Symposium Program Details
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Symposium Program: Friday, February 28, 2025
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: CHECK-IN, BREAKFAST
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM: WELCOME + OPENING REMARKS
Location: Oakmont B
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Session 1 (90 min)
Let’s Study! Study Skills for Adult Learners
Throughout the years, tutors and instructors comment that students are unable or willing to complete classwork outside class. The assumption that students know how to study may be the issue! This presentation focuses on the why and how of studying for adult learners with activities to make it all interesting!
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Oakmont A
Ann Beeson, New Readers Press
Ann Beeson has worked with literacy and adult education programs for over 21 years, and currently works in seven states. As an independent sales consultant, Ann offers resources for adult learners, primarily through New Readers Press.
In addition, Ann presents on a wide variety of topics relevant to ABE and ELL programs
She has a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instructional design from the University of Minnesota.
Overcoming Barriers: Resume Strategies for Adult Learners
This webinar prepares AEL instructors to teach effective resume writing to adult learners, especially those navigating career changes or overcoming challenges related to criminal records.
The session covers resume fundamentals, strategies for showcasing transferable skills and addressing career transitions, guidance on handling criminal records on resumes, effective teaching techniques, and resources. Participants will gain practical tools and knowledge to empower learners in creating resumes that open career opportunities.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pinehurst A
Victoria Hinojosa, Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)
Victoria Hinojosa is passionate about helping people discover how their natural talents and interests can lead to a rewarding career. She has spent over 12 years assisting students in middle schools, high schools, colleges, and adult education and literacy programs navigate through the career exploration and job preparation processes.
After receiving her Bachelor’s of Arts in Mass Communications from Texas State University, she returned to her alma mater to work at the Career Services office. There she learned a lot about career exploration and planning and created a work-based learning program for the student workers under her supervision.
Later, she went on to serve as a Journey Navigator with Workforce Solutions in the Houston-Galveston region. In 2023 she started a faith-based ESOL program in Katy, TX, and is currently an AEL Instructor with Lone Star College. She is an enthusiastic facilitator who believes if you become who you are intended to be you will set the world on fire.
Empowering Literacy Programs With AI
Unlock the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming literacy programs during this dynamic and insightful workshop.
Explore innovative AI applications tailored specifically for literacy initiatives, gaining hands-on experience and strategic insights that will enhance your program’s effectiveness. Discover how AI can be harnessed to personalize learning experiences, identify areas of improvement, and create engaging content.
Join us for an interactive session where you’ll leave equipped with practical knowledge to elevate your literacy program through the power of AI.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pinehurst B
Dr. Irene Ramos, Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)
With 35 years working in Adult Education, Irene Ramos has dedicated her career 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. Ramos served as the Program Manager for Crossroads Adult Education at ESC Region 2 in Corpus Christi. In this role, she designed and built the program from the ground up, transforming it into a successful model for adult education in the region.
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.
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Session 2 (90 min)
PANEL DISCUSSION: What’s New and What are the Challenges Being Faced in Adult Ed?
Join East Texas Literacy Council Executive Director Natasha Duncan as she moderates a conversation with local adult education leaders. They will dive into current challenges and discuss the heart of leading in adult education.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Oakmont A
Dr. Shalonda Adams, Pine Tree ISD, Kilgore College
Shalonda Adams is an experienced principal with a demonstrated history of working in the primary/secondary education industry. Skilled in Secondary Education, Lesson Planning, Educational Technology, Leadership, and Tutoring. Strong education professional with anticipated doctoral graduation from Walden University.
Tresha Sawyer, Longview ISD
Tresha Sawyer has a Bachelor’s of Science in Education from Baylor University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin University. She is in her 17th year with LISD where she is currently serving as the Supervisor for Bilingual and ESL Programs.
Dr. Jenny Walker, Literacy Texas
Moderator: Natasha Duncan, East Texas Literacy Council
Natasha Duncan is the Executive Director for the East Texas Literacy Council in Longview Texas. Her background is in early child education from the University of Maryland. She has a passion for Adult Education in her community.
Natasha has 20 plus years in non-profit management, her extensive background of working in low-income communities, helped her to focus her efforts on the lasting effects that education can have on families and the catalyst it can be for future generations. She is a proud wife, and mother of two Longview Lobos.
This year Natasha was featured as a member in our community that makes a difference with Texas Bank and Trust, she keeps active community representation of adult education and nonprofit leadership with her Chamber of Commerce, she has enjoyed collaborating with Longview ISD, city organizations and Greater Longview United Way for speaking engagements, sits on several community boards in her city and has a passion for making a difference in her community.
