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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BASIC DETAILS
This online session will be held on:
Thursday, February 27, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT).
The Zoom room will open at 9:50 AM.
Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins.
This session will focus on effective adult and family literacy programs that take place in libraries across Texas.
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
Libraries are at the heart of their local communities – and can play a very particular part in adult and family learning and literacy. Come along to this session to learn more from some programs making a difference in Texas.
GUESTS THIS MONTH
Shauna Fergusson
Instructor
Dallas Public Library
Shauna Fergusson (here in character as Elizabeth Bennet from Pride & Prejudice) serves as an instructor for the Dallas Public Library. She teaches GED and English classes to the community, both online and in-person.
Her love of teaching started early. While earning her associate’s degree in liberal arts, she worked for TRiO and tutored fellow students, many from disadvantaged backgrounds. After completing her bachelor’s degree in English, she began working as a coordinator for the Adult Learning team at the Dallas Public Library, managing classes and training volunteer teachers.
She earned her TEFL certification in 2018. After a brief stint teaching English overseas, Shauna returned to Dallas to teach at the library and pursue her master’s degree in library science. She will be graduating this spring, with a concentration in Law Librarianship.
Heidi Frazier
Community Services Manager
Harrie P. Woodson Memorial Library
Heidi Frazier serves as the Library & Community Services Manager at the Harrie P. Woodson Memorial Library in Caldwell, Texas.
Her passion for books and literacy has been life long, studying liberal arts at Dickinson College and earning a master’s degree in Library Science from North Texas State University. She educated all three of her children throughout high school. Once they were graduated from college, she began working with the City of Caldwell. The same love of books and literacy drove her to establish and develop an adult basic education program at the library.
Working in close partnership with agencies, businesses, nonprofits and volunteers, the library offers education opportunities for GED, ESL, Spanish, digital literacy, and citizenship, all at no cost to students. The library offers the only adult education services in the county.
The Harrie P. Woodson Memorial Library Adult Basic Education program is currently focusing on providing education and direction for disconnected youth.
Shirley Robinson
Executive Director
Texas Library Association (TLA)
Shirley Robinson, CAE, is an experienced nonprofit association professional who has served as the executive director of the Texas Library Association (TLA) since 2020.
With over two decades of experience, Robinson’s leadership is member-focused, driving successful initiatives and organizational growth. She excels in managing people, and resources, and building strong relationships with stakeholders.
Prior to TLA, she held leadership roles at Texas Healthcare Trustees and the Texas Hospital Association, as well as positions in business development, fundraising, and marketing for other organizations.
Robinson holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Trinity University and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE).
Host:
Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker
Executive Director
Literacy Texas
FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION
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Online registration has now closed – but we have a few spots available for last-minute registrants! Call us on 972-926-3155 to make arrangements.
SPECIAL THANKS
[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 2/27/25
