professional development Archives

2024 Literacy Texas Annual Conference

May 18, 2023 by Kathryn Bauchelle

The Literacy Texas Annual Conference is THE event for educators, nonprofit administrators, and organizations working with literacy in Texas. 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.

SAVE THE DATE for the 2024 Literacy Texas Annual Conference:

Monday, July 29 – Arrival, check-in, exhibitor set-up, VIP Reception & Exhibitor Grand Opening
Tuesday, July 30 – Conference Day 1
Wednesday, July 31 – Conference Day 2

The theme of the 2024 conference is pending, and our hashtag will be #LitTX24.

Find everything you need to know about Literacy Texas annual conferences here.

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POSTPONED: What Leaders Need – Fundraising Basics

December 7, 2022 by Kathryn Bauchelle

THIS TRAINING SESSION HAS BEEN POSTPONED.

A NEW DATE WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY.

—–

The “What Leaders Need” training series for new and emerging Texas literacy leaders is proud to present:

Basics of Fundraising: Practical Ideas for Small Programs

What we’ll cover:

Basics of fundraising for small shops
Stewardship, relationship-building, and other donor development
Authentic marketing through stories and more
Tips for grant-writing, reporting, and funding appeals

This training session is offered free of charge to nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy, and registration will be capped at 25, to prioritize an interactive session. Plan to have your Zoom camera on throughout the session and be ready to take part in a lively discussion! The session will be recorded, but the recording will only be shared with attendees.

And – one lucky attendee will win one hour of consulting time with presenters Vicki Clark and Chela Sanchez, of Vicki Clark Coaching & Consulting.

The session provides 3 hours of professional development. Certificates will be awarded to attendees who request them after the session, via the post-event survey.

About the Presenter: Vicki Clark

Vicki Clark is an optimist. She loves people and shows up in the world as a learner and a servant leader.

Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Vicki has devoted the past 30 years of her career to building capacity of organizations and individuals; inspiring community and business leaders to take action. She is known for her work in the specialty areas of leadership development, inclusion and diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism assessment, training and facilitation, board development, strategic planning, volunteer resource development and effective communication. Her work spans dozens of corporate clients, nonprofits and government organizations.

She sits on numerous boards, including the National Diaper Bank, and is a regular trainer at community and leadership organizations such as United Way and the Association of Junior Leagues International. Her work as a consultant (at Vicki Clark Consulting), coach, trainer and speaker have given her infinite opportunities to learn from and share with people from all walks of life.

Vicki meets people where they are, never gives up, and believes in the power of prayer. Even at her age and with all that she has experienced, she continues to be A WORK IN PROGRESS.

Watch this space, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on social media to get all the details as they’re confirmed:

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2023 Laredo Literacy Symposium

October 17, 2022 by Kathryn Bauchelle

The 2023 Laredo Literacy Symposium is co-presented by Laredo College and Literacy Texas.

The symposium has the theme: “Literacy on the Border: Strengthening Our Community”, and will be held on:

Thursday, June 15, 9 am to 3 pm

at Laredo College, Kazen Student Center.

Check-in for registered participants will open at 8:30 am and both breakfast and a working lunch will be provided.

This symposium is offered free of charge to educators, volunteer tutors, ESL teachers, and other library and nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.

Registration is open now on the Literacy Texas registration portal

See the schedule outline below; detailed descriptions of the workshops can be found here.

Schedule

CHECK-IN, BREAKFAST, WELCOME: 8:30 am – 9:00 am

Session 1: 9:00 am – 10:30 am (90 min)

Digital Literacy: Tools and Resources – Presenter: Dr. Denise Guckert

Session 2: 10:45 am – 12:15 pm (90 min)

Financial Literacy: Dollars and Sense – Presenter: Dr. Denise Guckert

Standards: Backward Design and Lesson Planning (Part 1) – Presenter: Dr. Ida Acuna Garza

WORKING LUNCH 12:15 pm – 1:45 pm (90 min)

Dysgraphia: Tips and Tricks for Intervention – Presenter: Ms. Leticia Rios Spillane

Session 3: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (60 min)

We the People: Civics Education – Mr. Eduardo J. Martinez and Mr. Jesus J. Garcia

Standards: Backward Design and Lesson Planning (Part 2) – Presenter: Dr. Ida Acuna Garza

FAREWELL

PD Certificates

Someone who attends the full symposium will receive 5.5 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 in the days following the symposium.

Kazen Student Center, Laredo College: Directions & Parking

Click here for maps, directions, and parking information.

Special thanks to:

Laredo College

The Texas Center for Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)

The Texas Workforce Commission

Watch this space, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on social media to get all the details as they’re confirmed:

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What Leaders Need – Telling Your Story

October 4, 2022 by Kathryn Bauchelle

Thank you so much for coming! This event is now over.

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Wednesday, January 25, 2023

The “What Leaders Need” training series for new and emerging Texas literacy leaders is proud to present:

Keeping it Real: Telling Your Story

What we’ll cover:

The importance of storytelling for nonprofits
Practical ways to use stories to make literacy personal to your supporters
Ethical and respectful ways to share personal stories and photos of people in your programs
How to use and reuse stories – in newsletters, on social media, in blog posts, in grant applications, and more

This online session will be held on Wednesday, January 25, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Online check-in will open at 8:20 am.

This training session is offered free of charge to nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.
The session provides 4 hours of professional development. Certificates will be awarded to attendees who request them after the session, via the post-event survey.

About the Presenter: Vicki Clark

Vicki Clark is an optimist. She loves people and shows up in the world as a learner and a servant leader.

Vicki meets people where they are, never gives up, and believes in the power of prayer. Even at her age and with all that she has experienced, she continues to be A WORK IN PROGRESS.

Watch this space, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on social media to get all the details as they’re confirmed:

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2023 East Texas Literacy Symposium

September 14, 2022 by Kathryn Bauchelle

Thank you so much for coming! This event is now over.

—–

The 2023 East Texas Literacy Symposium is co-presented by the East Texas Literacy Council and Literacy Texas.

The symposium has the theme “Growing Adult Education for the Future” and will be held on

Saturday, March 4, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

in the Longview University Center at UT Tyler – 3201 N Eastman Rd, Longview, TX 75605.

Check-in for registered participants will open at 8:00 am and both breakfast and a working lunch will be provided.

This symposium is offered free of charge to educators, volunteer tutors, ESL teachers, and other library and nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.

See the schedule outline below; find detailed descriptions of the workshops here.

Schedule

SYMPOSIUM OPENS: 8:00 am – 8:50 am
Check-in, breakfast, visit exhibitor tables

Greetings, welcome, and introductions
Natasha Duncan, Executive Director, East Texas Literacy Council
Steve Banta, Executive Director, Literacy Texas

Session 1: 8:50 am – 10:20 am (90 min)

Digital Literacy: Google Applied Digital Skills

Aligning Instructions to Assessment

Language Learning Activities for ESL Classes Focused on Community & Culture

Session 2: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm (90 min)

Developing Strong and Lasting Partnerships

Student Success Made Simple: SOAR

Beyond Knowledge Checks: Creating Significant Learning for Adults

WORKING LUNCH: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Motivational Speaker: City Councilwoman Kristen Ishihara

Session 3: 1:10 pm – 2:40 pm (90 min)

ESL Teaching Strategies

Step By Step: How to Introduce New Tech Tools

Student Success Made Simple: SOAR
Repeat session

SYMPOSIUM CLOSES: 2:40pm – 3:00 pm
Evaluation, wrap-up, door prizes (must be present to win!)

FAREWELL

PD Certificates

Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event.
Complete the survey we’ll send you via email after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate.

Longview University Center: Directions & Parking

Click here for map, directions, and parking information.

Downloads:

Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending.

Special thanks to:

East Texas Literacy Council

The Texas Center for Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)

The Texas Workforce Commission

Watch this space, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on social media to get all the details as they’re confirmed:

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2023 South Texas Literacy Symposium

September 13, 2022 by Kathryn Bauchelle

Thank you so much for coming! This event is now over.

The 2023 South Texas Literacy Symposium is co-presented by the South Texas Literacy Coalition and Literacy Texas.

The symposium will be held on

Saturday, February 25, 8:45 am to 4:00 pm

on the UTRGV Campus, 1201 West University Drive, Edinburg TX 78539.

The symposium is part of the annual UTRGV Festiba celebration and has the theme “Transforming our world through arts and literacy.”

Check-in for registered participants will open at 8:00 am and both breakfast and a working lunch will be provided.

This symposium is offered free of charge to educators, volunteer tutors, ESL teachers, and other library and nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.

See the schedule outline below; find detailed descriptions of the workshops here.

Schedule

SYMPOSIUM OPENS: 8:00 am – 8:45 am
Check-in, breakfast, visit exhibitor and author tables

Greetings, welcome, and introductions: 8:45 am – 9:30 am
Dr. Dahlia Guerra, Founder/Director of FESTIBA, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Dr. Jeffrey Ward, Dean of the College of Fine Arts, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Kendra de la Garza, President, South Texas Literacy Coalition
Steve Banta, Executive Director, Literacy Texas

Panel Discussion: 9:30 am – 10:15 am (45 min)
Connecting the Dots in Adult Literacy: The Role of Authors and Teachers of Literacy and the Arts
Guiding Question: How do we help communities understand that literacy and the arts have a major impact on life-long learning and on the future progress of every citizen.
Panelists: Katelyn Renteria, Moderator & Panelist, Local Author
Dr. Jeffrey Ward, Dean, College of Fine Arts
Daniel García Ordaz, TEDx Speaker and 2023 McAllen Poet Laureate
Letty Leija, Director, Dustin Michael Sekula Memorial Library

Concurrent Session 1: 10:30 am – 11:30 am (60 min)

Online & Mobile Learning: Creating Classroom Publications Using Common Apps & Sites

Grant Writing – You’ve Got This!

Family Literacy Activates: Promoting School Success

BREAK: 11:30am – 12:00 pm
Visit exhibitor and author tables

WORKING LUNCH & NETWORKING SESSIONS: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm (Ballroom)
Networking – “Trending Issues in Literacy”

Concurrent Session 2: 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm (60 min)

Cultural Competence, Challenges, and Social Support Factors Linked to Poor Literacy in the RGV

Getting Your Volunteers Started to Meet Your Program Goals

Career Planning for Youth: Consider Where the Jobs Are

Concurrent Session 3: 2:40 pm – 3:40 pm (60 min)

Connecting the Dots: Using Creative Writing to Teach Literacy Skills

Motivating and Recognizing Volunteers

Families Rock Together: Engaging in Your Child’s Academic Achievement Without a Helicopter!

SYMPOSIUM CLOSES: 3:40pm – 4:00 pm
Evaluation, wrap-up, door prizes (must be present to win!)

FAREWELL

Schedule will be kept as current as possible but is subject to change; check back here for updates

PD Certificates

Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event.
Complete the survey we send you via email after the symposium is finished to give your details and get your certificate.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: Directions & Parking

Click here for maps, directions, and parking information

Downloads:

Download a PDF copy of the 2023 program

Download a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending

Special thanks to:

South Texas Literacy Coalition

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, College of Fine Arts

The Texas Center for Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)

The Texas Workforce Commission

Watch this space, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on social media to get all the details as they’re confirmed:

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Gulf Coast Symposium: The Evolution of Adult Education

July 26, 2022 by Kathryn Bauchelle

Thank you so much for coming! This event is now over.

The 2022 Fall Gulf Coast Literacy Symposium is co-presented by the Adult Education Center and Literacy Texas.

The symposium has the theme “The Evolution of Adult Education”, and will take place online on

Friday, November 18, 2022, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Check-in for registered participants will open at 8:30 am.

You’ll get the Zoom link via email when you register.

This symposium is offered free of charge to educators, volunteer tutors, ESL teachers, and other library and nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.

See the schedule outline below; detailed descriptions of the workshops can be found here.

Schedule

Check-in online, welcome: 8:30 am – 9:00 am

Session 1: 9:00 am – 10:30 am (90 min)

“The Evolution of Adult Education: Transforming the Field of Today for Tomorrow’s Opportunities” – Jacqueline Aguilera, Mayor’s Office of Adult Literacy, Houston

“Setting Goals in the Adult Classroom: The Why & the How” – Kathryn Bauchelle, Literacy Texas

BREAK

Session 2: 10:45 am – 12:15 pm (90 min)

“LD Teaching Strategies for Math” – Connie Rivera, TERC

“How to Build a Flourishing Citizenship Program” – Pete Zagone, MAM

Lunch & Round Table: 12:15 pm – 12:45 pm (30 min)

Round Table discussion: “The Evolution of Adult Education”

BREAK

Session 3A: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (90 min)

“Numeracy Routines That Develop Language” – Connie Rivera, TERC

Session 3B: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (60 min)

“Breaking the Code: Helping Readers Understand How Words Work to Improve Reading Skills” – Sally Kubiak, Reading Specialist

Session 4: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (60 min)

“Working With Learners Who Have Dyslexia” – Lara Speights, Neuhaus Education Center

FAREWELL

Schedule will be kept as current as possible but is subject to change; check back here for updates

See full descriptions of each session along with presenter bios

Downloads:

Download a PDF copy of the schedule outline listed above.

Download a PDF copy of the full program.

Special thanks to:

TERC

Adult Education Center

The Texas Center for Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)

The Texas Workforce Commission

Watch this space, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on social media to get all the details as they’re confirmed:

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2023 Literacy Symposium for Faith-Affiliated Programs

July 8, 2022 by Kathryn Bauchelle

Thank you so much for coming! This event is now over.

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The 2023 Literacy Symposium for Faith-Affiliated programs is co-presented by Literacy ConneXus and Literacy Texas.

The symposium has the theme “Loving Neighbors Through Literacy” and will be held on

Saturday, April 22, 8:30 am to 2:30 pm

The symposium will be held online (you’ll get the Zoom link via email when you register)

Check-in for registered participants will open at 8:15 am.

This symposium is offered free of charge to educators, volunteer tutors, ESL teachers, and other library and nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.

Literacy ConneXus welcomes folks from across the faith spectrum, and you’re also welcome to join this symposium from other, non-faith-affiliated literacy programs.

Schedule outline is below.

See the schedule outline below; detailed descriptions of the workshops can be found here.

Schedule

CHECK-IN ONLINE, WELCOME: 8:30 am – 8:55 am

Session 1: 8:55 am – 9:55 am (60 min)
TECs 1: Tips for Teaching ESL – Dr. Cindy Kilpatrick & TECs Team (Breakout Room 1)

A Deeper Dive 1: Higher Levels – Diana Bridges (Breakout Room 2)

Session 2: 10:00 am – 11:00 am (60 min)
TECs 2: Activities for Teaching ESL – Dr. Cindy Kilpatrick & TECs Team (Breakout Room 1)

A Deeper Dive 2: Pronunciation – Dr. Katie Welch (Breakout Room 2)

Session 3: 11:05 am – 12:05 pm (60 min)
TECs 3: Lesson Planning – Dr. Cindy Kilpatrick & TECs Team (Breakout Room 1)

Immigration Update – Dr. Jesús Romero (Breakout Room 2)

Session 4: 12:10 pm – 1:10 pm (60 min)
Low-Literacy Adults & Pre-Literacy Students – Taynim Johnson (Breakout Room 1)

Cross-Cultural Understanding: Language Hospitality – Dr. Lester Meriwether (Breakout Room 2)

Session 5: 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm (60 min)
Student Placement & Goals for the Workplace – Matthew Johnston (Breakout Room 1)

A Deeper Dive 3: Reading & Writing – Dr. Peggy Semingson (Breakout Room 2)

WRAP-UP, PRIZES & FAREWELL

PD Certificates

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 symposium.

Someone who attends the full day of training will receive 5 hours of professional development.

Downloads:

Download a PDF flyer for this symposium here.

