Breakout Sessions

The 2025 Conference RFP process closed on March 26, 2025 and this page will be updated with 2025 conference breakout sessions in May and June.

If you submitted a proposal, we thank you for your patience! You will hear from us by the end of May, at the latest.

In the meantime, you may like to browse recent past conferences here, which include links to past programs.

Find the session you want – 

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Thank you to everyone who submitted a proposal to present at the 2025 conference!

Breakout sessions are subject to change; we will do our best to keep this page as current as possible.

Coming soon:

Conference breakout sessions by topic area

Conference breakout sessions by timeslot

Conference breakout sessions alphabetically by title

The 2025 Conference RFP has closed, and we are reviewing submissions ready to build the 2025 conference program. This page will be updated with 2025 conference breakout sessions throughout June.

The 2025 Conference RFP process is now open and accepting submissions, and this page will be updated with 2025 conference breakout sessions in April and May.

In the meantime, the 2024 sessions are listed below so that you can get an idea of what a typical conference program contains.

PD Categories are taken from the Texas AEL Guide:

PAL = Principles of Adult Learning
LIT = Literacy Instruction

2025 Conference Breakout Sessions By Topic

Session summaries for the 2025 program are arranged below by topic area. Click on any topic to show titles and summaries of the sessions in each category, along with links to learn more about each session.

Sessions will be added as they are confirmed with the presenters.

Adult Educators’ Experiences Promoting Numeracy for Family Learning

Presenters: Clarena Larrotta, Dr. Jan Adversario • PD Category: OTHER
Presents adult educators’ experiences designing and delivering a numeracy literacy training for parents. Discusses family learning, dialogue, and family learning best practices. Expect examples and interactive participation. Read more about this session.

AI Unleashed: Adventures for Literacy, Learning, and Life

Presenter: Bhavani Kola • PD Category: OTHER
Dive into a hands-on AI adventure! Experience exciting live demos and interactive learning. Uncover how AI can boost literacy, simplify tasks, and inspire creativity—easy, practical, and fun for all! Read more about this session.

Citizenship & Naturalization in 2025: What Adult Educators Need to Know

Presenter: Luis García-Alvarez • PD Category: OTHER
Learn the latest USCIS updates, policy changes, and instructional strategies for helping Legal Permanent Residents prepare for citizenship and active civic participation in 2025. Read more about this session.

Co-designing with Learners

Presenters: Keighty Ward, Sarah Glazer • PD Category: OTHER
This interactive workshop will introduce educators collaborative design strategies. Attendees will get ideas for fostering engagement, inclusion, and shared ownership of learning through co-design with learners. Read more about this session.

Creating Accessible Content for Our Neurodiverse World

Presenter: Sarah Glazer • PD Category: OTHER
Learn about neurodiversity and how to think broadly about creating accessible communications. You’ll leave with practical strategies to make your program and classroom materials more understable and usable to a wide audience. Read more about this session.

Demystifying AI

Presenter: Bhavani Kola • PD Category: OTHER
Jump into a fun-filled exploration of AI! Experience friendly demos, playful learning, and easy-to-grasp insights on ethics, sustainability, and AI essentials, perfectly tailored for non-techie heroes! Read more about this session.

Digital Access and Resilience for English Language Learners

Presenter: Dr. Glenda Rose • PD Category: LIT
Incorporating Digital Literacy in ESL can be challenging, especially at the lowest levels. The free Digital Access and Resilience in Texas curriculum is a great place to start. Let’s discuss ideas for ELLs at all levels. Read more about this session.

Fact or Fiction? Helping Students Navigate AI

Presenter: Rina Renteria • PD Category: OTHER
Teach students how to spot misinformation and fact-check AI-generated content with simple, effective strategies. This session gives you the tools to help learners think critically about the digital world. Read more about this session.

From Prompts to Possibilities: Unleashing AI for Literacy and Learning

Presenter: Bhavani Kola • PD Category: OTHER
Unlock AI possibilities through fun, practical prompts! Experience live, easy-to-use AI tools for literacy. Learn instant data analysis, creative storytelling, and innovative visual insights—making your work simpler and smarter! Read more about this session.

Health Literacy and Its Importance: Promoting Better Health Outcomes

Presenter: Heather McKnight • PD Category: OTHER
Explore the concept of health literacy, its critical importance in healthcare, and practical strategies to improve it. Learn how enhanced health literacy empowers us to make better health decisions while improving public health. Read more about this session.

Plain Language 101

Presenter: Sarah Glazer • PD Category: OTHER
Communicate clearly with volunteers, students, and coworkers! Learn writing strategies to center your audience and explore how plain language supports equity and inclusion. Read more about this session.

Plain Language for the Classroom

Presenter: Sarah Glazer • PD Category: LIT
Let’s make information easier for adult learners to understand! We’ll talk about giving clear instructions, creating usable worksheets and handouts, and communicating with students via text and email. Read more about this session.

Prompt Like a Pro!

Presenter: Rina Renteria • PD Category: OTHER
Learn how to create smart AI prompts that make lesson planning easier and more engaging. You’ll walk away with practical tools and ideas for using AI to level up your teaching. Read more about this session.

Reading to Learn – Strategies for the Struggling Learner

Presenter: Chris Miller • PD Category: LIT
Adult ed teachers often lack reading instruction training. Explore key strategies to boost learners’ academic reading skills, aiding success in science, social studies, and more—shifting from learning to read to reading to learn. Read more about this session.

Successful Partnerships for Student Pathways

Presenter: Lisa Stewart, MBA, CAE • PD Category: OTHER
Successful Partnerships for Student Pathways focus on building partnerships to enhance your organization’s literacy services, extend community reach, fulfill your mission, and make a greater impact in the community. Read more about this session.

Teaching for Deeper Learning

Presenter: Chris Miller • PD Category: LIT
Explore strategies like scaffolding, inquiry, and active learning to boost critical thinking and real-world understanding. Learn to design engaging lessons that build deeper comprehension and lasting academic growth. Read more about this session.

The Right Tool for the Task! Strategy Instruction for Adults with Learning Disabilities

Presenter: AnneMarie Molinari-Sanders • PD Category: LIT
Get ready to review and engage with evidence-based instructional strategies proven to help adults with learning disabilities succeed in the classroom and beyond. Read more about this session.

Understanding Executive Function and Its Impact on Reading

Presenter: Madeline Jones • PD Category: LIT
Executive function influences students’ ability to decode words, comprehend texts, and engage with written material effectively. Explore practical strategies to enhance overall reading outcomes. Read more about this session.

Unlock FREE Resources for AEL Tutors & Volunteers: Discover How TCALL Can Support You!

Presenter: Paula Bauer • PD Category: OTHER
Whether you want to improve your tutoring skills, enhance your learning environment, or explore new approaches to adult education, TCALL has the resources you need. We’re dedicated to helping you make a bigger impact in your community. Read more about this session.

Unlocking Potential: Effectively Teaching Adults with Low Literacy

Presenter: Lara Speights • PD Category: LIT
60% of readers need explicit instruction to learn to read. Collaboratively explore research-backed reading practices that are beneficial for all, and essential for our most vulnerable. Read more about this session.

Welcoming Emergent Literacy Learners to your Program

Presenter: Keighty Ward • PD Category: OTHER
In this workshop, we’ll share ideas for helping adult education programs create a welcoming space for emergent readers. Attendees will develop inclusive, respectful, and beginner-friendly processes to welcome all learners. Read more about this session.

Adult Educators’ Experiences Promoting Numeracy for Family Learning

Presenters: Clarena Larrotta, Dr. Jan Adversario • PD Category: OTHER
Presents adult educators’ experiences designing and delivering a numeracy literacy training for parents. Discusses family learning, dialogue, and family learning best practices. Expect examples and interactive participation. Read more about this session.

AI Unleashed: Adventures for Literacy, Learning, and Life

Presenter: Bhavani Kola • PD Category: OTHER
Dive into a hands-on AI adventure! Experience exciting live demos and interactive learning. Uncover how AI can boost literacy, simplify tasks, and inspire creativity—easy, practical, and fun for all! Read more about this session.

Beyond the GED: Building a Workforce-Ready Pipeline with Essential Education

Presenter: Jeannie Hale • PD Category: OTHER
Workforce skills alongside GED® prep! Discover how Essential Education’s Workforce Bundle builds job readiness through digital literacy, workplace skills, and financial literacy for a seamless transition to employment. Read more about this session.

Citizenship & Naturalization in 2025: What Adult Educators Need to Know

Presenter: Luis García-Alvarez • PD Category: OTHER
Learn the latest USCIS updates, policy changes, and instructional strategies for helping Legal Permanent Residents prepare for citizenship and active civic participation in 2025. Read more about this session.

Demystifying AI

Presenter: Bhavani Kola • PD Category: OTHER
Jump into a fun-filled exploration of AI! Experience friendly demos, playful learning, and easy-to-grasp insights on ethics, sustainability, and AI essentials, perfectly tailored for non-techie heroes! Read more about this session.

Enhancing Adult Basic Education through Experiential Learning

Presenter: Wayne Crandall • PD Category: PAL
This workshop will explore the transformative power of experiential learning and its application in adult basic education. Read more about this session.

From Chalkboards to Chatbots: AI Tools for Adult Literacy Educators

Presenters: Michael Saenz, Sebastian Ramos, Julio Medina • PD Category: OTHER
Discover how AI can support contextualized instruction in adult education. This session explores prompt writing, standards alignment, and ethical integration of AI tools to enhance lesson planning and learner engagement. Read more about this session.

From Prompts to Possibilities: Unleashing AI for Literacy and Learning

Presenter: Bhavani Kola • PD Category: OTHER
Unlock AI possibilities through fun, practical prompts! Experience live, easy-to-use AI tools for literacy. Learn instant data analysis, creative storytelling, and innovative visual insights—making your work simpler and smarter! Read more about this session.

How to Get Started with New TABE 13/14 and CLAS-E C & D

Presenter: Chasity Wright • PD Category: OTHER
This session will review the changes for TABE 13/14 and CLAS-E C & D. TABE 13/14 will see new test items that will reduce the reading load of students and decrease the testing time. Read more about this session.

Let’s Study! Study Skills for Adult Learners

Presenter: Ann Beeson, M. Ed. • PD Category: OTHER
This presentation addresses the features and importance of study skills, and how to help students incorporate these skills to improve learning. Read more about this session.

Math as a Second Language: Overcoming Anxiety and Building Confidence

Presenter: Krystal Hills • PD Category: LIT
For many, math feels like a foreign language. Explore how to teach math literacy using strategies from reading and language instruction, helping students overcome anxiety, build confidence, and develop stronger numeracy skills. Read more about this session.

Plaza Comunitaria: Pre-GED Learning Tailored for Hispanic Students

Presenter: Rosa-Maria Crocker • PD Category: OTHER
Plaza Comunitaria is an accredited pre-GED Adult Basic Education program, with proven effectiveness in meeting the needs of more than 70% of Hispanic students currently below 7th grade education seeking a high school education. Read more about this session.

Reading to Learn – Strategies for the Struggling Learner

Presenter: Chris Miller • PD Category: LIT
Adult ed teachers often lack reading instruction training. Explore key strategies to boost learners’ academic reading skills, aiding success in science, social studies, and more—shifting from learning to read to reading to learn. Read more about this session.

Recipe for Success: Essential Ingredients for Adult English Language Learning

Presenter: Karin Bates • PD Category: LIT
What makes an effective adult English lesson? Like baking a cake, it needs the right ingredients! This session explores essential components for confidence, fluency, and conversation, leaving you with a “recipe” for teaching success. Read more about this session.

Standards in Action: Cultivating a Language and Content Focus for English Learners

Presenters: Michael Saenz, Sebastian Ramos, Julio Medina • PD Category: LIT
Ignite learning for English learners by embedding language development into content instruction, using real-world examples, scaffolding, and differentiation to drive success. Read more about this session.

Teaching for Deeper Learning

Presenter: Chris Miller • PD Category: LIT
Explore strategies like scaffolding, inquiry, and active learning to boost critical thinking and real-world understanding. Learn to design engaging lessons that build deeper comprehension and lasting academic growth. Read more about this session.

Unlocking Potential: Effectively Teaching Adults with Low Literacy

Presenter: Lara Speights • PD Category: LIT
60% of readers need explicit instruction to learn to read. Collaboratively explore research-backed reading practices that are beneficial for all, and essential for our most vulnerable. Read more about this session.

Your Story Starts Here: Intro to Book Creator

Presenter: Ashly Winkle • PD Category: OTHER
In this hands-on session, you’ll explore key features, create a simple multimedia book, and learn how to use Book Creator to boost student engagement and creativity. Read more about this session.

Advocacy Made Easy: Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day

Presenter: Irene Ramos • PD Category: OTHER
Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide simple, effective, and practical strategies to make advocacy easy, impactful, and accessible to everyone—everywhere, every day. Read more about this session.

Am I Now Literate? A Literacy Autobiography of an Iranian PhD Student

Presenter: Mona Askari • PD Category: OTHER
This session reflects on an Iranian PhD student’s literacy journey, exploring identity, sociocultural influences, and how we might redefine what it truly means to be literate across contexts and cultures. Read more about this session.

Fact or Fiction? Helping Students Navigate AI

Presenter: Rina Renteria • PD Category: OTHER
Teach students how to spot misinformation and fact-check AI-generated content with simple, effective strategies. This session gives you the tools to help learners think critically about the digital world. Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL: Dealing With Stress & Avoiding Burnout

Facilitator: Gina Franke • PD Category: OTHER
In uncertain times with rapidly changing circumstances for literacy programs and beyond, how do you keep stress levels low and keep moving forward? Join this facilitated conversation, share your experiences, and learn from others. Read more about this session.

Health Literacy and Its Importance: Promoting Better Health Outcomes

Presenter: Heather McKnight • PD Category: OTHER
Explore the concept of health literacy, its critical importance in healthcare, and practical strategies to improve it. Learn how enhanced health literacy empowers us to make better health decisions while improving public health. Read more about this session.

Nature’s Classroom: Embracing Curiosity & Learning from the World Around Us

Presenter: Karla Rodriguez • PD Category: OTHER
We will explore how the natural world and our communities become powerful classrooms for fostering curiosity, advancing literacy, and empowering future generations through advocacy. Read more about this session.

Plaza Comunitaria: Pre-GED Learning Tailored for Hispanic Students

Presenter: Rosa-Maria Crocker • PD Category: OTHER
Plaza Comunitaria is an accredited pre-GED Adult Basic Education program, with proven effectiveness in meeting the needs of more than 70% of Hispanic students currently below 7th grade education seeking a high school education. Read more about this session.

Walking in Their Shoes: A Simulation to Inspire Literacy Advocacy

Presenter: Sarah Richardson • PD Category: OTHER
Learn about a low-literacy simulation that engages community members in literacy advocacy. Learn how to implement this hands-on event in your community to inspire action, secure funding, and drive real change for adult learners. Read more about this session.

Citizenship & Naturalization in 2025: What Adult Educators Need to Know

Presenter: Luis García-Alvarez • PD Category: OTHER
Learn the latest USCIS updates, policy changes, and instructional strategies for helping Legal Permanent Residents prepare for citizenship and active civic participation in 2025. Read more about this session.

Nature’s Classroom: Embracing Curiosity & Learning from the World Around Us

Presenter: Karla Rodriguez • PD Category: OTHER
We will explore how the natural world and our communities become powerful classrooms for fostering curiosity, advancing literacy, and empowering future generations through advocacy. Read more about this session.

Advocacy Made Easy: Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day

Presenter: Irene Ramos • PD Category: OTHER
Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide simple, effective, and practical strategies to make advocacy easy, impactful, and accessible to everyone—everywhere, every day. Read more about this session.

Book & Budget: Financial Book Clubs from Prisons to Classrooms & More

Presenter: Jacqueline Aguilera • PD Category: OTHER
Learn to lead dynamic book clubs focused on financial literacy, tailored for diverse environments including classrooms, prisons, and community spaces. Be empowered to drive impactful change through collaborative learning. Read more about this session.

How to Make Stone Soup: Creating a Literacy Program Without Any Ingredients

Presenter: Heidi Frazier • PD Category: OTHER
Learn to design, build, or enhance a literacy program through community collaborations with little to no allocated funds. This session will help attendees to identify and leverage hidden resources, specific to their community. Read more about this session.

Mastering Literacy Leadership: Wearing all the Hats for Success

Presenter: Natasha Duncan • PD Category: OTHER
A director must juggle many roles—from managing the office and leading the board to writing grants and ensuring smooth operations. Directors wear a lot of hats—learn to navigate the challenges of leadership without burning out. Read more about this session.

Staying the Course: Proven Strategies to Boost Adult Learner Persistence

Presenter: Irene Ramos • PD Category: PAL
Interactive discussions and real-world examples highlight the latest research and evidence-based strategies to improve adult learner retention, focusing on relationship-building, goal-setting, and contextualized instruction. Read more about this session.

Successful Partnerships for Student Pathways

Presenter: Lisa Stewart, MBA, CAE • PD Category: OTHER
Successful Partnerships for Student Pathways focus on building partnerships to enhance your organization’s literacy services, extend community reach, fulfill your mission, and make a greater impact in the community. Read more about this session.

Success Stories: How ESL Students Achieve Their Goals with Community Support

Presenter: Matthew Johnston • PD Category: OTHER
Success stories remind us why we teach and highlight the incredible persistence of our students. In this session, we’ll reflect on best practices, explore real examples, and write our own success stories. Read more about this session.

Transforming Outcomes: Strategies for Program Excellence

Presenter: Dr. Glenda Rose • PD Category: OTHER
Develop and strengthen literacy programs using a Local Theory of Change and the ROMA Cycle. Learn to assess needs, plan, implement, observe, and evaluate programs, and use outcomes to demonstrate effectiveness to funders. Read more about this session.

AI Tools: 10x Faster Teaching & Learning

Presenter: Ana Frade • PD Category: OTHER
Unlock AI’s potential for educators and students. Learn to streamline teaching tasks, create engaging content, and manage classrooms efficiently with powerful AI tools, saving time and boosting learning outcomes. Read more about this session.

AI Unleashed: Adventures for Literacy, Learning, and Life

Presenter: Bhavani Kola • PD Category: OTHER
Dive into a hands-on AI adventure! Experience exciting live demos and interactive learning. Uncover how AI can boost literacy, simplify tasks, and inspire creativity—easy, practical, and fun for all! Read more about this session.

Applying Key Principles of Adult Learning for Effective ESL Instruction

Presenter: Martin Loa • PD Category: OTHER
In this engaging session, participants will explore the five core principles of adult learning. Demonstrate how BurlingtonEnglish incorporates these key principles to support ESL learners effectively.​ Read more about this session.

Beyond the GED: Building a Workforce-Ready Pipeline with Essential Education

Presenter: Jeannie Hale • PD Category: OTHER
Workforce skills alongside GED® prep! Discover how Essential Education’s Workforce Bundle builds job readiness through digital literacy, workplace skills, and financial literacy for a seamless transition to employment. Read more about this session.

Demystifying AI

Presenter: Bhavani Kola • PD Category: OTHER
Jump into a fun-filled exploration of AI! Experience friendly demos, playful learning, and easy-to-grasp insights on ethics, sustainability, and AI essentials, perfectly tailored for non-techie heroes! Read more about this session.

Digital Access and Resilience for English Language Learners

Presenter: Dr. Glenda Rose • PD Category: LIT
Incorporating Digital Literacy in ESL can be challenging, especially at the lowest levels. The free Digital Access and Resilience in Texas curriculum is a great place to start. Let’s discuss ideas for ELLs at all levels. Read more about this session.

Digital Navigation: Lessons Learned & Future Impact

Presenter: Liz Bohon • PD Category: OTHER
Explore key takeaways from Digital Navigator program in adult education and discover practical ways to implement digital upskilling strategies in libraries and nonprofits to better serve communities. Read more about this session.

Ellii + Ventures: Enhancing Adult ESL to Boost Learner Persistence

Presenter: Wendy Klatt • PD Category: OTHER
Explore how integrating Ellii with the Ventures curriculum series enhances adult ESL instruction. Learn to leverage aligned materials to boost learner engagement, persistence, and success. Read more about this session.

Fact or Fiction? Helping Students Navigate AI

Presenter: Rina Renteria • PD Category: OTHER
Teach students how to spot misinformation and fact-check AI-generated content with simple, effective strategies. This session gives you the tools to help learners think critically about the digital world. Read more about this session.

From Chalkboards to Chatbots: AI Tools for Adult Literacy Educators

Presenters: Michael Saenz, Sebastian Ramos, Julio Medina • PD Category: OTHER
Discover how AI can support contextualized instruction in adult education. This session explores prompt writing, standards alignment, and ethical integration of AI tools to enhance lesson planning and learner engagement. Read more about this session.

From Prompts to Possibilities: Unleashing AI for Literacy and Learning

Presenter: Bhavani Kola • PD Category: OTHER
Unlock AI possibilities through fun, practical prompts! Experience live, easy-to-use AI tools for literacy. Learn instant data analysis, creative storytelling, and innovative visual insights—making your work simpler and smarter! Read more about this session.

Future-Ready Learning: Enhancing Digital Literacy with Google’s Free Tools

Presenter: Ryan Lett • PD Category: OTHER
Learn how to pair the Applied Digital Skills and Google Cloud Skills Boost. Get an overview of the Google Skills Boost tool and discover how you can create a comprehensive course combining both tools. Read more about this session.

