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LitTX Group Chat

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Want to ask a question? 

Need help with something? 

Maybe you 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!

There’s no agenda and no presentation – just an open time for literacy chat.

Join us online on

Monday, December 15

any time between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM (CT)

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 seeing where the conversation takes us!

NOTE: This is the same as our old “Coffee With Literacy Texas” events, just with a new name.

CLICK HERE ON DECEMBER 15 TO JOIN THE SESSION

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 9/18/25

Best of Texas: Career Navigation

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, December 11, 2025, 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

[session description]

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

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.

GUESTS THIS MONTH

Guests to be confirmed.

headshot placeholder

Name
Title
XY

Info

Info

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Name
Title
XY

Info

Info

Host:

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.

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 9/18/25

Best of Texas: Adult Learner Persistence & Retention

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, November 13, 2025, 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

[session description]

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

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.

GUESTS THIS MONTH

Guests to be confirmed.

headshot placeholder

Name
Title
XY

Info

Info

headshot placeholder

Name
Title
XY

Info

Info

Host:

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

Someone who completes the full session will receive 1 hour 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 -

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 9/17/25

Best of Texas: Learning Differences & Disabilities

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.

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

This online session will be held on:

Thursday, October 9, 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

[session description]

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

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.

GUESTS THIS MONTH

Additional guests to be confirmed.

Speights, Lara

Lara Speights
Vice President for Family Support and Adult Literacy
Neuhaus Education Center

Lara Speights, M.Ed., LDT, CALT, is a literacy advocate and researcher specializing in dyslexia therapy, with a focus on emerging bilinguals and adults (16+) with literacy below the 6th grade level.

As a parent of a child with special learning needs, she brings both professional expertise and personal experience to her advocacy for equitable access to evidence-based literacy instruction.

At Neuhaus Education Center, Lara oversees the Community Programs, which provide free services to the Greater Houston Area. Her role includes leading the Margaret H. Ley Adult Literacy program, which offers free virtual and in-person evening literacy classes for adult learners (16+) with dyslexia and related reading difficulties.

Additionally, she directs the Family Support Office, which not only delivers free community presentations on reading-related topics but also responds to numerous calls annually from family members seeking information and resources to support their children struggling with reading.

headshot placeholder

Name
Title
XY

Info

Info

Host:

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

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.

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 9/17/25

The Expert Edge: Progress by Design

by

The Expert Edge: Online training on core topics that all adult and family literacy professionals should know. Stay sharp with The Expert Edge!

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, October 14, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (CT).

Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 12:50 PM. 

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

Knowing why an adult literacy student wants to improve their reading or their English can help us choose the right materials, recommend additional study, and help students make faster progress. And yet, setting goals in class can be challenging – and checking in on progress can be even harder.

In this session, participants will learn about simple yet powerful ways to approach goal-setting with adult students that incorporate plain language – and how one program transformed their understanding of goal-setting into a wider pattern of reflection for students and instructors alike.

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 - volunteer support and management
Audience
training session audience - general audience
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

Bauchelle, Kathryn

Kathryn Bauchelle

After moving to Houston, TX in 2008, Kathryn volunteered as an ESL tutor at Literacy Advance of Houston, then joined the staff, holding roles over the next decade in volunteer management, program direction, fund development, grant writing, program evaluation, communications, training, and marketing. As Program Director and then VP of Programs & Partnerships, Kathryn’s focus was always on the students – and how to let experience, best practices, and research guide her and the team toward constant improvement.

She helped Literacy Advance merge successfully with Memorial Assistance Ministries in 2018, and since 2019 has worked as a consultant. She has been on the Literacy Texas team since 2021.

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.

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

The team at Literacy Advance from 2008 to 2018

[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: 9/15/25

Best of Texas: Outreach & Advocacy

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.

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

This online session will be held on:

Thursday, September 11, 2025, 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 education and literacy are among the most important causes in the country – yet too many people don’t know why they matter so much. And right now, the value of adult learning is seriously threatened.

