Black, Liliana

Contact

City: New Caney
County: Montgomery
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Preferred communication: Email

Education

Years of experience in Adult Education: 21+ years

Adult Education Experience (with roles and length of times in those roles):
PROFESSIONAL TEACHING & TRAINING EXPERIENCE Speak Languages Program – ESL Instruction 1995 – 2004 Delivered ESL instruction focused on speaking, listening, reading, and writing development for adult learners, emphasizing real-world communication and language acquisition. Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) – Irvington Learning Center 2003 – 2011 ESL / ESOL Full-Time Instructor (Adult Education Focus) Taught ESL, GED preparation, Citizenship preparation, and Even Start family literacy programs. Supported adult learners in foundational academic skills, language development, and life skills education. San Jacinto College 2009 – 2011 Instructor – Workforce & Adult Education Programs Taught Electricity and Plumbing courses supporting technical training, career readiness, and workforce development for adult learners. Lone Star College – University Park & Cypress Campus 2006 – 2014 ESOL Transitional Studies Instructor Taught ESOL transitional courses and developmental education classes including College Algebra and GED preparation for adult learners. Instruction included all four language components: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, with a strong focus on academic readiness, language development, and workforce preparation. Trainer of Trainers (TOT) – Texas A&M University 2006 – Present Professional Development Trainer supporting instructional leadership, curriculum design, and adult education training initiatives. Focus on evidence-based instructional strategies, teacher development, and adult learning best practices. PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATION EXPERIENCE Presented nationally and statewide at major professional conferences, including: COABE (Coalition on Adult Basic Education) St. Louis, Missouri and other states Adult Ed_Nevada Department of Education hired me to present at their location after seeing my presentation at COABE Las Vegas, Nevada Additional state conference locations TexTESOL (Texas Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) Galveston, Texas TCALL (Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy & Learning) McAllen, El Paso, Houston, Pasadena, Texas City, Galveston, and additional cities across Texas These presentations reflect a strong commitment to instructional leadership, professional collaboration, and advancing adult education practices at both state and national levels. PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY Professional Development Trainer with over 25 years of experience in adult education, ESL instruction, and workforce development across institutions including HCDE, Lone Star College, San Jacinto College, and Texas A&M University. Extensive expertise in ESL, ESOL, GED preparation, citizenship instruction, and workforce readiness training, with a strong focus on literacy development and adult learning strategies. Experienced working with learners of all ages and nationalities, including immigrant, refugee, multilingual, and international student populations. Skilled in creating inclusive, engaging, and practical learning environments that support academic, professional, and personal success.

Formal Degrees, Certifications, and Licenses: PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS & EDUCATION CELTA Certified (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies University of Houston–Downtown Minor: Computer Science ESL / ESOL Instruction (Adult Education Focus) Trainer of Trainers (TOT) – Texas A&M University (2006 – Present) Professional development in literacy instruction, bilingual education (English/Spanish), and adult learning strategies

Training Preferences

How far are you willing to travel to provide training?: More than 300 miles

Are you willing to do virtual training?: Yes

Availability:

• Monday : All Day
• Tuesday : All Day
• Wednesday : All Day
• Thursday : All Day
• Friday : All Day
• Saturday : All Day
• Sunday : All Day

Availability Notes:
At present, I maintain full flexibility for training engagements and can accommodate weekday, weekend, and extended-hour schedules. I am willing to travel anywhere within Texas and across other states to deliver professional development, instructional training, and educational workshops as needed.

Area of Expertise

• Adult Basic Education : 25+ years
• Adult Learning : 20-24 years
• Adult Literacy : 20-24 years
• BEST Literacy 2.0 : 20-24 years
• BEST Plus 3.0 : Less than 5 years
• Career Navigator : Less than 5 years
• Career Pathways : Less than 5 years
• CASAS : 20-24 years
• Citizenship : 20-24 years
• Classroom Management : 25+ years
• Communication : 20-24 years
• Content Standards : 20-24 years
• Customer Service : Less than 5 years
• Distance Learning : Less than 5 years
• EL Civics : 20-24 years
• Employability Skills : Less than 5 years
• English as a Second Language : 25+ years
• Family Literacy : 25+ years
• Financial Literacy : Less than 5 years
• GED Test Specific : 10-14 years
• Instructional Strategies : Less than 5 years
• Retention : Less than 5 years
• Accessibility : Less than 5 years
• TABE 13/14 : 10-14 years
• Team Building : 20-24 years
• Testing Skills : 10-14 years
• Writing/Composition : 10-14 years

