BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Literacy Texas - ECPv6.16.5.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.literacytexas.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Literacy Texas REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20270314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20271107T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;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:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online panel discussion will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, November 21\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll hear from Fran-Victoria Stephens (Story Square) who will share important information about the generational impact of family literacy. Other guests will include Anjela Martinez and LeeAnn Jennings (Harris County Public Library) to give us a strong understanding about how public libraries are making a difference.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria StephensFounder & PresidentStory Square \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens is a former attorney and journalist who became the Founder and President of Story Square\, Inc. – an evidence-based education social enterprise. After the pandemic\, when she witnessed firsthand how parents faced the daunting task of serving as their children’s primary resource for education\, she decided parents needed to experience the mission and spirit of Story Square on a larger stage. So\, in 2022 she expanded the organization’s work and began Story Square’s Lit with Families Texas Family Literacy Festival\, which takes place annually at downtown Houston’s Discovery Green. Fran-Victoria is an impact addict and obsessed with the impact today’s small actions have on enduring change for our future. She is an avid researcher\, writer\, civil rights and education advocate\, lecturer\, and a self-proclaimed neoteric. She specializes in building new things. From idea generation\, process design\, implementation\, and then evaluation\, she has created lectures\, programs\, and Story Square with a focus on operationalizing her passion and education in civil rights law. These vehicles that carry out her passion serve her personal mission: to academically open minds and spiritually speak to hearts. Her hope is that her work widens our imaginative capacity to excavate new pathways for equity that lead to a collective\, interdependent freedom.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela MartinezAssistant Manager\, Youth ServicesHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at Harris County Public Library. She has over a decade of experience in public libraries and leads system-wide literacy programs like Summer Reading and Growing Readers at HCPL. Anjela grew up in libraries and understands the importance libraries play in fostering literacy and lifelong learning. She enjoys spending time with her family\, reading\, baking\, traveling\, and going on adventures with her dog Lobo.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn JenningsYouth Literacy Services SpecialistHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings is the Youth Literacy Services Specialist for Harris County Public Library. LeeAnn is a former school teacher who made the switch to public libraries in 2017. She helps coordinates HCPL’s county wide youth literacy programs such as Book Buddies\, Tournament of Books\, Growing Readers\, and the Summer Reading Program. As someone with dyslexia\, LeeAnn was a struggling reader in school until she discovered the mythical “one book” that turned her into an avid reader- and now she helps other children discover their book! LeeAnn enjoys reading\, crafting\, and playing pretend with her Dungeons and Dragons group. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings \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 Checked/updated 11/25/24 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:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online panel discussion will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, November 21\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll hear from Fran-Victoria Stephens (Story Square) who will share important information about the generational impact of family literacy. Other guests will include Anjela Martinez and LeeAnn Jennings (Harris County Public Library) to give us a strong understanding about how public libraries are making a difference.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria StephensFounder & PresidentStory Square \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens is a former attorney and journalist who became the Founder and President of Story Square\, Inc. – an evidence-based education social enterprise. After the pandemic\, when she witnessed firsthand how parents faced the daunting task of serving as their children’s primary resource for education\, she decided parents needed to experience the mission and spirit of Story Square on a larger stage. So\, in 2022 she expanded the organization’s work and began Story Square’s Lit with Families Texas Family Literacy Festival\, which takes place annually at downtown Houston’s Discovery Green. Fran-Victoria is an impact addict and obsessed with the impact today’s small actions have on enduring change for our future. She is an avid researcher\, writer\, civil rights and education advocate\, lecturer\, and a self-proclaimed neoteric. She specializes in building new things. From idea generation\, process design\, implementation\, and then evaluation\, she has created lectures\, programs\, and Story Square with a focus on operationalizing her passion and education in civil rights law. These vehicles that carry out her passion serve her personal mission: to academically open minds and spiritually speak to hearts. Her hope is that her work widens our imaginative capacity to excavate new pathways for equity that lead to a collective\, interdependent freedom.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela MartinezAssistant Manager\, Youth ServicesHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at Harris County Public Library. She has over a decade of experience in public libraries and leads system-wide literacy programs like Summer Reading and Growing Readers at HCPL. Anjela grew up in libraries and understands the importance libraries play in fostering literacy and lifelong learning. She enjoys spending time with her family\, reading\, baking\, traveling\, and going on adventures with her dog Lobo.