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Best of Texas: Digital & Media Literacy

April 29, 2026 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. 

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
  • About this month’s topic
  • Guests this month
  • Online registration
  • PD certificates
  • Special thanks

BASIC DETAILS

This online session will be held on:

Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (CT).

PLEASE NOTE NEW AFTERNOON TIME!

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

Digital and media literacy are essential for success in both life and work. From navigating workplace platforms to evaluating online information, learners must be able to discern fact from fake news and communicate responsibly in digital spaces.

Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) programs in Texas are positioned to teach these skills, strengthening employability while also empowering families to make informed decisions. This topic will explore news literacy activities and critical-thinking frameworks to employer‑specific digital communication practices, and highlight how AEFL programs can prepare learners to thrive in a digital world where credibility, clarity, and confidence matter.

Primary Topic Area
professional development topic - digital literacy, technology
Session will also cover:
professional development topic - work readiness, literacy for work
professional development topic - distance & virtual learning
Audience
training session audience - general audience
Level
training session level -intermediate
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

Rose-Glenda

Dr. Glenda L. Rose
Director
TCALL

Dr. Glenda Rose, Director of TCALL at Texas A&M University, is dedicated to advancing adult literacy in Texas. With a passion for lifelong learning, she has been working with adult learners since 1985 and providing professional development for adult educators since 2005. Her focus is on empowering educators to help adult learners achieve their full potential. Dr. Rose and her team at TCALL offer a variety of innovative programs and resources to support adult educators in their work.

Williams, Willie

Willie Williams
Content Developer
Microsoft

Willie Williams is a transformational leader dedicated to expanding opportunity, equity, and representation in technology. A Houston native and graduate of Texas Southern University, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. Willie began his career as an elementary school educator, where he developed a passion for mentorship, leadership development, and educational advancement—principles that continue to shape his work today.

As the 2024-2025 Chair of Black at Microsoft (BAM) Houston, Willie led one of the organization’s most active chapters, driving initiatives across professional development, community engagement, and education. Under his leadership, the chapter expanded mentorship programming, hosted large-scale career and networking events, and achieved record-breaking scholarship fundraising to support students pursuing careers in technology.

Today, Willie serves on the BAM Worldwide leadership team, leading external and educational initiatives that strengthen partnerships between industry, community organizations, and educational institutions. He is known for turning vision into action and is passionate about building ecosystems of opportunity, developing future leaders, and advancing access in the tech industry.

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;
  • 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

[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 12/16/25

Tagged With: cbo, digital literacy, high school equivalency (HSE), HSE & GED, ideas, media literacy, professional development, research based, webinar

What Leaders Need: Effective Student Recruitment & Orientation

April 9, 2026 by Kathryn Bauchelle

When resources are tight, it can be difficult to know where to turn to get answers on core topics – but those answers are crucial to leaders’ ability to offer quality programs. 

What Leaders Need, for directors, managers, and other leaders at adult literacy programs, is presented via a tri-state partnership. Literacy Texas is proud to partner with Adult Learning Alliance of Arkansas and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition to bring quality professional development to literacy leaders across three states.

Read more about the What Leaders Need quarterly online training series.

QUICK LINKS FOR THIS WHAT LEADERS NEED SESSION:

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

  • Basic details
  • About this topic
  • Meet the presenter
  • Online registration
  • PD Certificates
  • Downloads and printable documents
  • Special thanks

BASIC DETAILS

This online session will be held on:

Thursday, June 4, 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 Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.

ABOUT THIS TOPIC

"Recruitment, Retention, and Intake Strategies in Adult Education"

This session explores effective recruitment, retention, and intake strategies that support adult learner success through student- and family-centered approaches.

Using examples from the C.A.P.E. Program at Meharry Medical College, participants will examine how relationship-building, flexible programming, workforce readiness, and intentional onboarding practices can improve learner engagement and persistence.

Attendees will also explore practical strategies for creating welcoming intake experiences, strengthening community partnerships, and using data-informed practices to support continuous improvement.

Participants will leave with actionable tools and ideas that can be implemented within adult education and workforce development programs immediately.

Primary Topic Area
professional development topic - staff & program management for nonprofits
Session will also cover:
professional development topic - work readiness, literacy for work
professional development topic - family & parent literacy
Audience
training session audience - program administrators
Level
training session level - beginner
Texas AEL PD Category

Assigned by TCALL

Pending

Texas AEL PD category - LIT
Texas AEL PD category - PAL
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.

MEET THE PRESENTER

Albritton, Kirsten

Presenter: Kirsten Albritton, Ed.D

Director | Connecting Adults to Professions and Education (C.A.P.E.) Program

Kirsten Albritton is a strategic and results-driven education leader serving as the Director of the Connecting Adults to Professions and Education (C.A.P.E.) Program at Meharry Medical College’s Center for Health Policy. With a strong foundation in adult education, workforce development, and healthcare training, she leads innovative, grant-funded initiatives designed to expand access to education and career pathways for underserved and rural populations across Tennessee.

In her role, Kirsten oversees the design, implementation, and evaluation of adult education and workforce programs, including the Rural Healthcare Access Program (R.H.A.P.). Her work focuses on aligning education with labor market demands through integrated education and training (IET) models that support learners in earning industry-recognized credentials such as Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), Pharmacy Technician, and Medical Billing and Coding certifications. She is deeply committed to ensuring programs not only meet performance benchmarks but also create meaningful, long-term impact for adult learners.

Kirsten brings extensive expertise in program development, grant management, and data-driven decision-making. She has successfully led initiatives that exceed state performance metrics, including measurable skill gains, credential attainment, and workforce participation. Through strong partnerships with healthcare organizations, workforce agencies, and community stakeholders, she continues to strengthen workforce pipelines and expand access to high-demand careers.

A recognized thought leader in adult education, Kirsten is a published author in the COABE Journal, where her article, “Bridging Policy and People: A Practitioner’s Reflection on Adult Education in Tennessee,” highlights the critical connection between state policy, program implementation, and learner success. Her work emphasizes the importance of equity-centered program design, practitioner voice in policy conversations, and the transformative impact of adult education on individuals and families.

Kirsten’s leadership is grounded in a deep commitment to educational equity and community empowerment. She advocates for reducing systemic barriers to education and workforce access, particularly for historically underserved populations, including rural communities, minorities, and adult learners seeking economic mobility. Through her work, she continues to advance innovative solutions that bridge education, workforce development, and health equity.

She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Healthcare Leadership and has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Nashville. Kirsten also serves as a COABE State Advocate for Adult Education Fellow and an NTEN Digital Inclusion Fellow, further advancing her impact at the intersection of policy, education, and digital equity.

HOST

Taylor, Laura

Laura Taylor
Executive Director
Oklahoma Literacy Coalition

Laura Taylor serves as the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, she began her career teaching in Texas before returning home to pursue nonprofit work in adult literacy. There, she discovered her passion for combining education and service.
 
Since 2018, Laura has led OLC’s statewide efforts to support the literacy efforts of adult learners and literacy organizations through grants, resources, and professional development. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, caring for animals on her farm, and endlessly “refining” her organization systems.

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;
  • 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!

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.

Page checked/updated: 12/16/25

Tagged With: cbo, EAL & ESL, high school equivalency (HSE), ideas, learner persistence, professional development, webinar

Best of Texas: Clear Communication

March 31, 2026 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. 

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
  • About this month’s topic
  • Guests this month
  • Online registration
  • PD certificates
  • Special thanks

BASIC DETAILS

This online session will be held on:

Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (CT).

PLEASE NOTE NEW AFTERNOON TIME!

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

Clear communication drives teamwork and career growth. From healthcare to banking to construction, success depends on listening, articulating ideas, and adapting messages to diverse audiences.

Texas AEFL programs are uniquely positioned to teach these skills, strengthening both employment and family stability. This spotlight will show how clear communication can be embedded into adult literacy and workforce classes and highlight how AEFL programs prepare learners to collaborate, lead, and advance.

Primary Topic Area
professional development topic - work readiness, literacy for work
Session will also cover:
professional development topic - learning differences & disabilities
professional development topic - English language learning ESL, ESOL, ELL, EAL
Audience
training session audience - classroom instructors
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

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.

