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UID:5773-1760446800-1760452200@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:The Expert Edge: Progress by Design
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/expert-edge-oct-2025/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Online Event,Other Events,The Expert Edge,Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-FORMS-Edge-Progress-by-Design-1200x300-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251024T081500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251024T153000
DTSTAMP:20251029T090050Z
CREATED:20250814T074643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251029T090050Z
UID:5750-1761293700-1761319800@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:DFW Literacy Symposium
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/2025-symposium-dfw/
LOCATION:The Commons\, UTA\, 440 W Nedderman Dr.\, Arlington\, TX\, 76013\, United States
CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Symposium,Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-SOLD-OUT-DFW-Symposium-2025-26.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251113T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251113T110000
DTSTAMP:20251113T220858Z
CREATED:20250918T083442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251113T220858Z
UID:5813-1763028000-1763031600@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:Best of Texas: Adult Learner Persistence & Retention
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/best-of-texas-nov-2025/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Best of Texas,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-BEST-PERSISTENCE-1200-x-300-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251114T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251114T131500
DTSTAMP:20251118T100944Z
CREATED:20250917T093511Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T100944Z
UID:5805-1763112600-1763126100@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:South Texas Literacy Symposium
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/2025-symposium-south-texas/
LOCATION:McAllen Public Library\, 4001 N 23rd St\, McAllen\, TX\, 78504\, United States
CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Symposium,Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-South-TX-Symposium-2025-26-DATELESS.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251204T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251204T103000
DTSTAMP:20251205T093208Z
CREATED:20250918T084036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T093208Z
UID:5814-1764838800-1764844200@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:What Leaders Need: Finding & Keeping Amazing Volunteers
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/leaders-dec-2025/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Online Event,Training,What Leaders Need
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-WLN-Volunteers-1200-×-300-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251211T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251211T110000
DTSTAMP:20251212T033359Z
CREATED:20250918T091454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251212T033359Z
UID:5815-1765447200-1765450800@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:Best of Texas: Career Navigation
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/best-of-texas-dec-2025/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Best of Texas,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-BEST-CAREER-NAVIGATION-1200-x-300-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251212T081500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251212T153000
DTSTAMP:20251217T061546Z
CREATED:20250926T092957Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T061546Z
UID:5832-1765527300-1765553400@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:East Texas Literacy Symposium
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/2025-symposium-east-texas/
CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Symposium,Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-East-TX-Symposium-2025-26-DATELESS.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251215T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251215T113000
DTSTAMP:20251217T064313Z
CREATED:20250918T092234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T064313Z
UID:5816-1765794600-1765798200@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:LitTX Group Chat
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/group-chat-dec-2025/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Group Chat,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-Group-Chat-1200-x-300-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260108T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260108T110000
DTSTAMP:20260109T221654Z
CREATED:20251028T020302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260109T221654Z
UID:6087-1767866400-1767870000@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:Best of Texas: Wraparound Services
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/best-of-texas-jan-2026/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Best of Texas,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-BEST-WRAPAROUND-SERVICES-1200-x-300-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260122
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260124
DTSTAMP:20260127T113527Z
CREATED:20251028T092817Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260127T113527Z
UID:6091-1769040000-1769212799@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:Far West Literacy Symposium
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/2026-symposium-far-west/
LOCATION:Ysleta Community Learning Center\, 121 Padres Dr\, El Paso\, TX\, 79907\, United States
CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Symposium,Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-Far-West-Symposium-2025-26-DATELESS.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260127T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260127T103000
DTSTAMP:20260128T102144Z
CREATED:20251029T104000Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T102144Z
UID:6094-1769504400-1769509800@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:The Expert Edge: Building a Positive Classroom Environment
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/expert-edge-jan-2026/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Online Event,Other Events,The Expert Edge,Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-Edge-Positive-Classroom-1200x300-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260212T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260212T110000
DTSTAMP:20260217T103405Z
CREATED:20251125T221639Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T103405Z
UID:6135-1770890400-1770894000@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:Best of Texas: HSE/GED
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/best-of-texas-feb-2026/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Best of Texas,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-BEST-HSEGED-1200-x-300-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260217T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260217T103000
DTSTAMP:20260218T064837Z
CREATED:20251125T223425Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T064837Z
UID:6136-1771318800-1771324200@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:What Leaders Need: Communications That Work
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/leaders-feb-2026/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Online Event,Other Events,Training,What Leaders Need
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-WLN-Comms-1200-×-300-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260306T081500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260306T120000
DTSTAMP:20260310T215352Z
CREATED:20251216T111921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T215352Z
UID:6181-1772784900-1772798400@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:Panhandle Literacy Symposium
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/2026-symposium-panhandle/
LOCATION:Amarillo Area Foundation\, 919 S. Polk St\, Amarillo\, TX\, 79101\, United States
CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Symposium,Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-Panhandle-Symposium-2025-26.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260312T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260312T110000
DTSTAMP:20260313T073012Z
CREATED:20260109T112928Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260313T073012Z
UID:6214-1773309600-1773313200@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:Best of Texas: Work Readiness & Soft Skills
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/best-of-texas-mar-2026/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Best of Texas,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-BEST-Work-Readiness-Soft-Skills-1200-x-300-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260326T140000
DTSTAMP:20260501T045727Z
CREATED:20250815T071904Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260501T045727Z
UID:5754-1774530000-1774533600@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:LitTX Group Chat - March 2026
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/group-chat-mar-2026/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Group Chat,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-Group-Chat-1200-x-300-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260409T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260409T110000
DTSTAMP:20260501T050238Z
CREATED:20260217T101016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260501T050238Z
UID:6305-1775728800-1775732400@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:Best of Texas: Math Literacy & Numeracy
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/best-of-texas-apr-2026/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Best of Texas,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-BEST-Math-Numeracy-1200-x-300-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260417T081500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260417T153000
DTSTAMP:20260417T230133Z
CREATED:20251218T105611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T230133Z
UID:6187-1776413700-1776439800@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:Alamo & Central TX Literacy Symposium
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/2026-symposium-alamo-central/
LOCATION:Embassy Suites San Marcos\, 1001 E McCarty Lane\, San Marcos\, 78666\, United States
CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Symposium,Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-Alamo-Central-Symposium-2025-26.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260429T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260429T153000
DTSTAMP:20260429T225301Z
CREATED:20260226T101900Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T225301Z
UID:6323-1777471200-1777476600@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:The Expert Edge: Worth the Stay - Persistence in Action
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/expert-edge-apr-2026/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Online Event,Other Events,The Expert Edge,Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-Edge-Worth-the-Stay-1200x300-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260508T081500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260508T120000
DTSTAMP:20260529T025446Z
CREATED:20260217T090318Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T025446Z
UID:6303-1778228100-1778241600@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:Mid-West Literacy Symposium
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/2026-symposium-mid-west/
CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Symposium,Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-Mid-West-Symposium-2025-26.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260514T140000
DTSTAMP:20260529T025406Z
CREATED:20260401T024855Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260529T025406Z
UID:6371-1778763600-1778767200@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:Best of Texas: Clear Communication
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/best-of-texas-may-2026/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Best of Texas,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-BEST-Clear-Communication-1200-x-300-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260604T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260604T103000
DTSTAMP:20260604T230549Z
CREATED:20260409T082310Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T230549Z
UID:6383-1780563600-1780569000@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:What Leaders Need: Effective Student Recruitment & Orientation
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/leaders-jun-2026/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Online Event,Other Events,Training,What Leaders Need
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-WLN-Student-Orientation-1200-×-300-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260605T081500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260605T153000
DTSTAMP:20260609T013938Z
CREATED:20260305T050110Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T013938Z
UID:6332-1780647300-1780673400@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:Gulf Coast Literacy Symposium
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/2026-symposium-gulf-coast/
LOCATION:HCC Southeast: The Learning Hub\, 6815 Rustic Street\, Houston\, TX\, 77087\, United States
CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Symposium,Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-Gulf-Coast-Symposium-2025-26.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260611T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260611T140000
DTSTAMP:20260611T204435Z
CREATED:20260429T080433Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T204435Z
UID:6415-1781182800-1781186400@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:Best of Texas: Digital & Media Literacy
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/best-of-texas-jun-2026/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Best of Texas,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-BEST-Digital-Media-Literacy-1200-x-300-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260709T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260709T140000
DTSTAMP:20260711T034530Z
CREATED:20260514T100804Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260711T034530Z
UID:6437-1783602000-1783605600@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:Best of Texas: Civics & Citizenship
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/best-of-texas-jul-2026/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Best of Texas,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-BEST-CIVICS-CITIZENSHIP-1200-x-300-px-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260721T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260721T120000
DTSTAMP:20260721T234142Z
CREATED:20260527T070637Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260721T234142Z
UID:6452-1784631600-1784635200@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:LitTX Group Chat - July 2026
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/group-chat-jul-2026/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Group Chat,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-Group-Chat-1200-x-300-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260728
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260730
DTSTAMP:20260409T082130Z
CREATED:20250814T071408Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T082130Z
UID:5746-1785196800-1785369599@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:2026 Literacy Texas Annual Conference
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
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
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260811T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260811T110000
DTSTAMP:20260701T090515Z
CREATED:20260626T103414Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T090515Z
UID:7554-1786442400-1786446000@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:Pop-Up: Future Focus
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/future-focus-2026/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Annual Conference,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event,Other Events,Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/Future-Focus-GOOGLE-1200-x-300-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260813T140000
