BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Literacy Texas - ECPv6.15.17//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.literacytexas.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Literacy Texas REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20270314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20271107T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260728 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260730 DTSTAMP:20260422T160536 CREATED:20250814T071408Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T082130Z UID:5746-1785196800-1785369599@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:2026 Literacy Texas Annual Conference DESCRIPTION:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas brings together local experts to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way.  Read more about the Best of Texas monthly online series. \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 QUICK LINKS FOR THIS BEST OF TEXAS EVENT: \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 About this month’s topic \n \n \n \n Guests this month \n \n \n \n Online registration \n \n \n \n PD certificates \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 BASIC DETAILS \n \n \n \n This online session will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, February 12\, 2026\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open to registered attendees at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC \n \n \n \n HSE/GED credentials are not an end point — they are part of a continuum that connects adult learners to both employment opportunities and family success. The challenge for Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) programs in Texas is how to support this dual mission without overloading teachers or risking burnout. This spotlight will explore practical strategies for integrating workforce readiness and family literacy into HSE/GED classes. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n GUESTS THIS MONTH \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Alberto UrbinaVice PresidentHouston City College (HCC) \n \n \n \n Dr. Alberto Urbina is an accomplished leader in technical education and workforce development with over 25 years of experience spanning industrial construction and academia. Beginning his career as a welder\, pipefitter\, and welding inspector in the Gulf Coast industrial sector\, he has since advanced into senior leadership roles and currently serves as Vice President of Houston City College – Southeast. An HCC graduate\, Dr. Urbina holds a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Houston-Downtown\, completed graduate studies in Welding Engineering at The Ohio State University\, and earned both a Master’s in Educational Leadership (University of Texas at Arlington) and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (University of Houston-Clear Lake). His credentials include Registered Engineer\, Certified Educator\, and Certified Program Planner. Dr. Urbina’s career reflects a commitment to bridging industry and education. He has served as a high school teacher\, college professor\, program director\, department chair\, executive director\, and dean. Recognized by the American Welding Society with the District 18 Outstanding Welding Educator Award\, he continues to influence technical education as Technical Chair for AWS Houston Chapter\, a member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Livestock Committee\, and an advisor to multiple Career and Technical Education committees across regional school districts. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alyssa G. CavazosDirector for the Center for Teaching ExcellenceUniversity of Texas Rio Grande Valley \n \n \n \n Alyssa G. Cavazos is Professor of Rhetoric\, Composition\, and Literacy Studies in the Department of Writing and Language Studies and Director for the Center for Teaching Excellence at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She teaches undergraduate and graduate coursework in writing studies. Her pedagogical and scholarly interests include: language difference in the teaching of writing\, translingual writing across communities\, professional development in higher education\, and student voices in teaching and learning. She was awarded the University of Texas System 2017 Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award\, the 2017 UTRGV Excellence Award in Teaching\, and the 2022 Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology Online Teaching Award. She also serves as an active member of the University of Texas System Academy of Distinguished Teachers. She is committed to designing learner-centered educational spaces that support students’ academic success across academic disciplines in higher education and beyond.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jacqueline AguileraCommunity Liaison & Program HostLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jacqueline “Jackie” Aguilera has logged 38 years of diverse experience across educational and non-profit sectors. With a focus on adult literacy\, she has left an indelible mark on various initiatives and projects in the multi-layered field of adult literacy. As an experienced adult education innovations designer\, she earned a 2021 Ford Foundation Mujeres Legendarias Award for creative ed tech applications in adult education. Her service impact also extends beyond the classroom into the workforce. She empowers both employers and employees through worksite literacy training and independent consulting. She leads a local fellowship of adult education providers called the Houston Area Adult Literacy Collective (the incredible HAALC)\, serves on many committees\, boards\, and projects impacting adult learners and families\, and most recently served as Project Manager for Houston’s Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy. In summary\, Jacqueline’s multifaceted career reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing literacy and education across diverse communities and platforms. Currently on a journey through breast cancer treatment\, she is more than ever committed to advancing the lives of all those she serves\, making her a messenger of inspiration\, innovation\, and evolution. \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 \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 on 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 Participants who complete the full session will receive 1 hour of PD credit. Literacy Texas defines “complete” as: Be present for at least 90% of the session;Have your camera on for the entire time you are present. \n \n \n \n Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email after the training\, and certificates will be prepared and sent after the survey closes. Please pay attention to the due dates – after each event is wrapped up\, we will not be able to go back and re-issue your PD certificate. If you know you’ll need a certificate at a later date\, please take care to request it in a timely manner! \n \n \n \n \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 \n \n \n \n [presenter] \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 Workforce Commission \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n STAY IN THE KNOW - \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to go to the literacy texas calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to see the national literacy calendar\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Or get news directly from Literacy Texas: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Checked/updated 2/17/2026 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/2026-conference/ LOCATION:Embassy Suites by Hilton Grapevine DFW Airport North\, 2401 Bass Pro Drive\, Grapevine\, TX\, 76051\, United States CATEGORIES:Annual Conference,Literacy Texas Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-conference-GOOGLE-blue-on-trans-1200x300-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR