adult literacy Archives - Literacy Texas

Coffee With Literacy Texas

May 15, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

Want to ask a question?

Need some help, or want some new ideas or resources for your literacy program?

Have some feedback or a request for an upcoming training session?

Drop by this virtual session and chat with the Literacy Texas team. All literacy questions welcome!

Join us online on Tuesday, July 8, any time between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM Central (there’s no official “start” to this event, so come whenever you like – and stay for as long or as short a time as you like).

No prior registration is needed. We’re looking forward to sharing a cup of (virtual) coffee with you and seeing where the conversation takes us!

STAY IN THE KNOW -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

Checked/updated 5/15/25

The opposite of “wasteful”

May 14, 2025 by Jenny Walker

Author: Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker, Literacy Texas Executive Director

Since his election, President Trump has prioritized the need to reform wasteful spending on the federal level. Most Americans would agree that a sensible and efficient approach to spending benefits us all.

However, the proposed “skinny budget” for FY26 calls for the complete elimination of funds for adult education (page 6).

Funding adult education and literacy is the opposite of wasteful. The truth is that an investment in our work is an investment in the future of our country and of our state.

First, this investment helps provide an educated workforce for continued economic development.

The United States is a strong world leader in many industries, and Texas, specifically, has become home base for many leading corporations focusing on a variety of vital fields including technology, manufacturing, agriculture, and others.

To push forward continued growth in these areas, we must have people to fill jobs and to lead innovation. Adult Education programs help people build the skills they need to join the workforce and help these companies flourish. A rise of just 1% in literacy scores leads to a 2.5% rise in labor productivity and a 1.5% rise in GDP.

Additionally, Adult Education is an investment in the next generation. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, a division of the U.S. Department of Education, Texas ranks among the lowest states in the country for literacy, with 28 percent of adults functioning at or below a level 1 for reading (the lowest level) and 40 percent of adults functioning at or below a level 3.

Many young students are being sent home with books to read to parents who themselves do not have adequate literacy skills. Texas has done a great job in recent years at supporting early childhood literacy programs, but active involvement of parents and caregivers is a critically important component of many of those programs. When we fail to invest in Adult Education, we leave those children without the support they need, and the low literacy cycle will perpetuate.

One of the points the president uses to justify the elimination of this funding is the so-called “dismal” results found in Adult Education programs. What many may not realize is that there are millions of people who need our services, but Adult Education and literacy providers have been operating with skeleton crews and shoestring budgets – for decades! It’s impossible to make the kind of population-level change we need to see with even less funding than we currently receive.

Instead of being cut, Adult Education funding should be expanded.

“Recent causal research in Massachusetts offers a glimpse of what’s possible if AEFLA [Adult Education and Family Literacy Act] had a larger budget. Researchers were able to take advantage of the state’s waiting lists and admissions lotteries to compare the outcomes of learners who were admitted to an English language acquisition program in Framingham with those of learners who lost the lottery and were turned away.

…Researchers found that participation boosted the annual earnings of learners by 56 percent over the 10 years following their admission to the program. Participants were three times as likely to have middle-class annual earnings in the range of $60,000 to $70,000 in any year as those who were not admitted. Importantly, the increased tax revenue generated by those earning gains fully covered the costs of the program.

In other words, adult education, if adequately funded and well-implemented, can pay for itself.”

Quote from NewAmerica.org

There is a small window of time before the budget becomes official, and if you’re interested in supporting Adult Education, you can help. Literacy Texas is joining forces with the Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) and their advocacy efforts, as well as ProLiteracy, who is urging action on the same issue. We encourage you to learn more about these campaigns (COABE) (ProLiteracy) and to help us communicate the crucial importance of the continuation of Adult Education funding.

Investing in Adult Education will pay dividends well into the future. The elimination of funding for this work will be devastating in many ways, and it will negatively impact both economic development and future generations of Texans. Lawmakers should rethink this budget proposal and include expanded funding for Adult Education.

Please act now.

Amazing things are happening in Texas!

“Best of Texas” brings local experts together to share their wisdom and experience.

Best of Texas: Literacy in Corrections

April 23, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas brings together local experts to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way.

QUICK LINKS FOR THIS EVENT:

Click on any of the links below to go straight to that section, or simply scroll down the page.

Basic details

About this month’s topic

Program

Program, Schedule, & Sessions

Guests this month

Online registration

PD Certificates

Special thanks

BASIC DETAILS

This online session will be held on:

Thursday, June 26, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT).

The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM.

Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins.

This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.

ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC

This session will focus on [brief description of topic]. This is such a crucial topic that we have dedicated a morning to it, in place of the standard 1-hour format for Best of Texas sessions.

[session description]

GUESTS THIS MONTH

Guests to be confirmed.

Name
Title
XY

Info

Name
Title
XY

Info

Host:

Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker
Executive Director
Literacy Texas

Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker serves as the Executive Director of Literacy Texas. She was a first-generation college student who personally knows the powerful role that education plays in helping change the course of a person’s life. This passion has fueled a career in education that has spanned over two decades and impacted thousands of students. She earned a doctorate in education leadership and a master’s degree in education administration, both from Texas A&M University–Texarkana. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from the University of North Texas. Dr. Walker also attended Texarkana College and was a graduate of Liberty-Eylau High School.

She is a member of the 2025 Leadership Texas class and she currently serves as a member of the Digital Opportunity Advisory Group for the Texas Broadband Development Office. In 2024, Dr. Walker represented Texas in COABE’s 2024 State Advocates for Adult Education Fellowship.

FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION

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

NOTE TO WEB ADMIN: Most Best of Texas sessions will not include a PD certificate, but the longer in-depth sessions currently scheduled for 3 times a year will be the exception.

Someone who completes the full session will receive X hours of PD credit.

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.

SPECIAL THANKS

[presenter]

[name of any sponsors or other partners – as many as relevant, new line for each]

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

Checked/updated 5/15/25

Literacy Texas Presents: ProLiteracy & New Readers Press

April 15, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

ProLiteracy provides funding, comprehensive training, professional learning, accessible research, and New Readers Press digital and print resources to unleash the power of literacy to transform lives.

ProLiteracy offers a lot of things to the literacy community, among them:

Resources
Courses and learning
Grants and funding

Many of these resources are free for anyone to use. ProLiteracy also offers paid membership, which includes access to additional resources and opportunities.

Do you know all the ways you and your organization could benefit from what ProLiteracy provides? If not, come along to this session and find out more. No hard sell – just an introduction to what’s on offer and time to ask your questions.

Join us online:

Thursday, May 8, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

OUR GUESTS

Michelle Smith
Sr. Membership & Program Services Manager
ProLiteracy

Michelle is an experienced non-profit leader who is currently responsible for maintaining and growing ProLiteracy’s membership program. ProLiteracy’s membership includes 1,000+ adult literacy literacy programs and organizations and 500+ individuals.

She enjoys sharing information on ProLiteracy’s many member benefits and numerous free resources. Michelle has been with ProLiteracy since February 2017.

Ann Beeson
Independent Representative
New Readers Press

As an independent representative, Ann Beeson has worked with adult education and literacy programs in 10 states for over 24 years, presenting at state & national conferences. She currently offers resources through New Readers Press.

Ann has a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instructional design from the University of Minnesota.

STAY IN THE KNOW -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Checked/updated 4/24/25

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

Loving our neighbors with literacy

April 9, 2025 by Jenny Walker

Author: Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker, Literacy Texas Executive Director

Houses of worship often serve as the center of a community, providing the perfect place for language learning, adult basic education, and other academic and skill-building programs. For this reason, faith-affiliated organizations have long served as some of our most valued partners at Literacy Texas.

Last month, I had the privilege of attending the Metroplex Literacy Conference, a gathering of those working in adult and family literacy ministries in the Dallas-Fort-Worth region. Organizers invited me to serve as the keynote speaker at their event, which was held at Dallas Baptist University, and it reminded me of the calling that I believe led me into this work.

Sometime around 2019, I read a quote from Mother Teresa that said:

“I used to pray that God would feed the hungry, or do this or that, but now I pray that He will guide me to do whatever I’m supposed to do, what I can do. I used to pray for answers, but now I’m praying for strength. I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us, and we change things.”

At the time, this quote shook me to my core. I had been walking through a valley in my life and in my career. My prayer was always, “Lord, I don’t know what you have for me, but I know it is not this. I am ready for something new when you’re ready to send me.”

He heard my prayers and sent me directly to adult literacy.

Starting a GED program at my church was a dream I had shared with my pastor long before an opportunity came up to work at the Literacy Council in Texarkana. I was thrilled at the chance to let my career also serve as a mission field for me. While I was not running a faith-based organization, I was running the organization as a woman of faith who believed that changing the world started with loving the people in my community and providing them with the resources they needed to be able to live well. It was a model I learned from reading about the ministry of Jesus.

The world around us is full of uncertainty, and there is so much in today’s headlines that can leave us feeling unsettled. However, in these times when so much is out of our control, we must cling to the things we can control like our ability to love and serve others. This is what matters the most and the best chance we have, collectively, to change the world.

Plan to join us at our next Best of Texas online session, highlighting Texas-based Faith-Affiliated literacy programs, on April 24.

Amazing things are happening in Texas!

“Best of Texas” brings local experts together to share their wisdom and experience.

Best of Texas: Digital Literacy

March 27, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

QUICK LINKS FOR THIS EVENT:

Click on any of the links below to go straight to that section, or simply scroll down the page.

Basic details

About this month’s topic

Guests this month

Online registration

Special thanks

BASIC DETAILS

This online session will be held on:

Thursday, May 22, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT).

The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM.

Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins.

This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.

ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC

Digital literacy envelops everything from the ability to access and complete job applications and medical records to connecting with friends and family on social media.

As technology rapidly evolves, many folks in Texas communities struggle to keep up. Literacy organizations are working hard to help bridge the gaps.

In this virtual event, we will hear from experts in the state who will talk about how they’re helping.

GUESTS THIS MONTH

Ana Frade
Project Coordinator
Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, Houston

Ana Frade is a dedicated Project Coordinator at The Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, leveraging over a decade of experience to champion community engagement and digital inclusion. Her impactful career began at the Houston Public Library, where she spearheaded digital literacy training as a technical instructor for the BTOP – TEAL program, significantly expanding broadband access for Houstonians.

Driven by a passion for bridging the digital divide, Ana envisions a digitally empowered community. Her commitment to collaboration shone in her role as International Services Engagement and Outreach Coordinator at HPL, where she built impactful programs for diverse communities.

Recognized with the Texas Library Association Spotlight Award and the Order of Civil Merit from Spain, Ana’s ability to connect is strengthened by her diverse academic background in Engineering, Business, and Education. She is fluent in Spanish, English, and Russian.

Lauren Champion
Digital Opportunity Coordinator
Texas Broadband Development Office

Lauren Champion became the Texas Broadband Development Opportunity Coordinator at BDO in August 2024, leveraging her extensive background in education, public service, and nonprofit leadership. She holds a Master’s in Public Service and Administration from The Bush School of Government at Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Education from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

Lauren began her career as a theatre educator, fostering creativity in her students, before transitioning to a role as a development specialist at the Texas A&M Foundation. Her work reflects a deep commitment to championing education, promoting digital opportunity, and supporting community-focused programs.

Host:

Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker
Executive Director
Literacy Texas

FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION

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.

SPECIAL THANKS

Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, Houston

Texas Broadband Development Office

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

Checked/updated 4/17/25

The Expert Edge: Students as Leaders

March 27, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

The Expert Edge: Online training on core topics that all adult and family literacy professionals should know. Stay sharp with The Expert Edge!

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

QUICK LINKS FOR THIS EXPERT EDGE SESSION:

Click on any of the links below to go straight to that section, or simply scroll down the page.