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn JenningsYouth Literacy Services SpecialistHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings is the Youth Literacy Services Specialist for Harris County Public Library. LeeAnn is a former school teacher who made the switch to public libraries in 2017. She helps coordinates HCPL’s county wide youth literacy programs such as Book Buddies\, Tournament of Books\, Growing Readers\, and the Summer Reading Program. As someone with dyslexia\, LeeAnn was a struggling reader in school until she discovered the mythical “one book” that turned her into an avid reader- and now she helps other children discover their book! LeeAnn enjoys reading\, crafting\, and playing pretend with her Dungeons and Dragons group. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings \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 Checked/updated 11/25/24 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/expert-edge-apr-2026/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Online Event,Other Events,The Expert Edge,Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-Edge-Worth-the-Stay-1200x300-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago: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:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online panel discussion will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, November 21\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll hear from Fran-Victoria Stephens (Story Square) who will share important information about the generational impact of family literacy. Other guests will include Anjela Martinez and LeeAnn Jennings (Harris County Public Library) to give us a strong understanding about how public libraries are making a difference.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria StephensFounder & PresidentStory Square \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens is a former attorney and journalist who became the Founder and President of Story Square\, Inc. – an evidence-based education social enterprise. After the pandemic\, when she witnessed firsthand how parents faced the daunting task of serving as their children’s primary resource for education\, she decided parents needed to experience the mission and spirit of Story Square on a larger stage. So\, in 2022 she expanded the organization’s work and began Story Square’s Lit with Families Texas Family Literacy Festival\, which takes place annually at downtown Houston’s Discovery Green. Fran-Victoria is an impact addict and obsessed with the impact today’s small actions have on enduring change for our future. She is an avid researcher\, writer\, civil rights and education advocate\, lecturer\, and a self-proclaimed neoteric. She specializes in building new things. From idea generation\, process design\, implementation\, and then evaluation\, she has created lectures\, programs\, and Story Square with a focus on operationalizing her passion and education in civil rights law. These vehicles that carry out her passion serve her personal mission: to academically open minds and spiritually speak to hearts. Her hope is that her work widens our imaginative capacity to excavate new pathways for equity that lead to a collective\, interdependent freedom.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela MartinezAssistant Manager\, Youth ServicesHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at Harris County Public Library. She has over a decade of experience in public libraries and leads system-wide literacy programs like Summer Reading and Growing Readers at HCPL. Anjela grew up in libraries and understands the importance libraries play in fostering literacy and lifelong learning. She enjoys spending time with her family\, reading\, baking\, traveling\, and going on adventures with her dog Lobo.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn JenningsYouth Literacy Services SpecialistHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings is the Youth Literacy Services Specialist for Harris County Public Library. LeeAnn is a former school teacher who made the switch to public libraries in 2017. She helps coordinates HCPL’s county wide youth literacy programs such as Book Buddies\, Tournament of Books\, Growing Readers\, and the Summer Reading Program. As someone with dyslexia\, LeeAnn was a struggling reader in school until she discovered the mythical “one book” that turned her into an avid reader- and now she helps other children discover their book! LeeAnn enjoys reading\, crafting\, and playing pretend with her Dungeons and Dragons group. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings \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 Checked/updated 11/25/24 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:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online panel discussion will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, November 21\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll hear from Fran-Victoria Stephens (Story Square) who will share important information about the generational impact of family literacy. Other guests will include Anjela Martinez and LeeAnn Jennings (Harris County Public Library) to give us a strong understanding about how public libraries are making a difference.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria StephensFounder & PresidentStory Square \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens is a former attorney and journalist who became the Founder and President of Story Square\, Inc. – an evidence-based education social enterprise. After the pandemic\, when she witnessed firsthand how parents faced the daunting task of serving as their children’s primary resource for education\, she decided parents needed to experience the mission and spirit of Story Square on a larger stage. So\, in 2022 she expanded the organization’s work and began Story Square’s Lit with Families Texas Family Literacy Festival\, which takes place annually at downtown Houston’s Discovery Green. Fran-Victoria is an impact addict and obsessed with the impact today’s small actions have on enduring change for our future. She is an avid researcher\, writer\, civil rights and education advocate\, lecturer\, and a self-proclaimed neoteric. She specializes in building new things. From idea generation\, process design\, implementation\, and then evaluation\, she has created lectures\, programs\, and Story Square with a focus on operationalizing her passion and education in civil rights law. These vehicles that carry out her passion serve her personal mission: to academically open minds and spiritually speak to hearts. Her hope is that her work widens our imaginative capacity to excavate new pathways for equity that lead to a collective\, interdependent freedom.