community Archives - Literacy Texas

Best of Texas: Civics & Citizenship

May 28, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

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

QUICK LINKS FOR THIS EVENT:

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

Basic details

About this month’s topic

Program

Program, Schedule, & Sessions

Guests this month

Online registration

PD Certificates

Special thanks

BASIC DETAILS

SAVE THE DATE!

This online session will be held on:

This special extended online session will be held on:

Thursday, July 31, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT).

[Day], [month] [day], from 8:45 AM to 12:15 PM (CT).

The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM.

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

[session description]

PROGRAM, SCHEDULE, & SESSIONS [FOR IN-DEPTH ONLY]

NOTE FOR WEB ADMIN: This section will only be used for in-depth sessions, not regular 1-hour sessions.

Details will be added here as they’re confirmed.

[if topics are known but schedule/program not yet set] Planned session topics include:

8:30 AM: ONLINE CHECK-IN OPENS

8:45 AM: WELCOME

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

Title of session
[Name of presenter], [organization]

Details pending.

Title of session
[Name of presenter], [organization]

Details pending.

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

Title of session
[Name of presenter], [organization]

Details pending.

Title of session
[Name of presenter], [organization]

Details pending.

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

Title of session
[Name of presenter], [organization]

Details pending.

Title of session
[Name of presenter], [organization]

Details pending.

12:15 PM: FAREWELL

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

SESSIONS

Add sessions here if they’re known before the program is finalized. When timings are allocated, drag blocks from here into the schedule outline above.

Title of session
[Name of presenter], [organization]

Details pending.

GUESTS THIS MONTH

Guests to be confirmed.

Name
Title
XY

Info

Name
Title
XY

Info

Host:

Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker
Executive Director
Literacy Texas

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

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

FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION

Registration will open soon – watch this space

REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM

Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive, please check your junk mail!

Online registration has now closed – but we have a few spots available for last-minute registrants! Call us on 972-926-3155 to make arrangements.

PD CERTIFICATES

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

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

Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email in the days following the training.

SPECIAL THANKS

[presenter]

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

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

Checked/updated 5/28/25

Coffee With Literacy Texas

May 15, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

Want to ask a question?

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

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

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

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

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

STAY IN THE KNOW -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

Checked/updated 5/15/25

Best of Texas: Literacy in Corrections

April 23, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

QUICK LINKS FOR THIS EVENT:

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

Basic details

About this month’s topic

Program

Program, Schedule, & Sessions

Guests this month

Online registration

PD Certificates

Special thanks

BASIC DETAILS

This online session will be held on:

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

The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM.

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

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

ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC

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

[session description]

GUESTS THIS MONTH

Guests to be confirmed.

Name
Title
XY

Info

Name
Title
XY

Info

Host:

Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker
Executive Director
Literacy Texas

FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION

REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM

Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive, please check your junk mail!

Online registration has now closed – but we have a few spots available for last-minute registrants! Call us on 972-926-3155 to make arrangements.

PD CERTIFICATES

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

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

SPECIAL THANKS

[presenter]

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

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

Checked/updated 5/15/25

Literacy Texas Presents: ProLiteracy & New Readers Press

April 15, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

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

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

Resources
Courses and learning
Grants and funding

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

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

Join us online:

Thursday, May 8, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

OUR GUESTS

Michelle Smith
Sr. Membership & Program Services Manager
ProLiteracy

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

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

Ann Beeson
Independent Representative
New Readers Press

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

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

STAY IN THE KNOW -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Checked/updated 4/24/25

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

Loving our neighbors with literacy

April 9, 2025 by Jenny Walker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazing things are happening in Texas!

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

Best of Texas: Digital Literacy

March 27, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

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

About this month’s topic

Guests this month

Online registration

Special thanks

BASIC DETAILS

This online session will be held on:

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

The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM.

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

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

ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC

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

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

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

GUESTS THIS MONTH

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

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

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

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

Lauren Champion
Digital Opportunity Coordinator
Texas Broadband Development Office

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

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

Host:

Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker
Executive Director
Literacy Texas

FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION

REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM

Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive, please check your junk mail!

Online registration has now closed – but we have a few spots available for last-minute registrants! Call us on 972-926-3155 to make arrangements.

SPECIAL THANKS

Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, Houston

Texas Broadband Development Office

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Checked/updated 5/22/25

Too important to ignore

March 17, 2025 by Jenny Walker

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

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

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

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

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

This issue is too important to ignore.

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

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

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

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

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

Amazing things are happening in Texas!

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

Coffee With Literacy Texas

February 26, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

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!

STAY IN THE KNOW -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Checked/updated 4/23/25

Best of Texas: Faith-Affiliated Programs

February 20, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

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

About this month’s topic

Program, Schedule, & Sessions

Online registration

PD Certificates

Downloads

Special thanks

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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
Executive Director
Literacy Texas

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.

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.

DOWNLOADS

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

Download or print a program overview showing times and sessions.

SPECIAL THANKS

Literacy ConneXus

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Checked/updated 4/24/25

Best of Texas: Focus on ABE

February 12, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

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

About this month’s topic

Guests this month

Online registration

Special thanks

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

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.

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
Executive Director
Literacy Texas

FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION

REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM

Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive, please check your junk mail!

Online registration has now closed – but we have a few spots available for last-minute registrants! Call us on 972-926-3155 to make arrangements.

SPECIAL THANKS

Kilgore College Adult Education and Literacy

Literacy Coalition of Central Texas

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Checked/updated 3/27/25

QUICK LINKS FOR THIS EVENT:

BASIC DETAILS

SAVE THE DATE!

ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC

PROGRAM, SCHEDULE, & SESSIONS [FOR IN-DEPTH ONLY]

GUESTS THIS MONTH

Host:

FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION

Registration will open soon – watch this space

PD CERTIFICATES

SPECIAL THANKS

STAY IN THE KNOW -

STAY IN THE KNOW -

QUICK LINKS FOR THIS EVENT:

BASIC DETAILS

ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC

GUESTS THIS MONTH

Host:

FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION

PD CERTIFICATES

SPECIAL THANKS

STAY IN THE KNOW -

OUR GUESTS

STAY IN THE KNOW -

QUICK LINKS FOR THIS EVENT:

BASIC DETAILS

ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC

GUESTS THIS MONTH

Host:

FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION

SPECIAL THANKS

STAY IN THE KNOW -

STAY IN THE KNOW -

QUICK LINKS FOR THIS EVENT:

BASIC DETAILS

ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC

PROGRAM, SCHEDULE, & SESSIONS

Hosts:

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.

PD CERTIFICATES

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