Literacy Texas Newsletter, April 17, 2024
The value of praise
Before I worked in this role, I served as the director of an adult learning program. One of the students who attended there was Natasha, a single mother with small children at home.
Because she did not have transportation or childcare, she could not come into our office for regular tutoring sessions. That never stopped her, and she found a way to work remotely and stay on top of her assignments. She pushed so hard that one month she progressed through three levels of curriculum. We were so impressed and so proud of her!
Our team wanted to recognize her hard work, so we asked her to make transportation arrangements when she could and come in for a special presentation. We told her to bring her children with her.
We designed and printed three certificates for her on regular copy paper in our office—one for each level she had advanced through. When she arrived, we presented them to her in front of an audience of staff, other students, and her babies. She accepted the awards and said, “I have never gotten a certificate in my life. I wish my dad were still alive to see this.”
She cried (actually, we all cried), and we realized immediately that it was important that we publicly praise our students as often as we can. Celebrating big and small victories became a way of life for our organization, and we were proud when another of our students – Logan Garza – received the 2023 ABE Student Achievement Award from Literacy Texas last year (click on her picture to read more about Logan in the 2023 Hall of Fame). Logan now works as a tutor at that organization and is enrolled in college full time. What a dream!
At Literacy Texas, our culture is built around best practices for student achievement, and for us, these awards are more than just a certificate or plaque; they are an important part of the community we are trying to build among adult learners like Natasha and Logan – and the tutors who work with them each day – who often do not receive the praise their hard work deserves. For this reason, we want to encourage you to join us in celebrating the success happening every day in your program through our annual awards. The application is simple, but the impact it could have on your nominees could make a lasting and profound impact.
QUICK POLL!
Thank you for being on Team Literacy,
Dr. Jenny McCormack Walker
Executive Director, Literacy Texas
P.S. You have until May 17 to get your nominations in, and the forms are very short! Looking forward to reading all about your amazing students and volunteers!
TX LITERACY IN PICS
Symposium season continues with both South Texas (February 24) and East Texas (March 2) taking place recently. Thanks to presenting partners the South Texas Literacy Coalition and the East Texas Literacy Council for all your work to bring quality professional development to your region!Interested in hosting a symposium in the next grant year? Expressions of interest will open in the summer, and the new grant year starts September 1.
The March newsletter also includes:
NEWS & UPDATES:
>> NCFL (National Center for Families Learning) highlights a strengths-based approach to multilingualism for adults and families>> ProLiteracy’s National Book Fund applications close TODAY>> New Readers Press offers 10% discount on Gemma Open Door readers through end of March, with code MAR24>> Welcoming America’s 2024 Welcoming Interactive to take place in Dallas, TX (a certified welcoming city)
LATEST FROM THE BLOG: 5 Things You Might Be Missing About Awards
ANNUAL CONFERENCE SNEAK PEAK: Summer’s just around the corner! Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Literacy Texas Annual Conference:
Tuesday, July 30 & Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Embassy Suites San Marcos | Theme: “Literacy & Beyond” | literacytexas.org/conference
- Scholarship Applications are open for non-federally funded 501(c)(3)s – Round 1 closes March 22
- Request for Proposals (RFP) is taking submissions until March 27
- 2024 Student and Volunteer Award nominations are open until May 17
- Hotel booking link is live
- Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities information for 2024 is now available – online registration for sponsors and exhibitors to follow shortly
- Online exhibitor registration
- General conference registration
Special Supporter Spotlight: BurlingtonEnglish
Burlington’s comprehensive suite of online, standards-based courses help programs stay WIOA focused, with an emphasis on Integrated Education and Training (IET) and Integrated English and Civics Education (IELCE). Burlington’s blended curriculum promotes academic preparation, civics knowledge, career readiness, and technology integration at all levels and areas of instruction.With BurlingtonEnglish, teachers have all the resources they need to prepare students for post-secondary education and entry into the workforce. Burlington provides a flexible solution for academic and career success, with support every step of the way. “Burlington has helped students achieve their goals and make their career dreams come true. I have had students pass their State Board Exams for CNA/Home Health Aide and credited using the Burlington program. What an incredible tool we have provided them with. Thank you, Burlington!” – Indian River State College, FL
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