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela MartinezAssistant Manager\, Youth ServicesHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at Harris County Public Library. She has over a decade of experience in public libraries and leads system-wide literacy programs like Summer Reading and Growing Readers at HCPL. Anjela grew up in libraries and understands the importance libraries play in fostering literacy and lifelong learning. She enjoys spending time with her family\, reading\, baking\, traveling\, and going on adventures with her dog Lobo.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn JenningsYouth Literacy Services SpecialistHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings is the Youth Literacy Services Specialist for Harris County Public Library. LeeAnn is a former school teacher who made the switch to public libraries in 2017. She helps coordinates HCPL’s county wide youth literacy programs such as Book Buddies\, Tournament of Books\, Growing Readers\, and the Summer Reading Program. As someone with dyslexia\, LeeAnn was a struggling reader in school until she discovered the mythical “one book” that turned her into an avid reader- and now she helps other children discover their book! LeeAnn enjoys reading\, crafting\, and playing pretend with her Dungeons and Dragons group. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings \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 Checked/updated 11/25/24 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/best-of-texas-may-2026/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Best of Texas,Literacy Texas Events,Online Event ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/GOOGLE-BEST-Clear-Communication-1200-x-300-px.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260604T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260604T103000 DTSTAMP:20260604T230549Z CREATED:20260409T082310Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T230549Z UID:6383-1780563600-1780569000@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:What Leaders Need: Effective Student Recruitment & Orientation DESCRIPTION:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online panel discussion will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, November 21\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll hear from Fran-Victoria Stephens (Story Square) who will share important information about the generational impact of family literacy. Other guests will include Anjela Martinez and LeeAnn Jennings (Harris County Public Library) to give us a strong understanding about how public libraries are making a difference.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria StephensFounder & PresidentStory Square \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens is a former attorney and journalist who became the Founder and President of Story Square\, Inc. – an evidence-based education social enterprise. After the pandemic\, when she witnessed firsthand how parents faced the daunting task of serving as their children’s primary resource for education\, she decided parents needed to experience the mission and spirit of Story Square on a larger stage. So\, in 2022 she expanded the organization’s work and began Story Square’s Lit with Families Texas Family Literacy Festival\, which takes place annually at downtown Houston’s Discovery Green. Fran-Victoria is an impact addict and obsessed with the impact today’s small actions have on enduring change for our future. She is an avid researcher\, writer\, civil rights and education advocate\, lecturer\, and a self-proclaimed neoteric. She specializes in building new things. From idea generation\, process design\, implementation\, and then evaluation\, she has created lectures\, programs\, and Story Square with a focus on operationalizing her passion and education in civil rights law. These vehicles that carry out her passion serve her personal mission: to academically open minds and spiritually speak to hearts. Her hope is that her work widens our imaginative capacity to excavate new pathways for equity that lead to a collective\, interdependent freedom.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela MartinezAssistant Manager\, Youth ServicesHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at Harris County Public Library. She has over a decade of experience in public libraries and leads system-wide literacy programs like Summer Reading and Growing Readers at HCPL. Anjela grew up in libraries and understands the importance libraries play in fostering literacy and lifelong learning. She enjoys spending time with her family\, reading\, baking\, traveling\, and going on adventures with her dog Lobo.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn JenningsYouth Literacy Services SpecialistHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings is the Youth Literacy Services Specialist for Harris County Public Library. LeeAnn is a former school teacher who made the switch to public libraries in 2017. She helps coordinates HCPL’s county wide youth literacy programs such as Book Buddies\, Tournament of Books\, Growing Readers\, and the Summer Reading Program. As someone with dyslexia\, LeeAnn was a struggling reader in school until she discovered the mythical “one book” that turned her into an avid reader- and now she helps other children discover their book! LeeAnn enjoys reading\, crafting\, and playing pretend with her Dungeons and Dragons group. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings \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 Checked/updated 11/25/24 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/leaders-jun-2026/ LOCATION:Online Event – Zoom CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Online Event,Other Events,Training,What Leaders Need ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/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:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online panel discussion will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, November 21\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll hear from Fran-Victoria Stephens (Story Square) who will share important information about the generational impact of family literacy. Other guests will include Anjela Martinez and LeeAnn Jennings (Harris County Public Library) to give us a strong understanding about how public libraries are making a difference.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria StephensFounder & PresidentStory Square \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens is a former attorney and journalist who became the Founder and President of Story Square\, Inc. – an evidence-based education social enterprise. After the pandemic\, when she witnessed firsthand how parents faced the daunting task of serving as their children’s primary resource for education\, she decided parents needed to experience the mission and spirit of Story Square on a larger stage. So\, in 2022 she expanded the organization’s work and began Story Square’s Lit with Families Texas Family Literacy Festival\, which takes place annually at downtown Houston’s Discovery Green. Fran-Victoria is an impact addict and obsessed with the impact today’s small actions have on enduring change for our future. She is an avid researcher\, writer\, civil rights and education advocate\, lecturer\, and a self-proclaimed neoteric. She specializes in building new things. From idea generation\, process design\, implementation\, and then evaluation\, she has created lectures\, programs\, and Story Square with a focus on operationalizing her passion and education in civil rights law. These vehicles that carry out her passion serve her personal mission: to academically open minds and spiritually speak to hearts. Her hope is that her work widens our imaginative capacity to excavate new pathways for equity that lead to a collective\, interdependent freedom.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela MartinezAssistant Manager\, Youth ServicesHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at Harris County Public Library. She has over a decade of experience in public libraries and leads system-wide literacy programs like Summer Reading and Growing Readers at HCPL. Anjela grew up in libraries and understands the importance libraries play in fostering literacy and lifelong learning. She enjoys spending time with her family\, reading\, baking\, traveling\, and going on adventures with her dog Lobo.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn JenningsYouth Literacy Services SpecialistHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings is the Youth Literacy Services Specialist for Harris County Public Library. LeeAnn is a former school teacher who made the switch to public libraries in 2017. She helps coordinates HCPL’s county wide youth literacy programs such as Book Buddies\, Tournament of Books\, Growing Readers\, and the Summer Reading Program. As someone with dyslexia\, LeeAnn was a struggling reader in school until she discovered the mythical “one book” that turned her into an avid reader- and now she helps other children discover their book! LeeAnn enjoys reading\, crafting\, and playing pretend with her Dungeons and Dragons group. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings \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 Checked/updated 11/25/24 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:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online panel discussion will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, November 21\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll hear from Fran-Victoria Stephens (Story Square) who will share important information about the generational impact of family literacy. Other guests will include Anjela Martinez and LeeAnn Jennings (Harris County Public Library) to give us a strong understanding about how public libraries are making a difference.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria StephensFounder & PresidentStory Square \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens is a former attorney and journalist who became the Founder and President of Story Square\, Inc. – an evidence-based education social enterprise. After the pandemic\, when she witnessed firsthand how parents faced the daunting task of serving as their children’s primary resource for education\, she decided parents needed to experience the mission and spirit of Story Square on a larger stage. So\, in 2022 she expanded the organization’s work and began Story Square’s Lit with Families Texas Family Literacy Festival\, which takes place annually at downtown Houston’s Discovery Green. Fran-Victoria is an impact addict and obsessed with the impact today’s small actions have on enduring change for our future. She is an avid researcher\, writer\, civil rights and education advocate\, lecturer\, and a self-proclaimed neoteric. She specializes in building new things. From idea generation\, process design\, implementation\, and then evaluation\, she has created lectures\, programs\, and Story Square with a focus on operationalizing her passion and education in civil rights law. These vehicles that carry out her passion serve her personal mission: to academically open minds and spiritually speak to hearts. Her hope is that her work widens our imaginative capacity to excavate new pathways for equity that lead to a collective\, interdependent freedom.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela MartinezAssistant Manager\, Youth ServicesHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at Harris County Public Library. She has over a decade of experience in public libraries and leads system-wide literacy programs like Summer Reading and Growing Readers at HCPL. Anjela grew up in libraries and understands the importance libraries play in fostering literacy and lifelong learning. She enjoys spending time with her family\, reading\, baking\, traveling\, and going on adventures with her dog Lobo.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn JenningsYouth Literacy Services SpecialistHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings is the Youth Literacy Services Specialist for Harris County Public Library. LeeAnn is a former school teacher who made the switch to public libraries in 2017. She helps coordinates HCPL’s county wide youth literacy programs such as Book Buddies\, Tournament of Books\, Growing Readers\, and the Summer Reading Program. As someone with dyslexia\, LeeAnn was a struggling reader in school until she discovered the mythical “one book” that turned her into an avid reader- and now she helps other children discover their book! LeeAnn enjoys reading\, crafting\, and playing pretend with her Dungeons and Dragons group. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings \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 Checked/updated 11/25/24 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:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online panel discussion will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, November 21\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll hear from Fran-Victoria Stephens (Story Square) who will share important information about the generational impact of family literacy. Other guests will include Anjela Martinez and LeeAnn Jennings (Harris County Public Library) to give us a strong understanding about how public libraries are making a difference.