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Too important to ignore

by

Dr. Jenny McCormack 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.

find out more about this monthly series

Gulf Coast Literacy Symposium

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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

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.

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

Read more about the symposia here.

Read more about the annual conference here.

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 and family 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.

Two words: LOCAL + FREE!

Each symposium program focuses 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.

A: The symposium is free to attend. Literacy Texas will cover the costs of your tuition, any meals and snacks offered, materials, and other resources. 

Please be aware that in recent years, between 25% and 40% 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.

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.

LOCATION

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

Click here for map, directions, and parking information

FLOORPLANS

The symposium will use space on the first and second floors of the Learning Hub.

HCC LEARNING HUB - FIRST FLOOR

HCC LEARNING HUB - SECOND FLOOR

When you first enter the building, make your way to Room 108, the Multi-Purpose Room, on the first floor. You will see the check-in table outside that room – please make sure you check in! (Not registered yet? Please use the button on this page to register ahead of time so that we can prepare to host you!)

Exhibitors will be set up in the lobby space outside that room, and all plenary sessions will be in this space.

Throughout the day, you can use the stairs or the elevators to make your way to the second floor. We will be using Rooms 217 – 220, and the two Computer Labs (204 and 205).

LOCAL HOTELS

Need a place to stay in Houston?

These two hotels come recommended by local partners (though please note, Literacy Texas does not have any special relationship or room rate with either of these):

Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport

Hilton University of Houston on Campus Hotel

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

click here to register now

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.

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.

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 – and Our Voyage Toward Solutions

In addition to the pressure of teaching adult learners, instructors face added challenges of motivating and caring for students in challenging and unstable times.

In this welcome address, Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker will offer strategies instructors can use to help support those we serve. She will also discuss the importance of being sure we take care of ourselves in the process.

Location: 108 (Multi-Purpose Room)

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. 

Dr. Frances Villagran-Glover
President, HCC Southeast

As President of Houston Community College System (HCC) Southeast College, Dr. Frances Villagran-Glover brings over 25 years of diverse experience in education across six states, encompassing K-12, community colleges, and national higher education associations. Her journey as a first-generation college graduate fuels her deep commitment to educational opportunity for all.

Dr. Villagran-Glover has championed initiatives aimed at enhancing student access to higher education and equipping them with the resources needed to achieve their educational, professional, and personal aspirations. Recently, she has engaged in national policy and community efforts addressing fundamental student needs and barriers to success. A recognized advocate for student empowerment, she has presented on student success and community engagement at national conferences.

In 2022, Dr. Villagran-Glover was selected as one of twenty-six higher national education leaders for Aspen New Presidents Fellowship. She was recognized in 2025 as Houston’s Women we Admire, Women on the Move by Texas Executive Women in 2022 and is an American Leadership Forum fellow. She serves on the boards of the National Community College Hispanic Council (NCCHC) and Texas Executive Women (TEW) and is an alum of Leadership Houston. Additionally, she has contributed to various community boards, including SER Jobs for Progress and the Baker Ripley Advisory Council, and represented HCC in Excelencia in Education’s Presidents for Student Success initiative.

Dr. Villagran-Glover holds a B.S. in Community Health Education from Texas A&M University, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University, and a Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership from George Mason University.

Her life motto, “Find a way or make one,” embodies her proactive approach to overcoming challenges and fostering positive change.

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.

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, 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: 108 (Multi-Purpose Room)

Ed Tech Partners

Vaschni Savain
Sales & Customer Journey Manager, Brainchild

Bio pending

Loa, Martin

Martin Loa
Senior Customer Manager, Burlington English

Bio pending

Ana Aparicio Jovel
Customer Service Representative, Burlington English

Bio pending

Shawna Young
Senior Implementation Manager, zSpace

Bio pending

Dee Dickson
Sr. Customer Success Manager, Regional Lead – West, zSpace

Bio pending

Ben Peterson
Education Innovation, zSpace

Bio pending

Effectively Moving Your ESL Class Online

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: 204 (Computer Lab)

Amber Miller
TCALL

Amber Miller is the AE Professional Development Supervisor at Austin Community College in Austin, Texas. She has been teaching ESL for the past two decades and also works developing and presenting PD workshops both across the state of Texas and nationally.

She is passionate about finding new and innovative techniques to bring to the classroom and share with colleagues. Her workshops focus on engagement, general instructional strategies, and educational technology. 

Houston Citizenship & Naturalization in 2025 & What Adult Educators Need to Know

In 2025, the path to U.S. citizenship is shifting. This session will explore the most recent updates, policy changes, and evolving USCIS procedures impacting lawful permanent residents in the Greater Houston area.

Participants will gain practical strategies to adapt their instruction, ensure curriculum compliance, and meet the needs of diverse immigrant learners. We’ll also discuss how to navigate new challenges and help students prepare not only for the naturalization test, but for active and informed civic participation.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: 217

Luis Garcia Alvarez
President, SEDES &
Senior Community Engagement Advisor, USA Hello

Luis A. Garcia-Alvarez immigrated to the U.S. at the start of the century to pursue his dreams and enhance the lives of Hispanic immigrants. In 2008, he founded SEDES (System for Education Empowerment and Success), where he serves as President. He also serves as the Senior Community Engagement Advisor for USAHello, helping immigrants achieve financial freedom and societal development. He holds a Master’s in Human Rights and International Law.

In 2021, he received the Hispanic Heritage Award from Houston and was named MLS Community MVP for representing the Houston Dynamo. His leadership on various advisory boards reflects his dedication to a brighter future. In his essay for the Hispanic Leaders Program, he envisions the U.S. as a cultural melting pot and an opportunity to strengthen the Hispanic community.

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: 218

Speights, Lara

Lara Speights
Vice President for Family Support and Adult Literacy, 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.

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

Closing the digital divide is essential for fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. A recent report by the National Skills Coalition found that 92% of current job listings require digital skills. Imagine not being able to enter the workforce due to a deficit in these essential skills.

The Goodwill Digital Navigator training, co-developed with World Education, a division of JSI Research and Training Institute, is designed to equip service providers with specific skills and information to support customers to get on their own learning pathway to economic sufficiency.

Hear from speakers from Goodwill Industries International and Goodwill of Houston how this program was developed and how it is being used to upskill employees to better serve their neighbors.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: 219

Amy Johnson
Senior Partnership and Products Specialist, Goodwill Industries International

Amy Johnson has been with Goodwill Industries International for over 9 years. She is currently the Senior Partnership and Products Specialist working to bring partners, GII cross-functional teams, and the Goodwill network together to enhance the Goodwill mission with best practices and products.
 
In her past roles, she has worked with the customer service experience and partner relationship management. 

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

Discover how the Houston Public Library’s CEET 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: 220

HPL CEET Team:

Mercedes Clarke, Division Manager

Cecilia Pham de Medina, Sr. Community Liaison

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.

Please see session descriptions above, under Session 1.

11:50 AM – 1:00 PM: WORKING LUNCH

Includes Special Recognition for Literacy Texas and HCC Southeast College on behalf of US Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia

Creative Programming for Stormy Times

Get the latest updates from Texas Adult Education State Director Mahalia Baldini on the state’s key strategic priorities: expanding employment opportunities, increasing transition to higher education, improving essential skills, and boosting high school completion rates. Even in the midst of uncertain times, programs can future focus on developing practical strategies to align your programs with workforce demands and empower your students to achieve success.

Location: 108 (Multi-Purpose Room)

Mahalia Baldini

Mahalia Baldini
AEL State Director, Texas Workforce Commission

Mahalia Baldini was named the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) State Director in September 2020 after serving as the program’s supervisor for over six years. She earned her B.A in Journalism from the University of Kentucky and her Master’s in Education from Texas State University.

Mrs. Baldini has spent the last fifteen years integrating workforce and economic development with educational solutions that center on outcomes for low and middle skill workers. She believes in and values a system that supports equitable education and learning opportunities that focus on an individual’s academic preparedness and advancement as well as the social and emotional intelligence needed to contribute to a positive work culture aligned to employer needs.

Discovering Hidden Treasure: Networking to Build Career Pathways

In this interactive session, participants will use NCCER Industry Trading Cards and the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy’s Cycle of Literacy graphic to map out essential service needs, available resources, and strategic partnerships.
 
Through structured networking conversations, attendees will:
  • exchange expertise
  • pinpoint gaps in services
  • strategize connections with potential apprenticeship and internship partners

By linking literacy, industry needs, and real-world opportunities, this activity will uncover stronger, more intentional career pathways for learners ages 17 and up.

Let’s turn networking into actionable collaboration!

Location: 108 (Multi-Purpose Room)

Jacqueline Aguilera
Project Manager, Mayor’s Office of Adult Literacy – Houston

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.

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: 108 (Multi-Purpose Room)

Julio Medina
TCALL

Julio A. Medina is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in adult education, workforce development, curriculum design, and instructional strategy. He currently serves as the Continuous Improvement Training Manager at MI Windows and Doors, where he leads employee development initiatives that drive operational excellence and workforce performance.
 
Julio’s background includes roles in higher education and workforce programs, including serving as an Academic Advisor III at West Texas A&M University and as a Career Pathways Specialist. His work has focused on building industry-aligned training, supporting diverse and underserved populations, and strengthening community partnerships.
 
He holds a BA in Psychology from Texas Tech University, is pursuing an MBA at West Texas A&M University, and is certified in Project Management through Google. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish, Julio is an active community advocate dedicated to expanding access to education and opportunity.

2:15 PM: END OF DAY 1

2:15 PM – 2:30 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 Strategically Navigating the Storm

Adult education and literacy leaders are facing incredible challenges on levels we have not faced in the past. In this welcome address, Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker will offer strategies leaders can use to continue building in a time when so many things feel as though they are falling apart. She will also discuss the importance of prioritizing the morale of teams and leaders, and she will address the need for open and clear communication. 

Location: 108 (Multi-Purpose Room)

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. 

Dr. Frances Villagran-Glover
President, HCC Southeast

As President of Houston Community College System (HCC) Southeast College, Dr. Frances Villagran-Glover brings over 25 years of diverse experience in education across six states, encompassing K-12, community colleges, and national higher education associations. Her journey as a first-generation college graduate fuels her deep commitment to educational opportunity for all.

Dr. Villagran-Glover has championed initiatives aimed at enhancing student access to higher education and equipping them with the resources needed to achieve their educational, professional, and personal aspirations. Recently, she has engaged in national policy and community efforts addressing fundamental student needs and barriers to success. A recognized advocate for student empowerment, she has presented on student success and community engagement at national conferences.

In 2022, Dr. Villagran-Glover was selected as one of twenty-six higher national education leaders for Aspen New Presidents Fellowship. She was recognized in 2025 as Houston’s Women we Admire, Women on the Move by Texas Executive Women in 2022 and is an American Leadership Forum fellow. She serves on the boards of the National Community College Hispanic Council (NCCHC) and Texas Executive Women (TEW) and is an alum of Leadership Houston. Additionally, she has contributed to various community boards, including SER Jobs for Progress and the Baker Ripley Advisory Council, and represented HCC in Excelencia in Education’s Presidents for Student Success initiative.

Dr. Villagran-Glover holds a B.S. in Community Health Education from Texas A&M University, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University, and a Doctor of Education in Community College Leadership from George Mason University.

Her life motto, “Find a way or make one,” embodies her proactive approach to overcoming challenges and fostering positive change.

8:40 AM – 9:40 AM

Session 1 (60 min)

What Do Employers Need from Providers? Houston Adult Literacy Providers & Employers Speak Out

What do employers really need from adult education providers?

In this high-impact 1-hour panel, hear directly from a business chamber president, a nonprofit leader in adult and family literacy, an IT entrepreneur and marketing expert, and the executive director of a citywide financial education initiative. They’ll share actionable insights on workforce expectations, community needs, and how providers can build stronger, more relevant programs.

Designed for administrators ready to align education with economic opportunity.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: 108 (Multi-Purpose Room)

Adriana Gonzalez
President, Cámara de Empresarios Latinos de Houston

Adriana Gonzalez’ experience has been in the service industries. Her background is Hospitality in the Food and Beverage areas as Food and Beverage Controller, Certified Purchasing Agent and Compliance Officer assisting General Managers, CFO, and Operation Managers with all compliance aspects of the business. She has assisted with opening hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, meat markets, catering businesses locally, statewide and nationally from the ground up to the opening day.

Her service leadership includes working with Justice of the Peace, County and District Judges for indigent determinations, translations and court duties.

Currently, Adriana is the President/CEO of Latin Entrepreneurs Chamber where she serves more than 450 Latin businesses with Education, Information, Support, Technology, Connections, and Social Responsibility. She is proud to serve her community by supporting education and economic growth.

Sabrina Lewis
Executive Director, Houston Money Week

Sabrina Lewis is the creator of the Better Banking Economics Program, an innovative initiative revolutionizing the transition of underserved youth into adulthood. This program ensures that all high school seniors graduating from Title One schools have access to a completely free and safe bank account, a state ID, hands-on exposure to financial literacy education aligned with TEKS standards and opportunities for career exposure and exploration as a financial professional.

Sabrina currently holds the esteemed position of Executive Director for HMW (Houston Money Week), where she is pioneering the creation of a statewide hub for financial literacy, training services and events supporting the financial education of all Texans from children to adults. Her leadership is as she is also a U.S. Navy veteran and a Ms. Black Texas USA 2020, 2021 Ms. Black USA -Miss Congeniality, Miss Community Service, and 2nd Runner up.

Jha Allan
Founder, Endless 8 Marketing
Digital Marketing Trainer & Consultant

Jha Allen is a digital marketing strategist, AI trainer, and entrepreneur known for helping businesses cut through complexity and grow with clarity. With over 12 years of experience in sales, 10+ years in marketing, and 3+ years in education, she blends hands-on expertise with forward-thinking strategy to help organizations simplify systems and scale with confidence.

As the founder of Endless 8 Marketing, Jha has trained thousands of entrepreneurs through partnerships with Houston Community College, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network, and national organizations focused on business growth and economic inclusion. She leads sessions on AI literacy, digital strategy, and operational efficiency—helping business owners and organizations integrate modern tools into their workflows.

Jha’s approach combines innovation with real-world practicality, empowering service-based business leaders to work smarter with AI, modernize their marketing, and make a meaningful impact.

Luis Garcia Alvarez
President, SEDES &
Senior Community Engagement Advisor, USA Hello

Luis A. Garcia-Alvarez immigrated to the U.S. at the start of the century to pursue his dreams and enhance the lives of Hispanic immigrants. In 2008, he founded SEDES (System for Education Empowerment and Success), where he serves as President. He also serves as the Senior Community Engagement Advisor for USAHello, helping immigrants achieve financial freedom and societal development. He holds a Master’s in Human Rights and International Law.

In 2021, he received the Hispanic Heritage Award from Houston and was named MLS Community MVP for representing the Houston Dynamo. His leadership on various advisory boards reflects his dedication to a brighter future. In his essay for the Hispanic Leaders Program, he envisions the U.S. as a cultural melting pot and an opportunity to strengthen the Hispanic community.

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: 108 (Multi-Purpose Room)

Traci Nolen
Program Specialist, Texas Workforce Commission Office of Apprenticeship

Traci Nolen, Program Specialist for the Texas Workforce Commission Office of Apprenticeship, provides consultation and technical assistance work for the Texas Workforce Commission. With over 20 years of workforce development experience across Kentucky and Texas, Traci has served as a Project Manager for local workforce boards in both states. Over the years, some of Traci’s favorite workforce projects includes turning Coals Miners into coders, establishing a network of 15 community Job Clubs across Eastern Kentucky during the height of the recession, and working hand-in-hand with the City of Houston providing workforce recovery efforts after Hurricane Harvey. Today, she is proud to be on the front lines for TWC supporting apprenticeship expansion efforts for employers across Texas.

11:20 AM – 12:20 PM: WORKING LUNCH

Organizational Resilience in the Eye of the Storm

As Texas’ workforce demands continue to grow, adult education is emerging as a critical solution. Join Texas Adult Education State Director, Mahalia Baldini, for an update on the evolving landscape of adult foundational education in Texas. Learn about the state’s new strategic goals, the importance of leveraging partnerships and funding, and how Texas’ vast network of adult educators is poised to support expanding industry development.

Location: 108 (Multi-Purpose Room)

Mahalia Baldini

Mahalia Baldini
AEL State Director, Texas Workforce Commission

Mahalia Baldini was named the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) State Director in September 2020 after serving as the program’s supervisor for over six years. She earned her B.A in Journalism from the University of Kentucky and her Master’s in Education from Texas State University.

Mrs. Baldini has spent the last fifteen years integrating workforce and economic development with educational solutions that center on outcomes for low and middle skill workers. She believes in and values a system that supports equitable education and learning opportunities that focus on an individual’s academic preparedness and advancement as well as the social and emotional intelligence needed to contribute to a positive work culture aligned to employer needs.

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM

Session 3 (90 min)

Grant-Writing in Stormy Times

While funding for community-based organizations is always a challenge, it is especially difficult in light of recent events.

In this interactive session, we will talk about the fundamentals of solid grant writing and reporting. You’ll also learn about documents that are often requested from funders, proposals that get noticed, and the importance of stewardship.

You’ll walk away with action items that might help you have the funding you need to keep your organization afloat. 

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Location: 108 (Multi-Purpose Room)

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. 

2:15 PM: END OF DAY 2

2:15 PM – 2:30 PM: FAREWELL & DOOR PRIZES

EXHIBITORS

Burlington English

Brainchild

Essential Education

Houston Public Library

HPL Techlink

Learning Upgrade

Literacy ConneXus

TCALL

zSpace

DOWNLOADS

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

Click here to get the flyer

Download or print a copy of the symposium program.

Click here to get the program

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 -

click here to go to the literacy texas calendar
click here to see the national literacy calendar

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Checked/updated: 6/16/25

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

South Plains Literacy Symposium

by

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.

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

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

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.

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

Read more about the symposia here.

Read more about the annual conference here.

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 and family 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.

Two words: LOCAL + FREE!

Each symposium program focuses 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.

A: The symposium is free to attend. Literacy Texas will cover the costs of your tuition, any meals and snacks offered, materials, and other resources. 

Please be aware that in recent years, between 25% and 40% 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.

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.

LOCATION

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

Click here for map, directions, and parking information

Venue Floorplan

Space in use during the symposium is marked in gold.

See program below to find which room each session is in.

Plenary sessions (morning welcome and lunch) will be in the PCB Room.

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

click here to register now

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.

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.

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

Location: PCB Room

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Session 1 (90 min)

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: PCB Room

Loa, Martin

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.

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: Alexander Room

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.

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

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.

10:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Session 2 (90 min)

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.

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: PCB Room

Loa, Martin

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.

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: Alexander Room

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.

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: Breakout Room

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

This panel will explore the critical connection between workforce preparation and the evolving needs of today’s employers. Panelists from education, industry, and workforce development will discuss strategies for aligning curriculum and training programs with in-demand workplace skills.

Location: PCB Room

Facilitator: Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker

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.

Amy Marquez, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas

Amy is the Director of Communications with Goodwill Industries of Northwest Texas. She joined the Goodwill team in 20023 with 15 years of nonprofit experience. Prior to her nonprofit career, Amy worked with special needs children for 11 years. The Goodwill mission is close to her heart, she knows and understands what barriers our special needs community faces every day. She loves living in the Lubbock community with her husband Adam, two children Andrew and Alexis and their two fur-babies Zoey Jane and Bailey Jo!

Ashley Drisko, WIOA Youth for Workforce Solutions

Ashley is the Work Experience Coordinator who assists young people in gaining work experience to kickstart their careers at the Workforce in Lubbock. Having lived in Texas for only a few years, she offers a unique perspective from her home state of Maine. She empowers local youth by visiting schools and delivering presentations on future needs. Additionally, she networks with employers to facilitate connections with prospective employees.

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: PCB Room

Loa, Martin

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.

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: Alexander Room

Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker, 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.

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

Location: PCB Room

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.

Click here to get the flyer

Download a printable copy of the symposium program.

Click here to get the print-ready program

SPECIAL THANKS TO -

Literacy Lubbock

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

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

click here to go to the literacy texas calendar
click here to see the national literacy calendar

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Checked/updated: 5/22/25

Coffee With Literacy Texas

by

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

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 Wednesday, April 23, any time between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM 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!

Click here on April 23 to join the session

STAY IN THE KNOW -

click here to go to the literacy texas calendar
click here to see the national literacy calendar

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Checked/updated 4/23/25

Best of Texas: Faith-Affiliated Programs

by

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.

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

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

This special extended online session will be held on:

Thursday, April 24, from 8:45 AM to 12:15 PM (CT).

The Zoom room will open at 8:30 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 faith-affiliated adult literacy programs. This is such a high-interest topic that we have dedicated a morning to it, in place of the standard 1-hour format for Best of Texas sessions.

NOTE: This morning of learning will run along the same lines as the Faith-Affiliated Symposium did in the past – this session replaces that learning opportunity in the 2025 training calendar.

Many people are motivated by their faith to help their communities, and for some, that leads them to sit alongside other adults and help them improve their literacy. This online session will focus on some best practices for teachers and others who work within faith-affiliated literacy programs.

Participants of all faiths, and none, are welcome at this event.

PROGRAM, SCHEDULE, & SESSIONS

8:30 AM: ONLINE CHECK-IN OPENS

8:45 AM: WELCOME

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Session 1 (60 min)

Family Literacy – Getting Children Ready for School
Karen Morrow, Retired

Do you have an ESL program serving parents with preschool-age children who need help preparing for school?

Ready for School! is a 20-week curriculum that equips parents with tools and resources to help their children develop key school readiness skills. Through weekly activities, families receive books and materials to practice at home, focusing on reading, language, motor skills, and social development, while fostering a love for learning in young children.

Ready for School could be adapted to your ESL ministry to help parents prepare their children for school!

Morrow, Karen

Karen Morrow
Retired

Karen Morrow is a recently retired Cooperative Baptist Fellowship missionary based in Fort Worth, Texas, dedicated to serving refugee communities. She has been working with refugees since 1996, initially in Germany and later in the U.S.

Karen is known for her compassionate outreach to refugee children, particularly through her “Ready for School” program, which helps prepare young children for school while engaging their parents in the learning process.

Tutoring & Conversation Partners – Best Practices
Dr. Cynthia Kilpatrick, Stephen F. Austin State University

This session will provide best practices for leading a successful conversation partners program in a college or university setting, as well as effective one-on-one tutoring strategies for ESL students.

Participants will explore research-based methods to foster meaningful conversations, support language development, and build cross-cultural connections.

Kilpatrick, Cynthia

Dr. Cynthia Kilpatrick
Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning
Stephen F. Austin State University

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.

10:05 AM – 11:05 AM: Session 2 (60 min)

Overview of Teaching English ConneXus (TECs)
Matthew Johnston, Literacy ConneXus

“Teaching English ConneXus”, or TECs, is a hybrid online and in-person training program designed for new ESL teachers in faith-based programs. This session will give participants a “taste” of the training, including excellent hands-on activities which will help you engage your ESL students.

Johnston, Matthew

Matthew Johnston
ESL Support Coordinator and TECs Trainer
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.

Best Practices: Directing Faith-Affiliated ESL Programs with Strong Community Partnerships
Kathleen Yarborough, CityRise Church

This session will explore effective strategies for leading faith-affiliated ESL programs and building strong community partnerships.

Participants will learn best practices for program organization, volunteer recruitment and training, curriculum selection, and creating a welcoming, excellent learning environment.

Yarborough, Kathleen

Kathleen Yarborough
Director of Community Ministries
CityRise Church

Kathleen Yarborough is the Director of Community Ministries at CityRise Church in Houston, Texas, where she leads outreach initiatives, including free ESL classes and partnerships that provide food and medical assistance to those in need.

An experienced ESL teacher, she has dedicated years to serving English learners and equipping volunteers to teach and serve effectively. She is also a TECs trainer with Literacy ConneXus, helping faith-based programs develop strong ESL ministries.

11:10 AM – 12:10 PM: Session 3 (60 min)

Immigration Update: Current Policies and How They Affect Communities of Faith
Jesús Romero, Educational and Legal Immigration Ministries (ELIM)

This session offers critical updates on immigration laws and policies. Learn how recent changes impact immigrant students and their families, and gain practical tools to support your learners in navigating these challenges.

This session will equip you to enhance your ESL programs with the knowledge, resources, or referrals needed to better serve immigrant families in your care.

Romero, Jesús

Dr. Jesús Romero
Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning
Educational and Legal Immigration Ministries (ELIM)

Dr. Jesús Romero is the director of Educational and Legal Immigration Ministries (ELIM), a ministry of Fellowship Southwest designed to support immigrants and refugees through education, legal assistance, and advocacy. With a passion for both social justice and ministry, Romero leads efforts to equip churches and community leaders with tools to navigate complex immigration laws.

His work emphasizes the importance of offering compassionate care to immigrant families and advocating for their rights. Under his leadership, ELIM has provided valuable resources, such as training programs for immigration legal representation, and continues to build partnerships to support immigrants in their pursuit of justice and stability in the U.S.

12:15 PM: FAREWELL

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

Hosts:

Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker

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. 
Meriwether, Lester

Lester Meriwether
Executive Director
Literacy ConneXus

Lester Meriwether has been the Executive Director of Literacy ConneXus since May 2004. Literacy ConneXus is a not-for-profit organization that helps faith-affiliated organizations help people with literacy needs in Texas and beyond.
 
In this capacity, Meriwether represents and advocates for hundreds of volunteers who each week teach English and basic literacy or conspire to provide beginning home libraries for families with no books. He works with talented volunteers across Texas who serve in a variety of ways to help churches help people with literacy needs.
 
Lester and his wife Donna have three children and five grandchildren and live in Fort Worth.

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.

click here to register now

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 3 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.

DOWNLOADS

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

Click here to get the flyer

Download or print a program overview showing times and sessions.

Click here to get the program overview

SPECIAL THANKS

Literacy ConneXus

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

click here to go to the literacy texas calendar
click here to see the national literacy calendar

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Checked/updated 4/24/25

Central Texas Literacy Symposium

by

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.

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

QUICK LINKS FOR THE CENTRAL TEXAS SYMPOSIUM:

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

BASIC DETAILS

The 2025 Central Texas Literacy Symposium is co-presented by the Literacy Coalition of Central Texas and Literacy Texas. 

The symposium has the theme “Literacy Matters: Empowering Every Adult” and will be held on:

Thursday, April 17, from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM (CT)

Check-in for registered participants will open at 8:00 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.

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

Read more about the symposia here.

Read more about the annual conference here.

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 and family 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.

Two words: LOCAL + FREE!

Each symposium program focuses 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.

A: The symposium is free to attend. Literacy Texas will cover the costs of your tuition, any meals and snacks offered, materials, and other resources. 

Please be aware that in recent years, between 25% and 40% 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.

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.

LOCATION

This symposium will be held at Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA), 3100 Alvin Devane Blvd, Building B, Austin, TX 78741.

click here for map and parking information

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

click here to register now

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 5.5 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.

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, BREAKFAST

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

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Session 1 (90 min)

Teaching Adults: English Language

This session is designed to help organizations develop or improve their ESL programs.

Participants will learn strategies to develop a curriculum that meets the needs of students with a focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Included are strategies for setting objectives, using appropriate materials, designing effective lesson plans, enhancing engagement, and improving lesson retention, as well as utilizing technology.

The presenters will also cover how to create a program for various proficiency levels, remain culturally sensitive, and flexible for your students. The goal of a successful ESL program is to develop curriculum and classes that encourage language development and add real-world application. Leveraging the success of El Buen’s ESL dynamic program in Central Texas, participants will leave with strategies and tools to create or improve their ESL programs and services.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Room: Dedication

Sergio Gaona, El Buen Samaritano

Sergio is a TEFL-certified ESL teacher with over 15 years of experience, volunteering at El Buen and teaching privately. Teaching is his passion, and he strongly believes in El Buen’s mission to empower and uplift our community. Being part of this work is incredibly rewarding for Sergio and he loves helping his students build confidence and achieve their language goals.

Outside of teaching, Sergio is involved in his church, supporting youth, and when time allows, he enjoys reading and singing opera locally.

Nick Avendano, El Buen Samaritano

Nick has worked with the Adult Education Department of El Buen Samaritano for 4 years. His passion for languages and digital skills have driven his work at El Buen. The work in the Adult Education Department is to emphasize workforce development and provide students with the basic needs to propel them into the workforce.

Digital Literacy in Action: Helping Students Thrive in a Connected World

In today’s interconnected world, students must understand the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities that come with digital engagement. Join us as we explore practical strategies and share ready-to-use resources that empower students to navigate the digital landscape with confidence, critical thinking, and care.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Room: Innovation

Diana Benner, Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA)

Diana Benner has been involved in education for more than 20 years. She has served as an instructional technologist, instructional designer, and an online learning specialist, supporting districts all over Texas and in state government. She loves offering engaging staff development and working with teachers to get them excited about using digital tools in the classroom in order to impact student achievement. She has a Masters of Education in Educational Technology.

Peggy Reimers, Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA)

Peggy facilitates professional development with Google Apps for Education, mobile learning devices, robotics, and other current technology trends. Formerly a public school teacher, she shared her passion for technology and her creative, hands-on approach with elementary students for 26 years. Peggy earned her M.S. in Educational Technology from Lesley University and her B.S. in Elementary Education from Montana State University Billings.

Teaching Adults: Math & Numeracy

Numeracy is a vital component of literacy. It’s a fundamental life skill that empowers individuals to navigate daily challenges. Yet despite its importance, many learners of all ages struggle with math anxiety, self-doubt, and negative perceptions about their mathematical abilities.

This interactive training session is designed to equip everyone, in all positions from any program, with practical strategies to teach math effectively and foster a positive learning environment. Participants will explore how to address math anxiety, differentiate instruction for diverse learners, and take a peek into helpful resources. Attendees will gain tools to assess numeracy skills, track progress, and create learner-centered math experiences.

As a person working with adults who are seeking to improve essential skills, this session will provide valuable insights to enhance your numeracy instruction. Join us to discover how you can help transform anxiety into achievement and build mathematical confidence that lasts a lifetime. Leave not just inspired, but equipped with practical tools and strategies to make a meaningful difference in your learners’ numeracy journeys.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Room: Inspiration

Naomi Lovato, Community Action

Naomi Lovato is the HSE Instructional Designer for Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas (CAICT). Naomi taught HSE online and in person before moving into instructional coaching. She received a BA in English Education from Texas State University.

Naomi worked in outdoor education for 2 years and then special education for 4 years before finding her passion in adult education. Naomi is a member of the San Marcos Civics Club. She also works with local bicycle groups to promote accessibility for alternative transportation. She tends to her mental health by biking, running, listening to live music, and swimming in the San Marcos River.

Allied Health Action Plan: Your Roadmap to Ellii’s Career Pathway Content for ELLs

This session introduces teachers to Ellii’s newly released Allied Healthcare courses and supplementary materials. Participants will explore strategies to support English language learners in Integrated English Training (IET) career exploration across various proficiency levels and needs.

The presentation will highlight how these resources can be tailored to meet diverse student requirements, fostering a comprehensive learning environment that prepares students for careers in healthcare. By integrating these materials, educators can enhance student engagement and career readiness, ensuring a more effective and inclusive educational experience.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Conference Room

Laura Jacob, Ellii

Laura Jacob has been an ESL Instructor for 18 years. She has taught high school students at the community college, adult education, and university level.

She has presented at several state and international conferences, participated in action research, and developed teacher training programs.

She speaks Spanish and intermediate Hindi. She has a Masters in TESOL.

10:45 AM – 12:15 PM

Session 2 (90 min)

Impact Storytelling: Mining for Your Magic

Storytelling is an essential part of building strong, engaging relationships across your audiences.

In this session, we’ll explore what makes your organization unique and how to convey those stories with sensitivity and integrity. We’ll learn from case studies and each other so that we can better resonate outside of our organizations in meaningful ways.

Leave ready to unlock deeper audience engagement, equipped with new ideas, approaches and action items.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Room: Dedication

Dana Such, Squeezed Consulting

Dana Such is the founder of Squeezed Consulting, where she helps nonprofits grow audiences and revenue to expand their capacity for mission-driven work. She began her career at Texas Monthly and has over a decade of focused experience in audience development across media, e-commerce and nonprofit sectors.

Outside of work, Dana dedicates time to board service within her community. She is a Leadership Austin and AISD UpClose alumna, Austin Under 40 Finalist, and Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial and Leadership Institute FoundHER.

Strategies for Struggling Readers & Students with Special Learning Needs

Objectives of this session include:

· Understand definitions and characteristics of dyslexia.
· Understand instructional strategies that support students’ reading comprehension.
· 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.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Room: Innovation

Dr. Lisa Polk, 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.

Data Monitoring and Evaluation: How to Show Impact

This session covers everything from program evaluation, data collection, and monitoring to presenting data to various audiences, including funders, donors, and stakeholders in reports. Whether you want to demonstrate impact or improve program or staff performance, this session is designed for you.

The session includes hands-on and interactive exercises that introduce participants to free visualization tools, allowing them to explore what’s available and much more. Participants in this session will benefit from years of experience in program evaluation, data collection, and demonstrating impact with El Buen and St. David’s, and will walk away with tools and strategies to implement in their own organizations.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Room: Inspiration

Luis Garcia, St. David’s Foundation

Luis Garcia holds a degree in Electronic and Communications Engineering. He is currently the Dental Analytics Manager at the St. David’s Foundation, where he is responsible for managing the data and analytics of the Foundation’s Dental Program, including program initiatives, forecasting, projections, data analysis, and reporting.

Before joining the Foundation, he worked as the Chief Technology and Analytics Officer at El Buen Samaritano, utilizing data analytics and technology infrastructure to optimize operations, evaluate program effectiveness, and drive data-driven strategies for organizational growth and sustainability.

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family outdoors, and coaching his kids’ baseball and softball teams.

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: WORKING LUNCH

Panel: “Empowering Adults: Workplace Skills Alignment“

This working lunch session is a panel moderated by Diane Cook, featuring employer representatives discussing how to align necessary workplace skills in adult education – a powerful lesson for organizations as they strive to help students become workforce-ready.

We will hear from employers about the skill gaps missing in their organizations, whether it’s English Language, technical, or even soft skills. Together, we will explore how adult education organizations can address these gaps, better equip students for success, and support employers as they recruit and retain talent.

Conference Room

Diane Cook, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area

Experienced professional with a demonstrated history of working in the workforce development industry. Strong operations professional skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Youth Development, Program Evaluation, Case Management, and Young People.

1:45 PM – 3:15 PM

Session 3 (90 min)

Retention/Persistence for AEL

In this session, participants will be guided through the planning for their first contact with participants using research on student persistence. This first contact is the initial step to retention.

The group will review the Drivers of Persistence as well as 10 strategies for improving retention and will be provided strategies for addressing areas identified by research that likely impact student persistence. Participants will share in a discussion on motivation and how it impacts our AEL students. 

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Room: Dedication

Escamilla, Dr Olga

Dr. Olga Escamilla, TCALL

Dr. Olga Escamilla has over 26 years of experience in adult education, and currently serves as a PD Specialist with TRAIN PD @ TCALL. She has served as a teacher’s aide, data entry, ABE Instructor, AEL Supervisor, Professional Development Grant Coordinator, AEL Director, Job Coach, and Workforce Case Manager. She has served as a Senior Lecturer with TAMUK- Masters of Adult Education program since 2009.

Dr. Escamilla served on the COABE Board as Region-4 Representative from 2019 – 2022.

Pathways to Citizenship

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data, there are 1,261,546 individuals with Legal Permanent Residency (LPRs, or Green Card holders) in the state of Texas. Currently, over one million of these individuals are eligible for U.S. citizenship, or Naturalization.

During her tenure as Education Director at Manos de Cristo, Karin has participated in several USCIS trainings and gained valuable experience and knowledge at Manos. This 90-minute session will focus on the process of Naturalization, the common barriers that eligible LPRs face to naturalize, as well as share tips and resources to help eligible LPRs prepare for Naturalization.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Room: Innovation

Karin Zamora, Manos de Cristo

Karin Zamora has eleven years of experience in the education field. Prior to working in the adult education space, she worked with K-12 in Spanish and ELA classrooms in Texas and Guatemala. She has served as the Director of Education at the non-profit Manos de Cristo in Austin, TX since 2022. There, she facilitates ESL, Computer Literacy, and Citizenship Preparation classes for the adult immigrant community in central Texas. Her passion lies in creating connections and empowering individuals through education.

A Teacher’s Dozen: Activities to Boost Learner Engagement

In this dynamic session, we will spotlight a variety of challenges in adult education today. As we address each challenge, participants will share ideas, discuss strategies, and identify meaningful ways to boost student engagement and promote student success.

From creative in-class activities to innovative learning opportunities beyond the classroom, participants will leave the session equipped with a robust set of strategies to support and advance the journey of English language learners.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Room: Inspiration

Loa, Martin

Martin Loa, BurlingtonEnglish

Martin Loa is Senior Customer Manager for Burlington English. He has served in that capacity for the past 6 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.

Beyond the GED: Building a Workforce-Ready Pipeline with Essential Education

In today’s job market, a high school equivalency diploma alone isn’t enough—students need workforce skills to succeed. This session explores how the GED Academy and workforce development must go hand in hand to create a prepared talent pipeline. Learn how Essential Education’s Workforce Bundle—featuring Computer Essentials, Work Essentials, and Money Essentials—equips adult learners with digital literacy, workplace readiness, and financial literacy skills.

Discover how to integrate these courses seamlessly into your programs, whether as a capstone experience or side-by-side with GED Academy. Walk away with practical strategies to help your students transition from education to employment with confidence.

PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD

Conference Room

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 solutions 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.

3:20 PM – 3:30 PM: FAREWELL & DOOR PRIZES

EXHIBITORS

Burlington English

Ellii

Essential Education

Literacy Coalition of Central Texas

Literacy Texas

TCALL (Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning)

DOWNLOADS

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

Click here to get the flyer

Download a printable copy of the symposium program.

Click here to get the program

SPECIAL THANKS TO -

Half Price Books – symposium major sponsor!

Literacy Coalition of Central Texas

Barnes & Noble Sunset Valley

Book People

Eliza Page

Kendra Scott

Susser Bank

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

The Texas Workforce Commission

Tito’s Vodka

STAY IN THE KNOW -

click here to go to the literacy texas calendar
click here to see the national literacy calendar

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Checked/updated: 4/21/25

Best of Texas: Focus on ABE

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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.

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

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

This online session will be held on:

Thursday, March 27, 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 session will focus on the specific needs of adults in Adult Basic Education and equivalent literacy programs.

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 discussion will focus on the specific needs of ABE students. ABE students have very particular needs – but because there are fewer of them in adult literacy programs than ESL students, they can be overlooked.

We want to rectify that with a special focus on ABE this month. Come along to this session to learn more from some innovative programs making a difference in Texas.

GUESTS THIS MONTH

Tumey, Charmyn

Charmyn Tumey
Director, Adult Education and Literacy
Kilgore College-Longview

Charmyn Tumey, MBA, empowers under-educated adults through free educational and job training opportunities as the Director of Kilgore College’s Adult Education and Literacy program. A Longview native and Pine Tree High School graduate, Charmyn is deeply committed to her community, serving on numerous boards and organizations focused on education and development. Her passion for service was instilled by her mother, who emphasized using one’s talents to uplift others and transform lives.

Charmyn’s career path has been diverse, spanning from her childhood in a blended family and time spent in Germany, to a career in fashion merchandising and sales. Despite initially resisting a career in education due to her family’s background in the field, a professor’s question during her MBA studies sparked a change of heart. Leading the Adult Education and Literacy Program at Kilgore College has proven transformative, allowing her to combine her passion for education with her desire to make a tangible difference, all while raising her two children. Her journey exemplifies the power of embracing unexpected opportunities and the profound impact of service.

Stewart, Lisa

Lisa Stewart
Executive Director
Literacy Coalition of Central Texas

Lisa M. Stewart, MBA, CAE, is the Literacy Coalition of Central Texas’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Literacy Coalition provides adult basic education, high school equivalency certification, career readiness, job training, parenting, and school readiness services to adults and families in Central Texas. Stewart grew up in Pasadena, Texas, and moved to Central Texas in 2018 after working thirteen years in Washington, DC.

Stewart’s role today elevates her passion for literacy and education by helping the Central Texas community grow, thrive, and achieve livable employment. Since taking her role, Stewart has led the organization through transition and structural changes related to funding and services. Under her leadership, the organization transitioned into a community-based service model, increased funding with state, city, and foundation partners, and remodeled curriculum to meet the challenges of today’s adult students. Stewart has also implemented an organizational strategic plan and rebranded the Literacy Coalition of Central Texas.

Before becoming CEO of the Literacy Coalition, Stewart served as its Chief Financial Officer. Her professional experience in nonprofits spans over twenty years. In her career, Lisa M. Stewart earned recognition as a Non-Profit Finance Leader and was awarded CFO of the Year Rising Star for the Greater Washington, DC Area.

Host:

Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker

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

click here to register now

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

Kilgore College Adult Education and Literacy

Literacy Coalition of Central Texas

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

click here to go to the literacy texas calendar
click here to see the national literacy calendar

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Checked/updated 3/27/25

Who you gonna call? A librarian!

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Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker

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

Life was pretty lonely for me in 2022 while I was finishing my doctorate and preparing for the final defense of my dissertation. Everyone else in my friend group is cool and fun, so while they watched football and drank beer at the local pizza parlor, I was in the corner booth trying to connect the dots between Paulo Freire and functional literacy.

As I was adding chapters to my paper, I was walking through a very sad chapter in my social life. That was until I made a new friend who matched my extreme level of nerdiness – the librarian.

As I followed one of the thousands of rabbit holes I went down into the abyss of adult literacy research, I stumbled upon a random Powerpoint Presentation that mentioned a statistic I thought seemed interesting and relevant to my study. 

Since this presentation didn’t include references, I knew it would be a long shot to track down the original source of information. I wrote to the presenter, whose email address was listed on the presentation, but received no response. I spent days scouring databases and search engines trying to find the source. When I had exhausted all of the options I could think of on my own, I knew it was time to call in a professional.

I emailed the general library help desk and explained my predicament. Within the hour, I received an email from Emma, a young, newly hired librarian who was eager to help me search. She wanted to learn more about my project and this specific statistic so that she could help me best. We chatted on the phone for about 30 minutes, and then she went to work.

The next morning, I opened my email to 20 new messages. Emma not only was able to track down a valid resource for the statistic I needed, but she had also made contact with the university professor across the country whose graduate student had created that Powerpoint.

Through their exchange, Emma learned that the professor had lost touch with the student but that she had conducted research similar to mine. Emma took it upon herself to make a virtual introduction, and the professor ended up becoming a valuable mentor for me. Emma also found at least 10 other resources that I had never seen that supported my study. She had gone above and beyond, and I felt as though I had hit the research jackpot with Emma.

Over the course of the next year, Emma didn’t mind listening to me geek out over obscure infographics I found, and she cared about the success of my study almost as much as I did. She checked in on me, and she always gave me the best advice for Boolean searches and choosing databases. We never had pizza or beer together, but she certainly became a trusted friend. I felt so fortunate that she answered my email that day.

Looking back, I realize that when I reached out to the library for help, my problem really was not a research issue as much as it was a disconnect in information literacy. I knew there was information I needed to access, but I was at a loss on exactly how and where to find that information.

This is a challenge for many adult learners. They may not be writing academic dissertations, but they often need help simply knowing how and where to find important information. When this situation arises, I hope they find someone like Emma who can help them get connected and care about their success enough to support them like a friend.

Our theme throughout February is Literacy at the Library, and we’re focusing on related topics throughout the month. Plan to join us at our next Best of Texas online session, focused on library literacy programs, on February 27.

Amazing things are happening in Texas!

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

find out more about this monthly series

Striking a Balance: Humanity vs Economics

by

Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker

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

I’m a sucker for a good, gut-wrenching success story.

It’s one of the reasons I love to attend when an adult literacy CBO leader presents for a civic, social, or academic audience in their community. Five minutes after learning about Marisol, the single mom who just earned her GED after 6 years of night classes, I’m fully invested. I’m sitting in my car – ugly crying – and I’ve already texted my best friend about it. I’ve signed up for the organization’s newsletter, and I’m checking my schedule to see when I can volunteer. Those presentations speak to the core of my soul.

As a CBO leader who loves people, this is exactly how I designed every one of my community presentations for years: a great success story with a great action photo of the adult learner. Rinse and repeat. My CBO friends thought my presentations were brilliant. However, my business leader friends struggled to understand why they should care about people like Marisol.

To clarify, my business leader friends are not heartless; they just didn’t find her story relevant to their work or life.

I realized that by leaning into my love of student success stories, I was missing the opportunity to connect a large group of people to my organization’s mission. I knew that I had to be intentional in making sure my messages spoke to everyone in the room. Since money impacts us all, I began shifting my presentations toward the connection between adult literacy and economic development.

In recent years, major companies have expanded operations in Texas or relocated their entire corporation here altogether. In fact, so many businesses moved to Texas, Governor Abbott’s office declared our state to be the official “headquarters of headquarters.” And corporations aren’t the only ones settling in the Lone Star state. According to an article from Texas Public Radio, over half a million new residents moved here last year: more than any other state in the country.

Those companies need employees, and those new residents need jobs. Adult literacy organizations’ unique ability to make those connections through academic and workforce development programs is an interesting story worth sharing. We might not be negotiating big deals and tax incentives to attract corporations into our communities, but we’re doing our part to build up an educated workforce. My business leader friends connect well with that sentiment (and, don’t worry, I still toss in a hearty serving of warm and fuzzy stories too!).

Finding the balance between the human and the economic side of adult literacy can make all the difference in how a message resonates when building relationships with leaders in outreach work – and end up garnering crucial support from a wider range of folks across our communities.

Our theme throughout January is Workforce Literacy, and we’re focusing on related topics throughout the month. Find general resources here, and plan to join us at a special extended Best of Texas online session focused on Workforce Literacy, on January 30.

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East Texas Literacy Symposium

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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.

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

QUICK LINKS FOR THE 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 2025 East Texas Literacy Symposium is co-presented by the East Texas Literacy Council and Literacy Texas. 

The symposium has the theme “Learn. Adapt. Grow.” and will be held on:

Friday, February 28, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 3:15 PM (CT).

Check-in for registered participants will open at [check-in time]. 

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.

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

Read more about the symposia here.

Read more about the annual conference here.

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 and family 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.

Two words: LOCAL + FREE!

Each symposium program focuses 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.

A: The symposium is free to attend. Literacy Texas will cover the costs of your tuition, any meals and snacks offered, materials, and other resources. 

Please be aware that in recent years, between 25% and 40% 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.

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.

LOCATION

This symposium will be held at Hilton Garden Inn, Longview: 905 East Hawkins Parkway, Longview, TX 75605

Map and directions are coming soon.

Click here for map, directions, and parking information

FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION

This session has reached capacity and is no longer accepting new registrations

Registration for this session has now closed

click here to register now

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.

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.

PROGRAM, SESSIONS, & SPEAKERS

Click here to see details about the sessions and 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, BREAKFAST

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

Title of Keynote
Name of speaker, Organization

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Session 1 (90 min)

Let’s Study! Study Skills for Adult Learners
Ann Beeson, New Readers Press

Overcoming Barriers: Resume Strategies for Adult Learners
Victoria Hinojosa, Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)

Empowering Literacy Programs With AI
Dr. Irene Ramos, Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)

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?
Dr. Shalonda Adams, Pine Tree ISD, Kilgore College
Tresha Sawyer, Longview ISD
Dr. Jenny Walker, Literacy Texas
Moderator: Natasha Duncan, East Texas Literacy Council

Real-World Ready: Integrating Workplace Skills into Adult Learning
Dr. Irene Ramos, Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)

From Classroom to Career: 4 Steps to Career Exploration and Planning
Victoria Hinojosa, Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)

12:30 PM – 1:15 PM: WORKING LUNCH

“My Story: Adult Literacy Student to Thriving Local Counselor”
Linda Felix, VIVE

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Session 3 (90 min)

English for Employability: Purposeful Learning for Adult Learners
Kenya Preuninger, Pearson Education

Speak Up: Pronunciation Techniques for ESL Learners
Linda LeBlanc, East Texas Literacy Council

Adult Literacy: Effective Teaching Support and Strategies 
Charmyn Tumey, Kilgore College

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

Click here to see details about the sessions and speakers

EXHIBITORS

Cambridge

Community Fuse

East Texas Literacy Council

New Readers Press

Pearson 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.

Click here to get the flyer

Download a printable copy of the symposium program.

Click here to get the program

SPECIAL THANKS TO -

The East Texas Literacy Council

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

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

click here to go to the literacy texas calendar
click here to see the national literacy calendar

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Checked/updated: 3/18/25

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