Opening Doors to Workplace Readiness: Empowering ESL Learners with Ventures

Presenter: Katie Welch • PD Category: OTHER
Join us in this interactive, game-show themed session as we explore how integrating workplace skills into ESL lessons using the Ventures curriculum can open doors to success for English learners. Read more about this session.

Prompt Like a Pro!

Presenter: Rina Renteria • PD Category: OTHER
Learn how to create smart AI prompts that make lesson planning easier and more engaging. You’ll walk away with practical tools and ideas for using AI to level up your teaching. Read more about this session.

Select the Tech that Supports Your Mission

Presenter: Teri Walker • PD Category: OTHER
Learn how to develop a tech plan that aligns with your organization’s goals and processes, driving sustainable growth and enhancing overall functionality. Read more about this session.

Success in Life Online – Digital Literacy for Adult Learners

Presenter: Janet Kay • PD Category: OTHER
This session will focus on activities for adult ESL students to develop essential digital literacy skills: privacy and security, managing your digital footprint, online etiquette, tips for online or hybrid classes, and more! Read more about this session.

Your Story Starts Here: Intro to Book Creator

Presenter: Ashly Winkle • PD Category: OTHER
In this hands-on session, you’ll explore key features, create a simple multimedia book, and learn how to use Book Creator to boost student engagement and creativity. Read more about this session.

AI Tools: 10x Faster Teaching & Learning

Presenter: Ana Frade • PD Category: OTHER
Unlock AI’s potential for educators and students. Learn to streamline teaching tasks, create engaging content, and manage classrooms efficiently with powerful AI tools, saving time and boosting learning outcomes. Read more about this session.

Applying Key Principles of Adult Learning for Effective ESL Instruction

Presenter: Martin Loa • PD Category: OTHER
In this engaging session, participants will explore the five core principles of adult learning. Demonstrate how BurlingtonEnglish incorporates these key principles to support ESL learners effectively.​ Read more about this session.

Future-Ready Learning: Enhancing Digital Literacy with Google’s Free Tools

Presenter: Ryan Lett • PD Category: OTHER
Learn how to pair the Applied Digital Skills and Google Cloud Skills Boost. Get an overview of the Google Skills Boost tool and discover how you can create a comprehensive course combining both tools. Read more about this session.

AI Tools: 10x Faster Teaching & Learning

Presenter: Ana Frade • PD Category: OTHER
Unlock AI’s potential for educators and students. Learn to streamline teaching tasks, create engaging content, and manage classrooms efficiently with powerful AI tools, saving time and boosting learning outcomes. Read more about this session.

Am I Now Literate? A Literacy Autobiography of an Iranian PhD Student

Presenter: Mona Askari • PD Category: OTHER
This session reflects on an Iranian PhD student’s literacy journey, exploring identity, sociocultural influences, and how we might redefine what it truly means to be literate across contexts and cultures. Read more about this session.

Applying Key Principles of Adult Learning for Effective ESL Instruction

Presenter: Martin Loa • PD Category: OTHER
In this engaging session, participants will explore the five core principles of adult learning. Demonstrate how BurlingtonEnglish incorporates these key principles to support ESL learners effectively.​ Read more about this session.

Beyond the Textbook: Active Learning

Presenter: David Coles • PD Category: PAL
Practical, student-centered strategies that go beyond textbook-based teaching. Learn how to increase engagement, build persistence, and make learning more relevant through real-world activities and active learning techniques. Read more about this session.

Confidence in Every Sound: Pronunciation Strategies for Adult ELLs

Presenter: Karin Bates • PD Category: LIT
Pronunciation is about being understood, building confidence, and shaping an English-speaking identity. Explore tools like The Color Vowel® Chart and games to help learners enjoy speaking with clarity and confidence. Read more about this session.

Conversation Classes for Low Literacy English Learners

Presenter: Gareth Wingfield • PD Category: LIT
English language learners crave communication, and conversation classes are an important tool for meeting this need. In this round table discussion, we’ll look at challenges, strategies, and activities we can use in our classes. Read more about this session.

Digital Access and Resilience for English Language Learners

Presenter: Dr. Glenda Rose • PD Category: LIT
Incorporating Digital Literacy in ESL can be challenging, especially at the lowest levels. The free Digital Access and Resilience in Texas curriculum is a great place to start. Let’s discuss ideas for ELLs at all levels. Read more about this session.

Ellii + Ventures: Enhancing Adult ESL to Boost Learner Persistence

Presenter: Wendy Klatt • PD Category: OTHER
Explore how integrating Ellii with the Ventures curriculum series enhances adult ESL instruction. Learn to leverage aligned materials to boost learner engagement, persistence, and success. Read more about this session.

Enhancing Adult Basic Education through Experiential Learning

Presenter: Wayne Crandall • PD Category: PAL
This workshop will explore the transformative power of experiential learning and its application in adult basic education. Read more about this session.

How to Get Started with New TABE 13/14 and CLAS-E C & D

Presenter: Chasity Wright • PD Category: OTHER
This session will review the changes for TABE 13/14 and CLAS-E C & D. TABE 13/14 will see new test items that will reduce the reading load of students and decrease the testing time. Read more about this session.

Let’s Study! Study Skills for Adult Learners

Presenter: Ann Beeson, M. Ed. • PD Category: OTHER
This presentation addresses the features and importance of study skills, and how to help students incorporate these skills to improve learning. Read more about this session.

Make it Fun and Lifelong! Best Practices for Beginner ESL Speaking Classes

Presenter: HeeJae Chung • PD Category: LIT
Speaking activities can be challenging due to limited fluency. Using real-life examples, this session explores best practices to create communicative beginner ESL speaking classes that foster confidence and participation. Read more about this session.

Opening Doors to Workplace Readiness: Empowering ESL Learners with Ventures

Presenter: Katie Welch • PD Category: OTHER
Join us in this interactive, game-show themed session as we explore how integrating workplace skills into ESL lessons using the Ventures curriculum can open doors to success for English learners. Read more about this session.

Recipe for Success: Essential Ingredients for Adult English Language Learning

Presenter: Karin Bates • PD Category: LIT
What makes an effective adult English lesson? Like baking a cake, it needs the right ingredients! This session explores essential components for confidence, fluency, and conversation, leaving you with a “recipe” for teaching success. Read more about this session.

Standards in Action: Cultivating a Language and Content Focus for English Learners

Presenters: Michael Saenz, Sebastian Ramos, Julio Medina • PD Category: LIT
Ignite learning for English learners by embedding language development into content instruction, using real-world examples, scaffolding, and differentiation to drive success. Read more about this session.

Success in Life Online – Digital Literacy for Adult Learners

Presenter: Janet Kay • PD Category: OTHER
This session will focus on activities for adult ESL students to develop essential digital literacy skills: privacy and security, managing your digital footprint, online etiquette, tips for online or hybrid classes, and more! Read more about this session.

Success Stories: How ESL Students Achieve Their Goals with Community Support

Presenter: Matthew Johnston • PD Category: OTHER
Success stories remind us why we teach and highlight the incredible persistence of our students. In this session, we’ll reflect on best practices, explore real examples, and write our own success stories. Read more about this session.

Welcoming Emergent Literacy Learners to your Program

Presenter: Keighty Ward • PD Category: OTHER
In this workshop, we’ll share ideas for helping adult education programs create a welcoming space for emergent readers. Attendees will develop inclusive, respectful, and beginner-friendly processes to welcome all learners. Read more about this session.

Your Story Starts Here: Intro to Book Creator

Presenter: Ashly Winkle • PD Category: OTHER
In this hands-on session, you’ll explore key features, create a simple multimedia book, and learn how to use Book Creator to boost student engagement and creativity. Read more about this session.

Adult Educators’ Experiences Promoting Numeracy for Family Learning

Presenters: Clarena Larrotta, Dr. Jan Adversario • PD Category: OTHER
Presents adult educators’ experiences designing and delivering a numeracy literacy training for parents. Discusses family learning, dialogue, and family learning best practices. Expect examples and interactive participation. Read more about this session.

Make it Fun and Lifelong! Best Practices for Beginner ESL Speaking Classes

Presenter: HeeJae Chung • PD Category: LIT
Speaking activities can be challenging due to limited fluency. Using real-life examples, this session explores best practices to create communicative beginner ESL speaking classes that foster confidence and participation. Read more about this session.

Nature’s Classroom: Embracing Curiosity & Learning from the World Around Us

Presenter: Karla Rodriguez • PD Category: OTHER
We will explore how the natural world and our communities become powerful classrooms for fostering curiosity, advancing literacy, and empowering future generations through advocacy. Read more about this session.

Plaza Comunitaria: Pre-GED Learning Tailored for Hispanic Students

Presenter: Rosa-Maria Crocker • PD Category: OTHER
Plaza Comunitaria is an accredited pre-GED Adult Basic Education program, with proven effectiveness in meeting the needs of more than 70% of Hispanic students currently below 7th grade education seeking a high school education. Read more about this session.

Success in Life Online – Digital Literacy for Adult Learners

Presenter: Janet Kay • PD Category: OTHER
This session will focus on activities for adult ESL students to develop essential digital literacy skills: privacy and security, managing your digital footprint, online etiquette, tips for online or hybrid classes, and more! Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL: How Do You Build a Program of Excellence?

Facilitator: Lester Meriwether • PD Category: OTHER
What do excellent programs have in common? How can CBOs update, pivot, and build excellence – often with minimal resources and lean teams? Join this facilitated conversation, share your experiences, and learn from others. Read more about this session.

Mastering Literacy Leadership: Wearing all the Hats for Success

Presenter: Natasha Duncan • PD Category: OTHER
A director must juggle many roles—from managing the office and leading the board to writing grants and ensuring smooth operations. Directors wear a lot of hats—learn to navigate the challenges of leadership without burning out. Read more about this session.

Select the Tech that Supports Your Mission

Presenter: Teri Walker • PD Category: OTHER
Learn how to develop a tech plan that aligns with your organization’s goals and processes, driving sustainable growth and enhancing overall functionality. Read more about this session.

Transforming Outcomes: Strategies for Program Excellence

Presenter: Dr. Glenda Rose • PD Category: OTHER
Develop and strengthen literacy programs using a Local Theory of Change and the ROMA Cycle. Learn to assess needs, plan, implement, observe, and evaluate programs, and use outcomes to demonstrate effectiveness to funders. Read more about this session.

Who Are You Mentoring To Take Your Place? Succession Planning in Real Time

Presenters: Lester Meriwether, Dr. Harry Wilson • PD Category: OTHER
Is your organization ready for succession (replacing the executive director or program director)? This workshop goes beyond updating policies and procedures and other documents to the heart of the matter: leadership development. Read more about this session.

Health Literacy and Its Importance: Promoting Better Health Outcomes

Presenter: Heather McKnight • PD Category: OTHER
Explore the concept of health literacy, its critical importance in healthcare, and practical strategies to improve it. Learn how enhanced health literacy empowers us to make better health decisions while improving public health. Read more about this session.

Am I Now Literate? A Literacy Autobiography of an Iranian PhD Student

Presenter: Mona Askari • PD Category: OTHER
This session reflects on an Iranian PhD student’s literacy journey, exploring identity, sociocultural influences, and how we might redefine what it truly means to be literate across contexts and cultures. Read more about this session.

Beyond the Textbook: Active Learning

Presenter: David Coles • PD Category: PAL
Practical, student-centered strategies that go beyond textbook-based teaching. Learn how to increase engagement, build persistence, and make learning more relevant through real-world activities and active learning techniques. Read more about this session.

Building a Reflective Teaching Practice

Presenter: Keighty Ward • PD Category: OTHER
In this workshop, adult educators will learn ways to develop habits of critical reflection, deepen self-awareness, and enhance their education work through continuous learning and thoughtful practice. Read more about this session.

Co-designing with Learners

Presenters: Keighty Ward, Sarah Glazer • PD Category: OTHER
This interactive workshop will introduce educators collaborative design strategies. Attendees will get ideas for fostering engagement, inclusion, and shared ownership of learning through co-design with learners. Read more about this session.

Confidence in Every Sound: Pronunciation Strategies for Adult ELLs

Presenter: Karin Bates • PD Category: LIT
Pronunciation is about being understood, building confidence, and shaping an English-speaking identity. Explore tools like The Color Vowel® Chart and games to help learners enjoy speaking with clarity and confidence. Read more about this session.

Conversation Classes for Low Literacy English Learners

Presenter: Gareth Wingfield • PD Category: LIT
English language learners crave communication, and conversation classes are an important tool for meeting this need. In this round table discussion, we’ll look at challenges, strategies, and activities we can use in our classes. Read more about this session.

Ellii + Ventures: Enhancing Adult ESL to Boost Learner Persistence

Presenter: Wendy Klatt • PD Category: OTHER
Explore how integrating Ellii with the Ventures curriculum series enhances adult ESL instruction. Learn to leverage aligned materials to boost learner engagement, persistence, and success. Read more about this session.

Enhancing Adult Basic Education through Experiential Learning

Presenter: Wayne Crandall • PD Category: PAL
This workshop will explore the transformative power of experiential learning and its application in adult basic education. Read more about this session.

From Chalkboards to Chatbots: AI Tools for Adult Literacy Educators

Presenters: Michael Saenz, Sebastian Ramos, Julio Medina • PD Category: OTHER
Discover how AI can support contextualized instruction in adult education. This session explores prompt writing, standards alignment, and ethical integration of AI tools to enhance lesson planning and learner engagement. Read more about this session.

Let’s Study! Study Skills for Adult Learners

Presenter: Ann Beeson, M. Ed. • PD Category: OTHER
This presentation addresses the features and importance of study skills, and how to help students incorporate these skills to improve learning. Read more about this session.

Plain Language for the Classroom

Presenter: Sarah Glazer • PD Category: LIT
Let’s make information easier for adult learners to understand! We’ll talk about giving clear instructions, creating usable worksheets and handouts, and communicating with students via text and email. Read more about this session.

Reading to Learn – Strategies for the Struggling Learner

Presenter: Chris Miller • PD Category: LIT
Adult ed teachers often lack reading instruction training. Explore key strategies to boost learners’ academic reading skills, aiding success in science, social studies, and more—shifting from learning to read to reading to learn. Read more about this session.

Recipe for Success: Essential Ingredients for Adult English Language Learning

Presenter: Karin Bates • PD Category: LIT
What makes an effective adult English lesson? Like baking a cake, it needs the right ingredients! This session explores essential components for confidence, fluency, and conversation, leaving you with a “recipe” for teaching success. Read more about this session.

Standards in Action: Cultivating a Language and Content Focus for English Learners

Presenters: Michael Saenz, Sebastian Ramos, Julio Medina • PD Category: LIT
Ignite learning for English learners by embedding language development into content instruction, using real-world examples, scaffolding, and differentiation to drive success. Read more about this session.

Staying the Course: Proven Strategies to Boost Adult Learner Persistence

Presenter: Irene Ramos • PD Category: PAL
Interactive discussions and real-world examples highlight the latest research and evidence-based strategies to improve adult learner retention, focusing on relationship-building, goal-setting, and contextualized instruction. Read more about this session.

Teaching for Deeper Learning

Presenter: Chris Miller • PD Category: LIT
Explore strategies like scaffolding, inquiry, and active learning to boost critical thinking and real-world understanding. Learn to design engaging lessons that build deeper comprehension and lasting academic growth. Read more about this session.

The Right Tool for the Task! Strategy Instruction for Adults with Learning Disabilities

Presenter: AnneMarie Molinari-Sanders • PD Category: LIT
Get ready to review and engage with evidence-based instructional strategies proven to help adults with learning disabilities succeed in the classroom and beyond. Read more about this session.

Understanding Executive Function and Its Impact on Reading

Presenter: Madeline Jones • PD Category: LIT
Executive function influences students’ ability to decode words, comprehend texts, and engage with written material effectively. Explore practical strategies to enhance overall reading outcomes. Read more about this session.

Building a Reflective Teaching Practice

Presenter: Keighty Ward • PD Category: OTHER
In this workshop, adult educators will learn ways to develop habits of critical reflection, deepen self-awareness, and enhance their education work through continuous learning and thoughtful practice. Read more about this session.

Conversation Classes for Low Literacy English Learners

Presenter: Gareth Wingfield • PD Category: LIT
English language learners crave communication, and conversation classes are an important tool for meeting this need. In this round table discussion, we’ll look at challenges, strategies, and activities we can use in our classes. Read more about this session.

Creating Accessible Content for Our Neurodiverse World

Presenter: Sarah Glazer • PD Category: OTHER
Learn about neurodiversity and how to think broadly about creating accessible communications. You’ll leave with practical strategies to make your program and classroom materials more understable and usable to a wide audience. Read more about this session.

Plain Language for the Classroom

Presenter: Sarah Glazer • PD Category: LIT
Let’s make information easier for adult learners to understand! We’ll talk about giving clear instructions, creating usable worksheets and handouts, and communicating with students via text and email. Read more about this session.

The Right Tool for the Task! Strategy Instruction for Adults with Learning Disabilities

Presenter: AnneMarie Molinari-Sanders • PD Category: LIT
Get ready to review and engage with evidence-based instructional strategies proven to help adults with learning disabilities succeed in the classroom and beyond. Read more about this session.

Understanding Executive Function and Its Impact on Reading

Presenter: Madeline Jones • PD Category: LIT
Executive function influences students’ ability to decode words, comprehend texts, and engage with written material effectively. Explore practical strategies to enhance overall reading outcomes. Read more about this session.

Unlocking Potential: Effectively Teaching Adults with Low Literacy

Presenter: Lara Speights • PD Category: LIT
60% of readers need explicit instruction to learn to read. Collaboratively explore research-backed reading practices that are beneficial for all, and essential for our most vulnerable. Read more about this session.

Welcoming Emergent Literacy Learners to your Program

Presenter: Keighty Ward • PD Category: OTHER
In this workshop, we’ll share ideas for helping adult education programs create a welcoming space for emergent readers. Attendees will develop inclusive, respectful, and beginner-friendly processes to welcome all learners. Read more about this session.

Co-designing with Learners

Presenters: Keighty Ward, Sarah Glazer • PD Category: OTHER
This interactive workshop will introduce educators collaborative design strategies. Attendees will get ideas for fostering engagement, inclusion, and shared ownership of learning through co-design with learners. Read more about this session.

Digital Navigation: Lessons Learned & Future Impact

Presenter: Liz Bohon • PD Category: OTHER
Explore key takeaways from Digital Navigator program in adult education and discover practical ways to implement digital upskilling strategies in libraries and nonprofits to better serve communities. Read more about this session.

How to Make Stone Soup: Creating a Literacy Program Without Any Ingredients

Presenter: Heidi Frazier • PD Category: OTHER
Learn to design, build, or enhance a literacy program through community collaborations with little to no allocated funds. This session will help attendees to identify and leverage hidden resources, specific to their community. Read more about this session.

Make it Fun and Lifelong! Best Practices for Beginner ESL Speaking Classes

Presenter: HeeJae Chung • PD Category: LIT
Speaking activities can be challenging due to limited fluency. Using real-life examples, this session explores best practices to create communicative beginner ESL speaking classes that foster confidence and participation. Read more about this session.

Unlock FREE Resources for AEL Tutors & Volunteers: Discover How TCALL Can Support You!

Presenter: Paula Bauer • PD Category: OTHER
Whether you want to improve your tutoring skills, enhance your learning environment, or explore new approaches to adult education, TCALL has the resources you need. We’re dedicated to helping you make a bigger impact in your community. Read more about this session.

Advocacy Made Easy: Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day

Presenter: Irene Ramos • PD Category: OTHER
Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide simple, effective, and practical strategies to make advocacy easy, impactful, and accessible to everyone—everywhere, every day. Read more about this session.

Creating Accessible Content for Our Neurodiverse World

Presenter: Sarah Glazer • PD Category: OTHER
Learn about neurodiversity and how to think broadly about creating accessible communications. You’ll leave with practical strategies to make your program and classroom materials more understable and usable to a wide audience. Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL – Finding and Supporting Volunteers

Facilitator: Nancy Leonhardt • PD Category: OTHER
Volunteers can be a lifeline for literacy programs – but how do we make sure they’re onboarded properly and get the right support? Join this facilitated conversation, share your experiences, and learn from others. Read more about this session.

Plain Language 101

Presenter: Sarah Glazer • PD Category: OTHER
Communicate clearly with volunteers, students, and coworkers! Learn writing strategies to center your audience and explore how plain language supports equity and inclusion. Read more about this session.

Walking in Their Shoes: A Simulation to Inspire Literacy Advocacy

Presenter: Sarah Richardson • PD Category: OTHER
Learn about a low-literacy simulation that engages community members in literacy advocacy. Learn how to implement this hands-on event in your community to inspire action, secure funding, and drive real change for adult learners. Read more about this session.

Book & Budget: Financial Book Clubs from Prisons to Classrooms & More

Presenter: Jacqueline Aguilera • PD Category: OTHER
Learn to lead dynamic book clubs focused on financial literacy, tailored for diverse environments including classrooms, prisons, and community spaces. Be empowered to drive impactful change through collaborative learning. Read more about this session.

Math as a Second Language: Overcoming Anxiety and Building Confidence

Presenter: Krystal Hills • PD Category: LIT
For many, math feels like a foreign language. Explore how to teach math literacy using strategies from reading and language instruction, helping students overcome anxiety, build confidence, and develop stronger numeracy skills. Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL: How Do You Build a Program of Excellence?