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria StephensFounder & PresidentStory Square \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens is a former attorney and journalist who became the Founder and President of Story Square\, Inc. – an evidence-based education social enterprise. After the pandemic\, when she witnessed firsthand how parents faced the daunting task of serving as their children’s primary resource for education\, she decided parents needed to experience the mission and spirit of Story Square on a larger stage. So\, in 2022 she expanded the organization’s work and began Story Square’s Lit with Families Texas Family Literacy Festival\, which takes place annually at downtown Houston’s Discovery Green. Fran-Victoria is an impact addict and obsessed with the impact today’s small actions have on enduring change for our future. She is an avid researcher\, writer\, civil rights and education advocate\, lecturer\, and a self-proclaimed neoteric. She specializes in building new things. From idea generation\, process design\, implementation\, and then evaluation\, she has created lectures\, programs\, and Story Square with a focus on operationalizing her passion and education in civil rights law. These vehicles that carry out her passion serve her personal mission: to academically open minds and spiritually speak to hearts. Her hope is that her work widens our imaginative capacity to excavate new pathways for equity that lead to a collective\, interdependent freedom.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela MartinezAssistant Manager\, Youth ServicesHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at Harris County Public Library. She has over a decade of experience in public libraries and leads system-wide literacy programs like Summer Reading and Growing Readers at HCPL. Anjela grew up in libraries and understands the importance libraries play in fostering literacy and lifelong learning. She enjoys spending time with her family\, reading\, baking\, traveling\, and going on adventures with her dog Lobo.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn JenningsYouth Literacy Services SpecialistHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings is the Youth Literacy Services Specialist for Harris County Public Library. LeeAnn is a former school teacher who made the switch to public libraries in 2017. She helps coordinates HCPL’s county wide youth literacy programs such as Book Buddies\, Tournament of Books\, Growing Readers\, and the Summer Reading Program. As someone with dyslexia\, LeeAnn was a struggling reader in school until she discovered the mythical “one book” that turned her into an avid reader- and now she helps other children discover their book! LeeAnn enjoys reading\, crafting\, and playing pretend with her Dungeons and Dragons group. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings \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 Checked/updated 11/25/24 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:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online panel discussion will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, November 21\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll hear from Fran-Victoria Stephens (Story Square) who will share important information about the generational impact of family literacy. Other guests will include Anjela Martinez and LeeAnn Jennings (Harris County Public Library) to give us a strong understanding about how public libraries are making a difference.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria StephensFounder & PresidentStory Square \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens is a former attorney and journalist who became the Founder and President of Story Square\, Inc. – an evidence-based education social enterprise. After the pandemic\, when she witnessed firsthand how parents faced the daunting task of serving as their children’s primary resource for education\, she decided parents needed to experience the mission and spirit of Story Square on a larger stage. So\, in 2022 she expanded the organization’s work and began Story Square’s Lit with Families Texas Family Literacy Festival\, which takes place annually at downtown Houston’s Discovery Green. Fran-Victoria is an impact addict and obsessed with the impact today’s small actions have on enduring change for our future. She is an avid researcher\, writer\, civil rights and education advocate\, lecturer\, and a self-proclaimed neoteric. She specializes in building new things. From idea generation\, process design\, implementation\, and then evaluation\, she has created lectures\, programs\, and Story Square with a focus on operationalizing her passion and education in civil rights law. These vehicles that carry out her passion serve her personal mission: to academically open minds and spiritually speak to hearts. Her hope is that her work widens our imaginative capacity to excavate new pathways for equity that lead to a collective\, interdependent freedom.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela MartinezAssistant Manager\, Youth ServicesHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at Harris County Public Library. She has over a decade of experience in public libraries and leads system-wide literacy programs like Summer Reading and Growing Readers at HCPL. Anjela grew up in libraries and understands the importance libraries play in fostering literacy and lifelong learning. She enjoys spending time with her family\, reading\, baking\, traveling\, and going on adventures with her dog Lobo.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn JenningsYouth Literacy Services SpecialistHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings is the Youth Literacy Services Specialist for Harris County Public Library. LeeAnn is a former school teacher who made the switch to public libraries in 2017. She helps coordinates HCPL’s county wide youth literacy programs such as Book Buddies\, Tournament of Books\, Growing Readers\, and the Summer Reading Program. As someone with dyslexia\, LeeAnn was a struggling reader in school until she discovered the mythical “one book” that turned her into an avid reader- and now she helps other children discover their book! LeeAnn enjoys reading\, crafting\, and playing pretend with her Dungeons and Dragons group. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings \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 Checked/updated 11/25/24 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:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online panel discussion will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, November 21\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll hear from Fran-Victoria Stephens (Story Square) who will share important information about the generational impact of family literacy. Other guests will include Anjela Martinez and LeeAnn Jennings (Harris County Public Library) to give us a strong understanding about how public libraries are making a difference.