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.
Thank you so much for your interest!
This event is now over.
QUICK LINKS FOR THE DFW SYMPOSIUM:
Click on any of the links below to go straight to that section, or simply scroll down the page.
BASIC DETAILS
The 2025 DFW Literacy Symposium will be held on:
Friday, October 24, 2025, from 8:15 AM to 3:30 PM (CT).
Check-in for pre-registered participants will open at 8:15 AM with the full program beginning at 8:45 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 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 or an overnight stay, in the vast majority of cases. 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 15% and 30% 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.
Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email in the days following the training.
Please pay attention to the due dates communicated at your symposium – after each event is wrapped up, we will not be able to go back and re-issue your PD certificate. If you know you’ll need a certificate at a later date, please take care to request it in a timely manner!
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 on 972-926-3155 to make arrangements.
PD CERTIFICATES
Attendees can receive up to 5.5 hours of PD credit at this symposium.
Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate.Surveys will be sent via email after the training, and certificates will be prepared and sent after the survey closes.
Please pay attention to the due dates communicated at your symposium – after each event is wrapped up, we will not be able to go back and re-issue your PD certificate. If you know you’ll need a certificate at a later date, please take care to request it in a timely manner!
PROGRAM, SESSIONS, & SPEAKERS
Schedule will be kept as current as possible but is subject to change; check back here for updates
8:15 AM – 8:45 AM: CHECK-IN
Location: Student Lounge (outside Nueces)
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM: WELCOME, OPENING REMARKS
Location: Nueces
Jacqueline Aguilera
Community Liaison & Program Host, Literacy Texas
Jacqueline “Jackie” Aguilera has logged 38 years of diverse experience across educational and non-profit sectors. With a focus on adult literacy, she has left an indelible mark on various initiatives and projects in the multi-layered field of adult literacy.
As an experienced adult education innovations designer, she earned a 2021 Ford Foundation Mujeres Legendarias Award for creative ed tech applications in adult education. Her service impact also extends beyond the classroom into the workforce. She empowers both employers and employees through worksite literacy training and independent consulting. She leads a local fellowship of adult education providers called the Houston Area Adult Literacy Collective (the incredible HAALC), serves on many committees, boards, and projects impacting adult learners and families, and most recently served as Project Manager for Houston’s Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy.
In summary, Jacqueline’s multifaceted career reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing literacy and education across diverse communities and platforms. Currently on a journey through breast cancer treatment, she is more than ever committed to advancing the lives of all those she serves, making her a messenger of inspiration, innovation, and evolution.
Dr. Katie Welch
TESOL Teacher Educator, University of Texas at Arlington
Katie Welch, Ph.D., is a university instructor, teacher trainer, and active volunteer in adult ed classrooms. In addition to teaching international students in UT-Arlington’s English Language Institute and volunteering weekly in a community-based ESL/GED program, Katie currently provides professional development to language teachers through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State, Cambridge University Press, and Literacy ConneXus.
Katie’s innovative classroom ideas have been published in academic journals such as Language and American Speech, and she presents regularly at national and international conferences, including TESOL International, COABE, and the National Center for Families Learning.
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Opening Session (30 min)
“Unlocking Potential Through Adult Literacy: Our Journey and Future”
In a rapidly changing world that calls for adaptability and lifelong learning, Irene Ramos brings an inspiring perspective on the power of the adult education pipeline to transform lives, families, and communities. Drawing from her decades-long journey in the field of Adult Education and Workforce, her experience as a State and National Trainer, from being the Director of an Adult Education Program that she built from the ground up, through learning in the State Advocate for Adult Education Fellowship (SAAEF), and recent advocacy work in Washington, D.C., Irene shares insights on the future of literacy, the rise of AI, and how educators can connect today’s workforce and family needs to meaningful learning opportunities.
Location: Nueces
Dr. Irene Ramos
Vice President, TALAE; COABE Texas Representative & SAAEF Fellow
Irene Ramos has dedicated 35 years to advancing adult education and workforce training, serving in a variety of impactful roles including instructor, coordinator, staff development trainer, Center Manager, Independent Consultant and Program Manager. With a unique blend of experience across the workforce, adult education, and civic leadership spheres, she brings a comprehensive perspective to each initiative she leads, especially in her current role as an Independent Education Consultant.
Ramos holds a bachelor’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio. Among her accomplishments Ramos successfully designed and built the Adult Education program, Crossroads in the coastal Bend from the ground up thereby rebranding adult education in the Coastal Bend area. Ramos is currently the Vice President of TALAE, the state Adult Education organization and is participating in the COABE sponsored Adult Education Advocacy Fellowship.