DTSTAMP:20260701T090427Z
CREATED:20260609T071554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T090427Z
UID:6573-1786626000-1786629600@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:Best of Texas: Parents\, Caregivers\, and the School System
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/best-of-texas-aug-2026/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Best of Texas,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-BEST-PARENTS-SCHOOL-SYSTEM-1200-x-300-px.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260825
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260826
DTSTAMP:20260701T204925Z
CREATED:20260609T082926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T204925Z
UID:6589-1787616000-1787702399@www.literacytexas.org
SUMMARY:The Expert Edge: Cross-Curricular Learning
DESCRIPTION:When resources are tight\, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs.  What Leaders Need\, for new and emerging literacy leaders\, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states. Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training 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 WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:				\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 topic								\n				\n				\n				\n									Meet the panel								\n				\n				\n				\n									Online registration								\n				\n				\n				\n									PD Certificates								\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					BASIC DETAILS				\n				\n				\n				\n									This online session will be held on: 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Thursday\, December 4\, 2025\, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT). 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 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 training session is offered free of charge to Arkansas\, Oklahoma\, and 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 TOPIC				\n				\n				\n				\n									Volunteers can make so many good things happen\, and can help adult literacy programs with lean budgets do more than would otherwise be possible. So where can you find reliable folks?What’s reasonable to expect of them in terms of training and ongoing time commitment?How can you show your gratitude in ways that resonate?And above all – how can you be sure that what a volunteer can provide is what the adult students in your literacy programs need? In this panel discussion\, hear from adult literacy professionals who work closely with volunteers\, about what they’ve learned and how they make it all work. 								\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					MEET THE PANELISTS				\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Bruce DavisCoordinator| Great Plains Literacy Council Bruce Davis is a retired pastor who has maintained a deep commitment to the cause of literacy. Throughout his career and into retirement\, he has remained actively involved in promoting literacy within his community. Before retiring\, he dedicated seven years to serving as a board member for the Great Plains Literacy Council (GPLC) in Altus\, Oklahoma. Five of those years\, he served as the board president. His board experience provided him with valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing literacy organizations in rural areas. When the position of Coordinator for the Great Plains Literacy Council was left vacant\, he decided to step into the role in 2022. As Coordinator\, Bruce focuses on managing the overall program and staff\, securing funding\, handling publicity\, and recruiting both tutors and learners. Although the job encompasses many tasks\, he especially enjoys sharing the organization’s story and recruiting new participants. Bruce has recently begun a second term as President of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. This role allows him to contribute to literacy efforts at the state level\, expanding his impact beyond his immediate community. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Todd EvansSenior Director of Programs | ProLiteracy Todd Evans is the Senior Director of Programs for ProLiteracy. He is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the services ProLiteracy provides to the adult education field\, including professional development\, domestic and international projects and partnerships\, and membership. Todd has been with ProLiteracy since 1995. He has spent most of his time with ProLiteracy providing training and support to tutors\, teachers\, students\, and program managers in a variety of subjects. Todd graduated from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations. He started work on a Master’s degree in Sociology\, but stopped to begin working for the Memphis Literacy Council. Todd began his literacy career in Memphis\, TN\, first as a volunteer tutor for the Memphis Literacy Council\, and later as a staff member where he was an administrative assistant\, community liaison\, and trainer. Todd is a member of many literacy and training organizations\, including the Literacy Roundtable\, a consortium of literacy providers throughout the St. Louis-Metro East area. Todd has lived in St. Louis since 2001. Outside of literacy\, he enjoys cooking and sports\, particularly playing golf and watching University of Tennessee football and Cardinal baseball. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Sonia VazquezDirector| ESL Classes in Plano Sonia Vazquez has volunteered at Prestonwood Baptist Church-Plano Campus since 2000\, where she has taught Level 5 and Citizenship classes and served as Director of the ESL Program for the past 14 years. The program currently serves over 500 students with 65 volunteers\, using the Ventures Series by Cambridge University. Offering 21 classes each semester\, it maintains a 75–80% return rate and a waiting list of 250–350 students\, with registration opening three months in advance due to high demand. 								\n				\n				\n		\n					\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n					\n				\n		\n					\n		\n				\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dana VenhausExecutive Director | Literacy Action of Central Arkansas Dana Venhaus has been Executive Director of Literacy Action of Central Arkansas since 2022. Prior to that she was with Arkansas Extended Learning\, a private community education organization she founded and managed for 20 years. She has an undergraduate degree in psychology\, did her master’s work in Public Administration and is a certified public manager and certified volunteer manager. Dana lives in Little Rock with her four-legged kids\, loves spending time with family and friends\, reading\, traveling\, pickleball\, and all things outdoors. Her daughter and son-in-law live in San Francisco. 								\n				\n				\n				\n				\n							\n			\n						\n		\n						\n				\n				\n				\n					HOST				\n				\n					\n				\n				\n						\n					\n			\n						\n				\n																														\n				\n				\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas 								\n				\n					\n		\n				\n			\n						\n				\n									Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration\, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024\, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship. 								\n				\n					\n		\n					\n		\n		\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 1.5 hours of PD credit. 								\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					DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS				\n				\n				\n				\n									Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer]. 								\n				\n				\n				\n									Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon. 								\n				\n					\n				\n		\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									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									Page checked/updated: 12/04/25
URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/expert-edge-aug-2026/
LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom
CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Online Event,Other Events,The Expert Edge,Training
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/Edge-Cross-Curricular-Learning-GOOGLE-1200x300-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR