Learn from peers about best practices and innovative ideas being put into action at literacy programs across our great state. Best of Texas aims to bring local experts together to share their wisdom and experience – and maybe help us all avoid a few pitfalls along the way.
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QUICK LINKS FOR THIS EVENT:
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BASIC DETAILS
This special in-depth online Best of Texas session will be held on:
Thursday, January 30, from 8:45 AM to 12:15 PM (CT).
The Zoom room will open at 8:30 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
This special in-depth session (3+ hours instead of our usual 60 min) will focus on best practices in workforce literacy, and how to help adults and families prepare for success in the workplace.
What examples are out there of Texas programs working well in partnership?
How can the Texas Workforce Commission help?
What resources can CBOs access to help set up adult students for success in the workforce?
PROGRAM, SCHEDULE, & SESSIONS
8:30 AM: ONLINE CHECK-IN OPENS
8:45 AM: WELCOME
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Session 1 (60 min)
From Literacy to Employment: A Successful Partnership Model
Beth Carlton, Literacy Council of Bowie & Miller Counties
Kristina Rivas, Literacy Council of Bowie & Miller Counties
Jenny Wilder, Lost Pizza Co.
This session will showcase the innovative partnership between the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties and Lost Pizza Co., demonstrating how collaboration between adult education providers and local businesses can create effective pathways to employment for adult learners. Attendees will gain insights into creating mutually beneficial partnerships that empower adult learners, support local businesses, and strengthen the community. This session will provide practical tips for literacy professionals looking to establish similar programs in their areas.
Unlocking Potential: TCALL Resources for Literacy Providers and Their Adult Learners
Dr. Glenda Rose, Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)
The Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL) has been serving literacy providers in Texas since 1989 with a vision to empower all adults living in Texas to achieve the literacy skills they need to support themselves, their families, and their communities. They accomplish this primarily by supporting literacy providers in local communities.
Join this session to learn about the comprehensive resources available through TCALL, including free resources on their website, the PD Portal for on-demand training and live webinars, the Distance Education PD Call Center, and the extensive TCALL Library. Discover how the Digital Access and Resilience in Texas (DART) curriculum, freely available on the website, is transforming digital literacy for beginning English language learners in Texas and across the country.
10:05 AM – 11:05 AM: Session 2 (60 min)
TWC AEL: Supporting Students with Employment Goals
Patricia (Ann) Savino, Texas Workforce Commission
In this session, learn more about Texas AEL at the Texas Workforce Commission and ways AEL supports students as they focus on entering employment and achieving economic prosperity. Whether through innovative career pathways, workplace literacy on the job site, or other demonstrated approaches that engage learners, Texas AEL values local solutions to meet student, community, and stakeholder needs. Hear from TWC AEL staff and learn about activities, resources, and best practices in moving students from the classroom to in-demand jobs. Free resources will be shared including how to connect students to an AEL provider when they’re ready for that next step in their education, training, and employment path. A brief legislative update will be included.
From Classroom to Career: 4 Steps to Career Exploration and Planning
Victoria Hinojosa, Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning (TCALL)
Join this interactive session to learn how to guide adult learners through a structured four-step career exploration process. This method helps educators address the Who, What, and How of career planning.
Discover free online assessments to help learners identify Who they are—their personality type, values, and interests. Learn how to leverage Labor Market Information to determine What career paths align with their strengths.
Finally, explore the two Hows: how to develop a career plan and how to gain relevant experience. Walk away with practical tools and strategies to support your learners in making informed career decisions.
11:10 AM – 12:10 PM: Session 3 (60 min)
The Pinnacle of Career and Training Management
Jacob Mayhew, Southern Careers Institute
Learn how Career Hub connects users to tailored learning pathways, digital credentials, and real-world opportunities. Whether you’re an individual seeking career advancement, an educator preparing students for workforce readiness, or a company investing in employee growth, Career Hub delivers the tools and insights needed for lifelong success.
The Data Dilemma
Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker, Literacy Texas
Without reliable data, Literacy Texas struggles to be able to understand the complete picture of adult literacy across the state. Our organization applied for and was awarded a research grant to design a replicable study that will help our organization get the information it needs in order to best tell our story. This session will focus on the challenges to find consistent data for adult literacy CBOs, and it will outline some of our research goals for coming years. Our hope is that this data can help inform workforce and economic needs across Texas.
12:15 PM: FAREWELL
Program will be kept as current as possible but is subject to change; check back here for updates
GUESTS THIS MONTH
Beth Carlton
Workforce Coordinator
Literacy Council of Bowie & Miller Counties
Beth Carlton is a first-generation college graduate, having earned a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, and did graduate work at Southeastern Louisiana University at Hammond. Bringing more than 30 years of experience in the educational field, Beth is a retired high school teacher who has a strong desire to help adult learners with workforce readiness, life skills, GED test prep, functional literacy, and other important areas.
From Literacy to Employment: A Successful Partnership Model
This session will showcase the innovative partnership between the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties and Lost Pizza Co., demonstrating how collaboration between adult education providers and local businesses can create effective pathways to employment for adult learners. Attendees will gain insights into creating mutually beneficial partnerships that empower adult learners, support local businesses, and strengthen the community. This session will provide practical tips for literacy professionals looking to establish similar programs in their areas.
Victoria Hinojosa
Trainer
TCALL
Victoria Hinojosa is passionate about helping people discover how their natural talents and interests can lead to a rewarding career. She has spent over 12 years assisting students in middle schools, high schools, colleges, and adult education and literacy programs navigate through the career exploration and job preparation processes.
After receiving her Bachelor’s of Arts in Mass Communications from Texas State University, she returned to her alma mater to work at the Career Services office. There she learned a lot about career exploration and planning and created a work-based learning program for the student workers under her supervision.
Later, she went on to serve as a Journey Navigator with Workforce Solutions in the Houston-Galveston region. In 2023 she started a faith-based ESOL program in Katy, TX, and is currently an AEL Instructor with Lone Star College. She is an enthusiastic facilitator who believes if you become who you are intended to be you will set the world on fire.
Jacob Mayhew
CEO
Southern Careers Institute
Jacob Mayhew is a seasoned education executive with over 20 years of experience, renowned for driving transformative initiatives in career-focused learning. As the past President of Career College Schools of Texas, Jacob played a key role in advancing education solutions that empower students to achieve their career goals through skill-oriented programs and innovative curricula.
Currently, Jacob leads an organization dedicated to supporting Career and Technical Education (CTE) curricula for high schools, universities, and career schools in Texas and across the country. His organization also partners with the Department of Labor to offer both trade and technology apprenticeships, equipping learners with real-world skills and workforce readiness.
A highlight of Jacob’s career was his leadership in the turnaround and public offering of Grand Canyon University in 2008. As one of the executives driving this success, he helped transform the university into a thriving, publicly traded institution.
With a steadfast commitment to lifelong learning and workforce development, Jacob continues to lead efforts that connect education with opportunity, ensuring students and institutions are prepared for the demands of an evolving job market.
The Pinnacle of Career and Training Management
Learn how Career Hub connects users to tailored learning pathways, digital credentials, and real-world opportunities. Whether you’re an individual seeking career advancement, an educator preparing students for workforce readiness, or a company investing in employee growth, Career Hub delivers the tools and insights needed for lifelong success.
Kristina Rivas
Executive Director
Literacy Council of Bowie & Miller Counties
After returning to Texarkana, Kristina knew that it was her time to step up and help lead the way. She brings with her over 20 years of combined experience in healthcare, marketing, higher education, and as a former small business owner. This work is incredibly personal to her. She knows exactly what can happen when a community steps in because she is the first generation removed from generational poverty. Kristina completed her Human and Family Development thesis and graduated with a Master of Science in Human Services from Stephen F. Austin State University.
From Literacy to Employment: A Successful Partnership Model
This session will showcase the innovative partnership between the Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties and Lost Pizza Co., demonstrating how collaboration between adult education providers and local businesses can create effective pathways to employment for adult learners. Attendees will gain insights into creating mutually beneficial partnerships that empower adult learners, support local businesses, and strengthen the community. This session will provide practical tips for literacy professionals looking to establish similar programs in their areas.
Dr. Glenda 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.
Unlocking Potential: TCALL Resources for Literacy Providers and Their Adult Learners
The Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (TCALL) has been serving literacy providers in Texas since 1989 with a vision to empower all adults living in Texas to achieve the literacy skills they need to support themselves, their families, and their communities. They accomplish this primarily by supporting literacy providers in local communities.
Join this session to learn about the comprehensive resources available through TCALL, including free resources on their website, the PD Portal for on-demand training and live webinars, the Distance Education PD Call Center, and the extensive TCALL Library. Discover how the Digital Access and Resilience in Texas (DART) curriculum, freely available on the website, is transforming digital literacy for beginning English language learners in Texas and across the country.
Patricia (Ann) Savino
Program Director
Texas Workforce Commission
Ann is a program specialist at the Texas Workforce Commission’s division of Adult Education and Literacy providing subject matter expertise and technical assistance to adult education providers on career pathways in Texas. Prior to her work at TWC, she was a small business owner designing educational media projects for national and international projects primarily for English Language Learners. She has held numerous positions with higher education on grants for the U.S. Depart of Labor, U.S. Department of Education, and state grants serving employers and students in need of foundational skills. Her expertise is in building and scaling concurrent education and training initiatives that assist individuals in accessing adult education and job training simultaneously. Ann manages many of the State Leadership initiatives that serve learners in career pathways and assists the agency team in grant writing for special initiatives.
The team at TWC works under the direction of Ms. Mahalia Baldini, State Director of Adult Education and Literacy.
TWC AEL: Supporting Students with Employment Goals
In this session, learn more about Texas AEL at the Texas Workforce Commission and ways AEL supports students as they focus on entering employment and achieving economic prosperity. Whether through innovative career pathways, workplace literacy on the job site, or other demonstrated approaches that engage learners, Texas AEL values local solutions to meet student, community, and stakeholder needs. Hear from TWC AEL staff and learn about activities, resources, and best practices in moving students from the classroom to in-demand jobs. Free resources will be shared including how to connect students to an AEL provider when they’re ready for that next step in their education, training, and employment path. A brief legislative update will be included.
Host:
Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker
Executive Director
Literacy Texas
The Data Dilemma
Without reliable data, Literacy Texas struggles to be able to understand the complete picture of adult literacy across the state. Our organization applied for and was awarded a research grant to design a replicable study that will help our organization get the information it needs in order to best tell our story. This session will focus on the challenges to find consistent data for adult literacy CBOs, and it will outline some of our research goals for coming years. Our hope is that this data can help inform workforce and economic needs across Texas.
FREE ONLINE REGISTRATION
REMINDER: CHECK YOUR SPAM
Every online registration will generate an automated email response with further information. If you don’t see it arrive, please check your junk mail!
PD CERTIFICATES
Someone who completes the full session will receive 3 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.
SPECIAL THANKS
Dr. Glenda Rose and the TCALL team
Ann Savino and the team at TWC
Kristina Rivas, Beth Carlton, and the team at the Literacy Council of Bowie & Miller Counties
Jenny Wilder and the staff of Lost Pizza Co.
The Texas Workforce Commission
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Checked/updated 1/30/25