A lifelong resident of Poteet, Texas, Ramos has been married to her husband, Ed, for 36 years and is the proud mother of three accomplished children. Her commitment to community, education, and family is evident in all facets of her work and life.
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Networking Activity (30 min)
“Real People. Real Needs. Real Opportunities.”
Real people, real needs, and real opportunities to build together. Come ready to listen, share, and remix in this dynamic 30-minute session —a fast-paced, high-impact networking experience designed to spark meaningful connections, uncover shared challenges, and ignite collaborative solutions across the DFW literacy landscape.
Location: Nueces
Jacqueline Aguilera
Community Liaison & Program Host, Literacy Texas
Jacqueline “Jackie” Aguilera has logged 38 years of diverse experience across educational and non-profit sectors. With a focus on adult literacy, she has left an indelible mark on various initiatives and projects in the multi-layered field of adult literacy.
As an experienced adult education innovations designer, she earned a 2021 Ford Foundation Mujeres Legendarias Award for creative ed tech applications in adult education. Her service impact also extends beyond the classroom into the workforce. She empowers both employers and employees through worksite literacy training and independent consulting. She leads a local fellowship of adult education providers called the Houston Area Adult Literacy Collective (the incredible HAALC), serves on many committees, boards, and projects impacting adult learners and families, and most recently served as Project Manager for Houston’s Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy.
In summary, Jacqueline’s multifaceted career reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing literacy and education across diverse communities and platforms. Currently on a journey through breast cancer treatment, she is more than ever committed to advancing the lives of all those she serves, making her a messenger of inspiration, innovation, and evolution.
10:10 AM – 11:40 AM
Breakout #1 (90 min)
Teaching ESL Students with Low Literacy (Part 1 of 2)
In this interactive training, you will use hands-on activities to learn methods to increase the literacy levels of ESL students. You will interact with other participants to learn ways to increase student talk and decrease teacher talk, and explore ways to help reluctant writers to embrace writing and increase reading.
Location: Nueces
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Categories
Assigned by TCALL
Other info:
No other info available at this time.
Martin Loa
Trainer, TCALL
Martin Loa is Senior Customer Manager for Burlington English. He has served in that capacity for the past 8 years. He utilizes his 20 plus years of adult education experience to assist programs with implementation of ESL curriculum to better meet the needs of their specific populations. His formal education in curriculum instruction enables him to develop and implement targeted trainings to address best practices.
Martin has served as a consultant delivering evidence-based and research-based training for the state professional development grantee for the last 7 years. His expertise includes ESL, Digital Literacy, Financial Literacy, ABE, IETs, and Literacy Organization-specific topics. Martin has over 15 years of experience presenting at local, state, and national conferences.
Instructional Strategies for Teaching Adult Learners with Special Learning Needs
Objectives of this session include:
- Understand instructional strategies that support students’ learning.
- Examine characteristics of special learning needs to consider when planning instruction.
- Discuss and participate in collaborative learning strategies.
This session will include information and characteristics of special learning needs. Instructional strategies will be shared including creating supportive, engaging learning environments, arranging collaborative learning contexts, and implementing reading comprehension strategies that instructors might consider when working with students who struggle with literacy skills.
Participants will also participate in and experience strategies from both the student and instructor perspectives.
Location: Caddo
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Category
Assigned by TCALL
Other info:
This session will be repeated in Breakout #2.
Dr. Lisa Polk
Trainer, TCALL
Lisa J. Polk, Ed.D. is a literacy and curriculum specialist with experience of over thirty years in education, predominately serving secondary level students as well as integrated reading and writing methods courses in adult/higher education.
She has enjoyed working with students and educators to implement engaging literacy experiences for all learners while serving as a special education department head and as a districtwide literacy and social studies curriculum specialist for several years.
Recently sharing information on interactive literacy approaches, Lisa has presented at international, national, and state literacy conferences hosted by the Literacy Association of Ireland, Texas Association of Literacy Educators, Florida Literacy Coalition, and Coalition of Adult Basic English. Lisa holds an Ed.D. in Literacy, M.Ed.in Reading, and B.A. in Teaching from Sam Houston State University.
Multi-Level Classrooms Made Easy
When teaching a room full of adult students with varying ability levels, how can you ensure that everyone’s needs are being met?