Basic details

About this topic

Meet the presenter

Online registration

PD Certificates

Downloads and printable documents

Special thanks

BASIC DETAILS

This online session will be held on:

Wednesday, May 7, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT).

Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 8:50 AM.

Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins.

This training session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.

ABOUT THIS TOPIC

Professionals often point out the importance of empowering students to have ownership in their own educational experience. However, a challenge for some adult learning instructors is knowing exactly how to facilitate that empowerment while also supporting learning outcomes.

This virtual workshop offers research-based, practical advice for helping students lead the way both in their own academic journeys and in their learning centers.

MEET THE PRESENTER

Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker

FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION

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

Someone who completes the full session will receive 1.5 hours of PD credit.

DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS

Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending [link whole sentence to PDF of flyer].

Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon.

SPECIAL THANKS

[presenter]

[name of any sponsors or other partners – as many as relevant, new line for each]

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Last checked/updated: 5/7/25

Too important to ignore

March 17, 2025 by Jenny Walker

Author: Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker, Literacy Texas Executive Director

According to 2017 data from the National Center for Education Statistics, a division of the U.S. Department of Education, 17 percent of Texas adults do not have at least a high school education or equivalent – well over 3 million people.

Across Texas, there are hundreds of small non-profits, public libraries, church ministries, and other community-based organizations working with skeleton crews and shoestring budgets to support this slice of our population. These organizations are hosting bake sales and car washes so that they can buy curriculum for their programs.

This matters not only in the lives of the men and women being served by these literacy programs, but it also matters to Texas as a whole. The most recent rankings place Texas near the bottom in the country for adult literacy. Texas is below the national average in both literacy and numeracy.

Those of us working in the adult literacy field are not ok with this. Texas cannot be ok with this. It directly impacts everything in our state from our economic development to our social services.

This issue is too important to ignore.

Our organization’s main mission is to serve as a support system for the organizations working tirelessly to make a positive impact on adult basic education and other areas that fall under the literacy umbrella. Things like computer and digital literacy, financial literacy, and language learning are critically important to individuals and families in Texas.

This is a problem that is too big for any one person or organization to solve. I know there is strength in numbers, and it will take us all working together to support this effort. I welcome any opportunity to talk with individuals, organizations, and corporations about ways we can partner in this incredibly important work.

Together, we can stand strong for adult literacy in Texas.

Our theme throughout March is Focus on ABE, and we’re looking at related topics throughout the month.

Plan to join us at our next Best of Texas online session, highlighting Texas-based Adult Basic Education programs, on March 27.

Amazing things are happening in Texas!

“Best of Texas” brings local experts together to share their wisdom and experience.

Gulf Coast Literacy Symposium

February 27, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

Funded by the Professional Development Support for Nonprofit Adult Literacy Organizations grant from the Texas Workforce Commission, regional symposia provide free professional development for volunteers and staff of nonprofit, community-based organizations.

Your local symposium is an excellent place to learn and network with other literacy providers in your region, and a great source of professional development for volunteer instructors.

QUICK LINKS FOR THE GULF COAST SYMPOSIUM:

Click on any of the links below to go straight to that section, or simply scroll down the page.

Basic details

Symposium FAQs

Location, map, and directions

Online registration

PD certificates

Program, sessions, and speakers

Exhibitors at this symposium

Downloads and printable documents

Special thanks

BASIC DETAILS

The symposium has the theme “Braving the Storm” and will be held on:

Friday, June 20 & Saturday, June 21, 2025

See full program times and details below.

Day 1 (Friday) will focus on instructional support in adult literacy classrooms.

Day 2 (Saturday) will focus on administrative support for adult and family literacy programs.

1-day or 2-day registration options are available. Both days are open to all adult literacy staff regardless of position.

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 separate to the conference.

Each symposium:

Takes place in a different Texas region to help minimize travel
Has a local focus
Is free to attend
Is generally a single 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 5+ hours of professional development

LOCATION

This symposium will be held at Houston Community College Southeast Campus (“The Learning Hub”): 6815 Rustic Street, Houston, 77087

Map and directions are coming soon.

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

Someone who completes the full session will receive X hours of PD credit.

PROGRAM, SESSIONS, & SPEAKERS

The program is in the process of being finalized; details will be added here as they’re confirmed.

Schedule will be kept as current as possible but is subject to change – check back here for updates

Day 1: Friday, June 20

Day 1 will focus on instructional support in adult literacy classrooms.

Day 2 will focus on administrative support for adult and family literacy programs.

1-day or 2-day registration options are available.
Both days are open to all adult literacy staff regardless of position.

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: CHECK-IN, BREAKFAST

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: OPENING SESSION

“Welcome to the Storm”

8:45 AM – 10:15 AM

Session 1 (90 min)

NOTE: For greater flexibility, the same breakouts will be offered in both Session 1 and Session 2.

Setting Up Your Online Classroom for Success

Getting started teaching online can seem like a daunting task. On top of considering student engagement, retention, and lesson delivery, you also have to wrestle with technical challenges, both for yourself and for your students.

But hopefully this presentation will make things easier for you! We’ll look at strategies for lesson delivery, routines that encourage participation and retention, methods for students to access materials, and a lot of activity ideas to develop community in your online classroom.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: Pending

TCALL

Bio pending.

Structured Literacy Models: Differentiated, High-Quality Teaching and Learning

Explore ways that research grounded in the science of reading informs structured literacy, why the components of structured literacy are necessary for developing skilled readers, and how these components can be practically applied during direct instruction.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: Pending

Lara Speights, Neuhaus Education Center

Lara Speights, M.Ed., LDT, CALT is a dedicated literacy advocate and researcher who is passionate about creating systems that connect individuals and families to evidence-based literacy experiences. Her expertise lies in dyslexia therapy, with a particular focus on working with emerging bilinguals, adults (16+), and individuals with low literacy. She is also highly knowledgeable in family literacy engagement across generations.

At Neuhaus Education Center, Lara is the Vice President of Family Support and Adult Literacy, where she oversees the Community Programs, which provide free services to the Greater Houston Area. Her role includes leading the Margaret H. Ley Adult Literacy program, which offers virtual and in-person evening literacy classes for adult learners (16+) with dyslexia and related reading difficulties.

Additionally, she directs the Family Support Office, which not only delivers community presentations on reading-related topics but also responds to numerous calls annually from family members seeking information and resources to support their children struggling with reading.

Prior to joining Neuhaus, she brings over a decade of experience as a teacher, dyslexia therapist, EB program coordinator, and instructional coach in public schools across Texas, with specific experience collaborating with families to advocate for students in special populations such as emerging bilinguals and students with learning disabilities.

Speights earned an M.Ed. in Language and Literacy from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and a B.A. in Spanish and English from Texas A&M University, where she is also currently a doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction.

A Taste of AI: Hands-On EdTech for Adult Literacy

Step into the future of adult literacy with this interactive, hands-on session! Explore AI-powered tools used in real pilot projects by the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy. Rotate through experience stations featuring zSpace, Burlington English, Learning Upgrade, Study Buddy, Reading XR, and Northstar Digital Literacy. See how each tool is transforming instruction, boosting engagement, and supporting learners in Houston.

Perfect for adult literacy educators ready to explore what’s next in EdTech!

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: Pending

Ed Tech Partners

Bio pending.

How to Develop a Digital Navigator Training Partnership Through Coursera – The Goodwill Experience

Session description pending.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: Pending

Pending

Bio pending.

Houston Citizenship & Naturalization: Adapting to 2025 & What Adult Educators Need to Know

Citizenship education is evolving in 2025, with new legal requirements, shifting USCIS procedures, and increased barriers for many immigrant communities.

This timely session will break down the most important updates affecting the naturalization process in Houston, highlight key legal and policy changes, and explore how adult educators can adapt instruction to support learners through these new challenges. Learn how to keep your curriculum compliant, relevant, and empowering—so your students are ready not just to pass the test, but to fully participate in civic life.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: Pending

Luis Garcia Alvarez, SEDES & USA Hello

Bio pending.

Having Resource Challenges in Your Adult and Family Literacy Programming? HPL CET Team to the Rescue!

Discover how the Houston Public Library’s CET team supports adult literacy providers with their mobile express technology lab:

Events, classroom, and teacher support!

Access to trained staff, advanced technology, educational manipulatives, and so much more!

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: Pending

HPL CET Team

Bio pending.

10:20 AM – 11:50 AM

Session 2 (90 min)

NOTE: For greater flexibility, the same breakouts will be offered in both Session 1 and Session 2.

Setting Up Your Online Classroom for Success

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: Pending

TCALL

Bio pending.

Structured Literacy Models: Differentiated, High-Quality Teaching and Learning

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: Pending

Lara Speights, Neuhaus Education Center

A Taste of AI: Hands-On EdTech for Adult Literacy

Perfect for adult literacy educators ready to explore what’s next in EdTech!

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: Pending

Ed Tech Partners

Bio pending.

How to Develop a Digital Navigator Training Partnership Through Coursera – The Goodwill Experience

Session description pending.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: Pending

Pending

Bio pending.

Houston Citizenship & Naturalization: Adapting to 2025 & What Adult Educators Need to Know

Citizenship education is evolving in 2025, with new legal requirements, shifting USCIS procedures, and increased barriers for many immigrant communities.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: Pending

Luis Garcia Alvarez, SEDES & USA Hello

Bio pending.

Having Resource Challenges in Your Adult and Family Literacy Programming? HPL CET Team to the Rescue!

Discover how the Houston Public Library’s CET team supports adult literacy providers with their mobile express technology lab:

Events, classroom, and teacher support!

Access to trained staff, advanced technology, educational manipulatives, and so much more!

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: Pending

HPL CET Team

Bio pending.

11:50 AM – 1:00 PM: WORKING LUNCH

“Sailing Through Troubled Waters – Together”

Session description pending.

Networking Activity: The Map of Troubled Waters

Location: Pending

Name, Organization

Bio pending.

1:15 PM – 2:15 PM

Session 3 (60 min)

Elevating AEL Instruction: Seamless Workforce Integration Strategies for Texas Educators

Get ready to transform your teaching with this session, designed for Texas AEL instructors. You’ll be empowered with innovative strategies to seamlessly integrate workforce skills into your classroom instruction, ensuring your learners are prepared for the competitive workforce.

Discover how to weave essential skills—like literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, and soft skills—into your existing curriculum. Learn to apply effective instructional techniques such as blended learning, contextualized learning, and project-based learning to create lessons that mimic real-world scenarios and workplace tasks.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: Pending

Name, Organization

Bio pending.

2:15 PM: END OF DAY 1

3:15 PM – 3:30 PM: FAREWELL & DOOR PRIZES

Day 2: Saturday, June 21

Day 1 will focus on instructional support in adult literacy classrooms.

Day 2 will focus on administrative support for adult and family literacy programs.

1-day or 2-day registration options are available.
Both days are open to all adult literacy staff regardless of position.

Schedule will be kept as current as possible but is subject to change; check back here for updates

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: CHECK-IN, BREAKFAST

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: OPENING SESSION

“Welcome to the Storm”

8:40 AM – 9:40 AM

Session 1 (60 min)

High-Demand Jobs for Texas & How to Prepare for Them

Session description pending.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: Pending

Name, Organization

Bio pending.

9:45 AM – 11:15 AM

Session 2 (90 min)

Apprenticeships – The Future of Adult Literacy Programming

Strengthen your leadership skills and forge impactful partnerships with employers through this dynamic session designed to equip educational leaders with the strategies and tools needed to develop and sustain meaningful collaborations with employers, enhancing funding opportunities, career development, apprenticeships, and mentoring programs.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: Pending

Name, Organization

Bio pending.

11:20 AM – 12:20 PM: WORKING LUNCH

“Adult Education Provider-Employer Relations In Houston: How Does It All Work?”

Session description pending.

Location: Pending

Name, Organization

Bio pending.

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

Session 3 (90 min)

Grant-Writing in Stormy Times

Session description pending.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: Pending

Name, Organization

Bio pending.

2:15 PM: END OF DAY 2

3:15 PM – 3:30 PM: FAREWELL & DOOR PRIZES

EXHIBITORS

Information about exhibitors at this symposium is coming soon.

[List of exhibitors with links embedded in their names]

DOWNLOADS

Download or print a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending the symposium.

Downloadable PDF flyer for this symposium is coming soon.

Download a printable copy of the symposium program. [link whole sentence to PDF]

Printable PDF copy of the symposium program is coming soon.

SPECIAL THANKS TO -

jagEDsolutions

Houston Community College Southeast

The Texas Center for Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Checked/updated: 5/7/25

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

South Plains Literacy Symposium

February 26, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

Your local symposium is an excellent place to learn and network with other literacy providers in your region, and a great source of professional development for volunteer instructors.

QUICK LINKS FOR THE SOUTH PLAINS SYMPOSIUM:

Click on any of the links below to go straight to that section, or simply scroll down the page.

Basic details

Symposium FAQs

Location, map, and directions

Online registration

PD certificates

Program, sessions, and speakers

Exhibitors at this symposium

Downloads and printable documents

Special thanks

BASIC DETAILS

The 2025 South Plains Literacy Symposium is co-presented by Literacy Lubbock and Literacy Texas.

The symposium has the theme “Building a Solid Foundation with Literacy” and will be held on:

Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 3:15 PM (CT).

Check-in for pre-registered participants will open at 8:00 AM, with the full program starting promptly at 8:30 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 separate to the conference.

Each symposium:

Takes place in a different Texas region to help minimize travel
Has a local focus
Is free to attend
Is generally a single 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 5+ hours of professional development

LOCATION

This symposium will be held at the McKenzie Merket Alumni Center, Texas Tech – 2521 17th St, Lubbock, TX 79409.

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

Someone who completes the full session will receive 5 hours of PD credit.

PROGRAM, SESSIONS, & SPEAKERS

Schedule will be kept as current as possible but is subject to change; check back here for updates

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: CHECK-IN FOR PRE-REGISTERED ATTENDEES

8:30 AM – 8:45 AM: WELCOME, OPENING REMARKS

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Session 1 (90 min)

Book & Budget: Financial Book Clubs from Prisons to Classrooms & More

Adult education doesn’t end with getting and keeping a job. Successful workforce transition includes sound financial literacy skills for successful living. Through a FinLit book club, instructors, tutors, and volunteers can co-explore with their learners the adventures of characters like Red & Black while learning do’s and don’t of personal finance.

This session explores financial book clubs using “What I Learned When My Husband Was Fired!” with strategies that can be applied to book clubs and reading circles using various texts. For those who like to perform, role-play opportunities will be available.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): OTHER

Location: Pending

Jacqueline Aguilera, TCALL

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, all while serving 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.

Multi-level Classroom: Best Practices for Teaching Adult Learners – PART 1

NOTE: This is a 2-part session. Attendees at Part 1 are highly encouraged to complete the session by also attending Part 2.

This interactive training focuses on appropriate lesson planning strategies, group strategies, and effective multi-level activities for ESL, ABE and ASE classrooms. Classroom management techniques, test preparation, orientation procedures, and multi-sensory lesson planning will be presented. The session will focus on hands on activities to engage learners in a Multi-level classroom.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): PAL, LIT

Location: Pending

Martin Loa, 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.

Group Chat IRL: Building Student Leaders

Group Chat IRL (In Real Life) sessions bring small groups together for guided conversation, networking, and idea-sharing.

In this session: We often talk about the importance of having “student-centered instruction,” but we sometimes struggle to put that into practice in our learning centers. How do we move students from merely receiving instruction to being active participants in the learning process? How can we capitalize on the strengths of our adult learners to help our programs grow?

In this interactive session, we will talk about the important components required for building student leadership in your organization. Participants will share about their successes with student leadership and walk away with new ideas to take back to their programs.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): OTHER

Location: Pending

Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker, Literacy Texas

10:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Session 2 (90 min)

Let’s Build An Employer Relationship

The success of adult education and business is well-documented. Worksite based classes, contextualized curriculum, and internships provide pathways to employment, enriched workforce teams, promotion, and advancement. Join Jacqueline Aguilera as she examines several successful models.

This session will help better acquaint participants with how to identify and approach potential business partners, build on existing successful models to build a case for partnership, and create an employer engagement plan for your classroom.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): OTHER

Location: Pending

Jacqueline Aguilera, TCALL

Multi-level Classroom: Best Practices for Teaching Adult Learners – PART 2

NOTE: This is a 2-part session. Please attend this session if you completed Part 1 in the prior session.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): PAL, LIT

Location: Pending

Martin Loa, TCALL

Beyond the Test: Turning GED Success into Career Readiness with Essential Education

Earning a GED is a major milestone — but it’s only the first step toward long-term success. In this session, we’ll explore how Essential Education’s Workforce Bundle prepares adult learners not only to pass the test, but to transition confidently into the workforce.

Using courses like Computer Essentials, Work Essentials, and Money Essentials, we’ll focus on the three pillars of career readiness: Job Seeking, Job Ready, and Job Keeping. Attendees will discover how to guide students through the full employment journey — from researching careers and writing resumes to mastering soft skills like communication, professionalism, and workplace problem-solving.

Participants will walk away with actionable strategies to blend GED instruction with practical workforce prep, turning academic achievement into real-world opportunity.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: Pending

Jeannie Hale, Essential Education

Jeannie Hale has over 20 years of experience in Adult Education, spanning classroom instruction to administrative leadership in both public and private sectors. As the former Director of Adult Education at Houston Community College, she managed a $4.2 million grant supporting workforce initiatives. Now, as the Southwest Territory Representative for Essential Education, she partners with programs across Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, providing customized implementation strategies to maximize student outcomes. Her deep understanding of program administration, budget alignment, and instructional needs allows her to support educators in achieving measurable success using Essential Education’s innovative resources.

12:30 PM – 1:15 PM: WORKING LUNCH

Panel Discussion

Session description pending.

Location: Pending

Panelists

Dr. Kyle Roberson, Texas Tech University

Dr. Kyle Roberson is an assistant professor in the Family and Consumer Sciences Education program at Texas Tech University, with over 24 years of teaching experience. He worked 20 years with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, as an educational administrator. Dr. Roberson holds a South Dakota teaching license and has published 16 referred articles, as well as a children’s book. His research interests include inmate programming, family literacy, and family STEM engagement. He is a recipient of the 2024 New Faculty Award and the President’s Emerging Engaged Scholarship award.

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Session 3 (90 min)

Fun and Effective Strategies for the Multi-level ESL Classroom

This workshop focuses on increasing student persistence by reducing the anxiety and stress related to being an adult language learner through fun and effective brain-based strategies and activities.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): PAL, LIT

Location: Pending

Martin Loa, TCALL

The Power of Community

In non-profit organizations, we carry the weight of many heavy challenges facing our student population. Imagine how light our adult literacy load would feel if we were able to spread the weight across many shoulders. Imagine how much more you could do if you had more hands to help.

Participants in this session will learn how to make those visions a reality through community collaboration. We will discuss research-based strategies for engaging with other organizations in your community and working together toward common goals. You will learn how to cast a vision, get people on board, and transform your entire community.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): OTHER

Location: Pending

Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker, Literacy Texas

3:00 PM – 3:15 PM: FAREWELL & DOOR PRIZES

EXHIBITORS

Burlington English

Essential Education

TCALL

DOWNLOADS

Download or print a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending the symposium.

Download a printable copy of the symposium program. [link whole sentence to PDF]

Printable PDF copy of the symposium program is coming soon.

SPECIAL THANKS TO -

Literacy Lubbock

The Texas Center for Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Checked/updated: 5/14/25

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.