literacy programs Archives - Page 2 of 7

Grammar, Reading, and English

September 12, 2025 by Literacy Texas

Author: Kay Carroll, Treasurer, Literacy Texas Board of Directors

Literacy. What did it mean to me as a student?

Grammar, reading, and English.

Honestly, it was my most dreaded subject all the way through college (I had to pass my last English class to graduate college, and it was stressful)! Fast forward to now and all my family, friends and colleagues ask me (I’m the old version of ChatGPT) to proof and rephrase their business projects, policies, procedures, programs, trainings, resumes, and emails, due to my love of and skills in communication and writing.

In my eyes today, the definition of literacy has evolved – to reading a good book; reviewing, researching and writing business professional documents; communication and collaboration.

Though my career path has taken twists and turns that were not planned or expected, thankfully it led to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) of 1977, and it sparked my passion. I work for a bank in CRA and Community Development serving communities by ensuring all individuals and families have access to financial and essential services.

Volunteering with amazing organizations is my way of making the world a better place and giving back to the communities. During my time as a volunteer, it has brought joy and tears helping others, teaching classes and trainings around financial education from children to adult.

The truth is, making a livable wage today, providing for yourself and family, and sincerely feeling good about your ability to exist in our current daily life is a huge obstacle without the necessary skills of the Oxford Language Dictionary definition of literacy – “the ability to read and write”. That’s why Literacy Texas exists, a vital non-profit to elevate literacy across Texas and provide local non-profits the tools and resources to ensure boots on the ground in all communities whether urban or rural.

My heart breaks for moms, dads, grandparents, family and friends who don’t know what to do or where to turn during difficult times and enormous situations that arise. Having support to overcome obstacles is overlooked and undervalued today!

My grandson had difficulty learning to read, the frustration for him and his parents was crazy, tearful, and stressful. They were ignored, told he would be held back a grade (all the while making Bs on his report card, plus about a month before summer break); the school system he was in failed him and them terribly. You must be the advocate for yourself and your family members, reach out and find the correct path for you or a loved one – knowing there is light at the end of the tunnel if you don’t give up and strive for answers and help. I’m happy to say, he switched school districts (it wasn’t easy to get him accepted but his parents advocated and stood up for him) and he loves school, the teachers, and the kiddos, and his reading has improved beyond our wildest dreams in a short time; he’s exceling all the way around.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Hey this is me or my situation,” I’m here to tell and assure you that many people care and want to give you a hand up. Lots of people around us are unsure where to go for guidance – be the guiding force, point them to a community organization, a new school, or perhaps just give an encouraging word with a smile.

“Reading is dreaming with open eyes.” ~ Anissa Trisdianty

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Adult Literacy’s Crucial Links to a Thriving Workforce

September 1, 2025 by Jenny Walker

Author: Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker, Literacy Texas Executive Director

When finding a solution to a complex issue, the Literacy Texas team often looks for what we call the SMIT, which stands for the Single Most Important Thing. This strategy – brought to our team by the brilliant Kathryn Bauchelle – helps us drill down through all of the details of a challenge to get to the main problem we want to tackle.

Like many other organizations in the adult education and literacy world, we have been on a wild roller coaster ride that stems from federal funding instability. As we’ve navigated an ever-changing landscape, our team has considered the SMIT. What we’ve found is that more than anything else, we (and I mean we, collectively as Texas adult literacy providers) have to help people understand that our work is relevant and critical to the state’s future. The way to do that is to help them see the connection between the work we do with adult learners and the development of a strong, educated workforce.

You’ll see this approach in our programming this year. To clarify, we’ll continue to provide the same top-tier professional development you’ve grown to appreciate from Literacy Texas. However, when we talk about different areas of adult literacy (adult basic education, language learning, and computer and digital literacy, for example), you’ll notice that we’ll begin to explore those content areas through the lens of workforce preparation.

We’re not changing what we’re doing, necessarily. We’re just changing how we talk about what we are doing. An example might be that a class at your learning center called “Digital and Computer Literacy,” simply changes its name to become “Technology for the Workforce,” and we encourage our adult learners to consider how they could use those skills to find employment, improve performance in their jobs, or promote into a new position. We hope you’ll teach the same computer and digital skills that you were already sharing with your students but with a slightly new approach.

By centering on workforce development, adult learning programs could potentially have the opportunity to attract new students, and it also opens up more grant opportunities and innovative ways to connect with local corporate partners and employers. Ultimately, I believe this can actually be a really good shift in our work.

Change is hard, but right now, this shift is the SMIT. Without it, Literacy Texas – and other adult education and literacy organizations across our state – will struggle to remain relevant in the eyes of those who hold the power to either keep us going or cancel our future funding. Let’s work together so we can continue to elevate adult learners and support them as they reach their goals.

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Best of Texas: Learning Differences & Disabilities

August 27, 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.

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

About this month’s topic

Guests this month

Online registration

PD certificates

Special thanks

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

Students with learning differences and disabilities make up a large percentage of the adult learners we serve. Instructors in our learning centers need to know strategies for ensuring we are meeting their special needs in our classrooms.

This Best of Texas session features leaders in our field who can help us understand the best ways to approach this challenge with imagination and thoughtfulness.

Primary Topic Area

Session will also cover:

Audience

Level

Texas AEL PD Category

Assigned by TCALL

See the full Texas AEL Guide.

Other info:

Pre-reading article – Dyslexia and Adult Literacy: The Equity Issue We Can’t Afford to Ignore

GUESTS THIS MONTH

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.

Sarah Finley
Director of ALP
Neuhaus Education Center

Sarah Finley, M.S., LDT, CALT is a literacy educator and advocate for all learners. With twenty years of experience in education, Sarah is passionate about supporting teachers and students in developing solid foundations in literacy through evidence-based literacy instruction. She currently provides dyslexia therapy to individuals with dyslexia and other learning differences.

At Neuhaus Education Center, Sarah serves as an instructor of a young adult class and director of 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.

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.

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]

Neuhaus Education Center

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Checked/updated 10/10/25

The Expert Edge: Progress by Design

August 27, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

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

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

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

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:

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

Session will also cover:

Audience

Level

Texas AEL PD Category

Assigned by TCALL

See the full Texas AEL Guide.

Other info:

No other info available at this time.

MEET THE PRESENTER

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

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.

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 -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Last checked/updated: 10/14/25

From Reading to Reality: Turning Literacy Into Livelihood

August 21, 2025 by Literacy Texas

This is a guest post by Southern Careers Institute, a 2025 Annual Conference sponsor.

For millions of Texans, mastering basic reading, writing, and numeracy is the first hard-won victory on the road to a better life. Roughly 4.8 million adults in the state still need some form of literacy education.

However, once adults build literacy skills, what comes next? How do newly literate Texans convert foundational skills into specialized expertise that puts food on the table?

Southern Careers Institute, a Texas-born career college with campuses from Brownsville to Austin and a growing roster of online options, exists to answer the question. Literacy opens the door to modern work, but employers hire for competence with specific tools, technologies, and regulations. SCI designs every program with that reality in mind.

Programs in healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and more embed industry vocabulary and document-heavy tasks (such as charting vital signs, interpreting wiring schematics, or troubleshooting cloud networks) into daily lab practice so that reading becomes doing.

Contextualized instruction turns comprehension into competence

Research shows that adults learn best when new information is tethered to immediate goals. SCI’s instructors, many of whom bring years of field experience, translate textbook language into job-site readiness the moment a lesson begins. In an HVAC classroom, for example, a vocabulary that includes “thermodynamics” and “refrigerant cycle” is paired with a lab assignment that requires students to read a pressure-temperature chart and adjust gauges on a live system. The reading comprehension built in earlier literacy classes now drives hands-on troubleshooting, and mistakes become teachable moments instead of barriers.

Healthcare programs follow the same pattern. Students study medical terminology one day and transcribe patient-intake notes the next, reinforcing spelling, abbreviations, and privacy regulations in real time. By weaving technical literacy into performance tasks, SCI helps adult learners internalize the specialized language employers expect without forcing them back into abstract theory alone.