Facilitator: Lester Meriwether • PD Category: OTHER
What do excellent programs have in common? How can CBOs update, pivot, and build excellence – often with minimal resources and lean teams? Join this facilitated conversation, share your experiences, and learn from others. Read more about this session.

Select the Tech that Supports Your Mission

Presenter: Teri Walker • PD Category: OTHER
Learn how to develop a tech plan that aligns with your organization’s goals and processes, driving sustainable growth and enhancing overall functionality. Read more about this session.

Staying the Course: Proven Strategies to Boost Adult Learner Persistence

Presenter: Irene Ramos • PD Category: PAL
Interactive discussions and real-world examples highlight the latest research and evidence-based strategies to improve adult learner retention, focusing on relationship-building, goal-setting, and contextualized instruction. Read more about this session.

Transforming Outcomes: Strategies for Program Excellence

Presenter: Dr. Glenda Rose • PD Category: OTHER
Develop and strengthen literacy programs using a Local Theory of Change and the ROMA Cycle. Learn to assess needs, plan, implement, observe, and evaluate programs, and use outcomes to demonstrate effectiveness to funders. Read more about this session.

Who Are You Mentoring To Take Your Place? Succession Planning in Real Time

Presenters: Lester Meriwether, Dr. Harry Wilson • PD Category: OTHER
Is your organization ready for succession (replacing the executive director or program director)? This workshop goes beyond updating policies and procedures and other documents to the heart of the matter: leadership development. Read more about this session.

Building a Reflective Teaching Practice

Presenter: Keighty Ward • PD Category: OTHER
In this workshop, adult educators will learn ways to develop habits of critical reflection, deepen self-awareness, and enhance their education work through continuous learning and thoughtful practice. Read more about this session.

Digital Navigation: Lessons Learned & Future Impact

Presenter: Liz Bohon • PD Category: OTHER
Explore key takeaways from Digital Navigator program in adult education and discover practical ways to implement digital upskilling strategies in libraries and nonprofits to better serve communities. Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL: Dealing With Stress & Avoiding Burnout

Facilitator: Gina Franke • PD Category: OTHER
In uncertain times with rapidly changing circumstances for literacy programs and beyond, how do you keep stress levels low and keep moving forward? Join this facilitated conversation, share your experiences, and learn from others. Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL – Finding and Supporting Volunteers

Facilitator: Nancy Leonhardt • PD Category: OTHER
Volunteers can be a lifeline for literacy programs – but how do we make sure they’re onboarded properly and get the right support? Join this facilitated conversation, share your experiences, and learn from others. Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL: How Do You Build a Program of Excellence?

Facilitator: Lester Meriwether • PD Category: OTHER
What do excellent programs have in common? How can CBOs update, pivot, and build excellence – often with minimal resources and lean teams? Join this facilitated conversation, share your experiences, and learn from others. Read more about this session.

Mastering Literacy Leadership: Wearing all the Hats for Success

Presenter: Natasha Duncan • PD Category: OTHER
A director must juggle many roles—from managing the office and leading the board to writing grants and ensuring smooth operations. Directors wear a lot of hats—learn to navigate the challenges of leadership without burning out. Read more about this session.

Successful Partnerships for Student Pathways

Presenter: Lisa Stewart, MBA, CAE • PD Category: OTHER
Successful Partnerships for Student Pathways focus on building partnerships to enhance your organization’s literacy services, extend community reach, fulfill your mission, and make a greater impact in the community. Read more about this session.

Who Are You Mentoring To Take Your Place? Succession Planning in Real Time

Presenters: Lester Meriwether, Dr. Harry Wilson • PD Category: OTHER
Is your organization ready for succession (replacing the executive director or program director)? This workshop goes beyond updating policies and procedures and other documents to the heart of the matter: leadership development. Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL: Dealing With Stress & Avoiding Burnout

Facilitator: Gina Franke • PD Category: OTHER
In uncertain times with rapidly changing circumstances for literacy programs and beyond, how do you keep stress levels low and keep moving forward? Join this facilitated conversation, share your experiences, and learn from others. Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL – Finding and Supporting Volunteers

Facilitator: Nancy Leonhardt • PD Category: OTHER
Volunteers can be a lifeline for literacy programs – but how do we make sure they’re onboarded properly and get the right support? Join this facilitated conversation, share your experiences, and learn from others. Read more about this session.

How to Make Stone Soup: Creating a Literacy Program Without Any Ingredients

Presenter: Heidi Frazier • PD Category: OTHER
Learn to design, build, or enhance a literacy program through community collaborations with little to no allocated funds. This session will help attendees to identify and leverage hidden resources, specific to their community. Read more about this session.

Plain Language 101

Presenter: Sarah Glazer • PD Category: OTHER
Communicate clearly with volunteers, students, and coworkers! Learn writing strategies to center your audience and explore how plain language supports equity and inclusion. Read more about this session.

Prompt Like a Pro!

Presenter: Rina Renteria • PD Category: OTHER
Learn how to create smart AI prompts that make lesson planning easier and more engaging. You’ll walk away with practical tools and ideas for using AI to level up your teaching. Read more about this session.

Unlock FREE Resources for AEL Tutors & Volunteers: Discover How TCALL Can Support You!

Presenter: Paula Bauer • PD Category: OTHER
Whether you want to improve your tutoring skills, enhance your learning environment, or explore new approaches to adult education, TCALL has the resources you need. We’re dedicated to helping you make a bigger impact in your community. Read more about this session.

Walking in Their Shoes: A Simulation to Inspire Literacy Advocacy

Presenter: Sarah Richardson • PD Category: OTHER
Learn about a low-literacy simulation that engages community members in literacy advocacy. Learn how to implement this hands-on event in your community to inspire action, secure funding, and drive real change for adult learners. Read more about this session.

Beyond the GED: Building a Workforce-Ready Pipeline with Essential Education

Presenter: Jeannie Hale • PD Category: OTHER
Workforce skills alongside GED® prep! Discover how Essential Education’s Workforce Bundle builds job readiness through digital literacy, workplace skills, and financial literacy for a seamless transition to employment. Read more about this session.

Beyond the Textbook: Active Learning

Presenter: David Coles • PD Category: PAL
Practical, student-centered strategies that go beyond textbook-based teaching. Learn how to increase engagement, build persistence, and make learning more relevant through real-world activities and active learning techniques. Read more about this session.

Book & Budget: Financial Book Clubs from Prisons to Classrooms & More

Presenter: Jacqueline Aguilera • PD Category: OTHER
Learn to lead dynamic book clubs focused on financial literacy, tailored for diverse environments including classrooms, prisons, and community spaces. Be empowered to drive impactful change through collaborative learning. Read more about this session.

Confidence in Every Sound: Pronunciation Strategies for Adult ELLs

Presenter: Karin Bates • PD Category: LIT
Pronunciation is about being understood, building confidence, and shaping an English-speaking identity. Explore tools like The Color Vowel® Chart and games to help learners enjoy speaking with clarity and confidence. Read more about this session.

Future-Ready Learning: Enhancing Digital Literacy with Google’s Free Tools

Presenter: Ryan Lett • PD Category: OTHER
Learn how to pair the Applied Digital Skills and Google Cloud Skills Boost. Get an overview of the Google Skills Boost tool and discover how you can create a comprehensive course combining both tools. Read more about this session.

Math as a Second Language: Overcoming Anxiety and Building Confidence

Presenter: Krystal Hills • PD Category: LIT
For many, math feels like a foreign language. Explore how to teach math literacy using strategies from reading and language instruction, helping students overcome anxiety, build confidence, and develop stronger numeracy skills. Read more about this session.

Opening Doors to Workplace Readiness: Empowering ESL Learners with Ventures

Presenter: Katie Welch • PD Category: OTHER
Join us in this interactive, game-show themed session as we explore how integrating workplace skills into ESL lessons using the Ventures curriculum can open doors to success for English learners. Read more about this session.

Success Stories: How ESL Students Achieve Their Goals with Community Support

Presenter: Matthew Johnston • PD Category: OTHER
Success stories remind us why we teach and highlight the incredible persistence of our students. In this session, we’ll reflect on best practices, explore real examples, and write our own success stories. Read more about this session.

Breakout sessions are subject to change; we will do our best to keep this page as current as possible.

2025 Conference Breakout Sessions By Timeslot

2025 conference breakouts arranged by program timeslot. Click on the links to see more information about each session.

2025 conference breakouts arranged by program timeslot. Click on the links to see more information about each session or download a printable PDF here.

All information accurate at time of posting; please check the conference app for any updates during the event.

Day 1: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

BREAKOUT #1 9:20 AM – 10:50 AM 1.5 HOURS (90 MIN)

AI Unleashed: Adventures for Literacy, Learning, and Life

Presenter: Bhavani Kola • PD Category: OTHER
Dive into a hands-on AI adventure! Experience exciting live demos and interactive learning. Uncover how AI can boost literacy, simplify tasks, and inspire creativity—easy, practical, and fun for all! Read more about this session.

Book & Budget: Financial Book Clubs from Prisons to Classrooms & More

Presenter: Jacqueline Aguilera • PD Category: OTHER
Learn to lead dynamic book clubs focused on financial literacy, tailored for diverse environments including classrooms, prisons, and community spaces. Be empowered to drive impactful change through collaborative learning. Read more about this session.

Building a Reflective Teaching Practice

Presenter: Keighty Ward • PD Category: OTHER
In this workshop, adult educators will learn ways to develop habits of critical reflection, deepen self-awareness, and enhance their education work through continuous learning and thoughtful practice. Read more about this session.

Confidence in Every Sound: Pronunciation Strategies for Adult ELLs

Presenter: Karin Bates • PD Category: LIT
Pronunciation is about being understood, building confidence, and shaping an English-speaking identity. Explore tools like The Color Vowel® Chart and games to help learners enjoy speaking with clarity and confidence. Read more about this session.

Standards in Action: Cultivating a Language and Content Focus for English Learners

Presenters: Michael Saenz, Sebastian Ramos, Julio Medina • PD Category: LIT
Ignite learning for English learners by embedding language development into content instruction, using real-world examples, scaffolding, and differentiation to drive success. Read more about this session.

The Right Tool for the Task! Strategy Instruction for Adults with Learning Disabilities

Presenter: AnneMarie Molinari-Sanders • PD Category: LIT
Get ready to review and engage with evidence-based instructional strategies proven to help adults with learning disabilities succeed in the classroom and beyond. Read more about this session.

Transforming Outcomes: Strategies for Program Excellence

Presenter: Dr. Glenda Rose • PD Category: OTHER
Develop and strengthen literacy programs using a Local Theory of Change and the ROMA Cycle. Learn to assess needs, plan, implement, observe, and evaluate programs, and use outcomes to demonstrate effectiveness to funders. Read more about this session.

BREAKOUT #2 • 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM • 1.25 HOURS (75 MIN)

Adult Educators’ Experiences Promoting Numeracy for Family Learning

Presenters: Clarena Larrotta, Dr. Jan Adversario • PD Category: OTHER
Presents adult educators’ experiences designing and delivering a numeracy literacy training for parents. Discusses family learning, dialogue, and family learning best practices. Expect examples and interactive participation. Read more about this session.

Demystifying AI

Presenter: Bhavani Kola • PD Category: OTHER
Jump into a fun-filled exploration of AI! Experience friendly demos, playful learning, and easy-to-grasp insights on ethics, sustainability, and AI essentials, perfectly tailored for non-techie heroes! Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL: How Do You Build a Program of Excellence?

Facilitator: Lester Meriwether • PD Category: OTHER
What do excellent programs have in common? How can CBOs update, pivot, and build excellence – often with minimal resources and lean teams? Join this facilitated conversation, share your experiences, and learn from others. Read more about this session.

How to Make Stone Soup: Creating a Literacy Program Without Any Ingredients

Presenter: Heidi Frazier • PD Category: OTHER
Learn to design, build, or enhance a literacy program through community collaborations with little to no allocated funds. This session will help attendees to identify and leverage hidden resources, specific to their community. Read more about this session.

Plain Language 101

Presenter: Sarah Glazer • PD Category: OTHER
Communicate clearly with volunteers, students, and coworkers! Learn writing strategies to center your audience and explore how plain language supports equity and inclusion. Read more about this session.

Success Stories: How ESL Students Achieve Their Goals with Community Support

Presenter: Matthew Johnston • PD Category: OTHER
Success stories remind us why we teach and highlight the incredible persistence of our students. In this session, we’ll reflect on best practices, explore real examples, and write our own success stories. Read more about this session.

Understanding Executive Function and Its Impact on Reading

Presenter: Madeline Jones • PD Category: LIT
Executive function influences students’ ability to decode words, comprehend texts, and engage with written material effectively. Explore practical strategies to enhance overall reading outcomes. Read more about this session.

Welcoming Emergent Literacy Learners to your Program

Presenter: Keighty Ward • PD Category: OTHER
In this workshop, we’ll share ideas for helping adult education programs create a welcoming space for emergent readers. Attendees will develop inclusive, respectful, and beginner-friendly processes to welcome all learners. Read more about this session.

BREAKOUT #3 • 1:45 PM – 3:00 PM • 1.25 HOURS (75 MIN)

Creating Accessible Content for Our Neurodiverse World

Presenter: Sarah Glazer • PD Category: OTHER
Learn about neurodiversity and how to think broadly about creating accessible communications. You’ll leave with practical strategies to make your program and classroom materials more understable and usable to a wide audience. Read more about this session.

From Prompts to Possibilities: Unleashing AI for Literacy and Learning

Presenter: Bhavani Kola • PD Category: OTHER
Unlock AI possibilities through fun, practical prompts! Experience live, easy-to-use AI tools for literacy. Learn instant data analysis, creative storytelling, and innovative visual insights—making your work simpler and smarter! Read more about this session.

Nature’s Classroom: Embracing Curiosity & Learning from the World Around Us

Presenter: Karla Rodriguez • PD Category: OTHER
We will explore how the natural world and our communities become powerful classrooms for fostering curiosity, advancing literacy, and empowering future generations through advocacy. Read more about this session.

Opening Doors to Workplace Readiness: Empowering ESL Learners with Ventures

Presenter: Katie Welch • PD Category: OTHER
Join us in this interactive, game-show themed session as we explore how integrating workplace skills into ESL lessons using the Ventures curriculum can open doors to success for English learners. Read more about this session.

Staying the Course: Proven Strategies to Boost Adult Learner Persistence

Presenter: Irene Ramos • PD Category: PAL
Interactive discussions and real-world examples highlight the latest research and evidence-based strategies to improve adult learner retention, focusing on relationship-building, goal-setting, and contextualized instruction. Read more about this session.

Teaching for Deeper Learning

Presenter: Chris Miller • PD Category: LIT
Explore strategies like scaffolding, inquiry, and active learning to boost critical thinking and real-world understanding. Learn to design engaging lessons that build deeper comprehension and lasting academic growth. Read more about this session.

Unlocking Potential: Effectively Teaching Adults with Low Literacy

Presenter: Lara Speights • PD Category: LIT
60% of readers need explicit instruction to learn to read. Collaboratively explore research-backed reading practices that are beneficial for all, and essential for our most vulnerable. Read more about this session.

BREAKOUT #4 • 3:10 PM – 4:10 PM • 1 HOUR (60 MIN)

Digital Navigation: Lessons Learned & Future Impact

Presenter: Liz Bohon • PD Category: OTHER
Explore key takeaways from Digital Navigator program in adult education and discover practical ways to implement digital upskilling strategies in libraries and nonprofits to better serve communities. Read more about this session.

Ellii + Ventures: Enhancing Adult ESL to Boost Learner Persistence

Presenter: Wendy Klatt • PD Category: OTHER
Explore how integrating Ellii with the Ventures curriculum series enhances adult ESL instruction. Learn to leverage aligned materials to boost learner engagement, persistence, and success. Read more about this session.

Fact or Fiction? Helping Students Navigate AI

Presenter: Rina Renteria • PD Category: OTHER
Teach students how to spot misinformation and fact-check AI-generated content with simple, effective strategies. This session gives you the tools to help learners think critically about the digital world. Read more about this session.

From Chalkboards to Chatbots: AI Tools for Adult Literacy Educators

Presenters: Michael Saenz, Sebastian Ramos, Julio Medina • PD Category: OTHER
Discover how AI can support contextualized instruction in adult education. This session explores prompt writing, standards alignment, and ethical integration of AI tools to enhance lesson planning and learner engagement. Read more about this session.

Health Literacy and Its Importance: Promoting Better Health Outcomes

Presenter: Heather McKnight • PD Category: OTHER
Explore the concept of health literacy, its critical importance in healthcare, and practical strategies to improve it. Learn how enhanced health literacy empowers us to make better health decisions while improving public health. Read more about this session.

Make it Fun and Lifelong! Best Practices for Beginner ESL Speaking Classes

Presenter: HeeJae Chung • PD Category: LIT
Speaking activities can be challenging due to limited fluency. Using real-life examples, this session explores best practices to create communicative beginner ESL speaking classes that foster confidence and participation. Read more about this session.

Unlock FREE Resources for AEL Tutors & Volunteers: Discover How TCALL Can Support You!

Presenter: Paula Bauer • PD Category: OTHER
Whether you want to improve your tutoring skills, enhance your learning environment, or explore new approaches to adult education, TCALL has the resources you need. We’re dedicated to helping you make a bigger impact in your community. Read more about this session.

Day 2: Wednesday, August 6, 2025

BREAKOUT #5 • 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM • 1.5 HOURS (90 MIN)

Citizenship & Naturalization in 2025: What Adult Educators Need to Know

Presenter: Luis García-Alvarez • PD Category: OTHER
Learn the latest USCIS updates, policy changes, and instructional strategies for helping Legal Permanent Residents prepare for citizenship and active civic participation in 2025. Read more about this session.

Co-designing with Learners

Presenters: Keighty Ward, Sarah Glazer • PD Category: OTHER
This interactive workshop will introduce educators collaborative design strategies. Attendees will get ideas for fostering engagement, inclusion, and shared ownership of learning through co-design with learners. Read more about this session.

Digital Access and Resilience for English Language Learners

Presenter: Dr. Glenda Rose • PD Category: LIT
Incorporating Digital Literacy in ESL can be challenging, especially at the lowest levels. The free Digital Access and Resilience in Texas curriculum is a great place to start. Let’s discuss ideas for ELLs at all levels. Read more about this session.

Enhancing Adult Basic Education through Experiential Learning

Presenter: Wayne Crandall • PD Category: PAL
This workshop will explore the transformative power of experiential learning and its application in adult basic education. Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL: Dealing With Stress & Avoiding Burnout

Facilitator: Gina Franke • PD Category: OTHER
In uncertain times with rapidly changing circumstances for literacy programs and beyond, how do you keep stress levels low and keep moving forward? Join this facilitated conversation, share your experiences, and learn from others. Read more about this session.

Math as a Second Language: Overcoming Anxiety and Building Confidence

Presenter: Krystal Hills • PD Category: LIT
For many, math feels like a foreign language. Explore how to teach math literacy using strategies from reading and language instruction, helping students overcome anxiety, build confidence, and develop stronger numeracy skills. Read more about this session.

Successful Partnerships for Student Pathways

Presenter: Lisa Stewart, MBA, CAE • PD Category: OTHER
Successful Partnerships for Student Pathways focus on building partnerships to enhance your organization’s literacy services, extend community reach, fulfill your mission, and make a greater impact in the community. Read more about this session.

Walking in Their Shoes: A Simulation to Inspire Literacy Advocacy

Presenter: Sarah Richardson • PD Category: OTHER
Learn about a low-literacy simulation that engages community members in literacy advocacy. Learn how to implement this hands-on event in your community to inspire action, secure funding, and drive real change for adult learners. Read more about this session.

BREAKOUT #6 • 10:10 AM – 11:25 AM • 1.25 HOURS (75 MIN)

Advocacy Made Easy: Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day

Presenter: Irene Ramos • PD Category: OTHER
Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide simple, effective, and practical strategies to make advocacy easy, impactful, and accessible to everyone—everywhere, every day. Read more about this session.

Beyond the GED: Building a Workforce-Ready Pipeline with Essential Education

Presenter: Jeannie Hale • PD Category: OTHER
Workforce skills alongside GED® prep! Discover how Essential Education’s Workforce Bundle builds job readiness through digital literacy, workplace skills, and financial literacy for a seamless transition to employment. Read more about this session.

Let’s Study! Study Skills for Adult Learners

Presenter: Ann Beeson, M. Ed. • PD Category: OTHER
This presentation addresses the features and importance of study skills, and how to help students incorporate these skills to improve learning. Read more about this session.

Plaza Comunitaria: Pre-GED Learning Tailored for Hispanic Students

Presenter: Rosa-Maria Crocker • PD Category: OTHER
Plaza Comunitaria is an accredited pre-GED Adult Basic Education program, with proven effectiveness in meeting the needs of more than 70% of Hispanic students currently below 7th grade education seeking a high school education. Read more about this session.

Prompt Like a Pro!

Presenter: Rina Renteria • PD Category: OTHER
Learn how to create smart AI prompts that make lesson planning easier and more engaging. You’ll walk away with practical tools and ideas for using AI to level up your teaching. Read more about this session.

Recipe for Success: Essential Ingredients for Adult English Language Learning

Presenter: Karin Bates • PD Category: LIT
What makes an effective adult English lesson? Like baking a cake, it needs the right ingredients! This session explores essential components for confidence, fluency, and conversation, leaving you with a “recipe” for teaching success. Read more about this session.

