – The Literacy Ecosystem (0.25 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 8:40 AM – 8:50 AM | Regional Host welcome \n \n \n \n 8:50 AM – 9:05 AM | “Regional Asset Mapping” – The Local Ecosystem (0.25 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 9:10 AM –10:40 AM | Breakout #1 (1.5 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 10:55 AM –12:25 PM | Breakout #2 (1.5 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 12:35 PM – 1:45 PM | Working Lunch + Panel Discussion (1 PD hour) \n \n \n \n 1:50 PM – 2:10 PM | “The 20-Minute Mission” – Meet the Exhibitors \n \n \n \n 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | “Your Move” – Action Planning (1 PD hour) \n \n \n \n 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM | Farewell\, door prizes \n \n \n \n Total PD available: 5.5 hours \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROGRAM\, SESSIONS\, & SPEAKERS \n \n \n \n Session details will be added here as they’re finalized. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM: CHECK-IN\, BREAKFAST \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:15 AM – 8:25 AM: LITERACY TEXAS WELCOME \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:25 AM – 8:40 AM “Together for Literacy” – the Literacy Ecosystem \n \n \n \n (0.25 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n In this opening segment\, Literacy Texas introduces the literacy ecosystem: the many teachers and tutors\, volunteers\, community programs\, libraries\, adult education providers\, workforce partners\, and others who support adults along their learning journeys. Every part of the ecosystem plays a valuable role – especially teachers\, who are often closest to learners and among the first to recognize their needs. Together\, we’ll explore where each of us fits within this broader ecosystem and how a more connected literacy community can help us better serve learners. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:40 AM – 8:50 AM: REGIONAL HOST WELCOME \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia Kilpatrick \n \n \n \n Literacy ConneXus \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Kilpatrick is the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Stephen F. Austin State University\, where she leads initiatives to enhance faculty development and student learning. Previously\, she spent 15 years as a faculty member in the Department of Linguistics and TESOL at UT Arlington\, serving as Director of the English Language Institute and contributing to teaching excellence initiatives. With extensive experience in ESL education\, she has taught in Guatemala\, Papua New Guinea\, and various U.S. cities\, and has been a TEX trainer with Literacy ConneXus since 2015. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:50 AM – 9:05 AM “Regional Asset Mapping” – The Local Ecosystem \n \n \n \n (0.25 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Participants will help build a visual map of the organizations and resources serving adult learners across the region. Using an asset-based approach\, we’ll identify who’s in the room\, discover resources and programs we may not know about\, and begin building a clearer picture of our regional literacy network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 9:10 AM – 10:40 AM Breakout #1 \n \n \n \n (1.5 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Robbins \n \n \n \n The FREE Texas Digital Literacy Toolkit \n \n \n \n This session will introduce participants to the Texas Digital Literacy Toolkit by demonstrating several lessons. Participants will use their own devices to participate in live activities\, before exploring subsections of the toolkit to learn more about their organization and content. Participants will learn how the material can be used in the classroom or individually with students\, and will then be asked to consider what materials they would adopt to use as is versus what they would adapt to suit the circumstances of their class\, all with the goal of having something they can put to use immediately. Through this workshop\, we’ll explore ways to engage students and educate them on a variety of different subjects and durable skills embedded in digital literacy. The toolkit includes Computer Basics\, Internet Safety and Cybersecurity\, Email\, Microsoft Word and Google Docs\, Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets\, and Online Job Search. Different modalities for how to use the lesson materials will be demonstrated\, including in person paper-based activities\, online and flex learning activities\, and remote learning activities\, including a demonstration of how to use the educational videos through the interactive video resource and activity website Edpuzzle. Participants will then explore the student and teacher resources on the Digital Literacy Toolkit website with a choiceboard activity before responding in person or with a padlet activity. In this way\, participants will be able to engage with the content in as many ways as an instructor can engage students with the toolkit! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n We’ll refer to this website throughout the session: Digital Literacy Toolkit \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield \n \n \n \n PD Specialist\, TCALL (Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning) \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield is a life-long adult educator. He has more than 20 years of experience with English as a Second Language and High School Equivalency instruction\, and served as a full time adult educator in both area over the course of 17 years. During that time he also developed a specialty as a math tutor and trainer of teachers\, as well as serving as distance learning coordinator. He served as a program coordinator for the Distance Education Professional Development Center before transitioning\, where he helped develop trainings and presentations as well as leading the development of the Digital Literacy Toolkit before transitioning to a Professional Development Specialist position with the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Killingsworth \n \n \n \n Silence Is Not Golden: Creating Questions That Get Students Talking \n \n \n \n We’ve all experienced it: you ask a question\, look around the room\, and hear… crickets. While student silence can be uncomfortable\, it can also be an invitation to rethink the questions we ask and how we ask them. Thoughtfully designed questions can move students beyond one-word answers\, encourage deeper thinking\, and create opportunities for meaningful interaction and learning. In this interactive session\, participants will explore how the questions we pose and the ways we structure opportunities to respond can influence student engagement. We’ll examine common types of classroom questions\, consider why some questions generate conversation while others shut it down\, and explore practical strategies for creating questions that invite students to think\, respond\, and build on one another’s ideas. Participants will examine several different types of questions\, consider why they are or are not effective in eliciting discussion\, and experiment with techniques that can be immediately incorporated into their classrooms. No matter what classes you teach\, you’ll leave with practical strategies for transforming classroom questions from conversation-stoppers into conversation starters. Because sometimes the problem isn’t that students don’t have anything to say. We just haven’t asked the question that helps them say it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia Kilpatrick \n \n \n \n Literacy ConneXus \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Kilpatrick is the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Stephen F. Austin State University\, where she leads initiatives to enhance faculty development and student learning. Previously\, she spent 15 years as a faculty member in the Department of Linguistics and TESOL at UT Arlington\, serving as Director of the English Language Institute and contributing to teaching excellence initiatives. With extensive experience in ESL education\, she has taught in Guatemala\, Papua New Guinea\, and various U.S. cities\, and has been a TEX trainer with Literacy ConneXus since 2015. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 10:55 AM – 12:25 PM Breakout #2 \n \n \n \n (1.5 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Robbins \n \n \n \n AI and Math Instruction \n \n \n \n For many of our students and teachers\, math is a source of deep anxiety. This may stem from negative experiences throughout their life and education\, leading to the idea they are not “math people” and they can never improve. When this feeling takes root in teachers\, they feel unprepared to help their students in one of the most important areas of their high school equivalency. AI has contributed to many advancements in mathematics\, from disproving conjectures to finishing decades old proofs. But how useful is it in a classroom? Can it help with this significant problem by helping instructors and students alike face their anxiety and become” math people?” In this interactive session\, we’ll take a look at how math anxiety manifests in the classroom\, and look at ways that instructors can use artificial intelligence to handle challenging topics. Attendees will leave with multiple ideas for how they can use AI to reduce math anxiety for their students and themselves. As part of this presentation\, participants will discuss their relative levels of math comfort and math anxiety. Participants will discuss how “math people” and non-”math people” differ and what\, if anything\, might be valuable to recognize in those distinctions. Then participants will move into what AI is and what it isn’t. We’ll address the difference between language prediction models and computational engines. We’ll look at how AI can hallucinate math logical errors with absolute confidence. From this will move to the practice of using multiple tools for verification. Shifting from a focus on “solving problems” to “verifying solutions\,” participants will look at multiple tools that can help design lessons to engage critical thinking in students. Using free tools\, participants will make visuals and predict misconceptions so they can help address gaps in learning. Participants will also practice with tools that can provide a “Socratic tutor” that can guide them through strategies and ways of thinking so they can use AI as a coach to fill in what they’re missing instead of just going for an easy answer. Participants will apply a “Two Tool Rule” to verify what their “coach” is saying and then discuss how to best employ these tools and rules in their own classroom environments. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield \n \n \n \n PD Specialist\, TCALL (Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning) \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield is a life-long adult educator. He has more than 20 years of experience with English as a Second Language and High School Equivalency instruction\, and served as a full time adult educator in both area over the course of 17 years. During that time he also developed a specialty as a math tutor and trainer of teachers\, as well as serving as distance learning coordinator. He served as a program coordinator for the Distance Education Professional Development Center before transitioning\, where he helped develop trainings and presentations as well as leading the development of the Digital Literacy Toolkit before transitioning to a Professional Development Specialist position with the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Killingsworth \n \n \n \n Bouncing Back: Creating a Culture of Resilience in Your Classroom \n \n \n \n Resilience is often described as the ability to “bounce back” from difficult circumstances. How “bouncy” are your students? How “bouncy” are you? Using the playful metaphor of bouncy balls\, this interactive session explores how educators can cultivate a culture of resilience within adult education programs where both teachers and students feel empowered to persist despite challenges. Participants will reflect on their own “adversity quotient” as educators and also consider the academic\, linguistic\, and personal obstacles their students encounter. Together\, we will examine how the language acquisition process itself develops resilience and discuss intentional ways teachers can use language to nurture a growth mindset. Attendees will leave with practical\, easy-to-implement strategies for promoting resilience and perseverance in their classrooms and programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 12:35 PM – 1:45 PM: WORKING LUNCH \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Panel Discussion \n \n \n \n (1 hour PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “Connecting the Dots: Adult Literacy and Workforce Development in the East Texas Area” \n \n \n \n This panel session will focus on the critical intersection between adult education\, workforce training\, and regional economic needs. The discussion will highlight how collaboration among education providers\, workforce partners\, and community organizations can strengthen career pathways\, support adult learners\, and meet the evolving demands of the East Texas workforce. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PANEL MODERATOR \n \n \n \n Brent McLemore \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Center for Career Education and Exploration\, Stephen F. Austin State University \n \n \n \n Brent McLemore oversees the newly launched Center for Career Education and Exploration at Stephen F. Austin State University. The center is the university’s innovative approach to serving the career development needs of its students while they explore\, discover\, and succeed along their journey at SFA and beyond. The center also represents a more robust way for employer\, industry\, and community partners to connect with SFA by offering opportunities to both recruit SFA talent and train their current talent. Formerly SFA’s Career Center and Center for Professional and Continuing Education\, this newly combined center is designed to support career exploration\, foster discovery through career education\, and facilitate success for students\, alumni and our regional workforce wherever possible. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PANELIST \n \n \n \n Charmyn Tumey\, MBA \n \n \n \n Program Specialist\, Texas Career Pathways Professional Development Center \n \n \n \n Charmyn Tumey is a Program Specialist with the Career Pathways Professional Development Center (CPPDC) at Restore Education\, where she supports programs that connect adult education with workforce development and career pathway opportunities across Texas. With experience in management\, training\, sales\, adult education\, and nonprofit leadership\, Charmyn brings a practical and learner-centered perspective to her work. Prior to joining Restore Education\, she served for more than ten years in leadership roles within the Kilgore College Adult Education and Literacy program. Charmyn earned her MBA from LeTourneau University and remains committed to strengthening communities through education\, collaboration\, and service. She is an East Texas resident and proud Pine Tree ISD Pirate supporter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PANELIST \n \n \n \n Cindy King \n \n \n \n Assistant Director\, Christian Women’s Job Corps of Rusk County \n \n \n \n Cindy King is the assistant director/site coordinator of Christian Women’s Job Corps of Rusk County\, where she has served for 9 years. Her prior employment was the Department of Human Services\, where she worked for 28 years. Cindy has a vital role in CWJC of Rusk County\, serving not only in administration\, but also as a GED classroom teacher and computer instructor. She has taught Language Arts and presently teaches Social Studies. As the only literacy group in Rusk County\, CWJC presently works with the literacy areas of GED/HSE\, ABE\, and ESL\, and one-on-one job preparation. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 1:50 PM – 2:10 PM: THE 20-MINUTE MISSION – MEET THE EXHIBITORS \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Over 20 minutes\, listen to exhibitor highlights and make notes on a card in three sections: One new idea;An interesting tool or resource you heard about; andAn exhibitor to follow up with. \n \n \n \n This activity functions very similarly to Exhibitor Lightning Rounds\, which you may be familiar with if you’ve been to a Literacy Texas Conference in recent years. \n \n \n \n At the end\, take your card home so you can follow up with action! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM “Your Move” – Action Planning \n \n \n \n (1 hour PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Now it’s Your Move: how can the connections you’ve made today help you better serve learners? In this closing session\, we’ll bring the day’s conversations about the literacy ecosystem to life by exploring how learners move between organizations. Strong connections can help ensure that every learner finds the right next step! You’ll meet local Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) partners\, learn when and how to connect learners with their services\, and consider how organizations across the region can work together to expand opportunities for adult learners. Through structured conversations with others in the room\, you’ll identify potential referral partners\, uncover opportunities for collaboration\, and leave with new connections you can put into action. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n Pending \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Kippie Hartcraft \n \n \n \n Director\, Texarkana College Adult Education and Literacy \n \n \n \n Dr. Kippie Hartcraft is the Director of Adult Education at Texarkana College\, where she leads the Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program focused on GED preparation\, English language acquisition\, workforce development\, career pathways\, and transitions to postsecondary education and employment. Her career spans a variety of educational roles\, including special education teacher\, campus administrator\, adult education instructor\, career navigator\, college instructor\, and program administrator. A strong advocate for adult learners\, she is passionate about helping individuals discover their strengths\, overcome challenges\, and create new opportunities for themselves and their families. She enjoys connecting research with day-to-day practice and sharing approaches that educators can immediately apply to support student success. Her presentations are grounded in experience\, focused on practical solutions\, and centered on the belief that all learners can thrive when given the right support and encouragement. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM: FAREWELL & DOOR PRIZES \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DOWNLOADS \n \n \n \n Download or print a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click here to get the flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download or print a copy of the symposium program. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click here to get the print-ready program\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SPECIAL THANKS TO SYMPOSIUM UNDERWRITERS! \n \n \n \n [name of any sponsors or other partners – as many as relevant\, new line for each] \n \n \n \n The Texas Center for Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL) \n \n \n \n The regional symposia are funded by the Professional Development Support for Nonprofit Adult Literacy Organizations grant from 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 go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n sign up for mailings\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 Checked/updated: 8/5/2026 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/rangers-game-aefl-week-2024/ LOCATION:Globe Life Field\, 734 Stadium Drive\, Arlington\, TX\, 76011\, United States CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Other Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/Ranger-Promo-1200-x-300-px.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240812T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240812T150000 DTSTAMP:20240806T101402Z CREATED:20240511T024222Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240806T101402Z UID:4309-1723471200-1723474800@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:Focus Group #2 DESCRIPTION:Regional symposia focus primarily on adult literacy\, and provide free professional development for volunteers and staff of nonprofit\, community-based adult and family literacy programs.  Your local symposium is an excellent place to network with other literacy providers in your region\, and a great source of professional development for volunteer and other instructors\, as well as administrative staff. Read more about Literacy Texas regional symposia\, made possible through a generous grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n QUICK LINKS FOR THE 2026 EAST TEXAS SYMPOSIUM: \n \n \n \n Click on any of the links below to go straight to that section\, or simply scroll down the page. \n \n \n \n Basic details \n \n \n \n Symposium FAQs \n \n \n \n Exhibitors at this symposium \n \n \n \n Venue details \n \n \n \n Free online registration \n \n \n \n PD certificates \n \n \n \n Schedule outline \n \n \n \n Program\, sessions\, speakers \n \n \n \n Downloads and printable documents \n \n \n \n Special thanks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BASIC DETAILS \n \n \n \n The 2026 East Texas Literacy Symposium will be a full-day symposium\, and will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, September 24\, 2026 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM (CT) \n \n \n \n Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd\, Longview\, TX 75604 \n \n \n \n Check-in for pre-registered participants will open at 8:00 AM\, with the full program beginning at 8:15 AM. \n \n \n \n This symposium is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. See Symposium FAQs for more information. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SYMPOSIUM FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click on a question to see the answer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Hang on - "symposium"? Don't you mean "conference"? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n A: Literacy Texas does have an annual conference! It’s held every summer. Our regional symposia are a different type of event to the conference. Each symposium: Takes place in a different Texas region to help minimize travelHas a local focusIs free to attendGenerally takes place on one day (some symposia are 2 days)Includes workshops for both classroom instructors and program administratorsIs the primary training Literacy Texas offers for literacy volunteersOffers 2.5 – 5.5 hours of professional development\, sometimes more \n \n \n \n Read more about the symposia here. Read more about the annual conference here. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Who should attend this symposium? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n A: Anyone interested in adult and family literacy in Texas is welcome at the symposium. The people who will gain the most are instructors at community-based adult literacy organizations and nonprofits. Volunteer tutors and teachers are especially welcome! When we create the symposium program\, we use the broadest definition of “literacy”\, to include all of Adult Foundational Education: adult basic education\, English as an additional language\, high school equivalency\, digital literacy\, and workforce readiness\, along with other kinds of teaching and learning. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: I don't live in this region. Can I still attend? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n A: YES! Anyone who lives in Texas is welcome at any Literacy Texas symposium.  \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Why should I attend? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Two words: LOCAL + FREE! Each symposium program includes both key topics of universal interest to adult literacy programs\, and a focus on the local needs of the region. When you complete our Annual Survey every year\, we use the results to invite speakers and presenters on topics you said you particularly wanted and needed. Furthermore\, registration is free. You won’t need a large budget for travel\, and you shouldn’t need an overnight stay. We hope that many folks from the same organization can come to the symposium – there’s no limit on how many people can attend from one place. It’s a lot harder to send lots of people to conferences\, since we know costs stack up pretty quickly.  \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: How much does registration cost? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n A: The symposium is free to attend. Thanks to a generous grant from the Texas Workforce Commission\, Literacy Texas can cover the costs of your tuition\, any meals and snacks offered\, materials\, and other resources.  Please be aware that in recent years\, between 10% and 25% of registrants are no-shows at our training events. Every one of these costs us money (since we’ve already paid for food\, materials\, and more). If you’ve registered for a Literacy Texas event but then find you can no longer attend\, PLEASE get in touch to cancel your registration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Do you offer PD credit? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n A: Yes! Literacy Texas offers PD credit in conjunction with TCALL. You must use the Literacy Texas app to scan in to all sessions if you want an official record of your professional development. We will send records via email to all app users in the weeks following the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EXHIBITORS \n \n \n \n Literacy ConneXus \n \n \n \n Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Pearson English \n \n \n \n Texarkana College Adult Education and Literacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n VENUE DETAILS \n \n \n \n LOCATION\, MAP\, AND PARKING \n \n \n \n This symposium will be held at the Maude Cobb Convention Center\, 100 Grand Blvd\, Longview\, TX 75604 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click here for map and parking information\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n VENUE FLOORPLAN \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION \n \n \n \n This session has reached capacity and we are forming a waitlist.Use the registration button below to add your name to the list. \n \n \n \n Registration for this session has now closed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Online registration has now closed – but we have a few spots available for last-minute registrants! Call us at 972-926-3155 to make arrangements. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PD CERTIFICATES \n \n \n \n Attendees can receive up to 5.5 hours of PD credit at this symposium. \n \n \n \n You must use the Literacy Texas app to track your session attendance if you want to receive PD credit. Information about how to access and use the app will be sent to registrants ahead of the symposium. Certificates of completion will be sent via email in the weeks after the event to anyone who tracked their sessions in the Literacy Texas app. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHEDULE OUTLINE \n \n \n \n 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM | Check-in for pre-registered attendees; breakfast \n \n \n \n 8:15 AM – 8:25 AM | Literacy Texas welcome \n \n \n \n 8:25 AM – 8:40 AM | “Together for Literacy” – The Literacy Ecosystem (0.25 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 8:40 AM – 8:50 AM | Regional Host welcome \n \n \n \n 8:50 AM – 9:05 AM | “Regional Asset Mapping” – The Local Ecosystem (0.25 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 9:10 AM –10:40 AM | Breakout #1 (1.5 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 10:55 AM –12:25 PM | Breakout #2 (1.5 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 12:35 PM – 1:45 PM | Working Lunch + Panel Discussion (1 PD hour) \n \n \n \n 1:50 PM – 2:10 PM | “The 20-Minute Mission” – Meet the Exhibitors \n \n \n \n 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | “Your Move” – Action Planning (1 PD hour) \n \n \n \n 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM | Farewell\, door prizes \n \n \n \n Total PD available: 5.5 hours \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROGRAM\, SESSIONS\, & SPEAKERS \n \n \n \n Session details will be added here as they’re finalized. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM: CHECK-IN\, BREAKFAST \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:15 AM – 8:25 AM: LITERACY TEXAS WELCOME \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:25 AM – 8:40 AM “Together for Literacy” – the Literacy Ecosystem \n \n \n \n (0.25 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n In this opening segment\, Literacy Texas introduces the literacy ecosystem: the many teachers and tutors\, volunteers\, community programs\, libraries\, adult education providers\, workforce partners\, and others who support adults along their learning journeys. Every part of the ecosystem plays a valuable role – especially teachers\, who are often closest to learners and among the first to recognize their needs. Together\, we’ll explore where each of us fits within this broader ecosystem and how a more connected literacy community can help us better serve learners. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:40 AM – 8:50 AM: REGIONAL HOST WELCOME \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia Kilpatrick \n \n \n \n Literacy ConneXus \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Kilpatrick is the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Stephen F. Austin State University\, where she leads initiatives to enhance faculty development and student learning. Previously\, she spent 15 years as a faculty member in the Department of Linguistics and TESOL at UT Arlington\, serving as Director of the English Language Institute and contributing to teaching excellence initiatives. With extensive experience in ESL education\, she has taught in Guatemala\, Papua New Guinea\, and various U.S. cities\, and has been a TEX trainer with Literacy ConneXus since 2015. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:50 AM – 9:05 AM “Regional Asset Mapping” – The Local Ecosystem \n \n \n \n (0.25 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Participants will help build a visual map of the organizations and resources serving adult learners across the region. Using an asset-based approach\, we’ll identify who’s in the room\, discover resources and programs we may not know about\, and begin building a clearer picture of our regional literacy network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 9:10 AM – 10:40 AM Breakout #1 \n \n \n \n (1.5 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Robbins \n \n \n \n The FREE Texas Digital Literacy Toolkit \n \n \n \n This session will introduce participants to the Texas Digital Literacy Toolkit by demonstrating several lessons. Participants will use their own devices to participate in live activities\, before exploring subsections of the toolkit to learn more about their organization and content. Participants will learn how the material can be used in the classroom or individually with students\, and will then be asked to consider what materials they would adopt to use as is versus what they would adapt to suit the circumstances of their class\, all with the goal of having something they can put to use immediately. Through this workshop\, we’ll explore ways to engage students and educate them on a variety of different subjects and durable skills embedded in digital literacy. The toolkit includes Computer Basics\, Internet Safety and Cybersecurity\, Email\, Microsoft Word and Google Docs\, Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets\, and Online Job Search. Different modalities for how to use the lesson materials will be demonstrated\, including in person paper-based activities\, online and flex learning activities\, and remote learning activities\, including a demonstration of how to use the educational videos through the interactive video resource and activity website Edpuzzle. Participants will then explore the student and teacher resources on the Digital Literacy Toolkit website with a choiceboard activity before responding in person or with a padlet activity. In this way\, participants will be able to engage with the content in as many ways as an instructor can engage students with the toolkit! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n We’ll refer to this website throughout the session: Digital Literacy Toolkit \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield \n \n \n \n PD Specialist\, TCALL (Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning) \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield is a life-long adult educator. He has more than 20 years of experience with English as a Second Language and High School Equivalency instruction\, and served as a full time adult educator in both area over the course of 17 years. During that time he also developed a specialty as a math tutor and trainer of teachers\, as well as serving as distance learning coordinator. He served as a program coordinator for the Distance Education Professional Development Center before transitioning\, where he helped develop trainings and presentations as well as leading the development of the Digital Literacy Toolkit before transitioning to a Professional Development Specialist position with the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Killingsworth \n \n \n \n Silence Is Not Golden: Creating Questions That Get Students Talking \n \n \n \n We’ve all experienced it: you ask a question\, look around the room\, and hear… crickets. While student silence can be uncomfortable\, it can also be an invitation to rethink the questions we ask and how we ask them. Thoughtfully designed questions can move students beyond one-word answers\, encourage deeper thinking\, and create opportunities for meaningful interaction and learning. In this interactive session\, participants will explore how the questions we pose and the ways we structure opportunities to respond can influence student engagement. We’ll examine common types of classroom questions\, consider why some questions generate conversation while others shut it down\, and explore practical strategies for creating questions that invite students to think\, respond\, and build on one another’s ideas. Participants will examine several different types of questions\, consider why they are or are not effective in eliciting discussion\, and experiment with techniques that can be immediately incorporated into their classrooms. No matter what classes you teach\, you’ll leave with practical strategies for transforming classroom questions from conversation-stoppers into conversation starters. Because sometimes the problem isn’t that students don’t have anything to say. We just haven’t asked the question that helps them say it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia Kilpatrick \n \n \n \n Literacy ConneXus \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Kilpatrick is the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Stephen F. Austin State University\, where she leads initiatives to enhance faculty development and student learning. Previously\, she spent 15 years as a faculty member in the Department of Linguistics and TESOL at UT Arlington\, serving as Director of the English Language Institute and contributing to teaching excellence initiatives. With extensive experience in ESL education\, she has taught in Guatemala\, Papua New Guinea\, and various U.S. cities\, and has been a TEX trainer with Literacy ConneXus since 2015. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 10:55 AM – 12:25 PM Breakout #2 \n \n \n \n (1.5 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Robbins \n \n \n \n AI and Math Instruction \n \n \n \n For many of our students and teachers\, math is a source of deep anxiety. This may stem from negative experiences throughout their life and education\, leading to the idea they are not “math people” and they can never improve. When this feeling takes root in teachers\, they feel unprepared to help their students in one of the most important areas of their high school equivalency. AI has contributed to many advancements in mathematics\, from disproving conjectures to finishing decades old proofs. But how useful is it in a classroom? Can it help with this significant problem by helping instructors and students alike face their anxiety and become” math people?” In this interactive session\, we’ll take a look at how math anxiety manifests in the classroom\, and look at ways that instructors can use artificial intelligence to handle challenging topics. Attendees will leave with multiple ideas for how they can use AI to reduce math anxiety for their students and themselves. As part of this presentation\, participants will discuss their relative levels of math comfort and math anxiety. Participants will discuss how “math people” and non-”math people” differ and what\, if anything\, might be valuable to recognize in those distinctions. Then participants will move into what AI is and what it isn’t. We’ll address the difference between language prediction models and computational engines. We’ll look at how AI can hallucinate math logical errors with absolute confidence. From this will move to the practice of using multiple tools for verification. Shifting from a focus on “solving problems” to “verifying solutions\,” participants will look at multiple tools that can help design lessons to engage critical thinking in students. Using free tools\, participants will make visuals and predict misconceptions so they can help address gaps in learning. Participants will also practice with tools that can provide a “Socratic tutor” that can guide them through strategies and ways of thinking so they can use AI as a coach to fill in what they’re missing instead of just going for an easy answer. Participants will apply a “Two Tool Rule” to verify what their “coach” is saying and then discuss how to best employ these tools and rules in their own classroom environments. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield \n \n \n \n PD Specialist\, TCALL (Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning) \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield is a life-long adult educator. He has more than 20 years of experience with English as a Second Language and High School Equivalency instruction\, and served as a full time adult educator in both area over the course of 17 years. During that time he also developed a specialty as a math tutor and trainer of teachers\, as well as serving as distance learning coordinator. He served as a program coordinator for the Distance Education Professional Development Center before transitioning\, where he helped develop trainings and presentations as well as leading the development of the Digital Literacy Toolkit before transitioning to a Professional Development Specialist position with the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Killingsworth \n \n \n \n Bouncing Back: Creating a Culture of Resilience in Your Classroom \n \n \n \n Resilience is often described as the ability to “bounce back” from difficult circumstances. How “bouncy” are your students? How “bouncy” are you? Using the playful metaphor of bouncy balls\, this interactive session explores how educators can cultivate a culture of resilience within adult education programs where both teachers and students feel empowered to persist despite challenges. Participants will reflect on their own “adversity quotient” as educators and also consider the academic\, linguistic\, and personal obstacles their students encounter. Together\, we will examine how the language acquisition process itself develops resilience and discuss intentional ways teachers can use language to nurture a growth mindset. Attendees will leave with practical\, easy-to-implement strategies for promoting resilience and perseverance in their classrooms and programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 12:35 PM – 1:45 PM: WORKING LUNCH \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Panel Discussion \n \n \n \n (1 hour PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “Connecting the Dots: Adult Literacy and Workforce Development in the East Texas Area” \n \n \n \n This panel session will focus on the critical intersection between adult education\, workforce training\, and regional economic needs. The discussion will highlight how collaboration among education providers\, workforce partners\, and community organizations can strengthen career pathways\, support adult learners\, and meet the evolving demands of the East Texas workforce. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PANEL MODERATOR \n \n \n \n Brent McLemore \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Center for Career Education and Exploration\, Stephen F. Austin State University \n \n \n \n Brent McLemore oversees the newly launched Center for Career Education and Exploration at Stephen F. Austin State University. The center is the university’s innovative approach to serving the career development needs of its students while they explore\, discover\, and succeed along their journey at SFA and beyond. The center also represents a more robust way for employer\, industry\, and community partners to connect with SFA by offering opportunities to both recruit SFA talent and train their current talent. Formerly SFA’s Career Center and Center for Professional and Continuing Education\, this newly combined center is designed to support career exploration\, foster discovery through career education\, and facilitate success for students\, alumni and our regional workforce wherever possible. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PANELIST \n \n \n \n Charmyn Tumey\, MBA \n \n \n \n Program Specialist\, Texas Career Pathways Professional Development Center \n \n \n \n Charmyn Tumey is a Program Specialist with the Career Pathways Professional Development Center (CPPDC) at Restore Education\, where she supports programs that connect adult education with workforce development and career pathway opportunities across Texas. With experience in management\, training\, sales\, adult education\, and nonprofit leadership\, Charmyn brings a practical and learner-centered perspective to her work. Prior to joining Restore Education\, she served for more than ten years in leadership roles within the Kilgore College Adult Education and Literacy program. Charmyn earned her MBA from LeTourneau University and remains committed to strengthening communities through education\, collaboration\, and service. She is an East Texas resident and proud Pine Tree ISD Pirate supporter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PANELIST \n \n \n \n Cindy King \n \n \n \n Assistant Director\, Christian Women’s Job Corps of Rusk County \n \n \n \n Cindy King is the assistant director/site coordinator of Christian Women’s Job Corps of Rusk County\, where she has served for 9 years. Her prior employment was the Department of Human Services\, where she worked for 28 years. Cindy has a vital role in CWJC of Rusk County\, serving not only in administration\, but also as a GED classroom teacher and computer instructor. She has taught Language Arts and presently teaches Social Studies. As the only literacy group in Rusk County\, CWJC presently works with the literacy areas of GED/HSE\, ABE\, and ESL\, and one-on-one job preparation. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 1:50 PM – 2:10 PM: THE 20-MINUTE MISSION – MEET THE EXHIBITORS \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Over 20 minutes\, listen to exhibitor highlights and make notes on a card in three sections: One new idea;An interesting tool or resource you heard about; andAn exhibitor to follow up with. \n \n \n \n This activity functions very similarly to Exhibitor Lightning Rounds\, which you may be familiar with if you’ve been to a Literacy Texas Conference in recent years. \n \n \n \n At the end\, take your card home so you can follow up with action! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM “Your Move” – Action Planning \n \n \n \n (1 hour PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Now it’s Your Move: how can the connections you’ve made today help you better serve learners? In this closing session\, we’ll bring the day’s conversations about the literacy ecosystem to life by exploring how learners move between organizations. Strong connections can help ensure that every learner finds the right next step! You’ll meet local Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) partners\, learn when and how to connect learners with their services\, and consider how organizations across the region can work together to expand opportunities for adult learners. Through structured conversations with others in the room\, you’ll identify potential referral partners\, uncover opportunities for collaboration\, and leave with new connections you can put into action. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n Pending \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Kippie Hartcraft \n \n \n \n Director\, Texarkana College Adult Education and Literacy \n \n \n \n Dr. Kippie Hartcraft is the Director of Adult Education at Texarkana College\, where she leads the Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program focused on GED preparation\, English language acquisition\, workforce development\, career pathways\, and transitions to postsecondary education and employment. Her career spans a variety of educational roles\, including special education teacher\, campus administrator\, adult education instructor\, career navigator\, college instructor\, and program administrator. A strong advocate for adult learners\, she is passionate about helping individuals discover their strengths\, overcome challenges\, and create new opportunities for themselves and their families. She enjoys connecting research with day-to-day practice and sharing approaches that educators can immediately apply to support student success. Her presentations are grounded in experience\, focused on practical solutions\, and centered on the belief that all learners can thrive when given the right support and encouragement. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM: FAREWELL & DOOR PRIZES \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DOWNLOADS \n \n \n \n Download or print a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click here to get the flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download or print a copy of the symposium program. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click here to get the print-ready program\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SPECIAL THANKS TO SYMPOSIUM UNDERWRITERS! \n \n \n \n [name of any sponsors or other partners – as many as relevant\, new line for each] \n \n \n \n The Texas Center for Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL) \n \n \n \n The regional symposia are funded by the Professional Development Support for Nonprofit Adult Literacy Organizations grant from 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 go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n sign up for mailings\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 Checked/updated: 8/5/2026 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/2024-focus-group-2/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Focus Group,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/Focus-Groups-cover-image-01.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240808T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240808T103000 DTSTAMP:20240806T101400Z CREATED:20240511T023748Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240806T101400Z UID:4307-1723109400-1723113000@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:Focus Group #1 DESCRIPTION:Regional symposia focus primarily on adult literacy\, and provide free professional development for volunteers and staff of nonprofit\, community-based adult and family literacy programs.  Your local symposium is an excellent place to network with other literacy providers in your region\, and a great source of professional development for volunteer and other instructors\, as well as administrative staff. Read more about Literacy Texas regional symposia\, made possible through a generous grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n QUICK LINKS FOR THE 2026 EAST TEXAS SYMPOSIUM: \n \n \n \n Click on any of the links below to go straight to that section\, or simply scroll down the page. \n \n \n \n Basic details \n \n \n \n Symposium FAQs \n \n \n \n Exhibitors at this symposium \n \n \n \n Venue details \n \n \n \n Free online registration \n \n \n \n PD certificates \n \n \n \n Schedule outline \n \n \n \n Program\, sessions\, speakers \n \n \n \n Downloads and printable documents \n \n \n \n Special thanks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BASIC DETAILS \n \n \n \n The 2026 East Texas Literacy Symposium will be a full-day symposium\, and will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, September 24\, 2026 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM (CT) \n \n \n \n Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd\, Longview\, TX 75604 \n \n \n \n Check-in for pre-registered participants will open at 8:00 AM\, with the full program beginning at 8:15 AM. \n \n \n \n This symposium is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. See Symposium FAQs for more information. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SYMPOSIUM FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click on a question to see the answer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Hang on - "symposium"? Don't you mean "conference"? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n A: Literacy Texas does have an annual conference! It’s held every summer. Our regional symposia are a different type of event to the conference. Each symposium: Takes place in a different Texas region to help minimize travelHas a local focusIs free to attendGenerally takes place on one day (some symposia are 2 days)Includes workshops for both classroom instructors and program administratorsIs the primary training Literacy Texas offers for literacy volunteersOffers 2.5 – 5.5 hours of professional development\, sometimes more \n \n \n \n Read more about the symposia here. Read more about the annual conference here. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Who should attend this symposium? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n A: Anyone interested in adult and family literacy in Texas is welcome at the symposium. The people who will gain the most are instructors at community-based adult literacy organizations and nonprofits. Volunteer tutors and teachers are especially welcome! When we create the symposium program\, we use the broadest definition of “literacy”\, to include all of Adult Foundational Education: adult basic education\, English as an additional language\, high school equivalency\, digital literacy\, and workforce readiness\, along with other kinds of teaching and learning. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: I don't live in this region. Can I still attend? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n A: YES! Anyone who lives in Texas is welcome at any Literacy Texas symposium.  \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Why should I attend? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Two words: LOCAL + FREE! Each symposium program includes both key topics of universal interest to adult literacy programs\, and a focus on the local needs of the region. When you complete our Annual Survey every year\, we use the results to invite speakers and presenters on topics you said you particularly wanted and needed. Furthermore\, registration is free. You won’t need a large budget for travel\, and you shouldn’t need an overnight stay. We hope that many folks from the same organization can come to the symposium – there’s no limit on how many people can attend from one place. It’s a lot harder to send lots of people to conferences\, since we know costs stack up pretty quickly.  \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: How much does registration cost? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n A: The symposium is free to attend. Thanks to a generous grant from the Texas Workforce Commission\, Literacy Texas can cover the costs of your tuition\, any meals and snacks offered\, materials\, and other resources.  Please be aware that in recent years\, between 10% and 25% of registrants are no-shows at our training events. Every one of these costs us money (since we’ve already paid for food\, materials\, and more). If you’ve registered for a Literacy Texas event but then find you can no longer attend\, PLEASE get in touch to cancel your registration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Do you offer PD credit? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n A: Yes! Literacy Texas offers PD credit in conjunction with TCALL. You must use the Literacy Texas app to scan in to all sessions if you want an official record of your professional development. We will send records via email to all app users in the weeks following the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EXHIBITORS \n \n \n \n Literacy ConneXus \n \n \n \n Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Pearson English \n \n \n \n Texarkana College Adult Education and Literacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n VENUE DETAILS \n \n \n \n LOCATION\, MAP\, AND PARKING \n \n \n \n This symposium will be held at the Maude Cobb Convention Center\, 100 Grand Blvd\, Longview\, TX 75604 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click here for map and parking information\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n VENUE FLOORPLAN \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION \n \n \n \n This session has reached capacity and we are forming a waitlist.Use the registration button below to add your name to the list. \n \n \n \n Registration for this session has now closed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Online registration has now closed – but we have a few spots available for last-minute registrants! Call us at 972-926-3155 to make arrangements. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PD CERTIFICATES \n \n \n \n Attendees can receive up to 5.5 hours of PD credit at this symposium. \n \n \n \n You must use the Literacy Texas app to track your session attendance if you want to receive PD credit. Information about how to access and use the app will be sent to registrants ahead of the symposium. Certificates of completion will be sent via email in the weeks after the event to anyone who tracked their sessions in the Literacy Texas app. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHEDULE OUTLINE \n \n \n \n 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM | Check-in for pre-registered attendees; breakfast \n \n \n \n 8:15 AM – 8:25 AM | Literacy Texas welcome \n \n \n \n 8:25 AM – 8:40 AM | “Together for Literacy” – The Literacy Ecosystem (0.25 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 8:40 AM – 8:50 AM | Regional Host welcome \n \n \n \n 8:50 AM – 9:05 AM | “Regional Asset Mapping” – The Local Ecosystem (0.25 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 9:10 AM –10:40 AM | Breakout #1 (1.5 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 10:55 AM –12:25 PM | Breakout #2 (1.5 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 12:35 PM – 1:45 PM | Working Lunch + Panel Discussion (1 PD hour) \n \n \n \n 1:50 PM – 2:10 PM | “The 20-Minute Mission” – Meet the Exhibitors \n \n \n \n 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | “Your Move” – Action Planning (1 PD hour) \n \n \n \n 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM | Farewell\, door prizes \n \n \n \n Total PD available: 5.5 hours \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROGRAM\, SESSIONS\, & SPEAKERS \n \n \n \n Session details will be added here as they’re finalized. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM: CHECK-IN\, BREAKFAST \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:15 AM – 8:25 AM: LITERACY TEXAS WELCOME \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:25 AM – 8:40 AM “Together for Literacy” – the Literacy Ecosystem \n \n \n \n (0.25 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n In this opening segment\, Literacy Texas introduces the literacy ecosystem: the many teachers and tutors\, volunteers\, community programs\, libraries\, adult education providers\, workforce partners\, and others who support adults along their learning journeys. Every part of the ecosystem plays a valuable role – especially teachers\, who are often closest to learners and among the first to recognize their needs. Together\, we’ll explore where each of us fits within this broader ecosystem and how a more connected literacy community can help us better serve learners. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:40 AM – 8:50 AM: REGIONAL HOST WELCOME \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia Kilpatrick \n \n \n \n Literacy ConneXus \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Kilpatrick is the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Stephen F. Austin State University\, where she leads initiatives to enhance faculty development and student learning. Previously\, she spent 15 years as a faculty member in the Department of Linguistics and TESOL at UT Arlington\, serving as Director of the English Language Institute and contributing to teaching excellence initiatives. With extensive experience in ESL education\, she has taught in Guatemala\, Papua New Guinea\, and various U.S. cities\, and has been a TEX trainer with Literacy ConneXus since 2015. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:50 AM – 9:05 AM “Regional Asset Mapping” – The Local Ecosystem \n \n \n \n (0.25 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Participants will help build a visual map of the organizations and resources serving adult learners across the region. Using an asset-based approach\, we’ll identify who’s in the room\, discover resources and programs we may not know about\, and begin building a clearer picture of our regional literacy network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 9:10 AM – 10:40 AM Breakout #1 \n \n \n \n (1.5 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Robbins \n \n \n \n The FREE Texas Digital Literacy Toolkit \n \n \n \n This session will introduce participants to the Texas Digital Literacy Toolkit by demonstrating several lessons. Participants will use their own devices to participate in live activities\, before exploring subsections of the toolkit to learn more about their organization and content. Participants will learn how the material can be used in the classroom or individually with students\, and will then be asked to consider what materials they would adopt to use as is versus what they would adapt to suit the circumstances of their class\, all with the goal of having something they can put to use immediately. Through this workshop\, we’ll explore ways to engage students and educate them on a variety of different subjects and durable skills embedded in digital literacy. The toolkit includes Computer Basics\, Internet Safety and Cybersecurity\, Email\, Microsoft Word and Google Docs\, Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets\, and Online Job Search. Different modalities for how to use the lesson materials will be demonstrated\, including in person paper-based activities\, online and flex learning activities\, and remote learning activities\, including a demonstration of how to use the educational videos through the interactive video resource and activity website Edpuzzle. Participants will then explore the student and teacher resources on the Digital Literacy Toolkit website with a choiceboard activity before responding in person or with a padlet activity. In this way\, participants will be able to engage with the content in as many ways as an instructor can engage students with the toolkit! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n We’ll refer to this website throughout the session: Digital Literacy Toolkit \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield \n \n \n \n PD Specialist\, TCALL (Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning) \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield is a life-long adult educator. He has more than 20 years of experience with English as a Second Language and High School Equivalency instruction\, and served as a full time adult educator in both area over the course of 17 years. During that time he also developed a specialty as a math tutor and trainer of teachers\, as well as serving as distance learning coordinator. He served as a program coordinator for the Distance Education Professional Development Center before transitioning\, where he helped develop trainings and presentations as well as leading the development of the Digital Literacy Toolkit before transitioning to a Professional Development Specialist position with the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Killingsworth \n \n \n \n Silence Is Not Golden: Creating Questions That Get Students Talking \n \n \n \n We’ve all experienced it: you ask a question\, look around the room\, and hear… crickets. While student silence can be uncomfortable\, it can also be an invitation to rethink the questions we ask and how we ask them. Thoughtfully designed questions can move students beyond one-word answers\, encourage deeper thinking\, and create opportunities for meaningful interaction and learning. In this interactive session\, participants will explore how the questions we pose and the ways we structure opportunities to respond can influence student engagement. We’ll examine common types of classroom questions\, consider why some questions generate conversation while others shut it down\, and explore practical strategies for creating questions that invite students to think\, respond\, and build on one another’s ideas. Participants will examine several different types of questions\, consider why they are or are not effective in eliciting discussion\, and experiment with techniques that can be immediately incorporated into their classrooms. No matter what classes you teach\, you’ll leave with practical strategies for transforming classroom questions from conversation-stoppers into conversation starters. Because sometimes the problem isn’t that students don’t have anything to say. We just haven’t asked the question that helps them say it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia Kilpatrick \n \n \n \n Literacy ConneXus \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Kilpatrick is the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Stephen F. Austin State University\, where she leads initiatives to enhance faculty development and student learning. Previously\, she spent 15 years as a faculty member in the Department of Linguistics and TESOL at UT Arlington\, serving as Director of the English Language Institute and contributing to teaching excellence initiatives. With extensive experience in ESL education\, she has taught in Guatemala\, Papua New Guinea\, and various U.S. cities\, and has been a TEX trainer with Literacy ConneXus since 2015. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 10:55 AM – 12:25 PM Breakout #2 \n \n \n \n (1.5 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Robbins \n \n \n \n AI and Math Instruction \n \n \n \n For many of our students and teachers\, math is a source of deep anxiety. This may stem from negative experiences throughout their life and education\, leading to the idea they are not “math people” and they can never improve. When this feeling takes root in teachers\, they feel unprepared to help their students in one of the most important areas of their high school equivalency. AI has contributed to many advancements in mathematics\, from disproving conjectures to finishing decades old proofs. But how useful is it in a classroom? Can it help with this significant problem by helping instructors and students alike face their anxiety and become” math people?” In this interactive session\, we’ll take a look at how math anxiety manifests in the classroom\, and look at ways that instructors can use artificial intelligence to handle challenging topics. Attendees will leave with multiple ideas for how they can use AI to reduce math anxiety for their students and themselves. As part of this presentation\, participants will discuss their relative levels of math comfort and math anxiety. Participants will discuss how “math people” and non-”math people” differ and what\, if anything\, might be valuable to recognize in those distinctions. Then participants will move into what AI is and what it isn’t. We’ll address the difference between language prediction models and computational engines. We’ll look at how AI can hallucinate math logical errors with absolute confidence. From this will move to the practice of using multiple tools for verification. Shifting from a focus on “solving problems” to “verifying solutions\,” participants will look at multiple tools that can help design lessons to engage critical thinking in students. Using free tools\, participants will make visuals and predict misconceptions so they can help address gaps in learning. Participants will also practice with tools that can provide a “Socratic tutor” that can guide them through strategies and ways of thinking so they can use AI as a coach to fill in what they’re missing instead of just going for an easy answer. Participants will apply a “Two Tool Rule” to verify what their “coach” is saying and then discuss how to best employ these tools and rules in their own classroom environments. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield \n \n \n \n PD Specialist\, TCALL (Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning) \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield is a life-long adult educator. He has more than 20 years of experience with English as a Second Language and High School Equivalency instruction\, and served as a full time adult educator in both area over the course of 17 years. During that time he also developed a specialty as a math tutor and trainer of teachers\, as well as serving as distance learning coordinator. He served as a program coordinator for the Distance Education Professional Development Center before transitioning\, where he helped develop trainings and presentations as well as leading the development of the Digital Literacy Toolkit before transitioning to a Professional Development Specialist position with the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Killingsworth \n \n \n \n Bouncing Back: Creating a Culture of Resilience in Your Classroom \n \n \n \n Resilience is often described as the ability to “bounce back” from difficult circumstances. How “bouncy” are your students? How “bouncy” are you? Using the playful metaphor of bouncy balls\, this interactive session explores how educators can cultivate a culture of resilience within adult education programs where both teachers and students feel empowered to persist despite challenges. Participants will reflect on their own “adversity quotient” as educators and also consider the academic\, linguistic\, and personal obstacles their students encounter. Together\, we will examine how the language acquisition process itself develops resilience and discuss intentional ways teachers can use language to nurture a growth mindset. Attendees will leave with practical\, easy-to-implement strategies for promoting resilience and perseverance in their classrooms and programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 12:35 PM – 1:45 PM: WORKING LUNCH \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Panel Discussion \n \n \n \n (1 hour PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “Connecting the Dots: Adult Literacy and Workforce Development in the East Texas Area” \n \n \n \n This panel session will focus on the critical intersection between adult education\, workforce training\, and regional economic needs. The discussion will highlight how collaboration among education providers\, workforce partners\, and community organizations can strengthen career pathways\, support adult learners\, and meet the evolving demands of the East Texas workforce. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PANEL MODERATOR \n \n \n \n Brent McLemore \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Center for Career Education and Exploration\, Stephen F. Austin State University \n \n \n \n Brent McLemore oversees the newly launched Center for Career Education and Exploration at Stephen F. Austin State University. The center is the university’s innovative approach to serving the career development needs of its students while they explore\, discover\, and succeed along their journey at SFA and beyond. The center also represents a more robust way for employer\, industry\, and community partners to connect with SFA by offering opportunities to both recruit SFA talent and train their current talent. Formerly SFA’s Career Center and Center for Professional and Continuing Education\, this newly combined center is designed to support career exploration\, foster discovery through career education\, and facilitate success for students\, alumni and our regional workforce wherever possible. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PANELIST \n \n \n \n Charmyn Tumey\, MBA \n \n \n \n Program Specialist\, Texas Career Pathways Professional Development Center \n \n \n \n Charmyn Tumey is a Program Specialist with the Career Pathways Professional Development Center (CPPDC) at Restore Education\, where she supports programs that connect adult education with workforce development and career pathway opportunities across Texas. With experience in management\, training\, sales\, adult education\, and nonprofit leadership\, Charmyn brings a practical and learner-centered perspective to her work. Prior to joining Restore Education\, she served for more than ten years in leadership roles within the Kilgore College Adult Education and Literacy program. Charmyn earned her MBA from LeTourneau University and remains committed to strengthening communities through education\, collaboration\, and service. She is an East Texas resident and proud Pine Tree ISD Pirate supporter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PANELIST \n \n \n \n Cindy King \n \n \n \n Assistant Director\, Christian Women’s Job Corps of Rusk County \n \n \n \n Cindy King is the assistant director/site coordinator of Christian Women’s Job Corps of Rusk County\, where she has served for 9 years. Her prior employment was the Department of Human Services\, where she worked for 28 years. Cindy has a vital role in CWJC of Rusk County\, serving not only in administration\, but also as a GED classroom teacher and computer instructor. She has taught Language Arts and presently teaches Social Studies. As the only literacy group in Rusk County\, CWJC presently works with the literacy areas of GED/HSE\, ABE\, and ESL\, and one-on-one job preparation. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 1:50 PM – 2:10 PM: THE 20-MINUTE MISSION – MEET THE EXHIBITORS \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Over 20 minutes\, listen to exhibitor highlights and make notes on a card in three sections: One new idea;An interesting tool or resource you heard about; andAn exhibitor to follow up with. \n \n \n \n This activity functions very similarly to Exhibitor Lightning Rounds\, which you may be familiar with if you’ve been to a Literacy Texas Conference in recent years. \n \n \n \n At the end\, take your card home so you can follow up with action! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM “Your Move” – Action Planning \n \n \n \n (1 hour PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Now it’s Your Move: how can the connections you’ve made today help you better serve learners? In this closing session\, we’ll bring the day’s conversations about the literacy ecosystem to life by exploring how learners move between organizations. Strong connections can help ensure that every learner finds the right next step! You’ll meet local Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) partners\, learn when and how to connect learners with their services\, and consider how organizations across the region can work together to expand opportunities for adult learners. Through structured conversations with others in the room\, you’ll identify potential referral partners\, uncover opportunities for collaboration\, and leave with new connections you can put into action. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n Pending \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Kippie Hartcraft \n \n \n \n Director\, Texarkana College Adult Education and Literacy \n \n \n \n Dr. Kippie Hartcraft is the Director of Adult Education at Texarkana College\, where she leads the Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program focused on GED preparation\, English language acquisition\, workforce development\, career pathways\, and transitions to postsecondary education and employment. Her career spans a variety of educational roles\, including special education teacher\, campus administrator\, adult education instructor\, career navigator\, college instructor\, and program administrator. A strong advocate for adult learners\, she is passionate about helping individuals discover their strengths\, overcome challenges\, and create new opportunities for themselves and their families. She enjoys connecting research with day-to-day practice and sharing approaches that educators can immediately apply to support student success. Her presentations are grounded in experience\, focused on practical solutions\, and centered on the belief that all learners can thrive when given the right support and encouragement. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM: FAREWELL & DOOR PRIZES \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DOWNLOADS \n \n \n \n Download or print a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click here to get the flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download or print a copy of the symposium program. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click here to get the print-ready program\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SPECIAL THANKS TO SYMPOSIUM UNDERWRITERS! \n \n \n \n [name of any sponsors or other partners – as many as relevant\, new line for each] \n \n \n \n The Texas Center for Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL) \n \n \n \n The regional symposia are funded by the Professional Development Support for Nonprofit Adult Literacy Organizations grant from 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 go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n sign up for mailings\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 Checked/updated: 8/5/2026 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/2024-focus-group-1/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Focus Group,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/Focus-Groups-cover-image-01.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240729 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240801 DTSTAMP:20240510T212239Z CREATED:20230519T012648Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240510T212239Z UID:3631-1722211200-1722470399@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:2024 Literacy Texas Annual Conference DESCRIPTION:Regional symposia focus primarily on adult literacy\, and provide free professional development for volunteers and staff of nonprofit\, community-based adult and family literacy programs.  Your local symposium is an excellent place to network with other literacy providers in your region\, and a great source of professional development for volunteer and other instructors\, as well as administrative staff. Read more about Literacy Texas regional symposia\, made possible through a generous grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n QUICK LINKS FOR THE 2026 EAST TEXAS SYMPOSIUM: \n \n \n \n Click on any of the links below to go straight to that section\, or simply scroll down the page. \n \n \n \n Basic details \n \n \n \n Symposium FAQs \n \n \n \n Exhibitors at this symposium \n \n \n \n Venue details \n \n \n \n Free online registration \n \n \n \n PD certificates \n \n \n \n Schedule outline \n \n \n \n Program\, sessions\, speakers \n \n \n \n Downloads and printable documents \n \n \n \n Special thanks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BASIC DETAILS \n \n \n \n The 2026 East Texas Literacy Symposium will be a full-day symposium\, and will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, September 24\, 2026 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM (CT) \n \n \n \n Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd\, Longview\, TX 75604 \n \n \n \n Check-in for pre-registered participants will open at 8:00 AM\, with the full program beginning at 8:15 AM. \n \n \n \n This symposium is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. See Symposium FAQs for more information. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SYMPOSIUM FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click on a question to see the answer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Hang on - "symposium"? Don't you mean "conference"? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n A: Literacy Texas does have an annual conference! It’s held every summer. Our regional symposia are a different type of event to the conference. Each symposium: Takes place in a different Texas region to help minimize travelHas a local focusIs free to attendGenerally takes place on one day (some symposia are 2 days)Includes workshops for both classroom instructors and program administratorsIs the primary training Literacy Texas offers for literacy volunteersOffers 2.5 – 5.5 hours of professional development\, sometimes more \n \n \n \n Read more about the symposia here. Read more about the annual conference here. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Who should attend this symposium? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n A: Anyone interested in adult and family literacy in Texas is welcome at the symposium. The people who will gain the most are instructors at community-based adult literacy organizations and nonprofits. Volunteer tutors and teachers are especially welcome! When we create the symposium program\, we use the broadest definition of “literacy”\, to include all of Adult Foundational Education: adult basic education\, English as an additional language\, high school equivalency\, digital literacy\, and workforce readiness\, along with other kinds of teaching and learning. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: I don't live in this region. Can I still attend? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n A: YES! Anyone who lives in Texas is welcome at any Literacy Texas symposium.  \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Why should I attend? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Two words: LOCAL + FREE! Each symposium program includes both key topics of universal interest to adult literacy programs\, and a focus on the local needs of the region. When you complete our Annual Survey every year\, we use the results to invite speakers and presenters on topics you said you particularly wanted and needed. Furthermore\, registration is free. You won’t need a large budget for travel\, and you shouldn’t need an overnight stay. We hope that many folks from the same organization can come to the symposium – there’s no limit on how many people can attend from one place. It’s a lot harder to send lots of people to conferences\, since we know costs stack up pretty quickly.  \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: How much does registration cost? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n A: The symposium is free to attend. Thanks to a generous grant from the Texas Workforce Commission\, Literacy Texas can cover the costs of your tuition\, any meals and snacks offered\, materials\, and other resources.  Please be aware that in recent years\, between 10% and 25% of registrants are no-shows at our training events. Every one of these costs us money (since we’ve already paid for food\, materials\, and more). If you’ve registered for a Literacy Texas event but then find you can no longer attend\, PLEASE get in touch to cancel your registration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Do you offer PD credit? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n A: Yes! Literacy Texas offers PD credit in conjunction with TCALL. You must use the Literacy Texas app to scan in to all sessions if you want an official record of your professional development. We will send records via email to all app users in the weeks following the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EXHIBITORS \n \n \n \n Literacy ConneXus \n \n \n \n Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Pearson English \n \n \n \n Texarkana College Adult Education and Literacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n VENUE DETAILS \n \n \n \n LOCATION\, MAP\, AND PARKING \n \n \n \n This symposium will be held at the Maude Cobb Convention Center\, 100 Grand Blvd\, Longview\, TX 75604 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click here for map and parking information\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n VENUE FLOORPLAN \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION \n \n \n \n This session has reached capacity and we are forming a waitlist.Use the registration button below to add your name to the list. \n \n \n \n Registration for this session has now closed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Online registration has now closed – but we have a few spots available for last-minute registrants! Call us at 972-926-3155 to make arrangements. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PD CERTIFICATES \n \n \n \n Attendees can receive up to 5.5 hours of PD credit at this symposium. \n \n \n \n You must use the Literacy Texas app to track your session attendance if you want to receive PD credit. Information about how to access and use the app will be sent to registrants ahead of the symposium. Certificates of completion will be sent via email in the weeks after the event to anyone who tracked their sessions in the Literacy Texas app. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHEDULE OUTLINE \n \n \n \n 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM | Check-in for pre-registered attendees; breakfast \n \n \n \n 8:15 AM – 8:25 AM | Literacy Texas welcome \n \n \n \n 8:25 AM – 8:40 AM | “Together for Literacy” – The Literacy Ecosystem (0.25 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 8:40 AM – 8:50 AM | Regional Host welcome \n \n \n \n 8:50 AM – 9:05 AM | “Regional Asset Mapping” – The Local Ecosystem (0.25 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 9:10 AM –10:40 AM | Breakout #1 (1.5 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 10:55 AM –12:25 PM | Breakout #2 (1.5 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 12:35 PM – 1:45 PM | Working Lunch + Panel Discussion (1 PD hour) \n \n \n \n 1:50 PM – 2:10 PM | “The 20-Minute Mission” – Meet the Exhibitors \n \n \n \n 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | “Your Move” – Action Planning (1 PD hour) \n \n \n \n 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM | Farewell\, door prizes \n \n \n \n Total PD available: 5.5 hours \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROGRAM\, SESSIONS\, & SPEAKERS \n \n \n \n Session details will be added here as they’re finalized. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM: CHECK-IN\, BREAKFAST \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:15 AM – 8:25 AM: LITERACY TEXAS WELCOME \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:25 AM – 8:40 AM “Together for Literacy” – the Literacy Ecosystem \n \n \n \n (0.25 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n In this opening segment\, Literacy Texas introduces the literacy ecosystem: the many teachers and tutors\, volunteers\, community programs\, libraries\, adult education providers\, workforce partners\, and others who support adults along their learning journeys. Every part of the ecosystem plays a valuable role – especially teachers\, who are often closest to learners and among the first to recognize their needs. Together\, we’ll explore where each of us fits within this broader ecosystem and how a more connected literacy community can help us better serve learners. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:40 AM – 8:50 AM: REGIONAL HOST WELCOME \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia Kilpatrick \n \n \n \n Literacy ConneXus \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Kilpatrick is the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Stephen F. Austin State University\, where she leads initiatives to enhance faculty development and student learning. Previously\, she spent 15 years as a faculty member in the Department of Linguistics and TESOL at UT Arlington\, serving as Director of the English Language Institute and contributing to teaching excellence initiatives. With extensive experience in ESL education\, she has taught in Guatemala\, Papua New Guinea\, and various U.S. cities\, and has been a TEX trainer with Literacy ConneXus since 2015. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:50 AM – 9:05 AM “Regional Asset Mapping” – The Local Ecosystem \n \n \n \n (0.25 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Participants will help build a visual map of the organizations and resources serving adult learners across the region. Using an asset-based approach\, we’ll identify who’s in the room\, discover resources and programs we may not know about\, and begin building a clearer picture of our regional literacy network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 9:10 AM – 10:40 AM Breakout #1 \n \n \n \n (1.5 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Robbins \n \n \n \n The FREE Texas Digital Literacy Toolkit \n \n \n \n This session will introduce participants to the Texas Digital Literacy Toolkit by demonstrating several lessons. Participants will use their own devices to participate in live activities\, before exploring subsections of the toolkit to learn more about their organization and content. Participants will learn how the material can be used in the classroom or individually with students\, and will then be asked to consider what materials they would adopt to use as is versus what they would adapt to suit the circumstances of their class\, all with the goal of having something they can put to use immediately. Through this workshop\, we’ll explore ways to engage students and educate them on a variety of different subjects and durable skills embedded in digital literacy. The toolkit includes Computer Basics\, Internet Safety and Cybersecurity\, Email\, Microsoft Word and Google Docs\, Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets\, and Online Job Search. Different modalities for how to use the lesson materials will be demonstrated\, including in person paper-based activities\, online and flex learning activities\, and remote learning activities\, including a demonstration of how to use the educational videos through the interactive video resource and activity website Edpuzzle. Participants will then explore the student and teacher resources on the Digital Literacy Toolkit website with a choiceboard activity before responding in person or with a padlet activity. In this way\, participants will be able to engage with the content in as many ways as an instructor can engage students with the toolkit! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n We’ll refer to this website throughout the session: Digital Literacy Toolkit \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield \n \n \n \n PD Specialist\, TCALL (Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning) \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield is a life-long adult educator. He has more than 20 years of experience with English as a Second Language and High School Equivalency instruction\, and served as a full time adult educator in both area over the course of 17 years. During that time he also developed a specialty as a math tutor and trainer of teachers\, as well as serving as distance learning coordinator. He served as a program coordinator for the Distance Education Professional Development Center before transitioning\, where he helped develop trainings and presentations as well as leading the development of the Digital Literacy Toolkit before transitioning to a Professional Development Specialist position with the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Killingsworth \n \n \n \n Silence Is Not Golden: Creating Questions That Get Students Talking \n \n \n \n We’ve all experienced it: you ask a question\, look around the room\, and hear… crickets. While student silence can be uncomfortable\, it can also be an invitation to rethink the questions we ask and how we ask them. Thoughtfully designed questions can move students beyond one-word answers\, encourage deeper thinking\, and create opportunities for meaningful interaction and learning. In this interactive session\, participants will explore how the questions we pose and the ways we structure opportunities to respond can influence student engagement. We’ll examine common types of classroom questions\, consider why some questions generate conversation while others shut it down\, and explore practical strategies for creating questions that invite students to think\, respond\, and build on one another’s ideas. Participants will examine several different types of questions\, consider why they are or are not effective in eliciting discussion\, and experiment with techniques that can be immediately incorporated into their classrooms. No matter what classes you teach\, you’ll leave with practical strategies for transforming classroom questions from conversation-stoppers into conversation starters. Because sometimes the problem isn’t that students don’t have anything to say. We just haven’t asked the question that helps them say it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia Kilpatrick \n \n \n \n Literacy ConneXus \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Kilpatrick is the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Stephen F. Austin State University\, where she leads initiatives to enhance faculty development and student learning. Previously\, she spent 15 years as a faculty member in the Department of Linguistics and TESOL at UT Arlington\, serving as Director of the English Language Institute and contributing to teaching excellence initiatives. With extensive experience in ESL education\, she has taught in Guatemala\, Papua New Guinea\, and various U.S. cities\, and has been a TEX trainer with Literacy ConneXus since 2015. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 10:55 AM – 12:25 PM Breakout #2 \n \n \n \n (1.5 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Robbins \n \n \n \n AI and Math Instruction \n \n \n \n For many of our students and teachers\, math is a source of deep anxiety. This may stem from negative experiences throughout their life and education\, leading to the idea they are not “math people” and they can never improve. When this feeling takes root in teachers\, they feel unprepared to help their students in one of the most important areas of their high school equivalency. AI has contributed to many advancements in mathematics\, from disproving conjectures to finishing decades old proofs. But how useful is it in a classroom? Can it help with this significant problem by helping instructors and students alike face their anxiety and become” math people?” In this interactive session\, we’ll take a look at how math anxiety manifests in the classroom\, and look at ways that instructors can use artificial intelligence to handle challenging topics. Attendees will leave with multiple ideas for how they can use AI to reduce math anxiety for their students and themselves. As part of this presentation\, participants will discuss their relative levels of math comfort and math anxiety. Participants will discuss how “math people” and non-”math people” differ and what\, if anything\, might be valuable to recognize in those distinctions. Then participants will move into what AI is and what it isn’t. We’ll address the difference between language prediction models and computational engines. We’ll look at how AI can hallucinate math logical errors with absolute confidence. From this will move to the practice of using multiple tools for verification. Shifting from a focus on “solving problems” to “verifying solutions\,” participants will look at multiple tools that can help design lessons to engage critical thinking in students. Using free tools\, participants will make visuals and predict misconceptions so they can help address gaps in learning. Participants will also practice with tools that can provide a “Socratic tutor” that can guide them through strategies and ways of thinking so they can use AI as a coach to fill in what they’re missing instead of just going for an easy answer. Participants will apply a “Two Tool Rule” to verify what their “coach” is saying and then discuss how to best employ these tools and rules in their own classroom environments. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield \n \n \n \n PD Specialist\, TCALL (Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning) \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield is a life-long adult educator. He has more than 20 years of experience with English as a Second Language and High School Equivalency instruction\, and served as a full time adult educator in both area over the course of 17 years. During that time he also developed a specialty as a math tutor and trainer of teachers\, as well as serving as distance learning coordinator. He served as a program coordinator for the Distance Education Professional Development Center before transitioning\, where he helped develop trainings and presentations as well as leading the development of the Digital Literacy Toolkit before transitioning to a Professional Development Specialist position with the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Killingsworth \n \n \n \n Bouncing Back: Creating a Culture of Resilience in Your Classroom \n \n \n \n Resilience is often described as the ability to “bounce back” from difficult circumstances. How “bouncy” are your students? How “bouncy” are you? Using the playful metaphor of bouncy balls\, this interactive session explores how educators can cultivate a culture of resilience within adult education programs where both teachers and students feel empowered to persist despite challenges. Participants will reflect on their own “adversity quotient” as educators and also consider the academic\, linguistic\, and personal obstacles their students encounter. Together\, we will examine how the language acquisition process itself develops resilience and discuss intentional ways teachers can use language to nurture a growth mindset. Attendees will leave with practical\, easy-to-implement strategies for promoting resilience and perseverance in their classrooms and programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 12:35 PM – 1:45 PM: WORKING LUNCH \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Panel Discussion \n \n \n \n (1 hour PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “Connecting the Dots: Adult Literacy and Workforce Development in the East Texas Area” \n \n \n \n This panel session will focus on the critical intersection between adult education\, workforce training\, and regional economic needs. The discussion will highlight how collaboration among education providers\, workforce partners\, and community organizations can strengthen career pathways\, support adult learners\, and meet the evolving demands of the East Texas workforce. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PANEL MODERATOR \n \n \n \n Brent McLemore \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Center for Career Education and Exploration\, Stephen F. Austin State University \n \n \n \n Brent McLemore oversees the newly launched Center for Career Education and Exploration at Stephen F. Austin State University. The center is the university’s innovative approach to serving the career development needs of its students while they explore\, discover\, and succeed along their journey at SFA and beyond. The center also represents a more robust way for employer\, industry\, and community partners to connect with SFA by offering opportunities to both recruit SFA talent and train their current talent. Formerly SFA’s Career Center and Center for Professional and Continuing Education\, this newly combined center is designed to support career exploration\, foster discovery through career education\, and facilitate success for students\, alumni and our regional workforce wherever possible. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PANELIST \n \n \n \n Charmyn Tumey\, MBA \n \n \n \n Program Specialist\, Texas Career Pathways Professional Development Center \n \n \n \n Charmyn Tumey is a Program Specialist with the Career Pathways Professional Development Center (CPPDC) at Restore Education\, where she supports programs that connect adult education with workforce development and career pathway opportunities across Texas. With experience in management\, training\, sales\, adult education\, and nonprofit leadership\, Charmyn brings a practical and learner-centered perspective to her work. Prior to joining Restore Education\, she served for more than ten years in leadership roles within the Kilgore College Adult Education and Literacy program. Charmyn earned her MBA from LeTourneau University and remains committed to strengthening communities through education\, collaboration\, and service. She is an East Texas resident and proud Pine Tree ISD Pirate supporter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PANELIST \n \n \n \n Cindy King \n \n \n \n Assistant Director\, Christian Women’s Job Corps of Rusk County \n \n \n \n Cindy King is the assistant director/site coordinator of Christian Women’s Job Corps of Rusk County\, where she has served for 9 years. Her prior employment was the Department of Human Services\, where she worked for 28 years. Cindy has a vital role in CWJC of Rusk County\, serving not only in administration\, but also as a GED classroom teacher and computer instructor. She has taught Language Arts and presently teaches Social Studies. As the only literacy group in Rusk County\, CWJC presently works with the literacy areas of GED/HSE\, ABE\, and ESL\, and one-on-one job preparation. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 1:50 PM – 2:10 PM: THE 20-MINUTE MISSION – MEET THE EXHIBITORS \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Over 20 minutes\, listen to exhibitor highlights and make notes on a card in three sections: One new idea;An interesting tool or resource you heard about; andAn exhibitor to follow up with. \n \n \n \n This activity functions very similarly to Exhibitor Lightning Rounds\, which you may be familiar with if you’ve been to a Literacy Texas Conference in recent years. \n \n \n \n At the end\, take your card home so you can follow up with action! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM “Your Move” – Action Planning \n \n \n \n (1 hour PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Now it’s Your Move: how can the connections you’ve made today help you better serve learners? In this closing session\, we’ll bring the day’s conversations about the literacy ecosystem to life by exploring how learners move between organizations. Strong connections can help ensure that every learner finds the right next step! You’ll meet local Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) partners\, learn when and how to connect learners with their services\, and consider how organizations across the region can work together to expand opportunities for adult learners. Through structured conversations with others in the room\, you’ll identify potential referral partners\, uncover opportunities for collaboration\, and leave with new connections you can put into action. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n Pending \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Kippie Hartcraft \n \n \n \n Director\, Texarkana College Adult Education and Literacy \n \n \n \n Dr. Kippie Hartcraft is the Director of Adult Education at Texarkana College\, where she leads the Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program focused on GED preparation\, English language acquisition\, workforce development\, career pathways\, and transitions to postsecondary education and employment. Her career spans a variety of educational roles\, including special education teacher\, campus administrator\, adult education instructor\, career navigator\, college instructor\, and program administrator. A strong advocate for adult learners\, she is passionate about helping individuals discover their strengths\, overcome challenges\, and create new opportunities for themselves and their families. She enjoys connecting research with day-to-day practice and sharing approaches that educators can immediately apply to support student success. Her presentations are grounded in experience\, focused on practical solutions\, and centered on the belief that all learners can thrive when given the right support and encouragement. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM: FAREWELL & DOOR PRIZES \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DOWNLOADS \n \n \n \n Download or print a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click here to get the flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download or print a copy of the symposium program. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click here to get the print-ready program\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SPECIAL THANKS TO SYMPOSIUM UNDERWRITERS! \n \n \n \n [name of any sponsors or other partners – as many as relevant\, new line for each] \n \n \n \n The Texas Center for Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL) \n \n \n \n The regional symposia are funded by the Professional Development Support for Nonprofit Adult Literacy Organizations grant from 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 go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n sign up for mailings\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 Checked/updated: 8/5/2026 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/2024-conference/ LOCATION:Embassy Suites San Marcos\, 1001 E McCarty Lane\, San Marcos\, 78666\, United States CATEGORIES:Annual Conference,Literacy Texas Events ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240710T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240710T140000 DTSTAMP:20240511T015656Z CREATED:20240511T015534Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240511T015656Z UID:4305-1720616400-1720620000@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:Coffee With Literacy Texas DESCRIPTION:Regional symposia focus primarily on adult literacy\, and provide free professional development for volunteers and staff of nonprofit\, community-based adult and family literacy programs.  Your local symposium is an excellent place to network with other literacy providers in your region\, and a great source of professional development for volunteer and other instructors\, as well as administrative staff. Read more about Literacy Texas regional symposia\, made possible through a generous grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n QUICK LINKS FOR THE 2026 EAST TEXAS SYMPOSIUM: \n \n \n \n Click on any of the links below to go straight to that section\, or simply scroll down the page. \n \n \n \n Basic details \n \n \n \n Symposium FAQs \n \n \n \n Exhibitors at this symposium \n \n \n \n Venue details \n \n \n \n Free online registration \n \n \n \n PD certificates \n \n \n \n Schedule outline \n \n \n \n Program\, sessions\, speakers \n \n \n \n Downloads and printable documents \n \n \n \n Special thanks \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n BASIC DETAILS \n \n \n \n The 2026 East Texas Literacy Symposium will be a full-day symposium\, and will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, September 24\, 2026 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM (CT) \n \n \n \n Maude Cobb Convention Center 100 Grand Blvd\, Longview\, TX 75604 \n \n \n \n Check-in for pre-registered participants will open at 8:00 AM\, with the full program beginning at 8:15 AM. \n \n \n \n This symposium is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. See Symposium FAQs for more information. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SYMPOSIUM FAQs \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click on a question to see the answer. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Hang on - "symposium"? Don't you mean "conference"? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n A: Literacy Texas does have an annual conference! It’s held every summer. Our regional symposia are a different type of event to the conference. Each symposium: Takes place in a different Texas region to help minimize travelHas a local focusIs free to attendGenerally takes place on one day (some symposia are 2 days)Includes workshops for both classroom instructors and program administratorsIs the primary training Literacy Texas offers for literacy volunteersOffers 2.5 – 5.5 hours of professional development\, sometimes more \n \n \n \n Read more about the symposia here. Read more about the annual conference here. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Who should attend this symposium? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n A: Anyone interested in adult and family literacy in Texas is welcome at the symposium. The people who will gain the most are instructors at community-based adult literacy organizations and nonprofits. Volunteer tutors and teachers are especially welcome! When we create the symposium program\, we use the broadest definition of “literacy”\, to include all of Adult Foundational Education: adult basic education\, English as an additional language\, high school equivalency\, digital literacy\, and workforce readiness\, along with other kinds of teaching and learning. \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: I don't live in this region. Can I still attend? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n A: YES! Anyone who lives in Texas is welcome at any Literacy Texas symposium.  \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Why should I attend? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n Two words: LOCAL + FREE! Each symposium program includes both key topics of universal interest to adult literacy programs\, and a focus on the local needs of the region. When you complete our Annual Survey every year\, we use the results to invite speakers and presenters on topics you said you particularly wanted and needed. Furthermore\, registration is free. You won’t need a large budget for travel\, and you shouldn’t need an overnight stay. We hope that many folks from the same organization can come to the symposium – there’s no limit on how many people can attend from one place. It’s a lot harder to send lots of people to conferences\, since we know costs stack up pretty quickly.  \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: How much does registration cost? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n A: The symposium is free to attend. Thanks to a generous grant from the Texas Workforce Commission\, Literacy Texas can cover the costs of your tuition\, any meals and snacks offered\, materials\, and other resources.  Please be aware that in recent years\, between 10% and 25% of registrants are no-shows at our training events. Every one of these costs us money (since we’ve already paid for food\, materials\, and more). If you’ve registered for a Literacy Texas event but then find you can no longer attend\, PLEASE get in touch to cancel your registration. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Q: Do you offer PD credit? \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n A: Yes! Literacy Texas offers PD credit in conjunction with TCALL. You must use the Literacy Texas app to scan in to all sessions if you want an official record of your professional development. We will send records via email to all app users in the weeks following the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n EXHIBITORS \n \n \n \n Literacy ConneXus \n \n \n \n Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Pearson English \n \n \n \n Texarkana College Adult Education and Literacy \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n VENUE DETAILS \n \n \n \n LOCATION\, MAP\, AND PARKING \n \n \n \n This symposium will be held at the Maude Cobb Convention Center\, 100 Grand Blvd\, Longview\, TX 75604 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click here for map and parking information\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n VENUE FLOORPLAN \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION \n \n \n \n This session has reached capacity and we are forming a waitlist.Use the registration button below to add your name to the list. \n \n \n \n Registration for this session has now closed \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 Online registration has now closed – but we have a few spots available for last-minute registrants! Call us at 972-926-3155 to make arrangements. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PD CERTIFICATES \n \n \n \n Attendees can receive up to 5.5 hours of PD credit at this symposium. \n \n \n \n You must use the Literacy Texas app to track your session attendance if you want to receive PD credit. Information about how to access and use the app will be sent to registrants ahead of the symposium. Certificates of completion will be sent via email in the weeks after the event to anyone who tracked their sessions in the Literacy Texas app. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SCHEDULE OUTLINE \n \n \n \n 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM | Check-in for pre-registered attendees; breakfast \n \n \n \n 8:15 AM – 8:25 AM | Literacy Texas welcome \n \n \n \n 8:25 AM – 8:40 AM | “Together for Literacy” – The Literacy Ecosystem (0.25 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 8:40 AM – 8:50 AM | Regional Host welcome \n \n \n \n 8:50 AM – 9:05 AM | “Regional Asset Mapping” – The Local Ecosystem (0.25 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 9:10 AM –10:40 AM | Breakout #1 (1.5 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 10:55 AM –12:25 PM | Breakout #2 (1.5 PD hours) \n \n \n \n 12:35 PM – 1:45 PM | Working Lunch + Panel Discussion (1 PD hour) \n \n \n \n 1:50 PM – 2:10 PM | “The 20-Minute Mission” – Meet the Exhibitors \n \n \n \n 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | “Your Move” – Action Planning (1 PD hour) \n \n \n \n 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM | Farewell\, door prizes \n \n \n \n Total PD available: 5.5 hours \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PROGRAM\, SESSIONS\, & SPEAKERS \n \n \n \n Session details will be added here as they’re finalized. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:00 AM – 8:15 AM: CHECK-IN\, BREAKFAST \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:15 AM – 8:25 AM: LITERACY TEXAS WELCOME \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:25 AM – 8:40 AM “Together for Literacy” – the Literacy Ecosystem \n \n \n \n (0.25 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n In this opening segment\, Literacy Texas introduces the literacy ecosystem: the many teachers and tutors\, volunteers\, community programs\, libraries\, adult education providers\, workforce partners\, and others who support adults along their learning journeys. Every part of the ecosystem plays a valuable role – especially teachers\, who are often closest to learners and among the first to recognize their needs. Together\, we’ll explore where each of us fits within this broader ecosystem and how a more connected literacy community can help us better serve learners. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:40 AM – 8:50 AM: REGIONAL HOST WELCOME \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia Kilpatrick \n \n \n \n Literacy ConneXus \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Kilpatrick is the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Stephen F. Austin State University\, where she leads initiatives to enhance faculty development and student learning. Previously\, she spent 15 years as a faculty member in the Department of Linguistics and TESOL at UT Arlington\, serving as Director of the English Language Institute and contributing to teaching excellence initiatives. With extensive experience in ESL education\, she has taught in Guatemala\, Papua New Guinea\, and various U.S. cities\, and has been a TEX trainer with Literacy ConneXus since 2015. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 8:50 AM – 9:05 AM “Regional Asset Mapping” – The Local Ecosystem \n \n \n \n (0.25 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Participants will help build a visual map of the organizations and resources serving adult learners across the region. Using an asset-based approach\, we’ll identify who’s in the room\, discover resources and programs we may not know about\, and begin building a clearer picture of our regional literacy network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 9:10 AM – 10:40 AM Breakout #1 \n \n \n \n (1.5 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Robbins \n \n \n \n The FREE Texas Digital Literacy Toolkit \n \n \n \n This session will introduce participants to the Texas Digital Literacy Toolkit by demonstrating several lessons. Participants will use their own devices to participate in live activities\, before exploring subsections of the toolkit to learn more about their organization and content. Participants will learn how the material can be used in the classroom or individually with students\, and will then be asked to consider what materials they would adopt to use as is versus what they would adapt to suit the circumstances of their class\, all with the goal of having something they can put to use immediately. Through this workshop\, we’ll explore ways to engage students and educate them on a variety of different subjects and durable skills embedded in digital literacy. The toolkit includes Computer Basics\, Internet Safety and Cybersecurity\, Email\, Microsoft Word and Google Docs\, Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets\, and Online Job Search. Different modalities for how to use the lesson materials will be demonstrated\, including in person paper-based activities\, online and flex learning activities\, and remote learning activities\, including a demonstration of how to use the educational videos through the interactive video resource and activity website Edpuzzle. Participants will then explore the student and teacher resources on the Digital Literacy Toolkit website with a choiceboard activity before responding in person or with a padlet activity. In this way\, participants will be able to engage with the content in as many ways as an instructor can engage students with the toolkit! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n We’ll refer to this website throughout the session: Digital Literacy Toolkit \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield \n \n \n \n PD Specialist\, TCALL (Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning) \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield is a life-long adult educator. He has more than 20 years of experience with English as a Second Language and High School Equivalency instruction\, and served as a full time adult educator in both area over the course of 17 years. During that time he also developed a specialty as a math tutor and trainer of teachers\, as well as serving as distance learning coordinator. He served as a program coordinator for the Distance Education Professional Development Center before transitioning\, where he helped develop trainings and presentations as well as leading the development of the Digital Literacy Toolkit before transitioning to a Professional Development Specialist position with the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Killingsworth \n \n \n \n Silence Is Not Golden: Creating Questions That Get Students Talking \n \n \n \n We’ve all experienced it: you ask a question\, look around the room\, and hear… crickets. While student silence can be uncomfortable\, it can also be an invitation to rethink the questions we ask and how we ask them. Thoughtfully designed questions can move students beyond one-word answers\, encourage deeper thinking\, and create opportunities for meaningful interaction and learning. In this interactive session\, participants will explore how the questions we pose and the ways we structure opportunities to respond can influence student engagement. We’ll examine common types of classroom questions\, consider why some questions generate conversation while others shut it down\, and explore practical strategies for creating questions that invite students to think\, respond\, and build on one another’s ideas. Participants will examine several different types of questions\, consider why they are or are not effective in eliciting discussion\, and experiment with techniques that can be immediately incorporated into their classrooms. No matter what classes you teach\, you’ll leave with practical strategies for transforming classroom questions from conversation-stoppers into conversation starters. Because sometimes the problem isn’t that students don’t have anything to say. We just haven’t asked the question that helps them say it. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia Kilpatrick \n \n \n \n Literacy ConneXus \n \n \n \n Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Kilpatrick is the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Stephen F. Austin State University\, where she leads initiatives to enhance faculty development and student learning. Previously\, she spent 15 years as a faculty member in the Department of Linguistics and TESOL at UT Arlington\, serving as Director of the English Language Institute and contributing to teaching excellence initiatives. With extensive experience in ESL education\, she has taught in Guatemala\, Papua New Guinea\, and various U.S. cities\, and has been a TEX trainer with Literacy ConneXus since 2015. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 10:55 AM – 12:25 PM Breakout #2 \n \n \n \n (1.5 hours PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Robbins \n \n \n \n AI and Math Instruction \n \n \n \n For many of our students and teachers\, math is a source of deep anxiety. This may stem from negative experiences throughout their life and education\, leading to the idea they are not “math people” and they can never improve. When this feeling takes root in teachers\, they feel unprepared to help their students in one of the most important areas of their high school equivalency. AI has contributed to many advancements in mathematics\, from disproving conjectures to finishing decades old proofs. But how useful is it in a classroom? Can it help with this significant problem by helping instructors and students alike face their anxiety and become” math people?” In this interactive session\, we’ll take a look at how math anxiety manifests in the classroom\, and look at ways that instructors can use artificial intelligence to handle challenging topics. Attendees will leave with multiple ideas for how they can use AI to reduce math anxiety for their students and themselves. As part of this presentation\, participants will discuss their relative levels of math comfort and math anxiety. Participants will discuss how “math people” and non-”math people” differ and what\, if anything\, might be valuable to recognize in those distinctions. Then participants will move into what AI is and what it isn’t. We’ll address the difference between language prediction models and computational engines. We’ll look at how AI can hallucinate math logical errors with absolute confidence. From this will move to the practice of using multiple tools for verification. Shifting from a focus on “solving problems” to “verifying solutions\,” participants will look at multiple tools that can help design lessons to engage critical thinking in students. Using free tools\, participants will make visuals and predict misconceptions so they can help address gaps in learning. Participants will also practice with tools that can provide a “Socratic tutor” that can guide them through strategies and ways of thinking so they can use AI as a coach to fill in what they’re missing instead of just going for an easy answer. Participants will apply a “Two Tool Rule” to verify what their “coach” is saying and then discuss how to best employ these tools and rules in their own classroom environments. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield \n \n \n \n PD Specialist\, TCALL (Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning) \n \n \n \n Gareth Wingfield is a life-long adult educator. He has more than 20 years of experience with English as a Second Language and High School Equivalency instruction\, and served as a full time adult educator in both area over the course of 17 years. During that time he also developed a specialty as a math tutor and trainer of teachers\, as well as serving as distance learning coordinator. He served as a program coordinator for the Distance Education Professional Development Center before transitioning\, where he helped develop trainings and presentations as well as leading the development of the Digital Literacy Toolkit before transitioning to a Professional Development Specialist position with the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL). \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: Killingsworth \n \n \n \n Bouncing Back: Creating a Culture of Resilience in Your Classroom \n \n \n \n Resilience is often described as the ability to “bounce back” from difficult circumstances. How “bouncy” are your students? How “bouncy” are you? Using the playful metaphor of bouncy balls\, this interactive session explores how educators can cultivate a culture of resilience within adult education programs where both teachers and students feel empowered to persist despite challenges. Participants will reflect on their own “adversity quotient” as educators and also consider the academic\, linguistic\, and personal obstacles their students encounter. Together\, we will examine how the language acquisition process itself develops resilience and discuss intentional ways teachers can use language to nurture a growth mindset. Attendees will leave with practical\, easy-to-implement strategies for promoting resilience and perseverance in their classrooms and programs. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 12:35 PM – 1:45 PM: WORKING LUNCH \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Panel Discussion \n \n \n \n (1 hour PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n “Connecting the Dots: Adult Literacy and Workforce Development in the East Texas Area” \n \n \n \n This panel session will focus on the critical intersection between adult education\, workforce training\, and regional economic needs. The discussion will highlight how collaboration among education providers\, workforce partners\, and community organizations can strengthen career pathways\, support adult learners\, and meet the evolving demands of the East Texas workforce. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PANEL MODERATOR \n \n \n \n Brent McLemore \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Center for Career Education and Exploration\, Stephen F. Austin State University \n \n \n \n Brent McLemore oversees the newly launched Center for Career Education and Exploration at Stephen F. Austin State University. The center is the university’s innovative approach to serving the career development needs of its students while they explore\, discover\, and succeed along their journey at SFA and beyond. The center also represents a more robust way for employer\, industry\, and community partners to connect with SFA by offering opportunities to both recruit SFA talent and train their current talent. Formerly SFA’s Career Center and Center for Professional and Continuing Education\, this newly combined center is designed to support career exploration\, foster discovery through career education\, and facilitate success for students\, alumni and our regional workforce wherever possible. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PANELIST \n \n \n \n Charmyn Tumey\, MBA \n \n \n \n Program Specialist\, Texas Career Pathways Professional Development Center \n \n \n \n Charmyn Tumey is a Program Specialist with the Career Pathways Professional Development Center (CPPDC) at Restore Education\, where she supports programs that connect adult education with workforce development and career pathway opportunities across Texas. With experience in management\, training\, sales\, adult education\, and nonprofit leadership\, Charmyn brings a practical and learner-centered perspective to her work. Prior to joining Restore Education\, she served for more than ten years in leadership roles within the Kilgore College Adult Education and Literacy program. Charmyn earned her MBA from LeTourneau University and remains committed to strengthening communities through education\, collaboration\, and service. She is an East Texas resident and proud Pine Tree ISD Pirate supporter. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n PANELIST \n \n \n \n Cindy King \n \n \n \n Assistant Director\, Christian Women’s Job Corps of Rusk County \n \n \n \n Cindy King is the assistant director/site coordinator of Christian Women’s Job Corps of Rusk County\, where she has served for 9 years. Her prior employment was the Department of Human Services\, where she worked for 28 years. Cindy has a vital role in CWJC of Rusk County\, serving not only in administration\, but also as a GED classroom teacher and computer instructor. She has taught Language Arts and presently teaches Social Studies. As the only literacy group in Rusk County\, CWJC presently works with the literacy areas of GED/HSE\, ABE\, and ESL\, and one-on-one job preparation. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 1:50 PM – 2:10 PM: THE 20-MINUTE MISSION – MEET THE EXHIBITORS \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Over 20 minutes\, listen to exhibitor highlights and make notes on a card in three sections: One new idea;An interesting tool or resource you heard about; andAn exhibitor to follow up with. \n \n \n \n This activity functions very similarly to Exhibitor Lightning Rounds\, which you may be familiar with if you’ve been to a Literacy Texas Conference in recent years. \n \n \n \n At the end\, take your card home so you can follow up with action! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM “Your Move” – Action Planning \n \n \n \n (1 hour PD) \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n Now it’s Your Move: how can the connections you’ve made today help you better serve learners? In this closing session\, we’ll bring the day’s conversations about the literacy ecosystem to life by exploring how learners move between organizations. Strong connections can help ensure that every learner finds the right next step! You’ll meet local Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) partners\, learn when and how to connect learners with their services\, and consider how organizations across the region can work together to expand opportunities for adult learners. Through structured conversations with others in the room\, you’ll identify potential referral partners\, uncover opportunities for collaboration\, and leave with new connections you can put into action. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Primary Topic Area \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Session will also cover: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Audience \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Level \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Texas AEL PD Category \n \n \n \n Assigned by TCALL \n \n \n \n Pending \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website. See the full Texas AEL Guide. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Other info: \n \n \n \n No other info available at this time. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Kippie Hartcraft \n \n \n \n Director\, Texarkana College Adult Education and Literacy \n \n \n \n Dr. Kippie Hartcraft is the Director of Adult Education at Texarkana College\, where she leads the Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) program focused on GED preparation\, English language acquisition\, workforce development\, career pathways\, and transitions to postsecondary education and employment. Her career spans a variety of educational roles\, including special education teacher\, campus administrator\, adult education instructor\, career navigator\, college instructor\, and program administrator. A strong advocate for adult learners\, she is passionate about helping individuals discover their strengths\, overcome challenges\, and create new opportunities for themselves and their families. She enjoys connecting research with day-to-day practice and sharing approaches that educators can immediately apply to support student success. Her presentations are grounded in experience\, focused on practical solutions\, and centered on the belief that all learners can thrive when given the right support and encouragement. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D. \n \n \n \n Executive Director\, Literacy Texas \n \n \n \n Katie Welch\, Ph.D.\, serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career\, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators\, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state\, national\, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist\, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year\, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM: FAREWELL & DOOR PRIZES \n \n \n \n LOCATION: West Hall \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n DOWNLOADS \n \n \n \n Download or print a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending the symposium. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click here to get the flyer\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Download or print a copy of the symposium program. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Click here to get the print-ready program\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SPECIAL THANKS TO SYMPOSIUM UNDERWRITERS! \n \n \n \n [name of any sponsors or other partners – as many as relevant\, new line for each] \n \n \n \n The Texas Center for Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL) \n \n \n \n The regional symposia are funded by the Professional Development Support for Nonprofit Adult Literacy Organizations grant from 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 go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n sign up for mailings\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 Checked/updated: 8/5/2026 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/coffee-july-2024/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Group Chat,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR