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.
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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, 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
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. 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.
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:
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
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
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Checked/updated 2/17/2026