In this session, attendees will discover how flexible group configurations enable teachers to differentiate lessons for mixed-ability classrooms without burdening the teacher with extra work.
Location: Frio
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.
Dr. Katie Welch
TESOL Teacher Educator, University of Texas at Arlington
Katie Welch, Ph.D., is a university instructor, teacher trainer, and active volunteer in adult ed classrooms. In addition to teaching international students in UT-Arlington’s English Language Institute and volunteering weekly in a community-based ESL/GED program, Katie currently provides professional development to language teachers through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State, Cambridge University Press, and Literacy ConneXus.
Katie’s innovative classroom ideas have been published in academic journals such as Language and American Speech, and she presents regularly at national and international conferences, including TESOL International, COABE, and the National Center for Families Learning.
11:40 AM – 12:40 PM: WORKING LUNCH
Location: Nueces
Panel Discussion (45 min)
“Literacy, Business, & Economic Impact”
This panel will explore collective impact and designing partnerships that work—for learners, for employers, and for the future of DFW.
Location: Nueces
PANEL MODERATOR
Dr. Katie Welch
TESOL Teacher Educator, University of Texas at Arlington
Katie Welch, Ph.D., is a university instructor, teacher trainer, and active volunteer in adult ed classrooms. In addition to teaching international students in UT-Arlington’s English Language Institute and volunteering weekly in a community-based ESL/GED program, Katie currently provides professional development to language teachers through partnerships with the U.S. Department of State, Cambridge University Press, and Literacy ConneXus.
Katie’s innovative classroom ideas have been published in academic journals such as Language and American Speech, and she presents regularly at national and international conferences, including TESOL International, COABE, and the National Center for Families Learning.
PANELIST
Dr. Irene Ramos
Vice President, TALAE; COABE Texas Representative & SAAEF Fellow
Irene Ramos has dedicated 35 years to advancing adult education and workforce training, serving in a variety of impactful roles including instructor, coordinator, staff development trainer, Center Manager, Independent Consultant and Program Manager. With a unique blend of experience across the workforce, adult education, and civic leadership spheres, she brings a comprehensive perspective to each initiative she leads, especially in her current role as an Independent Education Consultant.
Ramos holds a bachelor’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio. Among her accomplishments Ramos successfully designed and built the Adult Education program, Crossroads in the coastal Bend from the ground up thereby rebranding adult education in the Coastal Bend area. Ramos is currently the Vice President of TALAE, the state Adult Education organization and is participating in the COABE sponsored Adult Education Advocacy Fellowship.
A lifelong resident of Poteet, Texas, Ramos has been married to her husband, Ed, for 36 years and is the proud mother of three accomplished children. Her commitment to community, education, and family is evident in all facets of her work and life.
PANELIST
Diana Mendoza
Dr. Diana Mendoza is a doctoral-prepared Physician Assistant and healthcare executive serving as Director of Advanced Practice Providers in Pediatric Specialties at UT Southwestern, overseeing nearly 400 clinicians. Her passion for health literacy stems from diverse experience spanning community development finance, retail medicine, pediatric neurology, and academic healthcare leadership.
Dr. Mendoza champions health literacy as foundational to health equity, particularly for underserved and linguistically diverse communities. She integrates systematic approaches to improve patient and family comprehension into care delivery models, recognizing that effective communication and cultural responsiveness are essential to achieving optimal health outcomes and empowering families to navigate complex healthcare systems.
PANELIST
Carlos Carpizo
PANELIST
Chad Till
After a decade in automotive manufacturing and engineering, Chad moved from Detroit to Dallas in 2008 to join Perot Systems, which was acquired by Dell in 2009. He led a large, multinational IT security team, whose unconventional mix of higher pay, simplified jobs, and career development led to a 75% cost reduction, despite the increased investment in individuals.
Chad left in 2018 to work for a series of tech startups before joining Kosmos in February 2024, where he oversees operations, partnerships, and financial strategy for Kosmos Workforce and Kosmos Arts & Tech.
12:50 PM – 1:35 PM
Spotlight Session (45 min)
Retention vs Persistence
What keeps adult learners coming back to our classes? How can we be inspired by our local peers to make creative changes and improvements? And what does Literacy Texas offer that could be of assistance?
In this dynamic and focused session on adult learner persistence, you’ll work in small groups to discuss, define, refine, and make plans for dynamic solutions you can implement immediately.
Location: Nueces
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.