Who Are You Mentoring To Take Your Place? Succession Planning in Real Time

Presenters: Lester Meriwether, Dr. Harry Wilson • PD Category: OTHER
Is your organization ready for succession (replacing the executive director or program director)? This workshop goes beyond updating policies and procedures and other documents to the heart of the matter: leadership development. Read more about this session.

Your Story Starts Here: Intro to Book Creator

Presenter: Ashly Winkle • PD Category: OTHER
In this hands-on session, you’ll explore key features, create a simple multimedia book, and learn how to use Book Creator to boost student engagement and creativity. Read more about this session.

BREAKOUT #7 • 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM • 1.25 HOURS (75 MIN)

Applying Key Principles of Adult Learning for Effective ESL Instruction

Presenter: Martin Loa • PD Category: OTHER
In this engaging session, participants will explore the five core principles of adult learning. Demonstrate how BurlingtonEnglish incorporates these key principles to support ESL learners effectively.​ Read more about this session.

Future-Ready Learning: Enhancing Digital Literacy with Google’s Free Tools

Presenter: Ryan Lett • PD Category: OTHER
Learn how to pair the Applied Digital Skills and Google Cloud Skills Boost. Get an overview of the Google Skills Boost tool and discover how you can create a comprehensive course combining both tools. Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL – Finding and Supporting Volunteers

Facilitator: Nancy Leonhardt • PD Category: OTHER
Volunteers can be a lifeline for literacy programs – but how do we make sure they’re onboarded properly and get the right support? Join this facilitated conversation, share your experiences, and learn from others. Read more about this session.

How to Get Started with New TABE 13/14 and CLAS-E C & D

Presenter: Chasity Wright • PD Category: OTHER
This session will review the changes for TABE 13/14 and CLAS-E C & D. TABE 13/14 will see new test items that will reduce the reading load of students and decrease the testing time. Read more about this session.

Mastering Literacy Leadership: Wearing all the Hats for Success

Presenter: Natasha Duncan • PD Category: OTHER
A director must juggle many roles—from managing the office and leading the board to writing grants and ensuring smooth operations. Directors wear a lot of hats—learn to navigate the challenges of leadership without burning out. Read more about this session.

Plain Language for the Classroom

Presenter: Sarah Glazer • PD Category: LIT
Let’s make information easier for adult learners to understand! We’ll talk about giving clear instructions, creating usable worksheets and handouts, and communicating with students via text and email. Read more about this session.

Reading to Learn – Strategies for the Struggling Learner

Presenter: Chris Miller • PD Category: LIT
Adult ed teachers often lack reading instruction training. Explore key strategies to boost learners’ academic reading skills, aiding success in science, social studies, and more—shifting from learning to read to reading to learn. Read more about this session.

Select the Tech that Supports Your Mission

Presenter: Teri Walker • PD Category: OTHER
Learn how to develop a tech plan that aligns with your organization’s goals and processes, driving sustainable growth and enhancing overall functionality. Read more about this session.

BREAKOUT #8 • 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM • 1 HOUR (60 MIN)

AI Tools: 10x Faster Teaching & Learning

Presenter: Ana Frade • PD Category: OTHER
Unlock AI’s potential for educators and students. Learn to streamline teaching tasks, create engaging content, and manage classrooms efficiently with powerful AI tools, saving time and boosting learning outcomes. Read more about this session.

Am I Now Literate? A Literacy Autobiography of an Iranian PhD Student

Presenter: Mona Askari • PD Category: OTHER
This session reflects on an Iranian PhD student’s literacy journey, exploring identity, sociocultural influences, and how we might redefine what it truly means to be literate across contexts and cultures. Read more about this session.

Beyond the Textbook: Active Learning

Presenter: David Coles • PD Category: PAL
Practical, student-centered strategies that go beyond textbook-based teaching. Learn how to increase engagement, build persistence, and make learning more relevant through real-world activities and active learning techniques. Read more about this session.

Conversation Classes for Low Literacy English Learners

Presenter: Gareth Wingfield • PD Category: LIT
English language learners crave communication, and conversation classes are an important tool for meeting this need. In this round table discussion, we’ll look at challenges, strategies, and activities we can use in our classes. Read more about this session.

Success in Life Online – Digital Literacy for Adult Learners

Presenter: Janet Kay • PD Category: OTHER
This session will focus on activities for adult ESL students to develop essential digital literacy skills: privacy and security, managing your digital footprint, online etiquette, tips for online or hybrid classes, and more! Read more about this session.

Breakout sessions are subject to change; we will do our best to keep this page as current as possible.

2025 Conference Breakout Sessions By Title

Sessions in the 2025 conference program are arranged alphabetically below by title.

Sessions in the 2025 conference program are arranged alphabetically below by title. Click on the links to see more information about each session.

Additional sessions will be posted as they are confirmed with the presenters.

Adult Educators’ Experiences Promoting Numeracy for Family Learning

Presenters: Clarena Larrotta, Dr. Jan Adversario • PD Category: OTHER
Presents adult educators’ experiences designing and delivering a numeracy literacy training for parents. Discusses family learning, dialogue, and family learning best practices. Expect examples and interactive participation. Read more about this session.

Advocacy Made Easy: Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day

Presenter: Irene Ramos • PD Category: OTHER
Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to refine your approach, this session will provide simple, effective, and practical strategies to make advocacy easy, impactful, and accessible to everyone—everywhere, every day. Read more about this session.

AI Tools: 10x Faster Teaching & Learning

Presenter: Ana Frade • PD Category: OTHER
Unlock AI’s potential for educators and students. Learn to streamline teaching tasks, create engaging content, and manage classrooms efficiently with powerful AI tools, saving time and boosting learning outcomes. Read more about this session.

AI Unleashed: Adventures for Literacy, Learning, and Life

Presenter: Bhavani Kola • PD Category: OTHER
Dive into a hands-on AI adventure! Experience exciting live demos and interactive learning. Uncover how AI can boost literacy, simplify tasks, and inspire creativity—easy, practical, and fun for all! Read more about this session.

Am I Now Literate? A Literacy Autobiography of an Iranian PhD Student

Presenter: Mona Askari • PD Category: OTHER
This session reflects on an Iranian PhD student’s literacy journey, exploring identity, sociocultural influences, and how we might redefine what it truly means to be literate across contexts and cultures. Read more about this session.

Applying Key Principles of Adult Learning for Effective ESL Instruction

Presenter: Martin Loa • PD Category: OTHER
In this engaging session, participants will explore the five core principles of adult learning. Demonstrate how BurlingtonEnglish incorporates these key principles to support ESL learners effectively.​ Read more about this session.

Beyond the GED: Building a Workforce-Ready Pipeline with Essential Education

Presenter: Jeannie Hale • PD Category: OTHER
Workforce skills alongside GED® prep! Discover how Essential Education’s Workforce Bundle builds job readiness through digital literacy, workplace skills, and financial literacy for a seamless transition to employment. Read more about this session.

Beyond the Textbook: Active Learning

Presenter: David Coles • PD Category: PAL
Practical, student-centered strategies that go beyond textbook-based teaching. Learn how to increase engagement, build persistence, and make learning more relevant through real-world activities and active learning techniques. Read more about this session.

Book & Budget: Financial Book Clubs from Prisons to Classrooms & More

Presenter: Jacqueline Aguilera • PD Category: OTHER
Learn to lead dynamic book clubs focused on financial literacy, tailored for diverse environments including classrooms, prisons, and community spaces. Be empowered to drive impactful change through collaborative learning. Read more about this session.

Building a Reflective Teaching Practice

Presenter: Keighty Ward • PD Category: OTHER
In this workshop, adult educators will learn ways to develop habits of critical reflection, deepen self-awareness, and enhance their education work through continuous learning and thoughtful practice. Read more about this session.

Citizenship & Naturalization in 2025: What Adult Educators Need to Know

Presenter: Luis García-Alvarez • PD Category: OTHER
Learn the latest USCIS updates, policy changes, and instructional strategies for helping Legal Permanent Residents prepare for citizenship and active civic participation in 2025. Read more about this session.

Co-designing with Learners

Presenters: Keighty Ward, Sarah Glazer • PD Category: OTHER
This interactive workshop will introduce educators collaborative design strategies. Attendees will get ideas for fostering engagement, inclusion, and shared ownership of learning through co-design with learners. Read more about this session.

Confidence in Every Sound: Pronunciation Strategies for Adult ELLs

Presenter: Karin Bates • PD Category: LIT
Pronunciation is about being understood, building confidence, and shaping an English-speaking identity. Explore tools like The Color Vowel® Chart and games to help learners enjoy speaking with clarity and confidence. Read more about this session.

Conversation Classes for Low Literacy English Learners

Presenter: Gareth Wingfield • PD Category: LIT
English language learners crave communication, and conversation classes are an important tool for meeting this need. In this round table discussion, we’ll look at challenges, strategies, and activities we can use in our classes. Read more about this session.

Creating Accessible Content for Our Neurodiverse World

Presenter: Sarah Glazer • PD Category: OTHER
Learn about neurodiversity and how to think broadly about creating accessible communications. You’ll leave with practical strategies to make your program and classroom materials more understable and usable to a wide audience. Read more about this session.

Demystifying AI

Presenter: Bhavani Kola • PD Category: OTHER
Jump into a fun-filled exploration of AI! Experience friendly demos, playful learning, and easy-to-grasp insights on ethics, sustainability, and AI essentials, perfectly tailored for non-techie heroes! Read more about this session.

Digital Access and Resilience for English Language Learners

Presenter: Dr. Glenda Rose • PD Category: LIT
Incorporating Digital Literacy in ESL can be challenging, especially at the lowest levels. The free Digital Access and Resilience in Texas curriculum is a great place to start. Let’s discuss ideas for ELLs at all levels. Read more about this session.

Digital Navigation: Lessons Learned & Future Impact

Presenter: Liz Bohon • PD Category: OTHER
Explore key takeaways from Digital Navigator program in adult education and discover practical ways to implement digital upskilling strategies in libraries and nonprofits to better serve communities. Read more about this session.

Ellii + Ventures: Enhancing Adult ESL to Boost Learner Persistence

Presenter: Wendy Klatt • PD Category: OTHER
Explore how integrating Ellii with the Ventures curriculum series enhances adult ESL instruction. Learn to leverage aligned materials to boost learner engagement, persistence, and success. Read more about this session.

Enhancing Adult Basic Education through Experiential Learning

Presenter: Wayne Crandall • PD Category: PAL
This workshop will explore the transformative power of experiential learning and its application in adult basic education. Read more about this session.

Fact or Fiction? Helping Students Navigate AI

Presenter: Rina Renteria • PD Category: OTHER
Teach students how to spot misinformation and fact-check AI-generated content with simple, effective strategies. This session gives you the tools to help learners think critically about the digital world. Read more about this session.

