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Best of Texas: Digital & Media Literacy

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

This online session will be held on:

Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (CT).

PLEASE NOTE NEW AFTERNOON TIME!

The Zoom room will open to registered attendees at 12:50 PM.

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

Digital and media literacy are essential for success in both life and work. From navigating workplace platforms to evaluating online information, learners must be able to discern fact from fake news and communicate responsibly in digital spaces.

Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) programs in Texas are positioned to teach these skills, strengthening employability while also empowering families to make informed decisions. This topic will explore news literacy activities and critical-thinking frameworks to employer‑specific digital communication practices, and highlight how AEFL programs can prepare learners to thrive in a digital world where credibility, clarity, and confidence matter.

Primary Topic Area
professional development topic - digital literacy, technology
Session will also cover:
professional development topic - work readiness, literacy for work
professional development topic - distance & virtual learning
Audience
training session audience - general audience
Level
training session level -intermediate
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

Rose-Glenda

Dr. Glenda L. Rose
Director
TCALL

Dr. Glenda Rose, Director of TCALL at Texas A&M University, is dedicated to advancing adult literacy in Texas. With a passion for lifelong learning, she has been working with adult learners since 1985 and providing professional development for adult educators since 2005. Her focus is on empowering educators to help adult learners achieve their full potential. Dr. Rose and her team at TCALL offer a variety of innovative programs and resources to support adult educators in their work.

Additional guests to be confirmed.

Host:

Aguilera-Jackie-2-v2-300px

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

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. 

Literacy Texas defines “complete” as:

  • Be present for at least 90% of the session;
  • Remain on camera for the entire time you are present.

Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email after the training, and certificates will be prepared and sent after the survey closes.

Please pay attention to the due dates – after each event is wrapped up, we will not be able to go back and re-issue your PD certificate. If you know you’ll need a certificate at a later date, please take care to request it in a timely manner!

SPECIAL THANKS

[presenter]

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

The Texas Workforce Commission

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 12/16/25

Care builds confidence

by

Walker, Jenny

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

When I was in high school, I sat down with my guidance counselor to talk through my college and career dreams.  

“Jenny, what do you want to major in?” Ms. McGregor asked me. 

“Whatever I can sign up for that requires the least amount of math,” I said boldly. 

And, thus, a journalism major was born.  

When I enrolled at the University of North Texas, I was a bit dismayed to find that despite my best efforts, I did have to take two math classes for my bachelor’s degree in journalism – college algebra and elementary statistics.  

Over the course of the next two years, my fight or flight response kicked in, and flight kept winning. I finally ended up with a professor who wouldn’t allow me to drop the course the minute my math anxiety set in. He took baby steps with me through every office hour, every quiz, and every test. It was the proudest I have ever been to earn a C. Then came my reward: meeting the prerequisite to enroll in elementary statistics.  

The first day, I walked in to meet Dr. Quintanilla. He was a brilliant professor with a CV that included an ivy league education and research studies with titles made of mathematic words I had never heard. I braced myself for another drop request. What I found instead was the power of good teaching and an instructor that cared about the success of his students.  

Dr. Quintanilla not only crafted lessons and examples that helped math make sense, but he also did it with humor and a heavy dose of compassion for students who were reluctant mathematicians. What’s more is that he took the time to learn the names of every single student in the class, and it was not a small class. I enjoyed it so much that I never even considered dropping the course.  

I learned so much about good teaching from Dr. Quintanilla, and I carried those lessons with me when I became an educator. Before I worked in adult literacy, I taught high school English. I decided that if Dr. Quintanilla could lead me to like math, then I could lead my students to like Shakespeare. It started with a love of the content and solidified with a genuine care for student success. I learned both of those things from Dr. Quintanilla.  

As I started thinking about math education in preparation for our math theme this month, memories of being in Dr. Quintanilla’s class came to mind. I looked him up, and I was happy to find that he still works at UNT. I sent him an email to let him know that more than 20 years later, I still think about that statistics class. I told him that a bit of his legacy lives in every single lesson I teach and every training I present. I was thrilled to have a response from him. What a blessing to be able to tell people when they are excellent and that their work is impactful! 

Years later, I went on to take three statistics classes as part of my doctoral studies. I’m thankful for the confidence that elementary statistics class, and Dr. Quintanilla, helped me build.   

As we consider incorporating math education and numeracy into our literacy programs, it’s important for instructors to handle reluctant learners with care and help them build a sense of capability. They can do it. We just have to remind them sometimes.  

Get Texas literacy updates

Join our mailing list so you don’t miss any news:

  • Local and national literacy news
  • Conference updates
  • Regional symposia
  • Best of Texas
  • Advocacy 
  • …more!
Click here to join the list

Best of Texas: Clear Communication

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

This online session will be held on:

Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (CT).

PLEASE NOTE NEW AFTERNOON TIME!

The Zoom room will open to registered attendees at 12:50 PM.

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

Clear communication drives teamwork and career growth. From healthcare to banking to construction, success depends on listening, articulating ideas, and adapting messages to diverse audiences.

Texas AEFL programs are uniquely positioned to teach these skills, strengthening both employment and family stability. This spotlight will show how clear communication can be embedded into adult literacy and workforce classes and highlight how AEFL programs prepare learners to collaborate, lead, and advance.

Primary Topic Area
professional development topic - work readiness, literacy for work
Session will also cover:
professional development topic - learning differences & disabilities
professional development topic - English language learning ESL, ESOL, ELL, EAL
Audience
training session audience - classroom instructors
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.

GUESTS THIS MONTH

Kilpatrick, Cynthia

Dr. Cynthia Kilpatrick
Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning
Stephen F. Austin State University

Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Kilpatrick is the Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Stephen F. Austin State University, where she leads initiatives to enhance faculty development and student learning. Previously, she spent 15 years as a faculty member in the Department of Linguistics and TESOL at UT Arlington, serving as Director of the English Language Institute and contributing to teaching excellence initiatives.

With extensive experience in ESL education, she has taught in Guatemala, Papua New Guinea, and various U.S. cities, and has been a TEX trainer with Literacy ConneXus since 2015.

Lammers, Michele

Michele Lammers, M.Ed., Ed.S.
Founder & President
Texas All Abilities Network

Michele Lammers, M.Ed., Ed.S., is the Founder and President of Texas All Abilities Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building inclusive, community-based opportunities for individuals of all abilities. With a background in special education and curriculum and instruction, Michele brings both professional expertise and lived experience as a parent of children with disabilities to her work.

She is also the owner of Inclusive Skills Coaching & Training, LLC, where she provides professional development, consulting, and coaching focused on inclusion, social skills development, and transition planning. Michele partners with schools, community organizations, and workforce programs to create practical, engaging strategies that support neurodivergent individuals and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Her work emphasizes innovative, real-world approaches to skill-building, including role-play, tabletop-based learning, and community engagement experiences. Michele is passionate about helping individuals build confidence, communication skills, and independence while empowering families and professionals with tools that can be implemented immediately.

Through her leadership and advocacy, Michele continues to promote meaningful inclusion, working to ensure that individuals of all abilities are supported, valued, and fully included in their communities.

Host:

Aguilera-Jackie-2-v2-300px

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

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. 

Literacy Texas defines “complete” as:

  • Be present for at least 90% of the session;
  • Remain on camera for the entire time you are present.

Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email after the training, and certificates will be prepared and sent after the survey closes.

Please pay attention to the due dates – after each event is wrapped up, we will not be able to go back and re-issue your PD certificate. If you know you’ll need a certificate at a later date, please take care to request it in a timely manner!

SPECIAL THANKS

[presenter]

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

The Texas Workforce Commission

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 3/31/2026

Teaching what the test can’t measure

by

Walker, Jenny

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

Watch someone repair an engine, manage a busy kitchen, or guide a frustrated customer through a problem, and you’ll notice something important:

Technical skills matter, but the real magic often lives in the soft skills (also called fundamental or durability skills).

These subtle superpowers allow us to professionally communicate, solve problems, work well with others on teams, adapt to change, and manage time effectively.

As we prepare adult learners for their next level of education or employment, we must intentionally incorporate these learning objectives into our lessons.

Many adults enter our programs with a clear goal – perhaps to earn a credential, improve reading and writing, qualify for a better job, or advance in their current position. Academic knowledge and training will certainly open doors, but durability skills are what keep those doors open.

Employers consistently report that these fundamental skills matter at least as much as a worker’s ability to perform the technical parts of the job.

Additionally, durability skills also strengthen confidence in the population of learners we serve. When our students can practice explaining an idea clearly, ask thoughtful questions, or work through a challenge with a team, they build a sense of capability. Over time, that confidence becomes momentum, and momentum leads to opportunity.

These skills also support resiliency. Workplaces change quickly, especially where technology is concerned. Roles shift, positions are reorganized, and industries transform. Durability skills help people adapt when inevitable change comes their way. Adult education programs must not only recognize this reality, but they should also strive to weave it into instruction.

By integrating teamwork exercises, workplace communication, and critical thinking into lessons, adult literacy programs will help students have well-rounded instruction as they prepare to navigate their career path. Adult literacy opens the door to knowledge and opportunity, and durability skills help learners walk through the door.

Get Texas literacy updates

Join our mailing list so you don’t miss any news:

  • Local and national literacy news
  • Conference updates
  • Regional symposia
  • Best of Texas
  • Advocacy 
  • …more!
Click here to join the list

The Expert Edge: Worth the Stay – Persistence in Action

by

The Expert Edge: Online training on core topics that all adult literacy professionals should know – research and evidence-based ideas and tips to keep your program focused. Stay sharp with The Expert Edge!

Read more about the Expert Edge quarterly online training series.

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

This online session will be held on:

Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (CT)

Check-in for registered participants will open on Zoom at 1:50 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

Adult students come to classes because of goals they want to achieve outside the classroom. Attrition is rarely linked to a lack of interest, but to other obstacles.

How can adult literacy programs put persistence principles into practical action to make classes truly worth the stay – for busy adult students juggling multiple priorities?

In this session, we will:

  • Take a look at the 6 Drivers of Persistence developed by the New England Literacy Resource Center, and discuss ways they can be incorporated into your program structure;
  • Talk about how building your programs around Adult Learner Persistence principles can help learners to “stick with it”, learn more, and increase in confidence,
  • Look at the close links between Adult Learner Persistence and Plain Language, and
  • Discuss some practical ways you can embed the principles in your adult literacy programs.

This session will be aimed particularly at Texas community-based adult literacy organizations.

Primary Topic Area
professional development topic - access for everyone
Session will also cover:
professional development topic - instructional theory, methodology, research
professional development topic - staff & program management for nonprofits
Audience
training session audience - general audience
Level
training session level - beginner
Texas AEL PD Category

Assigned by TCALL

Texas AEL PD category - PAL

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.

Literacy Texas defines “complete” as:

  • Be present for at least 90% of the session;
  • Have your camera on for the entire time you are present.

Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email after the training, and certificates will be prepared and sent after the survey closes.

Please pay attention to the due dates – after each event is wrapped up, we will not be able to go back and re-issue your PD certificate. If you know you’ll need a certificate at a later date, please take care to request it in a timely manner!

SPECIAL THANKS

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:

Last checked/updated: 2/26/2026

Best of Texas: Math Literacy & Numeracy

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.

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

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

This online session will be held on:

Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT).

The Zoom room will open to registered attendees at 9:50 AM.

Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins.

This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.

ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC

Math and numeracy are more than equations — they’re tools for work, family, and culture. Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) programs in Texas can strengthen numeracy by connecting it to everyday life and to the deep historical roots of mathematics in diverse communities.

Exploring links between math, technology, and ancient civilizations, this session will demonstrate how cultural narratives can make numeracy more engaging and relevant for learners.

