Conference Attendee Registration Open
September 04-5, 2025
1-5 PM & 9 AM - 4 PM
Del Mar Center For Economic Development
3209 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, TX 78411
September 4-5, 2025
Register for the Conference Below
The Corpus Christi Literacy Council invites educators and community leaders to attend our Future Focus - Literacy for A Changing World Conference being held at Del Mar College Economic Development Center, Corpus Christi, Texas, September 4-5, 2025.
Conference Agenda
| Thursday, September 4, 2025 | |
|---|---|
| 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm | Registration (snacks, water, coffee, tea) |
| 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm |
Opening and Welcome (Dr. Leal / Dr. Leonard Rivera) Introduction of Keynote Speaker (Dr. David Jimenez) Keynote Speaker: Dr. Hector Rivera |
| 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm | Breakout Sessions (1–3) OR Immigration Speaker |
| 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Reception (h’ors d’oeuvres) Catered by Marco’s / Music DJ: Dr. D |
| Friday, September 5, 2025 | |
|---|---|
| 8:30 am – 9:00 am | Breakfast – Gates and La Palatera |
| 9:00 am – 10:00 am |
Introduction of Keynote Speaker – Dr. Leal / Dr. Bippert Keynote Speaker: Jasminne Mendez |
| 10:00 am – 11:00 am | Breakout Sessions 1 (1–3) |
| 11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Breakout Sessions 2 (1–3) |
| 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm | Lunch / Introduction – Keynote Speaker (Dr. Leal) – Catered by Taylor Deli |
| 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm | Keynote Speaker: Dr. Horacio Sanchez |
| 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm | Breakout Sessions 3 (1–3) |
| 2:45 pm – 3:30 pm | Breakout Sessions 4 (1–3) |
| 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Closing Remarks (Dr. Leal) and Door Prizes (Nayibe Pena) |
Conference Breakout Sessions
AI as a Mental Health Tool: Building Emotional and Technological Literacy with Healthy Boundaries
Presenter: Faith BremerRecent scholarship suggests that using AI chatbots as mental health tools can support self-reflection, but they cannot currently replicate the nuance and empathy of human interaction. Studies indicate that while AI tools can increase access to support and provide short-term relief, no chatbot can match the relational depth of a human therapist. My presentation will show how, with proper training and boundaries, anyone can use AI as a practical tool for self-discovery and emotional regulation and when used responsibly, AI can build emotional literacy and resilience without replacing professional care.
The Three E’s of Leadership: Leading with Purpose in Student-Centered Environments
Presenter: Dr. Casilda (Casi) Godoy ClarichIn this 60 minute workshop, participants will be learning the three distinctive leadership disciplines to help become a stronger leader and a better teacher, coach, and volunteer. Participants will understand the definition of Emotional Intelligence…what it is and see examples; learn to explain ways that you can Empower students and co-workers; and explore ways to foster a spirit of Continuing Education within your organization.
Structured Literacy Models: Differentiated, High-Quality Teaching and Learning
Presenter: Sarah Finley, M.S., LDT, CALTExplore ways that research grounded in the science of reading informs structured literacy, why the components of structured literacy are necessary for developing skilled readers, and how these components can be practically applied during direct instruction.
Global Voices, Local Roots: Linguistics and Literacy from Corpus Christi to the World
Presenter: Dr. Shannon Fitzsimmons-Doolan, TAMU-CC and Krysten Andrade (TeachCast)This interactive presentation will introduce the audience to the exciting field of Applied Linguistics and explain how it helps us understand and develop literacy skills in our community and beyond. TAMU-CC’s Applied Linguistics programs TESOL certificates will be presented focusing on the program’s longstanding partnership with the Corpus Christi Literacy Council and the local and international job opportunities it creates for TAMU-CC students. Finally, a former TAMU-CC TESOL student will share her experience in the program and after graduation.
Let’s talk about it! What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Presenter: Candace Hanson and Taylor RichterIn this session, we will discuss what Social Emotional Learning is, the 5 Core Competencies of SEL, Benefits of SEL, SEL in the classroom, Teaching Strategies, and Your Role as an Educator. Get excited about new ideas to utilize!
Leveraging Digital Technologies for Effective Content-Based Instruction in Adult ESL Literacy Programs
Presenter: Dr. David JimenezThis presentation examines how digital technologies can be utilized to improve learning outcomes for adult ESL learners through content-based instruction (CBI), which addresses real-world literacy needs. Grounded in sociocultural learning theory, translanguaging pedagogy, and adult learning principles, the session highlights how tools like interactive platforms, multimedia resources, and adaptive language applications help learners develop functional English proficiency while acquiring essential life skills.
Smarter Grant Writing: Harnessing AI to Win Funding and Save Time
Presenter: Robert KymesIn today’s fast-paced nonprofit environment, organizations are being asked to do more with less, especially when it comes to fundraising and grant writing. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT and others have emerged as powerful, time-saving assistants for grant professionals. This interactive workshop explores how nonprofits, especially literacy-focused and community-based groups, can use AI to improve their grant narratives, streamline research, generate budgets, and strengthen their proposals without sacrificing authenticity of ethics.
A Teacher’s Dozen: Activities to Engage Your Learners
Presenter: Martin Loa and Christina RobledoFrom warm-up activities and vocabulary lessons to grammar topics and pronunciation practice, we’ll have a variety pack of ideas and activities to energize your classroom. In this collaborative session teachers will share ideas and strategies to help students improve literacy in the classroom and beyond.
Empowering Adult Learners for Success
Presenter: Dr. Irene RamosIn today’s rapidly evolving workforce, adult learners face new challenges and opportunities that require more than basic literacy and numeracy. This dynamic session equips educators, workforce professionals, and program coordinators with the tools and insights needed to prepare learners for success in a technology-driven, AI-enhanced economy.
Helping Them Stay: Student Retention in Changing Times
Presenter: Dr. Irene RamosAdult education programs across the country are experiencing the impacts of social, economic, and technological change- factors that often contribute to inconsistent attendance and student drop-off. In this timely and practical session, participants will explore strategies for increasing learner persistence and creating program environments that help adult students feel supported, connected, and motivated to stay.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education
Presenter: Jonathan SwindleThis session will explore the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in education, focusing on practical strategies for educators to integrate AI tools effectively. Attendees will gain insights into leveraging AI to enhance teaching methodologies, personalize student learning experiences, and streamline administrative tasks. The session aims to demystify AI, presenting it as an ally in the educational landscape rather than a threat.
My Story
Presenter: Dolores VillagomezPresenters will share their stories and discuss the importance of support given to them throughout her educational journey, from instructors, tutors, colleagues, mentors, and coworkers. “It takes a village” is a mantra I whole heartedly believe in and plan to pay it forward. I would like to share my story with a resounding message to all those in the field of education paving the way for future generations. Your voice and encouragement matters and it can truly help a person to believe in themselves and follow their dream.
Corpus Christi Literacy Council (CCLC) is a non-profit organization, established in 1986. To date, over 12,000 individuals have been served. CCLC is the recipient of the Charity League Grant for 2025. This conference is being sponsored by the Charity League. There is no cost to attend the conference
Register for the Conference
You will receive a confirmation email upon successful registration. It is free to attend the event.