From Chalkboards to Chatbots: AI Tools for Adult Literacy Educators

Presenters: Michael Saenz, Sebastian Ramos, Julio Medina • PD Category: OTHER
Discover how AI can support contextualized instruction in adult education. This session explores prompt writing, standards alignment, and ethical integration of AI tools to enhance lesson planning and learner engagement. Read more about this session.

From Prompts to Possibilities: Unleashing AI for Literacy and Learning

Presenter: Bhavani Kola • PD Category: OTHER
Unlock AI possibilities through fun, practical prompts! Experience live, easy-to-use AI tools for literacy. Learn instant data analysis, creative storytelling, and innovative visual insights—making your work simpler and smarter! Read more about this session.

Future-Ready Learning: Enhancing Digital Literacy with Google’s Free Tools

Presenter: Ryan Lett • PD Category: OTHER
Learn how to pair the Applied Digital Skills and Google Cloud Skills Boost. Get an overview of the Google Skills Boost tool and discover how you can create a comprehensive course combining both tools. Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL: Dealing With Stress & Avoiding Burnout

Facilitator: Gina Franke • PD Category: OTHER
In uncertain times with rapidly changing circumstances for literacy programs and beyond, how do you keep stress levels low and keep moving forward? Join this facilitated conversation, share your experiences, and learn from others. Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL – Finding and Supporting Volunteers

Facilitator: Nancy Leonhardt • PD Category: OTHER
Volunteers can be a lifeline for literacy programs – but how do we make sure they’re onboarded properly and get the right support? Join this facilitated conversation, share your experiences, and learn from others. Read more about this session.

Group Chat IRL: How Do You Build a Program of Excellence?

Facilitator: Lester Meriwether • PD Category: OTHER
What do excellent programs have in common? How can CBOs update, pivot, and build excellence – often with minimal resources and lean teams? Join this facilitated conversation, share your experiences, and learn from others. Read more about this session.

Health Literacy and Its Importance: Promoting Better Health Outcomes

Presenter: Heather McKnight • PD Category: OTHER
Explore the concept of health literacy, its critical importance in healthcare, and practical strategies to improve it. Learn how enhanced health literacy empowers us to make better health decisions while improving public health. Read more about this session.

How to Get Started with New TABE 13/14 and CLAS-E C & D

Presenter: Chasity Wright • PD Category: OTHER
This session will review the changes for TABE 13/14 and CLAS-E C & D. TABE 13/14 will see new test items that will reduce the reading load of students and decrease the testing time. Read more about this session.

How to Make Stone Soup: Creating a Literacy Program Without Any Ingredients

Presenter: Heidi Frazier • PD Category: OTHER
Learn to design, build, or enhance a literacy program through community collaborations with little to no allocated funds. This session will help attendees to identify and leverage hidden resources, specific to their community. Read more about this session.

Let’s Study! Study Skills for Adult Learners

Presenter: Ann Beeson, M. Ed. • PD Category: OTHER
This presentation addresses the features and importance of study skills, and how to help students incorporate these skills to improve learning. Read more about this session.

Make it Fun and Lifelong! Best Practices for Beginner ESL Speaking Classes

Presenter: HeeJae Chung • PD Category: LIT
Speaking activities can be challenging due to limited fluency. Using real-life examples, this session explores best practices to create communicative beginner ESL speaking classes that foster confidence and participation. Read more about this session.

Mastering Literacy Leadership: Wearing all the Hats for Success

Presenter: Natasha Duncan • PD Category: OTHER
A director must juggle many roles—from managing the office and leading the board to writing grants and ensuring smooth operations. Directors wear a lot of hats—learn to navigate the challenges of leadership without burning out. Read more about this session.

Math as a Second Language: Overcoming Anxiety and Building Confidence

Presenter: Krystal Hills • PD Category: LIT
For many, math feels like a foreign language. Explore how to teach math literacy using strategies from reading and language instruction, helping students overcome anxiety, build confidence, and develop stronger numeracy skills. Read more about this session.

Nature’s Classroom: Embracing Curiosity & Learning from the World Around Us

Presenter: Karla Rodriguez • PD Category: OTHER
We will explore how the natural world and our communities become powerful classrooms for fostering curiosity, advancing literacy, and empowering future generations through advocacy. Read more about this session.

Opening Doors to Workplace Readiness: Empowering ESL Learners with Ventures

Presenter: Katie Welch • PD Category: OTHER
Join us in this interactive, game-show themed session as we explore how integrating workplace skills into ESL lessons using the Ventures curriculum can open doors to success for English learners. Read more about this session.

Plain Language 101

Presenter: Sarah Glazer • PD Category: OTHER
Communicate clearly with volunteers, students, and coworkers! Learn writing strategies to center your audience and explore how plain language supports equity and inclusion. Read more about this session.

Plain Language for the Classroom

Presenter: Sarah Glazer • PD Category: LIT
Let’s make information easier for adult learners to understand! We’ll talk about giving clear instructions, creating usable worksheets and handouts, and communicating with students via text and email. Read more about this session.

Plaza Comunitaria: Pre-GED Learning Tailored for Hispanic Students

Presenter: Rosa-Maria Crocker • PD Category: OTHER
Plaza Comunitaria is an accredited pre-GED Adult Basic Education program, with proven effectiveness in meeting the needs of more than 70% of Hispanic students currently below 7th grade education seeking a high school education. Read more about this session.

Prompt Like a Pro!

Presenter: Rina Renteria • PD Category: OTHER
Learn how to create smart AI prompts that make lesson planning easier and more engaging. You’ll walk away with practical tools and ideas for using AI to level up your teaching. Read more about this session.

Reading to Learn – Strategies for the Struggling Learner

Presenter: Chris Miller • PD Category: LIT
Adult ed teachers often lack reading instruction training. Explore key strategies to boost learners’ academic reading skills, aiding success in science, social studies, and more—shifting from learning to read to reading to learn. Read more about this session.

Recipe for Success: Essential Ingredients for Adult English Language Learning

Presenter: Karin Bates • PD Category: LIT
What makes an effective adult English lesson? Like baking a cake, it needs the right ingredients! This session explores essential components for confidence, fluency, and conversation, leaving you with a “recipe” for teaching success. Read more about this session.

Select the Tech that Supports Your Mission

Presenter: Teri Walker • PD Category: OTHER
Learn how to develop a tech plan that aligns with your organization’s goals and processes, driving sustainable growth and enhancing overall functionality. Read more about this session.

Standards in Action: Cultivating a Language and Content Focus for English Learners

Presenters: Michael Saenz, Sebastian Ramos, Julio Medina • PD Category: LIT
Ignite learning for English learners by embedding language development into content instruction, using real-world examples, scaffolding, and differentiation to drive success. Read more about this session.

Staying the Course: Proven Strategies to Boost Adult Learner Persistence

Presenter: Irene Ramos • PD Category: PAL
Interactive discussions and real-world examples highlight the latest research and evidence-based strategies to improve adult learner retention, focusing on relationship-building, goal-setting, and contextualized instruction. Read more about this session.

Success in Life Online – Digital Literacy for Adult Learners

Presenter: Janet Kay • PD Category: OTHER
This session will focus on activities for adult ESL students to develop essential digital literacy skills: privacy and security, managing your digital footprint, online etiquette, tips for online or hybrid classes, and more! Read more about this session.

Success Stories: How ESL Students Achieve Their Goals with Community Support

Presenter: Matthew Johnston • PD Category: OTHER
Success stories remind us why we teach and highlight the incredible persistence of our students. In this session, we’ll reflect on best practices, explore real examples, and write our own success stories. Read more about this session.

Successful Partnerships for Student Pathways

Presenter: Lisa Stewart, MBA, CAE • PD Category: OTHER
Successful Partnerships for Student Pathways focus on building partnerships to enhance your organization’s literacy services, extend community reach, fulfill your mission, and make a greater impact in the community. Read more about this session.

Teaching for Deeper Learning

Presenter: Chris Miller • PD Category: LIT
Explore strategies like scaffolding, inquiry, and active learning to boost critical thinking and real-world understanding. Learn to design engaging lessons that build deeper comprehension and lasting academic growth. Read more about this session.

The Right Tool for the Task! Strategy Instruction for Adults with Learning Disabilities

Presenter: AnneMarie Molinari-Sanders • PD Category: LIT
Get ready to review and engage with evidence-based instructional strategies proven to help adults with learning disabilities succeed in the classroom and beyond. Read more about this session.

Transforming Outcomes: Strategies for Program Excellence

Presenter: Dr. Glenda Rose • PD Category: OTHER
Develop and strengthen literacy programs using a Local Theory of Change and the ROMA Cycle. Learn to assess needs, plan, implement, observe, and evaluate programs, and use outcomes to demonstrate effectiveness to funders. Read more about this session.

Understanding Executive Function and Its Impact on Reading

Presenter: Madeline Jones • PD Category: LIT
Executive function influences students’ ability to decode words, comprehend texts, and engage with written material effectively. Explore practical strategies to enhance overall reading outcomes. Read more about this session.

Unlock FREE Resources for AEL Tutors & Volunteers: Discover How TCALL Can Support You!

Presenter: Paula Bauer • PD Category: OTHER
Whether you want to improve your tutoring skills, enhance your learning environment, or explore new approaches to adult education, TCALL has the resources you need. We’re dedicated to helping you make a bigger impact in your community. Read more about this session.

Unlocking Potential: Effectively Teaching Adults with Low Literacy

Presenter: Lara Speights • PD Category: LIT
60% of readers need explicit instruction to learn to read. Collaboratively explore research-backed reading practices that are beneficial for all, and essential for our most vulnerable. Read more about this session.

Walking in Their Shoes: A Simulation to Inspire Literacy Advocacy

Presenter: Sarah Richardson • PD Category: OTHER
Learn about a low-literacy simulation that engages community members in literacy advocacy. Learn how to implement this hands-on event in your community to inspire action, secure funding, and drive real change for adult learners. Read more about this session.

Welcoming Emergent Literacy Learners to your Program

Presenter: Keighty Ward • PD Category: OTHER
In this workshop, we’ll share ideas for helping adult education programs create a welcoming space for emergent readers. Attendees will develop inclusive, respectful, and beginner-friendly processes to welcome all learners. Read more about this session.

Who Are You Mentoring To Take Your Place? Succession Planning in Real Time

Presenters: Lester Meriwether, Dr. Harry Wilson • PD Category: OTHER
Is your organization ready for succession (replacing the executive director or program director)? This workshop goes beyond updating policies and procedures and other documents to the heart of the matter: leadership development. Read more about this session.

Your Story Starts Here: Intro to Book Creator

Presenter: Ashly Winkle • PD Category: OTHER
In this hands-on session, you’ll explore key features, create a simple multimedia book, and learn how to use Book Creator to boost student engagement and creativity. Read more about this session.

Breakout sessions are subject to change; we will do our best to keep this page as current as possible.

Title Title

Presenter: Name Name • PD Category: Pending
Summary summary. Read more about this session.

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