Funded by the Professional Development Support for Nonprofit Adult Literacy Organizations grant from the Texas Workforce Commission, regional symposia provide free professional development for volunteers and staff of nonprofit, community-based organizations.
Your local symposium is an excellent place to learn and network with other literacy providers in your region, and a great source of professional development for volunteer instructors.
QUICK LINKS FOR THE GULF COAST SYMPOSIUM:
Click on any of the links below to go straight to that section, or simply scroll down the page.
BASIC DETAILS
The 2025 Gulf Coast Literacy Symposium is co-presented by jagEDsolutions and Literacy Texas.
The symposium has the theme “Braving the Storm” and will be held on:
Friday, June 20 & Saturday, June 21, 2025
Day 1 (Friday) will focus on instructional support in adult literacy classrooms.
Day 2 (Saturday) will focus on administrative support for adult and family literacy programs.
1-day or 2-day registration options are available. Both days are open to all adult literacy staff regardless of position.
This symposium is offered free of charge to Texas nonprofit professionals who work in the fields of adult and family literacy. See Symposium FAQs for more information.
SYMPOSIUM FAQs
Click on a question to see the answer.
A: Literacy Texas does have an annual conference! It’s held every summer.
Our regional symposia are separate to the conference.
Each symposium:
- Takes place in a different Texas region to help minimize travel
- Has a local focus
- Is free to attend
- Is generally a single day (some symposia are 2 days)
- Includes workshops for both classroom instructors and program administrators
- Is the primary training Literacy Texas offers for literacy volunteers
- Offers 5+ hours of professional development
A: Anyone interested in adult and family literacy in Texas is welcome at the symposium. The people who will gain the most are instructors at community-based adult and family literacy organizations and nonprofits.
Volunteer tutors and teachers are especially welcome!
When we create the symposium program, we use the broadest definition of “literacy”, to include all of Adult Foundational Education: adult basic education, English as an additional language, high school equivalency, digital literacy, and workforce readiness, along with other kinds of teaching and learning.
Two words: LOCAL + FREE!
Each symposium program focuses on the local needs of the region. When you complete our Annual Survey every year, we use the results to invite speakers and presenters on topics you said you particularly wanted and needed.
Furthermore, registration is free. You won’t need a large budget for travel or an overnight stay, in the vast majority of cases. We hope that many folks from the same organization can come to the symposium – there’s no limit on how many people can attend from one place. It’s a lot harder to send lots of people to conferences, since we know costs stack up pretty quickly.
A: The symposium is free to attend. Literacy Texas will cover the costs of your tuition, any meals and snacks offered, materials, and other resources.
Please be aware that in recent years, between 25% and 40% of registrants are no-shows at our training events. Every one of these costs us money (since we’ve already paid for food, materials, and more).
If you’ve registered for a Literacy Texas event but then find you can no longer attend, PLEASE get in touch to cancel your registration.
A: Yes! Literacy Texas offers PD credit in conjunction with TCALL.
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.
LOCATION
This symposium will be held at Houston Community College Southeast Campus (“The Learning Hub”): 6815 Rustic Street, Houston, 77087
Map and directions are coming soon.
FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION
This session has reached capacity and we are forming a waitlist.
Use the registration button below to add your name to the list.
Registration for this session has now closed
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 X hours of PD credit.
Certificates of completion will be awarded after the event. Complete the survey after the training is finished to give your details and get your certificate. Surveys will be sent via email in the days following the training.
PROGRAM, SESSIONS, & SPEAKERS
The program is in the process of being finalized; details will be added here as they’re confirmed.
Schedule will be kept as current as possible but is subject to change – check back here for updates
Day 1: Friday, June 20
Day 1 will focus on instructional support in adult literacy classrooms.
Day 2 will focus on administrative support for adult and family literacy programs.
1-day or 2-day registration options are available.
Both days are open to all adult literacy staff regardless of position.
7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: CHECK-IN, BREAKFAST
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: OPENING SESSION
“Welcome to the Storm”
8:45 AM – 10:15 AM
Session 1 (90 min)
NOTE: For greater flexibility, the same breakouts will be offered in both Session 1 and Session 2.
Effectively Moving Your ESL Class Online
Getting started teaching online can seem like a daunting task. On top of considering student engagement, retention, and lesson delivery, you also have to wrestle with technical challenges, both for yourself and for your students.
But hopefully this presentation will make things easier for you! We’ll look at strategies for lesson delivery, routines that encourage participation and retention, methods for students to access materials, and a lot of activity ideas to develop community in your online classroom.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
TCALL
Bio pending.
Structured Literacy Models: Differentiated, High-Quality Teaching and Learning
Explore ways that research grounded in the science of reading informs structured literacy, why the components of structured literacy are necessary for developing skilled readers, and how these components can be practically applied during direct instruction.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Lara Speights, Neuhaus Education Center
Lara Speights, M.Ed., LDT, CALT is a dedicated literacy advocate and researcher who is passionate about creating systems that connect individuals and families to evidence-based literacy experiences. Her expertise lies in dyslexia therapy, with a particular focus on working with emerging bilinguals, adults (16+), and individuals with low literacy. She is also highly knowledgeable in family literacy engagement across generations.
At Neuhaus Education Center, Lara is the Vice President of Family Support and Adult Literacy, where she 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 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 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.
Prior to joining Neuhaus, she brings over a decade of experience as a teacher, dyslexia therapist, EB program coordinator, and instructional coach in public schools across Texas, with specific experience collaborating with families to advocate for students in special populations such as emerging bilinguals and students with learning disabilities.
Speights earned an M.Ed. in Language and Literacy from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and a B.A. in Spanish and English from Texas A&M University, where she is also currently a doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction.
A Taste of AI: Hands-On EdTech for Adult Literacy
Step into the future of adult literacy with this interactive, hands-on session! Explore AI-powered tools used in real pilot projects by the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy. Rotate through experience stations featuring zSpace, Burlington English, Learning Upgrade, Study Buddy, Reading XR, and Northstar Digital Literacy. See how each tool is transforming instruction, boosting engagement, and supporting learners in Houston.
Perfect for adult literacy educators ready to explore what’s next in EdTech!
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Ed Tech Partners
Bio pending.
Digital Navigator Certification Training
Session description pending.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Pending
Bio pending.
Houston Citizenship & Naturalization: Adapting to 2025 & What Adult Educators Need to Know
Citizenship education is evolving in 2025, with new legal requirements, shifting USCIS procedures, and increased barriers for many immigrant communities.
This timely session will break down the most important updates affecting the naturalization process in Houston, highlight key legal and policy changes, and explore how adult educators can adapt instruction to support learners through these new challenges. Learn how to keep your curriculum compliant, relevant, and empowering—so your students are ready not just to pass the test, but to fully participate in civic life.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Luis Garcia Alvarez, SEDES & USA Hello
Bio pending.
Having Resource Challenges in Your Adult and Family Literacy Programming? HPL CET Team to the Rescue!
Discover how the Houston Public Library’s CET team supports adult literacy providers with their mobile express technology lab:
Events, classroom, and teacher support!
Access to trained staff, advanced technology, educational manipulatives, and so much more!
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
HPL CET Team
Bio pending.
10:20 AM – 11:50 AM
Session 2 (90 min)
NOTE: For greater flexibility, the same breakouts will be offered in both Session 1 and Session 2.
Effectively Moving Your ESL Class Online
Getting started teaching online can seem like a daunting task. On top of considering student engagement, retention, and lesson delivery, you also have to wrestle with technical challenges, both for yourself and for your students.
But hopefully this presentation will make things easier for you! We’ll look at strategies for lesson delivery, routines that encourage participation and retention, methods for students to access materials, and a lot of activity ideas to develop community in your online classroom.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
TCALL
Bio pending.
Structured Literacy Models: Differentiated, High-Quality Teaching and Learning
Explore ways that research grounded in the science of reading informs structured literacy, why the components of structured literacy are necessary for developing skilled readers, and how these components can be practically applied during direct instruction.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Lara Speights, Neuhaus Education Center
Lara Speights, M.Ed., LDT, CALT is a dedicated literacy advocate and researcher who is passionate about creating systems that connect individuals and families to evidence-based literacy experiences. Her expertise lies in dyslexia therapy, with a particular focus on working with emerging bilinguals, adults (16+), and individuals with low literacy. She is also highly knowledgeable in family literacy engagement across generations.
At Neuhaus Education Center, Lara is the Vice President of Family Support and Adult Literacy, where she 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 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 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.
Prior to joining Neuhaus, she brings over a decade of experience as a teacher, dyslexia therapist, EB program coordinator, and instructional coach in public schools across Texas, with specific experience collaborating with families to advocate for students in special populations such as emerging bilinguals and students with learning disabilities.
Speights earned an M.Ed. in Language and Literacy from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and a B.A. in Spanish and English from Texas A&M University, where she is also currently a doctoral student in Curriculum and Instruction.
A Taste of AI: Hands-On EdTech for Adult Literacy
Step into the future of adult literacy with this interactive, hands-on session! Explore AI-powered tools used in real pilot projects by the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy. Rotate through experience stations featuring zSpace, Burlington English, Learning Upgrade, Study Buddy, Reading XR, and Northstar Digital Literacy. See how each tool is transforming instruction, boosting engagement, and supporting learners in Houston.
Perfect for adult literacy educators ready to explore what’s next in EdTech!
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Ed Tech Partners
Bio pending.
Digital Navigator Certification Training
Session description pending.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Pending
Bio pending.
Houston Citizenship & Naturalization: Adapting to 2025 & What Adult Educators Need to Know
Citizenship education is evolving in 2025, with new legal requirements, shifting USCIS procedures, and increased barriers for many immigrant communities.
This timely session will break down the most important updates affecting the naturalization process in Houston, highlight key legal and policy changes, and explore how adult educators can adapt instruction to support learners through these new challenges. Learn how to keep your curriculum compliant, relevant, and empowering—so your students are ready not just to pass the test, but to fully participate in civic life.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Luis Garcia Alvarez, SEDES & USA Hello
Bio pending.
Having Resource Challenges in Your Adult and Family Literacy Programming? HPL CET Team to the Rescue!
Discover how the Houston Public Library’s CET team supports adult literacy providers with their mobile express technology lab:
Events, classroom, and teacher support!
Access to trained staff, advanced technology, educational manipulatives, and so much more!
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
HPL CET Team
Bio pending.
11:50 AM – 1:00 PM: WORKING LUNCH
“Sailing Through Troubled Waters – Together”
Session description pending.
Networking Activity: The Map of Troubled Waters
Location: Pending
Name, Organization
Bio pending.
1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Session 3 (60 min)
Elevating AEL Instruction: Seamless Workforce Integration Strategies for Texas Educators
Get ready to transform your teaching with this session, designed for Texas AEL instructors. You’ll be empowered with innovative strategies to seamlessly integrate workforce skills into your classroom instruction, ensuring your learners are prepared for the competitive workforce.
Discover how to weave essential skills—like literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, and soft skills—into your existing curriculum. Learn to apply effective instructional techniques such as blended learning, contextualized learning, and project-based learning to create lessons that mimic real-world scenarios and workplace tasks.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Name, Organization
Bio pending.
2:15 PM: END OF DAY 1
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM: FAREWELL & DOOR PRIZES
Day 2: Saturday, June 21
Day 1 will focus on instructional support in adult literacy classrooms.
Day 2 will focus on administrative support for adult and family literacy programs.
1-day or 2-day registration options are available.
Both days are open to all adult literacy staff regardless of position.
Schedule will be kept as current as possible but is subject to change; check back here for updates
7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: CHECK-IN, BREAKFAST
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM: OPENING SESSION
“Welcome to the Storm”
8:40 AM – 9:40 AM
Session 1 (60 min)
High-Demand Jobs for Texas & How to Prepare for Them
Session description pending.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Name, Organization
Bio pending.
9:45 AM – 11:15 AM
Session 2 (90 min)
Apprenticeships – The Future of Adult Literacy Programming
Strengthen your leadership skills and forge impactful partnerships with employers through this dynamic session designed to equip educational leaders with the strategies and tools needed to develop and sustain meaningful collaborations with employers, enhancing funding opportunities, career development, apprenticeships, and mentoring programs.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Name, Organization
Bio pending.
11:20 AM – 12:20 PM: WORKING LUNCH
“Adult Education Provider-Employer Relations In Houston: How Does It All Work?”
Session description pending.
Location: Pending
Name, Organization
Bio pending.
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Session 3 (90 min)
Grant-Writing in Stormy Times
Session description pending.
PD Category (assigned by TCALL): TBD
Location: Pending
Name, Organization
Bio pending.
2:15 PM: END OF DAY 2
3:15 PM – 3:30 PM: FAREWELL & DOOR PRIZES
EXHIBITORS
Information about exhibitors at this symposium is coming soon.
[List of exhibitors with links embedded in their names]
DOWNLOADS
Download or print a flyer to display at your location or send to others who may be interested in attending the symposium.
Downloadable PDF flyer for this symposium is coming soon.
Download a printable copy of the symposium program. [link whole sentence to PDF]
Printable PDF copy of the symposium program is coming soon.
SPECIAL THANKS TO -
jagEDsolutions
Houston Community College Southeast
The Texas Center for Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)
The Texas Workforce Commission
STAY IN THE KNOW -
Or get news directly from Literacy Texas:
Checked/updated: 4/29/25
Thank you so much for your interest!
This event is now over.