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria StephensFounder & PresidentStory Square \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens is a former attorney and journalist who became the Founder and President of Story Square\, Inc. – an evidence-based education social enterprise. After the pandemic\, when she witnessed firsthand how parents faced the daunting task of serving as their children’s primary resource for education\, she decided parents needed to experience the mission and spirit of Story Square on a larger stage. So\, in 2022 she expanded the organization’s work and began Story Square’s Lit with Families Texas Family Literacy Festival\, which takes place annually at downtown Houston’s Discovery Green. Fran-Victoria is an impact addict and obsessed with the impact today’s small actions have on enduring change for our future. She is an avid researcher\, writer\, civil rights and education advocate\, lecturer\, and a self-proclaimed neoteric. She specializes in building new things. From idea generation\, process design\, implementation\, and then evaluation\, she has created lectures\, programs\, and Story Square with a focus on operationalizing her passion and education in civil rights law. These vehicles that carry out her passion serve her personal mission: to academically open minds and spiritually speak to hearts. Her hope is that her work widens our imaginative capacity to excavate new pathways for equity that lead to a collective\, interdependent freedom.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela MartinezAssistant Manager\, Youth ServicesHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at Harris County Public Library. She has over a decade of experience in public libraries and leads system-wide literacy programs like Summer Reading and Growing Readers at HCPL. Anjela grew up in libraries and understands the importance libraries play in fostering literacy and lifelong learning. She enjoys spending time with her family\, reading\, baking\, traveling\, and going on adventures with her dog Lobo.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn JenningsYouth Literacy Services SpecialistHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings is the Youth Literacy Services Specialist for Harris County Public Library. LeeAnn is a former school teacher who made the switch to public libraries in 2017. She helps coordinates HCPL’s county wide youth literacy programs such as Book Buddies\, Tournament of Books\, Growing Readers\, and the Summer Reading Program. As someone with dyslexia\, LeeAnn was a struggling reader in school until she discovered the mythical “one book” that turned her into an avid reader- and now she helps other children discover their book! LeeAnn enjoys reading\, crafting\, and playing pretend with her Dungeons and Dragons group. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings \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 Checked/updated 11/25/24 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:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online panel discussion will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, November 21\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll hear from Fran-Victoria Stephens (Story Square) who will share important information about the generational impact of family literacy. Other guests will include Anjela Martinez and LeeAnn Jennings (Harris County Public Library) to give us a strong understanding about how public libraries are making a difference.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria StephensFounder & PresidentStory Square \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens is a former attorney and journalist who became the Founder and President of Story Square\, Inc. – an evidence-based education social enterprise. After the pandemic\, when she witnessed firsthand how parents faced the daunting task of serving as their children’s primary resource for education\, she decided parents needed to experience the mission and spirit of Story Square on a larger stage. So\, in 2022 she expanded the organization’s work and began Story Square’s Lit with Families Texas Family Literacy Festival\, which takes place annually at downtown Houston’s Discovery Green. Fran-Victoria is an impact addict and obsessed with the impact today’s small actions have on enduring change for our future. She is an avid researcher\, writer\, civil rights and education advocate\, lecturer\, and a self-proclaimed neoteric. She specializes in building new things. From idea generation\, process design\, implementation\, and then evaluation\, she has created lectures\, programs\, and Story Square with a focus on operationalizing her passion and education in civil rights law. These vehicles that carry out her passion serve her personal mission: to academically open minds and spiritually speak to hearts. Her hope is that her work widens our imaginative capacity to excavate new pathways for equity that lead to a collective\, interdependent freedom.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela MartinezAssistant Manager\, Youth ServicesHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at Harris County Public Library. She has over a decade of experience in public libraries and leads system-wide literacy programs like Summer Reading and Growing Readers at HCPL. Anjela grew up in libraries and understands the importance libraries play in fostering literacy and lifelong learning. She enjoys spending time with her family\, reading\, baking\, traveling\, and going on adventures with her dog Lobo.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn JenningsYouth Literacy Services SpecialistHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings is the Youth Literacy Services Specialist for Harris County Public Library. LeeAnn is a former school teacher who made the switch to public libraries in 2017. She helps coordinates HCPL’s county wide youth literacy programs such as Book Buddies\, Tournament of Books\, Growing Readers\, and the Summer Reading Program. As someone with dyslexia\, LeeAnn was a struggling reader in school until she discovered the mythical “one book” that turned her into an avid reader- and now she helps other children discover their book! LeeAnn enjoys reading\, crafting\, and playing pretend with her Dungeons and Dragons group. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings \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 Checked/updated 11/25/24 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:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online panel discussion will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, November 21\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll hear from Fran-Victoria Stephens (Story Square) who will share important information about the generational impact of family literacy. Other guests will include Anjela Martinez and LeeAnn Jennings (Harris County Public Library) to give us a strong understanding about how public libraries are making a difference.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria StephensFounder & PresidentStory Square \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens is a former attorney and journalist who became the Founder and President of Story Square\, Inc. – an evidence-based education social enterprise. After the pandemic\, when she witnessed firsthand how parents faced the daunting task of serving as their children’s primary resource for education\, she decided parents needed to experience the mission and spirit of Story Square on a larger stage. So\, in 2022 she expanded the organization’s work and began Story Square’s Lit with Families Texas Family Literacy Festival\, which takes place annually at downtown Houston’s Discovery Green. Fran-Victoria is an impact addict and obsessed with the impact today’s small actions have on enduring change for our future. She is an avid researcher\, writer\, civil rights and education advocate\, lecturer\, and a self-proclaimed neoteric. She specializes in building new things. From idea generation\, process design\, implementation\, and then evaluation\, she has created lectures\, programs\, and Story Square with a focus on operationalizing her passion and education in civil rights law. These vehicles that carry out her passion serve her personal mission: to academically open minds and spiritually speak to hearts. Her hope is that her work widens our imaginative capacity to excavate new pathways for equity that lead to a collective\, interdependent freedom.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela MartinezAssistant Manager\, Youth ServicesHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at Harris County Public Library. She has over a decade of experience in public libraries and leads system-wide literacy programs like Summer Reading and Growing Readers at HCPL. Anjela grew up in libraries and understands the importance libraries play in fostering literacy and lifelong learning. She enjoys spending time with her family\, reading\, baking\, traveling\, and going on adventures with her dog Lobo.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn JenningsYouth Literacy Services SpecialistHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings is the Youth Literacy Services Specialist for Harris County Public Library. LeeAnn is a former school teacher who made the switch to public libraries in 2017. She helps coordinates HCPL’s county wide youth literacy programs such as Book Buddies\, Tournament of Books\, Growing Readers\, and the Summer Reading Program. As someone with dyslexia\, LeeAnn was a struggling reader in school until she discovered the mythical “one book” that turned her into an avid reader- and now she helps other children discover their book! LeeAnn enjoys reading\, crafting\, and playing pretend with her Dungeons and Dragons group. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings \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 Checked/updated 11/25/24 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:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online panel discussion will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, November 21\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll hear from Fran-Victoria Stephens (Story Square) who will share important information about the generational impact of family literacy. Other guests will include Anjela Martinez and LeeAnn Jennings (Harris County Public Library) to give us a strong understanding about how public libraries are making a difference.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria StephensFounder & PresidentStory Square \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens is a former attorney and journalist who became the Founder and President of Story Square\, Inc. – an evidence-based education social enterprise. After the pandemic\, when she witnessed firsthand how parents faced the daunting task of serving as their children’s primary resource for education\, she decided parents needed to experience the mission and spirit of Story Square on a larger stage. So\, in 2022 she expanded the organization’s work and began Story Square’s Lit with Families Texas Family Literacy Festival\, which takes place annually at downtown Houston’s Discovery Green. Fran-Victoria is an impact addict and obsessed with the impact today’s small actions have on enduring change for our future. She is an avid researcher\, writer\, civil rights and education advocate\, lecturer\, and a self-proclaimed neoteric. She specializes in building new things. From idea generation\, process design\, implementation\, and then evaluation\, she has created lectures\, programs\, and Story Square with a focus on operationalizing her passion and education in civil rights law. These vehicles that carry out her passion serve her personal mission: to academically open minds and spiritually speak to hearts. Her hope is that her work widens our imaginative capacity to excavate new pathways for equity that lead to a collective\, interdependent freedom.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela MartinezAssistant Manager\, Youth ServicesHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at Harris County Public Library. She has over a decade of experience in public libraries and leads system-wide literacy programs like Summer Reading and Growing Readers at HCPL. Anjela grew up in libraries and understands the importance libraries play in fostering literacy and lifelong learning. She enjoys spending time with her family\, reading\, baking\, traveling\, and going on adventures with her dog Lobo.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn JenningsYouth Literacy Services SpecialistHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings is the Youth Literacy Services Specialist for Harris County Public Library. LeeAnn is a former school teacher who made the switch to public libraries in 2017. She helps coordinates HCPL’s county wide youth literacy programs such as Book Buddies\, Tournament of Books\, Growing Readers\, and the Summer Reading Program. As someone with dyslexia\, LeeAnn was a struggling reader in school until she discovered the mythical “one book” that turned her into an avid reader- and now she helps other children discover their book! LeeAnn enjoys reading\, crafting\, and playing pretend with her Dungeons and Dragons group. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings \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 Checked/updated 11/25/24 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 BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260924T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260924T153000 DTSTAMP:20260731T041928Z CREATED:20260731T041033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T041928Z UID:8810-1790236800-1790263800@www.literacytexas.org SUMMARY:East Texas Literacy Symposium DESCRIPTION:Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way. \n \n \n \n Thank you so much for your interest! This event is now over. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online panel discussion will be held on: \n \n \n \n Thursday\, November 21\, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT). \n \n \n \n The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM. \n \n \n \n Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ABOUT THIS SESSION \n \n \n \n We’ll hear from Fran-Victoria Stephens (Story Square) who will share important information about the generational impact of family literacy. Other guests will include Anjela Martinez and LeeAnn Jennings (Harris County Public Library) to give us a strong understanding about how public libraries are making a difference.   \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Guests this month: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria StephensFounder & PresidentStory Square \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens is a former attorney and journalist who became the Founder and President of Story Square\, Inc. – an evidence-based education social enterprise. After the pandemic\, when she witnessed firsthand how parents faced the daunting task of serving as their children’s primary resource for education\, she decided parents needed to experience the mission and spirit of Story Square on a larger stage. So\, in 2022 she expanded the organization’s work and began Story Square’s Lit with Families Texas Family Literacy Festival\, which takes place annually at downtown Houston’s Discovery Green. Fran-Victoria is an impact addict and obsessed with the impact today’s small actions have on enduring change for our future. She is an avid researcher\, writer\, civil rights and education advocate\, lecturer\, and a self-proclaimed neoteric. She specializes in building new things. From idea generation\, process design\, implementation\, and then evaluation\, she has created lectures\, programs\, and Story Square with a focus on operationalizing her passion and education in civil rights law. These vehicles that carry out her passion serve her personal mission: to academically open minds and spiritually speak to hearts. Her hope is that her work widens our imaginative capacity to excavate new pathways for equity that lead to a collective\, interdependent freedom.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela MartinezAssistant Manager\, Youth ServicesHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez is the Youth Services Assistant Manager at Harris County Public Library. She has over a decade of experience in public libraries and leads system-wide literacy programs like Summer Reading and Growing Readers at HCPL. Anjela grew up in libraries and understands the importance libraries play in fostering literacy and lifelong learning. She enjoys spending time with her family\, reading\, baking\, traveling\, and going on adventures with her dog Lobo.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn JenningsYouth Literacy Services SpecialistHarris County Public Library \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings is the Youth Literacy Services Specialist for Harris County Public Library. LeeAnn is a former school teacher who made the switch to public libraries in 2017. She helps coordinates HCPL’s county wide youth literacy programs such as Book Buddies\, Tournament of Books\, Growing Readers\, and the Summer Reading Program. As someone with dyslexia\, LeeAnn was a struggling reader in school until she discovered the mythical “one book” that turned her into an avid reader- and now she helps other children discover their book! LeeAnn enjoys reading\, crafting\, and playing pretend with her Dungeons and Dragons group. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Host: \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack WalkerExecutive DirectorLiteracy Texas \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker joined Literacy Texas in January 2024\, after a successful run as the Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties\, a small non-profit that made a big impact on the Texarkana community during her tenure. Dr. Walker helped the organization find financial stability and expanded innovative academic and workforce program options for adult learners at her center. She and her team launched the first 100 Families Alliance in Texas\, and this innovative approach to holistic support for students led to impressive growth in enrollment and goal completion rates for those she serves. Dr. Walker was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned two decades and impacted thousands of students. She is a certified Texas teacher and principal\, and she has worked in both adjunct faculty and staff positions in higher education. She has also led professional development trainings for teachers and administrators and served as a public speaker. She earned a doctorate in education leadership from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and her dissertation research focused on the importance of holistic support for adult learners. She holds a master’s degree in education administration from Texas A&M University–Texarkana\, and she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n click here to register now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM \n \n \n \n Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive\, please check your junk mail! \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Special thanks to: \n \n \n \n Fran-Victoria Stephens \n \n \n \n Anjela Martinez \n \n \n \n LeeAnn Jennings \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 Checked/updated 11/25/24 URL:https://www.literacytexas.org/calendar/2026-symposium-east-texas/ LOCATION:Maude Cobb Convention Center\, 100 Grand Blvd\, Longview\, TX\, 75604\, United States CATEGORIES:Literacy Texas Events,Symposium,Training ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.literacytexas.org/wp-content/uploads/Cover-general2-white-background-1200x200-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Literacy Texas":MAILTO:info@literacytexas.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR