Regional symposia focus primarily on adult literacy, and provide free professional development for volunteers and staff of nonprofit, community-based adult and family literacy programs.
Your local symposium is an excellent place to network with other literacy providers in your region, and a great source of professional development for volunteer and other instructors, as well as administrative staff.
QUICK LINKS FOR THE 2026 EAST TEXAS SYMPOSIUM:
Click on any of the links below to go straight to that section, or simply scroll down the page.
BASIC DETAILS
The 2026 East Texas Literacy Symposium will be a full-day symposium, and will be held on:
Thursday, September 24, 2026
8:00 AM – 3:30 PM (CT)
Maude Cobb Convention Center
Check-in for pre-registered participants will open at 8:00 AM, with the full program beginning at 8:15 AM.
This symposium is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. See Symposium FAQs for more information.
SYMPOSIUM FAQs
Click on a question to see the answer.
Q: Hang on - "symposium"? Don't you mean "conference"?
A: Literacy Texas does have an annual conference! It’s held every summer.
Our regional symposia are a different type of event to the conference.
Each symposium:
- Takes place in a different Texas region to help minimize travel
- Has a local focus
- Is free to attend
- Generally takes place on one day (some symposia are 2 days)
- Includes workshops for both classroom instructors and program administrators
- Is the primary training Literacy Texas offers for literacy volunteers
- Offers 2.5 – 5.5 hours of professional development, sometimes more
Q: Who should attend this symposium?
A: Anyone interested in adult and family literacy in Texas is welcome at the symposium. The people who will gain the most are instructors at community-based adult literacy organizations and nonprofits.
Volunteer tutors and teachers are especially welcome!
When we create the symposium program, we use the broadest definition of “literacy”, to include all of Adult Foundational Education: adult basic education, English as an additional language, high school equivalency, digital literacy, and workforce readiness, along with other kinds of teaching and learning.
Q: I don't live in this region. Can I still attend?
A: YES! Anyone who lives in Texas is welcome at any Literacy Texas symposium.
Q: Why should I attend?
Two words: LOCAL + FREE!
Each symposium program includes both key topics of universal interest to adult literacy programs, and a focus on the local needs of the region. When you complete our Annual Survey every year, we use the results to invite speakers and presenters on topics you said you particularly wanted and needed.
Furthermore, registration is free. You won’t need a large budget for travel, and you shouldn’t need an overnight stay. We hope that many folks from the same organization can come to the symposium – there’s no limit on how many people can attend from one place. It’s a lot harder to send lots of people to conferences, since we know costs stack up pretty quickly.
Q: How much does registration cost?
A: The symposium is free to attend. Thanks to a generous grant from the Texas Workforce Commission, Literacy Texas can cover the costs of your tuition, any meals and snacks offered, materials, and other resources.
Please be aware that in recent years, between 10% and 25% of registrants are no-shows at our training events. Every one of these costs us money (since we’ve already paid for food, materials, and more).
If you’ve registered for a Literacy Texas event but then find you can no longer attend, PLEASE get in touch to cancel your registration.
Q: Do you offer PD credit?
A: Yes! Literacy Texas offers PD credit in conjunction with TCALL.
You must use the Literacy Texas app to scan in to all sessions if you want an official record of your professional development. We will send records via email to all app users in the weeks following the symposium.
VENUE DETAILS
LOCATION, MAP, AND PARKING
This symposium will be held at the Maude Cobb Convention Center, 100 Grand Blvd, Longview, TX 75604
VENUE FLOORPLAN
FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION
This session has reached capacity and we are forming a waitlist.
Use the registration button below to add your name to the list.
Registration for this session has now closed
REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM
Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive, please check your junk mail!
Online registration has now closed – but we have a few spots available for last-minute registrants!
Call us at 972-926-3155 to make arrangements.
PD CERTIFICATES
Attendees can receive up to 5.5 hours of PD credit at this symposium.
You must use the Literacy Texas app to track your session attendance if you want to receive PD credit. Information about how to access and use the app will be sent to registrants ahead of the symposium.
Certificates of completion will be sent via email in the weeks after the event to anyone who tracked their sessions in the Literacy Texas app.