Real-World Ready: Integrating Workplace Skills into Adult Learning
This interactive session equips adult education literacy instructors with practical strategies to contextualize lesson plans and seamlessly integrate workplace preparation activities into any Adult Education class lesson plan.
Participants will learn how to align instruction with real-world tasks, helping learners build the academic and professional skills they need for success in both the workplace and their communities. Through collaborative activities and ready-to-use examples, educators will leave with actionable tools to create lessons that inspire and empower adult learners.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pinehurst A
Dr. Irene Ramos, Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)
With 35 years working in Adult Education, Irene Ramos has dedicated her career 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. Ramos served as the Program Manager for Crossroads Adult Education at ESC Region 2 in Corpus Christi. In this role, she designed and built the program from the ground up, transforming it into a successful model for adult education in the region.
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.
From Classroom to Career: 4 Steps to Career Exploration and Planning
Join this interactive session to learn how to guide adult learners through a structured four-step career exploration process. This method helps educators address the Who, What, and How of career planning.
Discover free online assessments to help learners identify Who they are—their personality type, values, and interests.
Learn how to leverage Labor Market Information to determine What career paths align with their strengths.
Finally, explore the two Hows: how to develop a career plan and how to gain relevant experience.
Walk away with practical tools and strategies to support your learners in making informed career decisions.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pinehurst B
Victoria Hinojosa, Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)
Victoria Hinojosa is passionate about helping people discover how their natural talents and interests can lead to a rewarding career. She has spent over 12 years assisting students in middle schools, high schools, colleges, and adult education and literacy programs navigate through the career exploration and job preparation processes.
After receiving her Bachelor’s of Arts in Mass Communications from Texas State University, she returned to her alma mater to work at the Career Services office. There she learned a lot about career exploration and planning and created a work-based learning program for the student workers under her supervision.
Later, she went on to serve as a Journey Navigator with Workforce Solutions in the Houston-Galveston region. In 2023 she started a faith-based ESOL program in Katy, TX, and is currently an AEL Instructor with Lone Star College. She is an enthusiastic facilitator who believes if you become who you are intended to be you will set the world on fire.
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM: WORKING LUNCH & KEYNOTE
LUNCH SERVED BY: Place
Location: Oakmont B
“My Story: Adult Literacy Student to Thriving Local Counselor”
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Linda Felix, VIVE
Originally from Zacatecas, Mexico Linda Felix has lived in Longview since 2003 and is an active member of the Latino community. Linda graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler with a BA in psychology and a master’s in clinical psychology with a specialization in neuropsychology.
She currently serves clients in her own private practice, VIVE, as a mental health coach. Linda works with 318 Latino teams to raise awareness and educate the community on mental health.
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Session 3 (90 min)
English for Employability: Purposeful Learning for Adult Learners
Join us for this session in which we dive into the research behind explicitly teaching Employability Skills to ensure success in the workplace and discuss strategies for helping English Language Learners master these skills. All participants will be provided with access to a free Teacher Toolkit, as well as a 3 month subscription to Mondly Workplace Learning, an app designed to help students practice English easily from their phone or computer 24/7.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Oakmont A
Kenya Preuninger, Pearson Education
As an educator since 2009, Kenya is passionate about creating innovative and engaging solutions for learners ensuring all students feel welcome and successful in their journey. Kenya has served in roles as an ESL administrator since 2014 and has designed ESL programs for both brick and mortar and virtual K-12 public schools. She has also designed successful parent engagement programs for parents of public school English Language Learners. Recently, Kenya has joined Pearson Education in their ELL division, working to advocate for English Language Learners on the curriculum/publishing side.
Speak Up: Pronunciation Techniques for ESL Learners
This session is designed to help teachers teach the nuances of English pronunciation. This class will cover essential phonetic concepts, practical exercises, and tips to overcome common pronunciation challenges. Through interactive activities in this 90-minute session, you will leave with activities to use immediately in your classroom. Let’s unlock the power of clear and effective speech in our ESL Learners.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pinehurst A
Linda LeBlanc, East Texas Literacy Council
Linda LeBlanc has worked at East Texas Literacy Council as the ESL Coordinator since 2004. She started at ETLC as a volunteer and soon was recruited to teach ESL. Linda fell in love with ESL, and the love affair is still strong. There is nothing she likes better than being in the classroom.
Adult Literacy: Effective Teaching Support and Strategies
Session description pending.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pinehurst B
Charmyn Tumey, Kilgore College
Bio pending.
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM: FAREWELL + DOOR PRIZES
4:00 PM: FAREWELL DAY 1
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Checked/updated 2/26/2025