Primary Topic Area
professional development topic - math, numeracy, financial literacy
Session will also cover:
professional development topic - work readiness, literacy for work
professional development topic - access for everyone
Audience
training session audience - general audience
Level
training session level -intermediate
Texas AEL PD Category

Assigned by TCALL

Texas AEL PD category - LIT

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

Adversario, Jan

Dr. Jan Adversario
ESL Instructor
Austin Community College

Dr. Jan Adversario is a per course faculty member at Texas State University and teaches graduate level courses in the Adult, Professional, and Community Education. In addition, he works as an English instructor at Austin Community College.

These teaching experiences combined with his work as a volunteer for several community-based programs inform his academic publications related to civic education, adult literacy development, health literacy, Asian hate crimes, and adult education. His mission is to create more inclusive, equitable, and accessible education for adult learners in different learning environments and the workplace.

Adversario’s scholarly work has been published in prestigious journals such as Adult Learning, New Directions for Adult & Continuing Education, and Dialogues in Social Justice: An Adult Education Journal.

Wingfield, Gareth

Gareth Wingfield
Project Coordinator
Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)

Gareth Wingfield has worked in adult education almost his entire life, starting first as a volunteer before entering the field professionally in 2007. He has more than 18 years of experience as a HSE and ESOL instructor, with special interest in math instruction.

He served as the Distance Learning Coordinator for the Literacy Council of Tyler, and now serves as a project coordinator for the Distance Education Professional Development Center.

Winkle, Ashly

Ashly Winkle
Associate Director of Distance Education PD Center
Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)

Ashly Winkle serves as the Associate Director of TCALL’s Distance Education Professional Development Center. A dedicated advocate for adult education, she brings expertise as a tech-savvy Journeyman II Technology Coach.
 
Ashly has excelled in roles such as the Distance Learning Director, Professional Development Coordinator, Trainer, and Project Manager. In 2021, she managed the groundbreaking Distance Education Call Center, offering tech support for Texas adult educators and students.
 
Her dual M.S. degrees in Teaching & Learning (Teaching Leadership) and Business Management (Online Education) reflect her dedication to enhancing adult education through technology.

Host:

Aguilera-Jackie-2-v2-300px

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

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. 

Literacy Texas defines “complete” as:

  • Be present for at least 90% of the session;
  • Have your camera on for the entire time you are present.

Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email after the training, and certificates will be prepared and sent after the survey closes.

Please pay attention to the due dates – after each event is wrapped up, we will not be able to go back and re-issue your PD certificate. If you know you’ll need a certificate at a later date, please take care to request it in a timely manner!

SPECIAL THANKS

[presenter]

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

The Texas Workforce Commission

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 3/24/2026

Best of Texas: Work Readiness & Soft Skills

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.

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

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

This online session will be held on:

Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT).

The Zoom room will open to registered attendees at 9:50 AM.

Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins.

This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.

ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC

Whether we call them soft skills, power skills, or durability skills, one fact is clear: employers need them. Communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving are essential across industries — yet the skills required in banking differ from those needed on a construction site.

This spotlight will explore how Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) programs in Texas can partner with employers to define, teach, and validate durability skills that are both industry-specific and learner-centered.

Primary Topic Area
professional development topic - work readiness, literacy for work
Session will also cover:
professional development topic - staff & program management for nonprofits
Audience
training session audience - classroom instructors
Level
training session level -intermediate
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.

GUEST THIS MONTH

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Name
Title
XY

Info

Info

Cortes, Maria Franco

Dr. Maria Franco Cortes
Senior Planner for Board Relations and Government Affairs
Gulf Coast Workforce Board

Dr. Maria Franco Cortes is the Senior Planner for Board Affairs and Government Relations at the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, bringing more than eight years of experience across financial services, nonprofit leadership, marketing, local government, and public administration. Her work focuses on aligning education, workforce systems, and employer needs to support sustainable economic mobility.

Throughout her career, Dr. Franco Cortes has led and coordinated complex initiatives involving community outreach, data analysis, strategic reporting, and stakeholder engagement to support informed decision-making. Since 2014, she has championed education and literacy as foundational to workforce readiness, emphasizing the role of durability skills such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving in long-term career success.

She is a recipient of the National Engaged Leader Award and the MassMutual Texas Gulf Coast Certificate of Stellar Performance, and she co-founded a digital literacy initiative aimed at expanding educational access in underserved communities. Her public service also includes international engagement as a Council Member and Secretary General of Marketing for the Intergenerational Model United Nations.

Dr. Franco Cortes holds a Doctor of Business Administration in Strategic Media and Digital Content, with research focused on financial education, nonprofit management, and government-community partnerships. She has served for three years as a board member and Executive Chapter Secretary for the United Nations Association of Houston, where she also leads the Young Professionals initiative, advancing leadership development, workforce readiness, and global civic engagement among emerging leaders.

Host:

Aguilera-Jackie-2-v2-300px

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

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!

PD CERTIFICATES

Participants who complete the full session will receive 1 hour of PD credit. 

Literacy Texas defines “complete” as:

  • Be present for at least 90% of the session;
  • Have your camera on for the entire time you are present.

Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email after the training, and certificates will be prepared and sent after the survey closes.

Please pay attention to the due dates – after each event is wrapped up, we will not be able to go back and re-issue your PD certificate. If you know you’ll need a certificate at a later date, please take care to request it in a timely manner!

SPECIAL THANKS

[presenter]

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

The Texas Workforce Commission

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 3/12/2026

No One Learns on an Empty Stomach

by

Walker, Jenny

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

When life is hard, learning is hard.

The adult learners we serve often come to us while carrying the weight of real–life challenges as parents, caregivers, workers, and survivors. When basic needs are unstable, even the most motivated learner struggles to stay focused on education and workforce goals. 

That’s why wraparound support systems are not a luxury. They are essential.

The 100 Families model recognizes the importance of harnessing the power of the community to help people in crisis. Students who are worried about housing, food, transportation, health care, or childcare cannot fully engage in learning. Programs like 100 Families step in to stabilize those foundations so adult learners can do what they came to do: Learn, grow, and move toward economic security. 

This coordinated, community–driven approach brings partners together to work as a team. The learner isn’t treated as a problem to be fixed, but rather as a whole person with strengths, goals, and dignity. 

For adult learning programs, this kind of partnership is transformative, and there’s a sense of urgency in finding creative solutions like 100 Families to support adult learners. Rising costs, workforce shortages, and economic uncertainty are placing even greater strain on adult learners and their families. If we’re serious about workforce development and long–term solutions, we must invest in systems that support the whole learner. 

Programs like 100 Families remind us that success is rarely the result of a single organization working alone. It’s built through relationships, trust, and coordinated care. When adult learners are surrounded by support, they do more than complete a class or earn a credential. They change the trajectory of their lives and, in doing so, strengthen our communities. 

We’re talking about wraparound services throughout January – it’s our theme of the month. Why not join us online for Best of Texas and hear from participants in the 100 Families program about what it’s done for them and their families?

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Best of Texas: HSE/GED

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.

Thank you so much for your interest!

This event is now over.

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

This online session will be held on:

Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (CT).

The Zoom room will open to registered attendees at 9:50 AM.

Please arrive on time – the Zoom room will close to late arrivals 30 minutes after the session begins.

This online learning session is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.

ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC

HSE/GED credentials are not an end point — they are part of a continuum that connects adult learners to both employment opportunities and family success. The challenge for Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) programs in Texas is how to support this dual mission without overloading teachers or risking burnout.

This spotlight will explore practical strategies for integrating workforce readiness and family literacy into HSE/GED classes.

Primary Topic Area
professional development topic - foundational reading HSE, ASE, ABE, GED
Session will also cover:
professional development topic - family & parent literacy
professional development topic - work readiness, literacy for work
Audience
training session audience - general audience
Level
training session level - beginner
Texas AEL PD Category

Assigned by TCALL

Texas AEL PD category - LIT

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

Urbina, Alberto

Dr. Alberto Urbina
Vice President
Houston City College (HCC)

Dr. Alberto Urbina is an accomplished leader in technical education and workforce development with over 25 years of experience spanning industrial construction and academia. Beginning his career as a welder, pipefitter, and welding inspector in the Gulf Coast industrial sector, he has since advanced into senior leadership roles and currently serves as Vice President of Houston City College – Southeast.

An HCC graduate, Dr. Urbina holds a Civil Engineering degree from the University of Houston-Downtown, completed graduate studies in Welding Engineering at The Ohio State University, and earned both a Master’s in Educational Leadership (University of Texas at Arlington) and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (University of Houston-Clear Lake). His credentials include Registered Engineer, Certified Educator, and Certified Program Planner.

Dr. Urbina’s career reflects a commitment to bridging industry and education. He has served as a high school teacher, college professor, program director, department chair, executive director, and dean. Recognized by the American Welding Society with the District 18 Outstanding Welding Educator Award, he continues to influence technical education as Technical Chair for AWS Houston Chapter, a member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Livestock Committee, and an advisor to multiple Career and Technical Education committees across regional school districts.

Cavazos, Alyssa G 300px

Alyssa G. Cavazos
Director for the Center for Teaching Excellence
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Alyssa G. Cavazos is Professor of Rhetoric, Composition, and Literacy Studies in the Department of Writing and Language Studies and Director for the Center for Teaching Excellence at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She teaches undergraduate and graduate coursework in writing studies. Her pedagogical and scholarly interests include: language difference in the teaching of writing, translingual writing across communities, professional development in higher education, and student voices in teaching and learning.

She was awarded the University of Texas System 2017 Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award, the 2017 UTRGV Excellence Award in Teaching, and the 2022 Center for Online Learning and Teaching Technology Online Teaching Award. She also serves as an active member of the University of Texas System Academy of Distinguished Teachers.

She is committed to designing learner-centered educational spaces that support students’ academic success across academic disciplines in higher education and beyond. 

Host:

Aguilera-Jackie-2-v2-300px

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

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.

Literacy Texas defines “complete” as:

  • Be present for at least 90% of the session;
  • Have your camera on for the entire time you are present.

Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email after the training, and certificates will be prepared and sent after the survey closes.

Please pay attention to the due dates – after each event is wrapped up, we will not be able to go back and re-issue your PD certificate. If you know you’ll need a certificate at a later date, please take care to request it in a timely manner!

SPECIAL THANKS

[presenter]

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

The Texas Workforce Commission

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 2/17/2026

The Expert Edge: Building a Positive Classroom Environment

by

The Expert Edge: Online training on core topics that all adult literacy professionals should know – research and evidence-based ideas and tips to keep your program focused. Stay sharp with The Expert Edge!

Read more about the Expert Edge quarterly online training series.

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

This online session will be held on:

Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 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 Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy.

ABOUT THIS TOPIC

For many adult learners, attending classes is a challenge. Not only is content difficult, but sometimes having the confidence to enroll in and attend an adult learning program can be hard.

Research tells us that a positive classroom environment can ease tension and improve the student experience. Join us for this session that offers practical advice for instructors, coordinators, and directors on building a positive classroom environment.

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 - access for everyone
Audience
training session audience - classroom instructors
Level
training session level - beginner
Texas AEL PD Category

Assigned by TCALL

Texas AEL PD category - PAL

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

Walker, Jenny

Jenny Walker

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 1.5 hours of PD credit.

Literacy Texas defines “complete” as:

  • Be present for at least 90% of the session;
  • Have your camera on for the entire time you are present.

Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email after the training, and certificates will be prepared and sent after the survey closes.

Please pay attention to the due dates – after each event is wrapped up, we will not be able to go back and re-issue your PD certificate. If you know you’ll need a certificate at a later date, please take care to request it in a timely manner!

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

[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:

Last checked/updated: 1/28/2026