Adult-friendly pacing and supports

Time and cost are chief concerns for adult learners who already juggle work and family. Most SCI programs can be completed in as little as five to fifteen months, depending on full- or part-time enrollment, so momentum from an adult-education milestone is not lost to multi-year detours.

Day and evening schedules, online formats, and career-services coaching reduce friction even further. SCI’s CareerHub job-matching tool lets students see Texas-wide openings mapped against the licenses or certifications each role requires, creating a clear line of sight from coursework to paycheck.

Employer alignment closes the skills gap

Texas businesses routinely cite a shortage of workers with soft skills and technical know-how. SCI maintains advisory boards of regional employers who preview curricula and suggest updates so that lessons stay current. Graduates are trained to sit for industry-recognized certifications and when appropriate train on advanced equipment their future supervisors already use, rather than relearning their skills from scratch on the job.

By the time an SCI student unwraps a diploma or certificate, the distance from literacy to livelihood has been reduced to a single step of applying for a new job.

Walking through the open door

Texas still has work to do before every adult reaches basic literacy, but thousands cross that threshold each year. SCI stands ready for the adults who built foundational skills, transforming the ability to read about opportunity into specialized training. For adults who have already proven they can learn, the next lesson is simple: specialized skills are within reach, and the classroom is designed for the lives they already lead.

Adults ready to take their next step towards a new career should visit scitexas.edu

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Best of Texas: Outreach & Advocacy

August 20, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

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

About this month’s topic

Guests this month

Online registration

PD certificates

Special thanks

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

Session will also cover:

Audience

Level

Texas AEL PD Category

Assigned by TCALL

See the full Texas AEL Guide.

Other info:

No other info available at this time.

GUESTS THIS MONTH

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.

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.

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:

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

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 -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Checked/updated 9/11/25

LitTX Group Chat

August 15, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

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.

STAY IN THE KNOW -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Checked/updated 9/2/25

2026 Literacy Texas Annual Conference

August 14, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

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.”

Quick guide to the 2025 conference:

Checked/updated 8/14/2025

What Leaders Need: Strategic & Succession Planning Essentials

July 30, 2025 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.

The What Leaders Need online training series for new and emerging literacy leaders 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.

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

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:

Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 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

There’s always so much to do. How do you choose where to allocate your best resources – your time and talent?

Strategic planning helps nonprofit organizations align their mission with long-term goals. A solid plan can help make sure that resources are used effectively to achieve best possible outcomes.

Participants in this session will explore how strategic and succession planning work hand-in-hand – to create a clear roadmap for decision-making, strengthen accountability, and proactively prepare for leadership transitions.

Primary Topic Area

Session will also cover:

Audience

Level

Texas AEL PD Category

Assigned by TCALL

Pending

See the full Texas AEL Guide.

Other info:

No other info available at this time.

MEET THE PRESENTER

Presenter: Emma McKinney

Executive Assistant to the President and CEO | Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits

After interning at the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, Emma McKinney officially joined the team in 2021, currently serving as the Executive Assistant to the President & CEO. Emma graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Spanish. Throughout her undergraduate and early professional career, she worked as a field hockey coach and is still very proud of her student’s ongoing sports careers.

Emma is passionate about empowering people by creating pathways to healing, self-sufficiency, and opportunity. She currently serves as Board Secretary on Goodwill of Central Oklahoma’s Generation Good Board, Board Member of The Care Center’s Young Professionals Board, and Class Co-Chair of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma’s Leadership Council. Emma enjoys playing tennis, watching sports, and spending time with friends.

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 1.5 hours of PD credit.

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

Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits

[name of any sponsors or other partners – as many as relevant, new line for each]

The Texas Workforce Commission

STAY IN THE KNOW -

Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:

Page checked/updated: 9/23/25

Best of Texas: Civics & Citizenship

July 24, 2025 by Kathryn Bauchelle

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

About this month’s topic

Guests this month

Online registration

PD Certificates

Special thanks

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

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
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.

SPECIAL THANKS

Luis García-Alvarez

[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 8/28/25