Want to see our entire day at-a-glace? Browse the complete set of offerings.
Registration includes breakfast snacks, a boxed lunch, and conference materials.
After April 10, registration is $30 for tutors, staff, and supporters, or $25 for adult learners, other students, and AmeriCorps members. You may also register at the door on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
2026 Information & Exhibitor Tables
>> Enjoy breakfast snacks with vegan and vegetarian options before the opening session.
Chicago Public Library
See how CPL supports adult learners, families, and educators through inclusive and accessible services.
Illinois Community College Board
Learn about ICCB services, professional development, and additional support for adult education programs.
Literacy Works
Explore a full range of community resources and professional development opportunities.
Malcolm X College
Discover how Malcolm X College supports adult learners through education, workforce training, and community engagement.
Office of the Illinois Secretary of State
Find maps, Rules of the Road, and other government materials that are available for the taking.
scaleLIT
See how scaleLIT elevates adult literacy programs through capacity building, coaching, and systems-level support.
2026 Main Sessions
Opening Speakers (morning)
Camille Smith, Meditation Teacher
Camille is a writer, meditation teacher, and content creator focused on mindful living in Chicago. She travels frequently to expand her vision of herself and the world.
Luis Alfredo Narváez Gete, Vice Chancellor for Adult Education at City Colleges of Chicago
Luis serves as Vice Chancellor for Adult Education at the City Colleges of Chicago, where he leads free English as a Second Language, High School Equivalency, citizenship, computer literacy, and career bridge programs serving nearly 20,000 students annually.
Keynote Speaker (afternoon)
Theresa Mah, Ph.D., Illinois State Representative 24th District
Rep. Mah is a strong champion of language access and bilingual education, having served as a member of the Illinois Advisory Council on Bilingual Education. In November 2016, she became the first Asian American elected to the Illinois General Assembly and now leads a caucus of nine Asian American General Assembly members. She is a member of the House Speaker’s leadership team and a Co-Chair of the House Progressive Caucus.
Rep. Mah represents Illinois’ 24th House District, located in Chicago, which includes Pilsen, Back of the Yards, Bridgeport, Brighton Park, Chinatown, and McKinley Park. Now in her fifth term, she continues to fight every day for her constituents and champion issues such as public education, language access, immigrant rights, workers’ rights, consumer protection, racial equity, and senior services.
Leader Rep. Mah serves on the Appropriations Committee for Higher Education, as well as the Consumer Protection, Executive, Health Care Availability and Access, Health Care Licenses, Immigration & Human Rights, Public Health, Museum, Arts, Culture, & Entertainment Committees.
Tutor of the Year Award (afternoon)
The Tutor of the Year Award honors the volunteer tutors whose dedication makes adult literacy programs possible across Illinois. The ceremony highlights the creativity, consistency, and compassion that volunteer tutors bring to their work each day, whether supporting brand-new readers, helping adults prepare for citizenship, or offering encouragement to learners rebuilding their confidence.
The session also celebrates the collective impact of literacy programs across the state and reaffirms the importance of volunteer-driven education. The afternoon concludes with the presentation of the conference’s highest honor, the Dorothy M. Miaso Tutor of the Year Award, recognizing exceptional service and commitment to learner success.
Student of the Year Award (afternoon)
The Student of the Year Award honors the adult learners whose persistence and commitment make literacy programs meaningful across Illinois. The ceremony highlights the determination, growth, and courage that learners bring to their work each day, whether strengthening reading and writing skills, building confidence in English, or reaching personal and professional goals.
The session also celebrates the collective achievements of adult learners and the supportive communities that help make their success possible. The afternoon concludes with the presentation of the conference’s highest learner honor, the June C. Porter Student of the Year Award, recognizing outstanding dedication and progress on the journey toward lifelong learning.
2026 Lunchtime + Discussions
>> Enjoy a catered lunch with vegan and vegetarian options. Facilitated discussions during lunch are available.
How to Connect and Start a Career Pathway in Clean Energy
Gabriel Pérez
Understanding the Beginner’s Journey through a Phenomenological Lens
Danielle Porter
Building Digital Confidence: Strengthening Literacy and AI Skills for Everyday Use
Michael Matos
2026 Round 1 Workshops
Ten (Not-So-Secret) Rules of English Speech
Margaret Goldstein
Kiwi & The Senses
Sharon Brauer
The Body Matters in the ESL Classroom
Galina Khartulari
Joyful Learning: Adding More Fun to Your English Language Lessons
Bria Dolnick
Plain Language for Teachers: Creating Student-Centered Worksheets & Handouts
Sarah Glazer
Money Math Matters in Financial Literacy
Michael Matos
2026 Round 2 Workshops
Funify for Retention
Joanne Telser-Frere and Karen Fredrickson
Using Functional Speaking Exercises to Increase Student Accuracy and Confidence
Paul G.J. Thomas
Beyond The Lesson: Building Literacy Through Safety and Trust
Ebony Mason
You Cannot Pet a Cat Like a Dog: Relational Presence in Carceral Settings
Danielle Porter
Increasing Engagement and Learning Using Arts-Based Techniques
Elizabeth Johnston
Engaging with Adult Learners through Book Groups
Jane Rothschild
2026 Round 3 Workshops
Strategies for Preparing Adult Learners for Medical Forms
Keighty Ward
U.S. Citizenship: The Gap between Policy and Lived Reality
Erika Husby
Empowering Math Minds: How to Enhance Your Math Teaching Practices by Using Open-Ended Questions
Dr. Kimberly Hansel
Level Up Your Social Media Game
Jenny Siegfried
Adult Learning Resources at CPL
Alexis and Kat
Math in Stitches
Jeremy Mathew and Cholpon Tuzabaeva
Getting Here
Malcolm X College Conference Center is located on the Near West Side of Chicago, just west of downtown.
The Conference Center is part of the College campus and it is clearly marked.
Doors open at 8:30 am.
Driving & Parking
Get Directions to 1900 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612.
- From I-290 Eisenhower Expressway
- Exit at Ashland Avenue
- Head north on Ashland Avenue
- Turn west (left) on Jackson Blvd.
- Continue west to 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.
- The College parking garage is accessible via Jackson Blvd.
Please note: The entrance from the parking garage into the conference center is under construction.
The parking garage elevator works but may be slow; stairs may be a better option into the venue.
Parking has self-validation available; please retrieve a ticket for free parking. There is also street parking available.
Public Transportation
Several CTA routes run adjacent to the college:
- CTA buses #157, #126, and #50
- CTA Blue Line – Illinois Medical District
- When you exit the station, walk east toward Damen Avenue, then walk south to Jackson Boulevard.
From Union Station:
- Walk to the Clinton CTA Blue Line station (3–5 minutes).
- Take the Blue Line train toward Forest Park.
- Get off at Illinois Medical District (8–10 minutes).
- Walk 5 minutes west on Jackson Blvd to Malcolm X College.
From Millennium Station:
- Walk to the Washington CTA Blue Line Station (5–7 minutes).
- Take the Blue Line train toward Forest Park.
- Get off at Illinois Medical District (about 10 minutes).
- Walk 5 minutes west on Jackson Blvd to Malcolm X College.
Plan your trip: