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Best of Texas: Work Readiness & Soft Skills

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. 

Read more about the Best of Texas monthly online series.

QUICK LINKS FOR THIS BEST OF TEXAS EVENT:

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

BASIC DETAILS

SAVE THE DATE!

This online session will be held on:

Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT).

The Zoom room will open to registered attendees at 9:50 AM.

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

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

ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC

Whether we call them soft skills, power skills, or durability skills, one fact is clear: employers need them. Communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving are essential across industries — yet the skills required in banking differ from those needed on a construction site.

This spotlight will explore how Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) programs in Texas can partner with employers to define, teach, and validate durability skills that are both industry-specific and learner-centered.

Primary Topic Area
professional development topic - access for everyone
Session will also cover:
professional development topic - advocacy, public awareness
professional development topic - civics & citizenship
professional development topic - community partnerships, collaboration
professional development topic - digital literacy, technology
professional development topic - distance & virtual learning
professional development topic - English language learning ESL, ESOL, ELL, EAL
professional development topic - family & parent literacy
professional development topic - foundational reading HSE, ASE, ABE, GED
professional development topic - fundraising, program sustainability
professional development topic - health literacy
professional development topic - instructional theory, methodology, research
professional development topic - learning differences & disabilities
professional development topic - library-based literacy services
professional development topic - marketing & communications
professional development topic - math, numeracy, financial literacy
professional development topic - program evaluation, data management
professional development topic - staff & program management for nonprofits
professional development topic - volunteer support and management
professional development topic - work readiness, literacy for work
Audience
training session audience - classroom instructors
training session audience - program administrators
training session audience - decision makers
training session audience - general audience
Level
training session level - beginner
training session level -intermediate
training session level - advanced
Texas AEL PD Category

Assigned by TCALL

Texas AEL PD category - OTHER

Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website.

See the full Texas AEL Guide.

Other info:

No other info available at this time.

GUESTS THIS MONTH

Guests to be confirmed.

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Host:

Aguilera-Jackie-2-v2-300px

Jacqueline Aguilera
Community Liaison & Program Host
Literacy Texas

Jacqueline “Jackie” Aguilera has logged 38 years of diverse experience across educational and non-profit sectors. With a focus on adult literacy, she has left an indelible mark on various initiatives and projects in the multi-layered field of adult literacy.

As an experienced adult education innovations designer, she earned a 2021 Ford Foundation Mujeres Legendarias Award for creative ed tech applications in adult education. Her service impact also extends beyond the classroom into the workforce. She empowers both employers and employees through worksite literacy training and independent consulting. She leads a local fellowship of adult education providers called the Houston Area Adult Literacy Collective (the incredible HAALC), serves on many committees, boards, and projects impacting adult learners and families, and most recently served as Project Manager for Houston’s Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy.

In summary, Jacqueline’s multifaceted career reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing literacy and education across diverse communities and platforms. Currently on a journey through breast cancer treatment, she is more than ever committed to advancing the lives of all those she serves, making her a messenger of inspiration, innovation, and evolution.

Walker, Jenny

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

Registration will open soon – watch this space

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

Participants who complete the full session will receive 1 hour of PD credit. 

Literacy Texas defines “complete” as:

  • Be present for at least 90% of the session;
  • Have your camera on for the entire time you are present.

Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email after the training, and certificates will be prepared and sent after the survey closes.

Please pay attention to the due dates – after each event is wrapped up, we will not be able to go back and re-issue your PD certificate. If you know you’ll need a certificate at a later date, please take care to request it in a timely manner!

SPECIAL THANKS

[presenter]

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

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

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

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

Checked/updated 1/13/2026

No One Learns on an Empty Stomach

by

Walker, Jenny

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

When life is hard, learning is hard.

The adult learners we serve often come to us while carrying the weight of real–life challenges as parents, caregivers, workers, and survivors. When basic needs are unstable, even the most motivated learner struggles to stay focused on education and workforce goals. 

That’s why wraparound support systems are not a luxury. They are essential.

The 100 Families model recognizes the importance of harnessing the power of the community to help people in crisis. Students who are worried about housing, food, transportation, health care, or childcare cannot fully engage in learning. Programs like 100 Families step in to stabilize those foundations so adult learners can do what they came to do: Learn, grow, and move toward economic security. 

This coordinated, community–driven approach brings partners together to work as a team. The learner isn’t treated as a problem to be fixed, but rather as a whole person with strengths, goals, and dignity. 

For adult learning programs, this kind of partnership is transformative, and there’s a sense of urgency in finding creative solutions like 100 Families to support adult learners. Rising costs, workforce shortages, and economic uncertainty are placing even greater strain on adult learners and their families. If we’re serious about workforce development and long–term solutions, we must invest in systems that support the whole learner. 

Programs like 100 Families remind us that success is rarely the result of a single organization working alone. It’s built through relationships, trust, and coordinated care. When adult learners are surrounded by support, they do more than complete a class or earn a credential. They change the trajectory of their lives and, in doing so, strengthen our communities. 

We’re talking about wraparound services throughout January – it’s our theme of the month. Why not join us online for Best of Texas and hear from participants in the 100 Families program about what it’s done for them and their families?

Get Texas literacy updates

Join our mailing list so you don’t miss any news:

  • Local and national literacy news
  • Conference updates
  • Regional symposia
  • Best of Texas
  • Advocacy 
  • …more!
Click here to join the list

Hope lives in classrooms

by

Walker, Jenny

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

A new year invites us to pause, to breathe, and to remember why we began this work in the first place. As we step into 2026, we’re doing so in the midst of uncertainty, tight resources, and growing demands for adult learning programs.

These are certainly trying times.

They are also deeply important ones.

Hope lives in classrooms held together by dedication, in lesson plans written late at night, and in volunteers who return week after week because they believe in the power of literacy.

Just as we continue to show up, so do the adult learners we serve. They trust us with their goals, their fears, and their belief that tomorrow can be better than yesterday. That trust matters, and it reminds us that our work is foundational to families, communities, and workforce stability. 

The start of 2026 is an opportunity to refocus ourselves on what we can control.

We can strengthen relationships with learners.

We can support one another as colleagues and volunteers.

We can refine our programs, advocate for our work more boldly, and share the stories that show why adult literacy must remain a priority.

These small steps forward matter because, above all else, we are taking them together. New partnerships are forming. Innovative approaches are emerging. Communities are increasingly aware that literacy and workforce readiness are inseparable.

As we begin a new year, my greatest hope is that we can acknowledge the challenges without letting them define us. Let us enter 2026 ready to learn, to adapt, and to lead with compassion. The field of adult literacy has always been built by people who refuse to give up on possibility.

A new year is a fresh start, not because everything is suddenly easier, but because we choose to keep going. Together, we can make 2026 a year of renewed purpose, steady progress, and lasting impact for the learners who are counting on us.

Get Texas literacy updates

Join our mailing list so you don’t miss any news:

  • Local and national literacy news
  • Conference updates
  • Regional symposia
  • Best of Texas
  • Advocacy 
  • …more!
Click here to join the list

Adult Ed Can’t Work in a Vacuum

by

Walker, Jenny

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

Many adult learners enroll in our programs because they want stable employment, career growth, and skills that lead to real opportunity.

As we approach career navigation with our students, it’s important that we spend some time learning about local workforce needs. When we don’t work directly with employers in our community, we don’t fully understand exactly how to support our career-seeking learners.

Adult learning programs can’t operate in isolation and still expect strong workforce outcomes. If we want our workforce preparation programs to thrive, we must build real relationships with local employers.

Local employers offer insight into the local job market. They understand which skills are difficult to find, which credentials matter, and how job roles are changing.

When adult learning programs listen closely to employers, curriculum becomes more relevant and training pathways become clearer. Learners benefit because they can see a direct connection between what they’re learning and where it can take them.

I’ve seen the impact of these partnerships many times. Programs that collaborate with employers align instruction with workplace expectations and create smoother transitions into employment.

Employer engagement can lead to work-based learning opportunities, classroom presentations, interview practice, and hiring pipelines that support both learners and businesses.

These relationships allow employers to see adult learners as motivated and capable contributors. Learners gain confidence in knowing their efforts are aligned with real opportunities in their region.

Building employer relationships takes time and intention. It means showing up to community meetings, inviting employers into our learning centers, and being open to feedback. This isn’t always easy, but it’s essential to creating networks that work.

Get Texas literacy updates

Join our mailing list so you don’t miss any news:

  • Local and national literacy news
  • Conference updates
  • Regional symposia
  • Best of Texas
  • Advocacy 
  • …more!
Click here to join the list

Best of Texas: HSE/GED

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. 

Read more about the Best of Texas monthly online series.

QUICK LINKS FOR THIS BEST OF TEXAS 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, February 12, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT).

The Zoom room will open to registered attendees at 9:50 AM.

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

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

ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC

HSE/GED credentials are not an end point — they are part of a continuum that connects adult learners to both employment opportunities and family success. The challenge for Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) programs in Texas is how to support this dual mission without overloading teachers or risking burnout.

This spotlight will explore practical strategies for integrating workforce readiness and family literacy into HSE/GED classes.

Primary Topic Area
professional development topic - foundational reading HSE, ASE, ABE, GED
Session will also cover:
professional development topic - family & parent literacy
professional development topic - work readiness, literacy for work
Audience
training session audience - general audience
Level
training session level - beginner
Texas AEL PD Category

Assigned by TCALL

Texas AEL PD category - LIT

Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website.

See the full Texas AEL Guide.

Other info:

No other info available at this time.

GUESTS THIS MONTH

Urbina, Alberto

Dr. Alberto Urbina
Vice President
Houston City College (HCC)

Dr. Alberto Urbina is an accomplished leader in technical education and workforce development with over 25 years of experience spanning industrial construction and academia. Beginning his career as a welder, pipefitter, and welding inspector in the Gulf Coast industrial sector, he has since advanced into senior leadership roles and currently serves as Vice President of Houston City College – Southeast.

An HCC graduate, Dr. Urbina holds a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Houston-Downtown, completed graduate studies in Welding Engineering at The Ohio State University, and earned both a Master’s in Educational Leadership (University of Texas at Arlington) and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (University of Houston-Clear Lake). His credentials include Registered Engineer, Certified Educator, and Certified Program Planner.

Dr. Urbina’s career reflects a commitment to bridging industry and education. He has served as a high school teacher, college professor, program director, department chair, executive director, and dean. Recognized by the American Welding Society with the District 18 Outstanding Welding Educator Award, he continues to influence technical education as Technical Chair for AWS Houston Chapter, a member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Livestock Committee, and an advisor to multiple Career and Technical Education committees across regional school districts.

Cavazos, Alyssa G 300px

Alyssa G. Cavazos
Director for the Center for Teaching Excellence
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Alyssa G. Cavazos is Professor of Rhetoric, Composition, and Literacy Studies in the Department of Writing and Language Studies and Director for the Center for Teaching Excellence at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She teaches undergraduate and graduate coursework in writing studies. Her pedagogical and scholarly interests include: language difference in the teaching of writing, translingual writing across communities, professional development in higher education, and student voices in teaching and learning.

She was awarded the University of Texas System 2017 Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award, the 2017 UTRGV Excellence Award in Teaching, and the 2022 Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology Online Teaching Award. She also serves as an active member of the University of Texas System Academy of Distinguished Teachers.

She is committed to designing learner-centered educational spaces that support students’ academic success across academic disciplines in higher education and beyond. 

Host:

Aguilera-Jackie-2-v2-300px

Jacqueline Aguilera
Community Liaison & Program Host
Literacy Texas

Jacqueline “Jackie” Aguilera has logged 38 years of diverse experience across educational and non-profit sectors. With a focus on adult literacy, she has left an indelible mark on various initiatives and projects in the multi-layered field of adult literacy.

As an experienced adult education innovations designer, she earned a 2021 Ford Foundation Mujeres Legendarias Award for creative ed tech applications in adult education. Her service impact also extends beyond the classroom into the workforce. She empowers both employers and employees through worksite literacy training and independent consulting. She leads a local fellowship of adult education providers called the Houston Area Adult Literacy Collective (the incredible HAALC), serves on many committees, boards, and projects impacting adult learners and families, and most recently served as Project Manager for Houston’s Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy.

In summary, Jacqueline’s multifaceted career reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing literacy and education across diverse communities and platforms. Currently on a journey through breast cancer treatment, she is more than ever committed to advancing the lives of all those she serves, making her a messenger of inspiration, innovation, and evolution.

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.

PD CERTIFICATES

Participants who complete the full session will receive 1 hour of PD credit.

Literacy Texas defines “complete” as:

  • Be present for at least 90% of the session;
  • Have your camera on for the entire time you are present.

Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email after the training, and certificates will be prepared and sent after the survey closes.

Please pay attention to the due dates – after each event is wrapped up, we will not be able to go back and re-issue your PD certificate. If you know you’ll need a certificate at a later date, please take care to request it in a timely manner!

SPECIAL THANKS

[presenter]

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

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

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

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

Checked/updated 1/18/2026

C-Pen Reader 3: Empowering Adult and Family Literacy in Texas

by

This is a guest post by Scanning Pens, a 2025 Annual Conference sponsor.

Across Texas, adult learners and families are facing a literacy crisis that has only deepened in the wake of the pandemic. Whether it’s a parent trying to help their child with homework, an adult returning to school, or a family learning English together, the need for accessible, effective reading support has never been greater.

That’s where the C-Pen Reader 3 comes in—a pocket-sized, touchscreen reading pen that’s changing the game for literacy learners of all ages.

A Tool for Today’s Literacy Challenges

The C-Pen Reader 3 is designed to read printed text aloud instantly. For adults who struggle with reading, this means they can access information independently—whether it’s a job application, a medication label, or a library book. For families learning together, it becomes a shared tool that supports reading practice and builds confidence.

In Texas, where many communities are multilingual and diverse, the C-Pen’s multilingual support is a major asset. It can read in English, Spanish, and French, making it especially helpful for English Language Learners (ELLs) and bilingual families.

Supporting Adult Learners

Adult literacy programs across Texas are working hard to meet learners where they are. Many adults face barriers like limited transportation, childcare responsibilities, or work schedules that make traditional classroom learning difficult. The C-Pen Reader 3 offers a portable, discreet, and empowering solution.

Learners can use it at home, on the job, or in class. It doesn’t require Wi-Fi or a smartphone, and it’s simple to use—just scan the text, and it reads aloud. This helps adults build reading fluency while maintaining their dignity and independence.

Strengthening Family Literacy

Family literacy is about more than just helping kids read—it’s about creating a culture of learning at home. When parents and caregivers feel confident reading, they’re more likely to read with their children, support schoolwork, and model lifelong learning.

The C-Pen Reader 3 can be a bridge for families. A parent who struggles with reading can use it to follow along with their child’s school materials. Families learning English together can use it to practice pronunciation and comprehension. It’s a tool that brings generations together around literacy.

Why It Works

  • Text-to-speech: Reads printed text aloud instantly
  • Touchscreen interface: Easy to navigate, even for tech-shy users
  • Multilingual support: Ideal for diverse Texas communities
  • Portable and discreet: Use it anywhere, anytime

A Scalable Solution for Texas Programs

For literacy organizations and adult education programs, the C-Pen Reader 3 is a cost-effective, scalable solution. It requires minimal training, works right out of the box, and can be shared across learners. Whether used in libraries, community centers, or classrooms, it helps educators extend their reach and impact.

Want to learn more?

Visit Scanning Pens to explore how the C-Pen Reader 3 can support your literacy program.

Get Texas literacy updates

Join our mailing list so you don’t miss any news:

  • Local and national literacy news
  • Conference updates
  • Regional symposia
  • Best of Texas
  • Advocacy 
  • …more!
Click here to join the list

The Expert Edge: Building a Positive Classroom Environment

by

The Expert Edge: Online training on core topics that all adult literacy professionals should know – research and evidence-based ideas and tips to keep your program focused. Stay sharp with The Expert Edge!

Read more about the Expert Edge quarterly online training series.

QUICK LINKS FOR THIS EXPERT EDGE SESSION:

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

BASIC DETAILS

This online session will be held on:

Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM (CT).

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

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

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

ABOUT THIS TOPIC

For many adult learners, attending classes is a challenge. Not only is content difficult, but sometimes having the confidence to enroll in and attend an adult learning program can be hard.

Research tells us that a positive classroom environment can ease tension and improve the student experience. Join us for this session that offers practical advice for instructors, coordinators, and directors on building a positive classroom environment.

This session will be aimed particularly at Texas community-based adult literacy organizations.

Primary Topic Area
professional development topic - instructional theory, methodology, research
Session will also cover:
professional development topic - staff & program management for nonprofits
professional development topic - access for everyone
Audience
training session audience - classroom instructors
Level
training session level - beginner
Texas AEL PD Category

Assigned by TCALL

Texas AEL PD category - PAL

Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website.

See the full Texas AEL Guide.

Other info:

No other info available at this time.

MEET THE PRESENTER

Walker, Jenny

Jenny Walker

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.

PD CERTIFICATES

Participants who complete the full session will receive 1.5 hours of PD credit.

Literacy Texas defines “complete” as:

  • Be present for at least 90% of the session;
  • Have your camera on for the entire time you are present.

Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email after the training, and certificates will be prepared and sent after the survey closes.

Please pay attention to the due dates – after each event is wrapped up, we will not be able to go back and re-issue your PD certificate. If you know you’ll need a certificate at a later date, please take care to request it in a timely manner!

DOWNLOADS & PRINTABLE DOCUMENTS

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

Downloadable PDF flyer for this training session is coming soon.

SPECIAL THANKS

[presenter]

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

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

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

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

Last checked/updated: 12/17/25

Best of Texas: Wraparound Services

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. 

Read more about the Best of Texas monthly online series.

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

QUICK LINKS FOR THIS BEST OF TEXAS 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, January 8, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT).

The Zoom room will open to registered attendees at 9:50 AM.

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

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

ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC

Adult learners and families across Texas thrive when wraparound services and intentional partnerships connect schools, libraries, workforce boards, community organizations, and social agencies to meet holistic needs — from childcare and transportation to health, housing, and financial literacy – collaboration is key!

Primary Topic Area
professional development topic - community partnerships, collaboration
Session will also cover:
professional development topic - family & parent literacy
professional development topic - work readiness, literacy for work
Audience
training session audience - decision makers
Level
training session level - beginner
Texas AEL PD Category

Assigned by TCALL

Texas AEL PD category - OTHER

Read more about the PD categories on the TCALL website.

See the full Texas AEL Guide.

Other info:

No other info available at this time.

GUESTS THIS MONTH

Garza, Logan

Logan Garza
Tutor
Literacy Council of Bowie & Miller Counties

Logan Garza is a mother of three, a college student, and a tutor at the Literacy Council of Bowie & Miller Counties.

She expects to receive her Associate’s Degree in Behavioral Science this month, and she is continuing on for her Bachelor’s. This took hard work, long nights, and endless support from her local literacy council and the 100 Families program.

Rivas, Kristina

Kristina Rivas
Director of EagleLEAD Presidential Scholars Program and Lecturer
Texas A&M University – Texarkana

Kristina brings with her over 20 years of combined experience in healthcare, marketing, higher education, and as a former small business owner. This work is incredibly personal to her. She knows exactly what can happen when a community steps in because she is the first generation removed from generational poverty.

Kristina completed her Human and Family Development thesis and graduated with a Master of Science in Human Services from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Walker, Jenny

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.

Host:

Aguilera-Jackie-2-v2-300px

Jacqueline Aguilera
Community Liaison & Program Host
Literacy Texas

Jacqueline “Jackie” Aguilera has logged 38 years of diverse experience across educational and non-profit sectors. With a focus on adult literacy, she has left an indelible mark on various initiatives and projects in the multi-layered field of adult literacy.

As an experienced adult education innovations designer, she earned a 2021 Ford Foundation Mujeres Legendarias Award for creative ed tech applications in adult education. Her service impact also extends beyond the classroom into the workforce. She empowers both employers and employees through worksite literacy training and independent consulting. She leads a local fellowship of adult education providers called the Houston Area Adult Literacy Collective (the incredible HAALC), serves on many committees, boards, and projects impacting adult learners and families, and most recently served as Project Manager for Houston’s Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy.

In summary, Jacqueline’s multifaceted career reflects a lifelong dedication to advancing literacy and education across diverse communities and platforms. Currently on a journey through breast cancer treatment, she is more than ever committed to advancing the lives of all those she serves, making her a messenger of inspiration, innovation, and evolution.

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.

PD CERTIFICATES

Participants who complete the full session will receive 1 hour of PD credit.

Literacy Texas defines “complete” as:

  • Be present for at least 90% of the session;
  • Have your camera on for the entire time you are present.

Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email after the training, and certificates will be prepared and sent after the survey closes.

Please pay attention to the due dates – after each event is wrapped up, we will not be able to go back and re-issue your PD certificate. If you know you’ll need a certificate at a later date, please take care to request it in a timely manner!

SPECIAL THANKS

Logan Garza

Kristina Rivas

The Texas Workforce Commission

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Checked/updated 1/9/2026

The 5 AM Scholar: How Texas Adults Are Redefining Where and When Learning Happens

by

This is a guest post by Vaschni Savain of Brainchild Unlimited, a 2025 Annual Conference sponsor.


It’s 5:47 AM in Houston.

While the city sleeps, Jasmine sits in her parked car outside the elementary school where she works as a custodian, earbuds in, reviewing fractions on her handheld device. In two hours, she’ll clock out, drive across town to her second job at a retail store, then pick up her three kids from aftercare. But right now, in these stolen 20 minutes before her shift starts, she’s mastering algebra.

Sound impossible? If you’re an adult literacy educator, you know it’s just another Tuesday.

The Myth of the “Traditional” Adult Learner

We talk about adult education like it happens in neat, scheduled blocks. Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6 – 8 PM. But here’s the reality: your most determined students are often the ones who can least afford traditional schedules.

Take Jasmine. She’s been working toward her HSE for three years—not because she lacks motivation, but because life keeps happening. When her youngest got sick, she missed two weeks of classes. When her car broke down, she couldn’t make it to campus for a month. When her hours got cut at one job, she picked up shifts at another.

Traditional education says Jasmine is “inconsistent.” We say she’s incredibly resourceful.

Education in the Margins: Where Real Learning Happens

The most transformative education often happens in the spaces between life’s demands:

The Break Room Scholar: Marcus, a line cook in San Antonio, uses his 15-minute breaks to work through science lessons. Three breaks a day, five days a week. In six months, he’s completed two full units while his co-workers scroll social media.

The Commuter Student: Patricia takes public transit 90 minutes each way to her job as a hotel housekeeper in Dallas. That’s three hours daily of uninterrupted study time—if she has curriculum that works offline and doesn’t drain her phone battery.

The Night Shift Parent: After her kids are asleep, Carmen settles into her kitchen with a cup of coffee and her Study Buddy device. No internet required, no glowing screen to wake the baby, just quiet progress toward her goals.

Learning That Bends—Without Breaking

Here’s what traditional education gets wrong: it assumes adult learners should rearrange their lives around their education. But Carmen can’t abandon her kids for evening classes. Marcus can’t leave his kitchen during dinner rush. Patricia can’t afford to cut her work hours.

What they need is education that respects their reality while honoring their ambition.

Flexible doesn’t mean compromised. Just because Carmen studies at midnight doesn’t mean her education should be less rigorous than someone in a classroom.

Self-paced doesn’t mean solitary. When Marcus completes a challenging unit during his break, he’s not just learning science—he’s proving to himself that he can master anything he sets his mind to.

Mobile doesn’t mean minimal. Patricia’s commute curriculum is comprehensive, covering everything she needs for her HSE while fitting into the time she actually has available.

The Ripple Effect: Why This Transforms Families

When Jasmine finally passes her HSE exam, something magical happens. Her 10-year-old son stops saying “I’m just bad at math” and starts asking “How did you figure that out, Mom?” Her teenage daughter, who’s been struggling in high school, suddenly has proof that it’s never too late to turn things around.

But the transformation starts long before graduation day. It starts at 5:47 AM when her kids see mom studying in the car. It starts when Marcus explains photosynthesis to his nephew using concepts he learned during his break. It starts when Patricia helps her daughter with homework using skills she’s developing on the bus.

Honoring the Hustle: What Educators Can Do

If you’re serving adult learners in Texas, you already know your students are incredibly capable. They’re managing complex lives with grace, working multiple jobs with dignity, and pursuing education despite—not because of—their circumstances.

What they need from us isn’t sympathy or lower standards. They need:

Respect for their time: Every minute of study time is precious when stolen from sleep or family time.

Honor for their intelligence: They’re not “behind.” They’re moving forward—at the pace life allows.

Tools that work anywhere: In break rooms, on buses, in cars, in quiet kitchens after midnight.

Content that builds on their experience: They’ve been problem-solving, budgeting, negotiating, and leading all their lives. Education should acknowledge that wisdom.

Practical Tools: Meeting Students Where They Actually Are

Ready to support your 5 AM scholars? Here are concrete strategies that work for students with complex lives:

Flexible Learning Solutions

“Study Anywhere” Kits: Provide offline-capable devices or printed materials that don’t rely on WiFi. Students like Patricia can study during long commutes, and Marcus can make the most of his breaks—without worrying about data limits or dropped connections. Devices like Brainchild’s Study Buddy III handheld make this possible, delivering a full curriculum anytime, anywhere—without the frustration of low bandwidth, drained batteries, or inaccessible content.

Micro-Learning Modules: Break content into 10-15 minute chunks. A complete lesson that fits into a work break is more valuable than a 2-hour session they can’t attend.

Multiple Access Points: Offer the same content through different delivery methods—online for when they have WiFi, offline for when they don’t, and print backup for emergency situations.

Schedule-Smart Strategies

Rolling Enrollment: Let students start anytime rather than waiting for traditional semester starts. When Carmen finally gets childcare figured out, she shouldn’t have to wait three months to begin.

Competency-Based Progression: Focus on what students know, not how long they’ve been studying. Some students master concepts quickly during intense study bursts; others need longer, steadier approaches.

“Life Happens” Policies: Build in formal accommodations for the realities of adult life—sick kids, car troubles, work schedule changes. Make re-entry seamless, not shameful.

Communication That Works

Text-Based Check-ins: Quick encouragement via text fits better into busy lives than lengthy phone calls. “Great progress on Unit 3! You’ve got this.”

Peer Connection Networks: Connect students with similar schedules or life circumstances. The single mom working nights can support the single dad working days.

Progress Celebrations: Acknowledge small wins immediately. When Marcus completes a unit during his break, that achievement deserves recognition right away, not at the next class meeting.

Family-Centered Approaches

Take-Home Learning: Provide materials that students can share with family members. When Jasmine reviews math concepts, her kids can learn alongside her.

Flexible Testing: Offer multiple testing times and formats. Some students test better at 7 AM before work; others prefer Saturday mornings when childcare is available.

Success Documentation: Help students track and share their progress. A certificate for completing a challenging unit means more when the whole family can celebrate.

Resource Maximization

Community Partnerships: Connect with local businesses that employ your students. Maybe Marcus’s restaurant would support a 15-minute learning break policy if they understood the long-term benefits.

Technology Lending: Provide devices that students can take home. Learning shouldn’t stop because someone can’t afford the latest technology.

Bilingual Support Systems: For Spanish-speaking learners, provide content that switches seamlessly between languages—building on linguistic strengths rather than treating them as barriers.

The key insight: Your most successful interventions will be the ones that honor your students’ intelligence while adapting to their reality. They’re not failing to fit your system—your system needs to evolve to serve them.

The Quiet Power of 5 AM

There’s something profound about studying at 5 AM. The world is quiet. The day’s demands haven’t started yet. It’s just you, your goals, and the belief that this moment—this lesson, this practice problem, this small step forward—matters.

Jasmine knows this truth. So does Marcus. So does Patricia. They’re not studying at unconventional hours because they have to—they’re studying because they want to, because they’ve found a way to make education fit into lives that don’t stop for traditional schedules.

As educators, our job isn’t to change their lives to fit our systems. It’s to build bridges between their dreams and their reality.

Because transformation doesn’t keep office hours. It happens at 5 AM in a parking lot, during 15-minute breaks, on evening commutes, and after kids are tucked into bed. It happens whenever someone decides that today is the day to take one more step toward who they’re becoming.

How are you supporting the 5 AM scholars in your program? Share your stories—because every unconventional learning journey deserves recognition, and every creative solution might inspire another educator.

Contact Brainchild Unlimited | 800-811-2722 | www.brainchild.com

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A Letter to the Literacy Texas Community

by

Salazar, Magda

Author: Magda Salazar, Literacy Texas Board of Directors

I share this message as Literacy Month comes to a close, and right in the middle of Hispanic Heritage Month. I share it in what, I hope, is a message of kudos to all of you.

Last month, I was excited to meet Linda Felix during the Literacy Texas state conference in San Marcos. I was moved by Linda’s story. Her growth, confidence, and strength to persevere. My few exchanges with her have been filled with such positivity, decorum, and that grit that comes from developed strength.

Often, we think about the logistics of learning and teaching in terms of reaching goals, such as reading, writing, communicating effectively, and being understood. The work, the showing up, the repetition, and the practice. Students progress, grow, improve, and go on to do incredible things.

Linda Felix addresses attendees at the 2025 Literacy Texas Annual Conference

Such was the case with Linda. When she spoke at the conference, she mentioned running into her former teachers at an event years later and updating them on all that she had accomplished; you see, she was there as their peer. I choked up, imagining the impact of the story, for both student and teacher.

Linda’s story played out for me personally when I saw my own name included in a new industry textbook. Alongside other professionals, we contributed to the conversation on the impact of diversity in public relations. A textbook, y’all! Like, a book that others will use to learn and develop their own skills, LOL.

I took some time to think about the people in my life who created a path for my own literacy: my mother for ensuring my siblings and I had access to books, materials to read, and creative arts programs; my high school teachers Mrs. Kim Nabours (English literature and poetry), and Mrs. Jane Hambric (journalism and yearbook), and Professor Carla Holmes for including me in this project.

Similar to the support, access, and opportunities that I had, there is all of you, standing by the students with your passion for literacy that knows no boundaries. Many will never know the level of organization, the time, the trial and error, the frustration, the hope, the energy it takes to be positive, the effort required for the math to math, and the fundraising acumen required to do what teachers, volunteers, coaches, and leaders do.

I had a chance to meet some of you during the state conference. You shared positive feedback and experiences, and you opened up about the struggles you personally endure. Some of the numbers are daunting to say the least, but the numbers that show progress exist because you are part of the equation.

During Literacy Month and every month, know that what you do matters. By being a part of the conversation and showing up, lending your heart and strength to the literacy community, sharing your time and expertise, you create impact and new opportunities.

As we celebrate you, I also close today by reminding each of you to prioritize yourself with the resources we often encourage for others, to care for your physical and mental health, and to seek support where you can.

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