Special thanks to:

Literacy ConneXus

The Texas Center for Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)

The Texas Workforce Commission

Watch this space, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on social media to get all the details as they’re confirmed:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

2023 South Plains Literacy Symposium

July 8, 2022 by Kathryn Bauchelle

Thank you so much for coming! This event is now over.

The 2023 South Plains Literacy Symposium is co-presented by Literacy Lubbock and Literacy Texas.

The symposium has the theme “Navigating the future of learning” and will be held on

Friday, May 19, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

at McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center, Texas Tech: 2521 17th St, Lubbock, TX 79409

Check-in for registered participants will open at 8:30 am and both breakfast and a working lunch will be provided.

This symposium is offered free of charge to educators, volunteer tutors, ESL teachers, and other library and nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.

See the schedule outline below, and find detailed descriptions of the workshops here.

Schedule

CHECK-IN, BREAKFAST: 8:30 am – 8:50 am

WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS: 8:50 am – 9:00 am

Session 1: 9:00 am – 10:30 am (90 min)
A is for Adult: An Introduction to Andragogy (Part 1)

Leave the Drama at the Door: Practical Problem-Solving Skills for Work (Part 1)

Session 2: 10:45 am – 12:15 pm (90 min)
A is for Adult: An Introduction to Andragogy (Part 2)

Leave the Drama at the Door: Practical Problem-Solving Skills for Work (Part 2)

WORKING LUNCH 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm (45 min) – Best Practices Discussion

Session 3: 1:00 pm – 2:15 pm (75 min)
Reach Them and Keep Them: Recruitment and Persistence (Part 1)

How to Combat Negativity With Team-Building for Everyone (Part 1)

Session 4: 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm (90 min)
Reach Them and Keep Them: Recruitment and Persistence (Part 2)

How to Combat Negativity With Team-Building for Everyone (Part 2)

FAREWELL & DOOR PRIZES

Schedule will be kept as current as possible but is subject to change; check back here for updates

PD Certificates

Someone who attends the full symposium will receive 6.25 hours of PD credit.

McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center, Texas Tech: Directions & Parking

Click here for maps, directions, and parking information

Downloads:

Download a PDF flyer for this symposium – or email this link to a colleague.

Special thanks to:

Literacy Lubbock

The Texas Center for Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)

The Texas Workforce Commission

Watch this space, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on social media to get all the details as they’re confirmed:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

2023 Literacy Texas Annual Conference

June 2, 2022 by Kathryn Bauchelle

Dates for the 2023 Literacy Texas Annual Conference:

Monday, July 31 – Arrival, check-in, exhibitor set-up, VIP Reception & Exhibitor Grand Opening
Tuesday, August 1 – Conference Day 1
Wednesday, August 2 – Conference Day 2

The theme of the 2023 conference is “Literacy Unleashed” and our hashtag is #LitTX23.

Find everything you need to know about Literacy Texas annual conferences here.

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

Basics of Fundraising: Practical Ideas for Small Programs

About the Presenter: Vicki Clark

Thursday, June 15, 9 am to 3 pm

Schedule

PD Certificates

Kazen Student Center, Laredo College: Directions & Parking

Special thanks to:

Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Keeping it Real: Telling Your Story

About the Presenter: Vicki Clark

Saturday, March 4, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

Schedule

PD Certificates

Longview University Center: Directions & Parking

Downloads:

Special thanks to:

Saturday, February 25, 8:45 am to 4:00 pm

Schedule

PD Certificates

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley: Directions & Parking

Downloads:

Special thanks to:

Friday, November 18, 2022, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Schedule

Session 1: 9:00 am – 10:30 am (90 min)

Session 2: 10:45 am – 12:15 pm (90 min)

Session 3A: 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm (90 min)

Session 3B: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm (60 min)

Session 4: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (60 min)

Downloads:

Special thanks to:

Saturday, April 22, 8:30 am to 2:30 pm

Schedule

PD Certificates

Downloads:

Special thanks to:

Friday, May 19, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Schedule

PD Certificates

McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center, Texas Tech: Directions & Parking

Downloads:

Special thanks to:

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