SCHEDULE OUTLINE
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM | Check-in for pre-registered attendees; breakfast
8:15 AM – 8:25 AM | Literacy Texas welcome
8:25 AM – 8:40 AM | “Together for Literacy” – The Literacy Ecosystem (0.25 PD hours)
8:40 AM – 8:50 AM | Regional Host welcome
8:50 AM – 9:05 AM | “Regional Asset Mapping” – The Local Ecosystem (0.25 PD hours)
9:10 AM –10:40 AM | Breakout #1 (1.5 PD hours)
10:55 AM –12:25 PM | Breakout #2 (1.5 PD hours)
12:35 PM – 1:45 PM | Working Lunch + Panel Discussion (1 PD hour)
1:50 PM – 2:10 PM | “The 20-Minute Mission” – Meet the Exhibitors
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM | “Your Move” – Action Planning (1 PD hour)
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM | Farewell, door prizes
Total PD available: 5.5 hours
PROGRAM, SESSIONS, & SPEAKERS
Session details will be added here as they’re finalized.
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM: CHECK-IN, BREAKFAST
LOCATION: West Hall
8:15 AM – 8:25 AM: LITERACY TEXAS WELCOME
LOCATION: West Hall
Katie Welch, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Literacy Texas
Katie Welch, Ph.D., serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state, national, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network.
8:25 AM – 8:40 AM
“Together for Literacy” – the Literacy Ecosystem
(0.25 hours PD)
LOCATION: West Hall
In this opening segment, Literacy Texas introduces the literacy ecosystem: the many teachers and tutors, volunteers, community programs, libraries, adult education providers, workforce partners, and others who support adults along their learning journeys.
Every part of the ecosystem plays a valuable role – especially teachers, who are often closest to learners and among the first to recognize their needs.
Together, we’ll explore where each of us fits within this broader ecosystem and how a more connected literacy community can help us better serve learners.
Katie Welch, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Literacy Texas
Katie Welch, Ph.D., serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state, national, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network.
8:40 AM – 8:50 AM: REGIONAL HOST WELCOME
LOCATION: West Hall
PANEL MODERATOR
Dr. Cynthia Kilpatrick
Literacy ConneXus
Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Kilpatrick is the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Stephen F. Austin State University, where she leads initiatives to enhance faculty development and student learning. Previously, she spent 15 years as a faculty member in the Department of Linguistics and TESOL at UT Arlington, serving as Director of the English Language Institute and contributing to teaching excellence initiatives.
With extensive experience in ESL education, she has taught in Guatemala, Papua New Guinea, and various U.S. cities, and has been a TEX trainer with Literacy ConneXus since 2015.
8:50 AM – 9:05 AM
“Regional Asset Mapping” – The Local Ecosystem
(0.25 hours PD)
LOCATION: West Hall
Participants will help build a visual map of the organizations and resources serving adult learners across the region.
Using an asset-based approach, we’ll identify who’s in the room, discover resources and programs we may not know about, and begin building a clearer picture of our regional literacy network.
Katie Welch, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Literacy Texas
Katie Welch, Ph.D., serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state, national, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network.
9:10 AM – 10:40 AM
Breakout #1
(1.5 hours PD)
LOCATION: Robbins
The FREE Texas Digital Literacy Toolkit
This session will introduce participants to the Texas Digital Literacy Toolkit by demonstrating several lessons. Participants will use their own devices to participate in live activities, before exploring subsections of the toolkit to learn more about their organization and content.
Participants will learn how the material can be used in the classroom or individually with students, and will then be asked to consider what materials they would adopt to use as is versus what they would adapt to suit the circumstances of their class, all with the goal of having something they can put to use immediately.
Through this workshop, we’ll explore ways to engage students and educate them on a variety of different subjects and durable skills embedded in digital literacy.
The toolkit includes Computer Basics, Internet Safety and Cybersecurity, Email, Microsoft Word and Google Docs, Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets, and Online Job Search. Different modalities for how to use the lesson materials will be demonstrated, including in person paper-based activities, online and flex learning activities, and remote learning activities, including a demonstration of how to use the educational videos through the interactive video resource and activity website Edpuzzle.
Participants will then explore the student and teacher resources on the Digital Literacy Toolkit website with a choiceboard activity before responding in person or with a padlet activity. In this way, participants will be able to engage with the content in as many ways as an instructor can engage students with the toolkit!
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Category
Assigned by TCALL
Other info:
We’ll refer to this website throughout the session: Digital Literacy Toolkit
Gareth Wingfield
Gareth Wingfield is a life-long adult educator. He has more than 20 years of experience with English as a Second Language and High School Equivalency instruction, and served as a full time adult educator in both area over the course of 17 years. During that time he also developed a specialty as a math tutor and trainer of teachers, as well as serving as distance learning coordinator.
He served as a program coordinator for the Distance Education Professional Development Center before transitioning, where he helped develop trainings and presentations as well as leading the development of the Digital Literacy Toolkit before transitioning to a Professional Development Specialist position with the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL).
LOCATION: Killingsworth
Silence Is Not Golden: Creating Questions That Get Students Talking
We’ve all experienced it: you ask a question, look around the room, and hear… crickets.
While student silence can be uncomfortable, it can also be an invitation to rethink the questions we ask and how we ask them. Thoughtfully designed questions can move students beyond one-word answers, encourage deeper thinking, and create opportunities for meaningful interaction and learning.
In this interactive session, participants will explore how the questions we pose and the ways we structure opportunities to respond can influence student engagement.
We’ll examine common types of classroom questions, consider why some questions generate conversation while others shut it down, and explore practical strategies for creating questions that invite students to think, respond, and build on one another’s ideas.
Participants will examine several different types of questions, consider why they are or are not effective in eliciting discussion, and experiment with techniques that can be immediately incorporated into their classrooms. No matter what classes you teach, you’ll leave with practical strategies for transforming classroom questions from conversation-stoppers into conversation starters.
Because sometimes the problem isn’t that students don’t have anything to say. We just haven’t asked the question that helps them say it.
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Category
Assigned by TCALL
Other info:
No other info available at this time.
Dr. Cynthia Kilpatrick
Literacy ConneXus
Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Kilpatrick is the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Stephen F. Austin State University, where she leads initiatives to enhance faculty development and student learning. Previously, she spent 15 years as a faculty member in the Department of Linguistics and TESOL at UT Arlington, serving as Director of the English Language Institute and contributing to teaching excellence initiatives.
With extensive experience in ESL education, she has taught in Guatemala, Papua New Guinea, and various U.S. cities, and has been a TEX trainer with Literacy ConneXus since 2015.
10:55 AM – 12:25 PM
Breakout #2
(1.5 hours PD)
LOCATION: Robbins
AI and Math Instruction
For many of our students and teachers, math is a source of deep anxiety. This may stem from negative experiences throughout their life and education, leading to the idea they are not “math people” and they can never improve. When this feeling takes root in teachers, they feel unprepared to help their students in one of the most important areas of their high school equivalency.
AI has contributed to many advancements in mathematics, from disproving conjectures to finishing decades old proofs. But how useful is it in a classroom? Can it help with this significant problem by helping instructors and students alike face their anxiety and become” math people?”
In this interactive session, we’ll take a look at how math anxiety manifests in the classroom, and look at ways that instructors can use artificial intelligence to handle challenging topics. Attendees will leave with multiple ideas for how they can use AI to reduce math anxiety for their students and themselves.
As part of this presentation, participants will discuss their relative levels of math comfort and math anxiety. Participants will discuss how “math people” and non-”math people” differ and what, if anything, might be valuable to recognize in those distinctions.
Then participants will move into what AI is and what it isn’t. We’ll address the difference between language prediction models and computational engines. We’ll look at how AI can hallucinate math logical errors with absolute confidence. From this will move to the practice of using multiple tools for verification.
Shifting from a focus on “solving problems” to “verifying solutions,” participants will look at multiple tools that can help design lessons to engage critical thinking in students. Using free tools, participants will make visuals and predict misconceptions so they can help address gaps in learning. Participants will also practice with tools that can provide a “Socratic tutor” that can guide them through strategies and ways of thinking so they can use AI as a coach to fill in what they’re missing instead of just going for an easy answer. Participants will apply a “Two Tool Rule” to verify what their “coach” is saying and then discuss how to best employ these tools and rules in their own classroom environments.
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Category
Assigned by TCALL
Other info:
No other info available at this time.
Gareth Wingfield
Gareth Wingfield is a life-long adult educator. He has more than 20 years of experience with English as a Second Language and High School Equivalency instruction, and served as a full time adult educator in both area over the course of 17 years. During that time he also developed a specialty as a math tutor and trainer of teachers, as well as serving as distance learning coordinator.
He served as a program coordinator for the Distance Education Professional Development Center before transitioning, where he helped develop trainings and presentations as well as leading the development of the Digital Literacy Toolkit before transitioning to a Professional Development Specialist position with the Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL).
LOCATION: Killingsworth
Bouncing Back: Creating a Culture of Resilience in Your Classroom
Resilience is often described as the ability to “bounce back” from difficult circumstances.
How “bouncy” are your students?
How “bouncy” are you?
Using the playful metaphor of bouncy balls, this interactive session explores how educators can cultivate a culture of resilience within adult education programs where both teachers and students feel empowered to persist despite challenges.
Participants will reflect on their own “adversity quotient” as educators and also consider the academic, linguistic, and personal obstacles their students encounter. Together, we will examine how the language acquisition process itself develops resilience and discuss intentional ways teachers can use language to nurture a growth mindset.
Attendees will leave with practical, easy-to-implement strategies for promoting resilience and perseverance in their classrooms and programs.
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Category
Assigned by TCALL
Other info:
No other info available at this time.
Katie Welch, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Literacy Texas
Katie Welch, Ph.D., serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state, national, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network.
12:35 PM – 1:45 PM: WORKING LUNCH
LOCATION: West Hall
Panel Discussion
(1 hour PD)
“Connecting the Dots: Adult Literacy and Workforce Development in the East Texas Area”
This panel session will focus on the critical intersection between adult education, workforce training, and regional economic needs. The discussion will highlight how collaboration among education providers, workforce partners, and community organizations can strengthen career pathways, support adult learners, and meet the evolving demands of the East Texas workforce.
PANEL MODERATOR
Brent McLemore
Title, Organization with URL
Bio pending.
PANELIST
Charmyn Tumey, MBA
Program Specialist, Texas Career Pathways Professional Development Center
Charmyn Tumey is a Program Specialist with the Career Pathways Professional Development Center (CPPDC) at Restore Education, where she supports programs that connect adult education with workforce development and career pathway opportunities across Texas.
With experience in management, training, sales, adult education, and nonprofit leadership, Charmyn brings a practical and learner-centered perspective to her work. Prior to joining Restore Education, she served for more than ten years in leadership roles within the Kilgore College Adult Education and Literacy program.
Charmyn earned her MBA from LeTourneau University and remains committed to strengthening communities through education, collaboration, and service. She is an East Texas resident and proud Pine Tree ISD Pirate supporter.
PANELIST
Christie Gambrell
Christian Men and Women’s Job Corp of Rusk County
Bio pending.
PANELIST
Name
Title, Organization with URL
Bio pending.
Additional panelists pending.
1:50 PM – 2:10 PM: THE 20-MINUTE MISSION – MEET THE EXHIBITORS
LOCATION: West Hall
Over 20 minutes, listen to exhibitor highlights and make notes on a card in three sections:
- One new idea;
- An interesting tool or resource you heard about; and
- An exhibitor to follow up with.
This activity functions very similarly to Exhibitor Lightning Rounds, which you may be familiar with if you’ve been to a Literacy Texas Conference in recent years.
At the end, take your card home so you can follow up with action!
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
“Your Move” – Action Planning
(1 hour PD)
LOCATION: West Hall
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Category
Assigned by TCALL
Pending
Other info:
No other info available at this time.
Name
Title, Org with link
Bio pending
Katie Welch, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Literacy Texas
Katie Welch, Ph.D., serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V. Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state, national, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network.
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM: FAREWELL & DOOR PRIZES
LOCATION: West Hall
DOWNLOADS
Download or print a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending the symposium.
Download or print a copy of the symposium program.
Printable PDF copy of the symposium program is coming soon.
SPECIAL THANKS TO SYMPOSIUM UNDERWRITERS!
[name of any sponsors or other partners – as many as relevant, new line for each]
The regional symposia are funded by the Professional Development Support for Nonprofit Adult Literacy Organizations grant from the Texas Workforce Commission.
STAY IN THE KNOW -
Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:
Checked/updated: 8/5/2026
Thank you so much for your interest!
This event is now over.