Jacqueline Aguilera
Community Liaison & Program Host, Literacy Texas
Jacqueline “Jackie” Aguilera has logged 38 years of diverse experience across educational and non-profit sectors. With a focus on adult literacy, she has left an indelible mark on various initiatives and projects in the multi-layered field of adult literacy.
As an experienced adult education innovations designer, she earned a 2021 Ford Foundation Mujeres Legendarias Award for creative ed tech applications in adult education. Her service impact also extends beyond the classroom into the workforce. She empowers both employers and employees through worksite literacy training and independent consulting. She leads a local fellowship of adult education providers called the Houston Area Adult Literacy Collective (the incredible HAALC), serves on many committees, boards, and projects impacting adult learners and families, and most recently served as Project Manager for Houston’s Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy.
In summary, Jacqueline’s multifaceted career reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing literacy and education across diverse communities and platforms. Currently on a journey through breast cancer treatment, she is more than ever committed to advancing the lives of all those she serves, making her a messenger of inspiration, innovation, and evolution.
1:45 PM – 3:15 PM
Breakout #2 (90 min)
Teaching ESL Students with Low Literacy (Part 2 of 2)
In this interactive training, you will use hands-on activities to learn methods to increase the literacy levels of ESL students. You will interact with other participants to learn ways to increase student talk and decrease teacher talk, and explore ways to help reluctant writers to embrace writing and increase reading.
Location: Nueces
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Categories
Assigned by TCALL
Other info:
No other info available at this time.
Martin Loa
Trainer, TCALL
Martin Loa is Senior Customer Manager for Burlington English. He has served in that capacity for the past 8 years. He utilizes his 20 plus years of adult education experience to assist programs with implementation of ESL curriculum to better meet the needs of their specific populations. His formal education in curriculum instruction enables him to develop and implement targeted trainings to address best practices.
Martin has served as a consultant delivering evidence-based and research-based training for the state professional development grantee for the last 7 years. His expertise includes ESL, Digital Literacy, Financial Literacy, ABE, IETs, and Literacy Organization-specific topics. Martin has over 15 years of experience presenting at local, state, and national conferences.
Instructional Strategies for Teaching Adult Learners with Special Learning Needs
Objectives of this session include:
- Understand instructional strategies that support students’ learning.
- Examine characteristics of special learning needs to consider when planning instruction.
- Discuss and participate in collaborative learning strategies.
This session will include information and characteristics of special learning needs. Instructional strategies will be shared including creating supportive, engaging learning environments, arranging collaborative learning contexts, and implementing reading comprehension strategies that instructors might consider when working with students who struggle with literacy skills.
Participants will also participate in and experience strategies from both the student and instructor perspectives.
Location: Caddo
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Category
Assigned by TCALL
Other info:
This session is a repeat of the session given in Breakout #1.
Dr. Lisa Polk
Trainer, TCALL
Lisa J. Polk, Ed.D. is a literacy and curriculum specialist with experience of over thirty years in education, predominately serving secondary level students as well as integrated reading and writing methods courses in adult/higher education.
She has enjoyed working with students and educators to implement engaging literacy experiences for all learners while serving as a special education department head and as a districtwide literacy and social studies curriculum specialist for several years.
Recently sharing information on interactive literacy approaches, Lisa has presented at international, national, and state literacy conferences hosted by the Literacy Association of Ireland, Texas Association of Literacy Educators, Florida Literacy Coalition, and Coalition of Adult Basic English. Lisa holds an Ed.D. in Literacy, M.Ed.in Reading, and B.A. in Teaching from Sam Houston State University.
Success Stories: How ESL Students Achieve Their Goals with Community Support
Join us for a session filled with real-life stories from students in Dallas. You’ll hear about their journeys to milestones like jobs, education, and citizenship, as well as other types of successes. We’ll dive into what helped these students persist and succeed: integrating workplace skills, forming community partnerships, and the steady encouragement from teachers, coaches, and peers. We will write our own success stories and reflect upon best practices.
Location: Frio
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.
Matthew Johnston
Executive Director (incoming), Literacy ConneXus
Matthew Johnston is an experienced instructional specialist and ESL educator based in Dallas, Texas. Currently, he serves as an ESL and Outreach Catalyst with Forefront Experience, an ESL teacher at the Northwest Community Center in Dallas, and an ESL Support Coordinator and TECs trainer with Literacy ConneXus.
Matthew has a strong background in curriculum development, teaching diverse students, and fostering cross-cultural learning.
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM: FAREWELL & DOOR PRIZES
Location: Nueces
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.
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Checked/updated: 10/29/25