Lammers, Michele

Michele Lammers, M.Ed., Ed.S.
Founder & President
Texas All Abilities Network

Michele Lammers, M.Ed., Ed.S., is the Founder and President of Texas All Abilities Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building inclusive, community-based opportunities for individuals of all abilities. With a background in special education and curriculum and instruction, Michele brings both professional expertise and lived experience as a parent of children with disabilities to her work.

She is also the owner of Inclusive Skills Coaching & Training, LLC, where she provides professional development, consulting, and coaching focused on inclusion, social skills development, and transition planning. Michele partners with schools, community organizations, and workforce programs to create practical, engaging strategies that support neurodivergent individuals and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Her work emphasizes innovative, real-world approaches to skill-building, including role-play, tabletop-based learning, and community engagement experiences. Michele is passionate about helping individuals build confidence, communication skills, and independence while empowering families and professionals with tools that can be implemented immediately.

Through her leadership and advocacy, Michele continues to promote meaningful inclusion, working to ensure that individuals of all abilities are supported, valued, and fully included in their communities.

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;
  • 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

[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 3/31/2026

Tagged With: cbo, EAL & ESL, high school equivalency (HSE), HSE & GED, ideas, plain language, professional development, research based, webinar, workforce

Best of Texas: Work Readiness & Soft Skills

January 9, 2026 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. 

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
  • About this month’s topic
  • Our guest this month
  • Online registration
  • PD certificates
  • Special thanks

BASIC DETAILS

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 - work readiness, literacy for work
Session will also cover:
professional development topic - staff & program management for nonprofits
Audience
training session audience - classroom instructors
Level
training session level -intermediate
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.

GUEST THIS MONTH

headshot placeholder

Name
Title
XY

Info

Info

Cortes, Maria Franco

Dr. Maria Franco Cortes
Senior Planner for Board Relations and Government Affairs
Gulf Coast Workforce Board

Dr. Maria Franco Cortes is the Senior Planner for Board Affairs and Government Relations at the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, bringing more than eight years of experience across financial services, nonprofit leadership, marketing, local government, and public administration. Her work focuses on aligning education, workforce systems, and employer needs to support sustainable economic mobility.

Throughout her career, Dr. Franco Cortes has led and coordinated complex initiatives involving community outreach, data analysis, strategic reporting, and stakeholder engagement to support informed decision-making. Since 2014, she has championed education and literacy as foundational to workforce readiness, emphasizing the role of durability skills such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving in long-term career success.

She is a recipient of the National Engaged Leader Award and the MassMutual Texas Gulf Coast Certificate of Stellar Performance, and she co-founded a digital literacy initiative aimed at expanding educational access in underserved communities. Her public service also includes international engagement as a Council Member and Secretary General of Marketing for the Intergenerational Model United Nations.

Dr. Franco Cortes holds a Doctor of Business Administration in Strategic Media and Digital Content, with research focused on financial education, nonprofit management, and government-community partnerships. She has served for three years as a board member and Executive Chapter Secretary for the United Nations Association of Houston, where she also leads the Young Professionals initiative, advancing leadership development, workforce readiness, and global civic engagement among emerging leaders.

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!

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:

Checked/updated 3/12/2026

Tagged With: cbo, EAL & ESL, high school equivalency (HSE), ideas, professional development, research based, webinar, workforce

No One Learns on an Empty Stomach

January 6, 2026 by Jenny Walker

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?

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Filed Under: Community Partnerships Tagged With: cbo, EAL & ESL, family literacy, high school equivalency (HSE), ideas, research based, workforce

Hope lives in classrooms

January 1, 2026 by Jenny Walker

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.

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Filed Under: Advocacy Tagged With: cbo, EAL & ESL, high school equivalency (HSE), ideas

Best of Texas: HSE/GED

November 25, 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. 

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
  • About this month’s topic
  • Guests this month
  • Online registration
  • PD certificates
  • Special thanks

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:

Checked/updated 2/17/2026

Tagged With: cbo, high school equivalency (HSE), ideas, professional development, research based, webinar

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    • Celebrating Students
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      • 2024 Volunteer Hall of Fame
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