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.Â
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QUICK LINKS FOR THIS BEST OF TEXAS EVENT:
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BASIC DETAILS
This online session will be held on:
Thursday, September 10, 2026
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (CT)
Stay after the session ends for optional discussion, Q&A, and other conversation between 2:00 PM and 2:30 PM.
The Zoom room will open to registered attendees at 12:50 PM.
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 Best of Texas spotlight will focus on mental health literacy and burnout. We’ll pay particular attention to recognizing signs of stress and burnout, strengthening mental health awareness, and sharing practical strategies for resilience and well-being.
Together with our guests, we’ll explore mental health through reflection, conversation, and practical strategy-building. We’ll examine the signs and symptoms of stress and burnout, discuss how mental health literacy can improve self-awareness, and identify realistic ways to support personal and professional well-being in demanding roles.
We plan to cover any and all of the following, time permitting:
- Understanding mental health literacy and why it matters.
- Recognizing early signs of burnout, compassion fatigue, and chronic stress.
- Identifying barriers to seeking support and reducing stigma.
- Exploring individual and organizational strategies for resilience and recovery.
- Sharing practical approaches to well-being in education, healthcare, and community settings.
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Audience
Level
Texas AEL PD Category
Assigned by TCALL
Other info:
No other info available at this time.
GUESTS THIS MONTH
Dr. Heather McKnight
CEO
Heather McKnight Consulting, LLC
Dr. Heather McKnight, DNP, RN, NE-BC is a nurse leader, educator, and health literacy advocate with more than 20 years of experience across healthcare practice and higher education. Her work focuses on improving health outcomes by making health information clear, usable, and accessible for patients, families, and communities.
With a background spanning acute care, nursing education, stroke and Magnet® program development, and systems-level innovation, Dr. McKnight brings a practical, experience-driven approach to health literacy and organizational improvement. She is committed to advancing plain language, equitable communication, and sustainable change within healthcare and educational systems.
Julie Durand DNP, APRN, MBA, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
Faculty and Program Coordinator
Dr. Durand is an Assistant Professor & Nurse Practitioner Tracks Coordinator at Texas A&M University Texarkana, where she oversees the Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner tracks.
As a practicing psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, Dr. Durand has experience in the psychiatric emergency, consult-liaison, inpatient, and outpatient settings. Her research interests include best practices for nurse practitioner education.
LITERACY TEXAS HOST
Katie Welch, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Literacy Texas
Katie Welch, Ph.D., serves as Executive Director of Literacy Texas. Throughout her career, she has combined educational leadership with the preparation and support of language educators, including directing UTA’s intensive English program for international students and serving as president and treasurer of TexTESOL V.
Katie brings nearly two decades of higher education experience preparing language educators at UTA and the UNT-Dallas and is a frequent state, national, and international speaker. She is a twice-selected U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist, the 2024 TexTESOLer of the Year, and a member of the 2026 COABE National Presenter Network.
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
Participants who complete the full session (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM) will receive 1 hour of PD credit.Â
Literacy Texas defines “complete” as:
- Be present for at least 90% of the session;
- Remain on camera 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
Dr. Heather McKnight
Dr. Julie Durand
The Texas Workforce Commission
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Checked/updated 8/05/2026