Raising our voices on behalf of adult learners, their families, and our vital programs has never been more important. In this session, you’ll hear from folks who are on the front lines of advocacy and outreach – and learn practical ideas to bring advocacy alive in your local community.

Primary Topic Area
professional development topic - advocacy, public awareness
Session will also cover:
professional development topic - community partnerships, collaboration
professional development topic - marketing & communications
Audience
training session audience - general audience
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

Ramos, Irene

Irene Ramos
Independent Consultant
TALAE

Irene Ramos has dedicated 35 years to advancing adult education and workforce training, serving in a variety of impactful roles including instructor, coordinator, staff development trainer, Center Manager, Independent Consultant and Program Manager. With a unique blend of experience across the workforce, adult education, and civic leadership spheres, she brings a comprehensive perspective to each initiative she leads, especially in her current role as an Independent Education Consultant.

Ramos holds a bachelor’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from St. Mary’s School of Law in San Antonio. Among her accomplishments Ramos successfully designed and built the Adult Education program, Crossroads in the coastal Bend from the ground up thereby rebranding adult education in the Coastal Bend area. Ramos is currently the Vice President of TALAE, the state Adult Education organization and is participating in the COABE sponsored Adult Education Advocacy Fellowship.

A lifelong resident of Poteet, Texas, Ramos has been married to her husband, Ed, for 36 years and is the proud mother of three accomplished children. Her commitment to community, education, and family is evident in all facets of her work and life.

Rhodes, Kelli

Kelli G. Rhodes, MBA
President & CEO
Restore Education

Kelli G. Rhodes, MBA, is the President & CEO, and Co-Founder of Restore Education.

An alumna of UTSA, she has two decades of experience in education, first as a middle and high school teacher. In 2008, Ms. Rhodes partnered with the founding Executive Director to create Restore Education as an innovative and flexible program to help individuals earn their GED and successfully transition to postsecondary.

During her tenure, Restore Education has seen exponential growth and has become an established leader in adult education and workforce development in South Texas. In 2020, she was awarded Administrator of the Year from the Texas Association for Literacy and Adult Education. She has served on the board of Workforce Solutions Alamo since 2020 and is a graduate of Leadership San Antonio Class 47, and the Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunities Program as part of the Alamo Region’s Workforce Leadership Academy.

Barrera, Laura

Laura Barrera
Adult Education Supervisor
ESC Region 2 Crossroads Program

Laura Barrera has dedicated her career to education, with nearly two decades in adult education and more than 30 years in K–12 instruction. Since 2019, she has served with the ESC Region 2 Crossroads Program, where she played a key role in its development and continues to support every adult learner who walks through the door.

Before joining adult education full-time, Laura retired in 2015 after a distinguished career with the San Antonio Independent School District. She taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels before becoming an Instructional Coach, guiding teachers to improve literacy instruction and student outcomes.

Her work has been recognized at both the state and national levels. In 1998, Laura was named Bilingual Teacher of the Year for the State of Texas, and in 2013 she was honored by Johns Hopkins University as the Literacy Coach of the Year for Talent Development.

In addition to her K–12 experience, Laura has taught ESL and served as an Adult Education supervisor for ten years, making her especially skilled at supporting English learners. She is passionate about helping teachers build strong professional learning communities to drive student success.

Beyond education, Laura serves as a Buddhist Dharma Teacher in San Antonio, Texas, where she continues to live and teach with compassion and purpose.

Host:

Robbins, Lindsay

Lindsay Robbins
Administrative Manager
Literacy Texas

Lindsay Robbins has an accounting and finance background and joined Literacy Texas as Administrative Manager in September 2023. She spent the previous 4 years as President of the Friends of the Sachse Public Library, helping to fundraise and support the library and all their programs. She also homeschools her children and teaches in their local co-op.

Lindsay is excited to be part of Literacy Texas and give support in providing resources and education to Adult and Family Literacy programs around the state.

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

Someone who completes the full session will receive 1 hour 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

Irene Ramos

Kelli G. Rhodes

Laura Barrera

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 9/11/25

LitTX Group Chat

by

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

Want to ask a question? 

Need help with something? 

Maybe you 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!

There’s no agenda and no presentation – just an open time for literacy chat.

Join us online on

Tuesday, September 2

any time between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM (CT)

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 seeing where the conversation takes us!

NOTE: This is the same as our old “Coffee With Literacy Texas” events, just with a new name.

CLICK HERE ON september 2 TO JOIN THE SESSION

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 9/2/25

2026 Literacy Texas Annual Conference

by

Learn about the latest research in the literacy field.

Rub shoulders with experts and connect with like-minded people.

Most importantly, leave with the tools, relationships, and inspiration you need to continue making a difference.

2026 Conference Basics

Location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Grapevine DFW Airport North
Street address: 2401 Bass Pro Drive, Grapevine, Texas, 76051

Our hashtag is #LitTX26

Monday, July 27, 2026: Pre-Conference activities
Plus general arrival, check-in, exhibitor set-up, VIP Reception

Tuesday, July 28, 2026: Main Conference Day 1

Wednesday, July 29, 2026: Main Conference Day 2

The theme of the 2025 conference is “Literacy looks like this.”

There’s so much more to literacy than classrooms and whiteboards.

What does literacy look like in your part of the world?
How are folks in your programs linking their learning to family, work, and life outside the classroom?

There’s no one “right” way for literacy to look! We’ll showcase literacy in all its breadth, diversity, and beauty with “Literacy looks like this.”

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE MAIN CONFERENCE PAGE

Quick guide to the 2025 conference:

conference home page
conference theme & focus
breakout sessions
sponsors & exhibitors
registration
scholarships & grants
schedule & program
conference presenters
location & venue
pre-conference
request for proposals
take a look at recent past conferences

Checked/updated 8/14/2025

Best of Texas: Civics & Citizenship

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.

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

This online session will be held on:

Thursday, August 28, 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

In 2025, the path to U.S. citizenship is shifting. This session will explore the most recent updates, policy changes, and evolving USCIS procedures impacting lawful permanent residents in Texas.

Participants will gain practical strategies to adapt their instruction, ensure curriculum compliance, and meet the needs of diverse immigrant learners. We’ll also discuss how to navigate new challenges and help students prepare not only for the naturalization test, but for active and informed civic participation.

GUESTS THIS MONTH

Garcia Alvarez, Luis

Luis García-Alvarez
President, SEDES &
Senior Community Engagement Advisor, USAHello

Luis A. García-Alvarez immigrated to the U.S. at the start of the century to pursue his dreams and enhance the lives of Hispanic immigrants. In 2008, he founded SEDES (System for Education Empowerment and Success), where he serves as President. He also serves as the Senior Community Engagement Advisor for USAHello, helping immigrants achieve financial freedom and societal development. He holds a Master’s in Human Rights and International Law.

In 2021, he received the Hispanic Heritage Award from Houston and was named MLS Community MVP for representing the Houston Dynamo. His leadership on various advisory boards reflects his dedication to a brighter future. In his essay for the Hispanic Leaders Program, he envisions the U.S. as a cultural melting pot and an opportunity to strengthen the Hispanic community.

Host:

Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker

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

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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

Luis García-Alvarez

[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 8/28/25

2025 Focus Group #2

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As part of our Annual Survey, we hold focus groups with literacy folks across Texas, to hear more about what you need right now and how we can best be helpful over the coming 12 – 18 months.

We can’t promise that we can do everything you want, but our ears are open, and there are NO silly ideas! We want to hear what you need, what you want – and what would need to happen for your wildest literacy dreams to be fulfilled.

Plus, this year, we want to hear how funding uncertainty and cuts across adult education are affecting you, your program, and your community.

Check your email for an invitation!