Other Topics:
AREAS OF EXPERTISE ESL / ESOL Instruction Reading, Writing, Listening & Speaking Development GED Preparation (Language Arts, Critical Thinking, Writing, Reading) U.S. Citizenship Preparation (Civics, Interview Skills, Communication) Real-Life English Communication Skills Real-Life Math Applications Community-Based Adult Learning Language Learning Through Music & Rhythm Pronunciation & Fluency Development Confidence Building for Adult Learners Workforce Development & Career Readiness Technology-enhanced instruction (Computer Science integration)

Training Already Developed

Title	Delivery	Training Time	Can training time be adjusted?	Subject Area	Description
Building Community in the Diverse Classroom	Face-to-face	4-6 hours	Yes	English as a Second Language	This interactive workshop is designed for educators who want to create a strong, inclusive, and supportive classroom community where all students feel valued, respected, and engaged. In today’s diverse learning environments, teachers face the important task of bridging cultural, linguistic, and academic differences while fostering connection and collaboration among students. Participants will explore practical strategies to build meaningful relationships with students, promote inclusivity, and encourage positive peer interactions. The workshop emphasizes real-world classroom techniques such as structured collaboration, student voice, emotional safety, and culturally responsive teaching practices. Educators will leave with ready-to-use tools and activities that help transform their classrooms into welcoming spaces where diversity is celebrated and every student has the opportunity to succeed. 🎯 Key Focus Areas: Building trust and relationships in diverse classrooms Promoting student voice and engagement Culturally responsive teaching strategies Creating emotional safety and inclusion Encouraging collaboration and peer connection
Unlock the Teacher Mindset: Helping Students Pass the GED with Confidence Description:	Either	3-4 hours	No	GED Test Specific	This session focuses on how teachers can shift instruction to increase student confidence, reduce test anxiety, and improve GED outcomes. Participants will learn motivational language techniques and high-impact instructional approaches that help adult learners stay focused and succeed. Takeaway: Teachers will leave with practical strategies to increase GED pass rates and boost student belief in success.
From Silent to Speaking: Activating Every ESL Learner	Face-to-face	4-6 hours	No	English as a Second Language	This session provides strategies to help ESL students overcome fear, build confidence, and begin speaking English naturally. It focuses on reducing emotional barriers and increasing real-life communication practice. Takeaway: Teachers will learn techniques to quickly increase student speaking participation in any ESL classroom.
Speak So Students Listen: The Power of Teacher Language	Face-to-face	2-3 hours	Yes	Communication	This workshop shows how intentional teacher language shapes student behavior, attention, and engagement. Participants will explore communication techniques that improve clarity, motivation, and classroom response. Takeaway: Teachers will understand how small language shifts create powerful changes in student behavior.
Teach Smarter, Not Harder: Building Career-Ready Students Fast	Either	4-6 hours	Yes	Career Pathways	This session connects classroom learning to workforce readiness through practical, real-world applications. Educators will learn how to integrate career skills into daily instruction. Takeaway: Teachers will leave with ready-to-use activities that prepare students for employment success.
Take Control Without Raising Your Voice: The Calm Classroom System	Either	2-3 hours	Yes	Classroom Management	This workshop provides behavior and management strategies that reduce stress and increase structure. Teachers will learn how to maintain authority while building positive classroom culture. Takeaway: Educators will gain tools to manage classrooms calmly, confidently, and effectively.e Calm Classroom System
The Influence Formula: Making Civics Real and Relevant	Face-to-face	4-6 hours	No	EL Civics	This session focuses on transforming EL Civics into meaningful, real-life learning experiences. Teachers will learn how to connect lessons to everyday situations that students actually face. Takeaway: Teachers will be able to make civics instruction more practical, engaging, and memorable.
Why Students Don’t Stay—and How to Fix It Fast	Face-to-face	3-4 hours	No	Accessibility	This workshop explores the emotional and instructional reasons students drop out of programs. Participants will learn retention strategies based on motivation, connection, and engagement. Takeaway: Teachers will leave with strategies to increase attendance and long-term student retention.
Instant Connection: Building Trust in Any Classroom	Face-to-face	4-6 hours	Yes	Team Building	This session focuses on creating strong classroom relationships quickly through structured team-building strategies. Teachers will learn how to build trust and collaboration among diverse learners. Takeaway: Educators will be able to create stronger classroom communities from day one.
Teach the Brain, Not Just the Lesson: High-Impact Learning Strategies	Face-to-face	2-3 hours	Yes	Instructional Strategies	This workshop introduces teaching strategies based on how students actually learn and retain information. It focuses on engagement, memory, and active learning techniques. Takeaway: Teachers will gain strategies that improve comprehension and long-term retention.
The Emotionally Smart Classroom: Learning That Starts at Home	Virtual	4-6 hours	Yes	Family Literacy	This session highlights how family involvement strengthens literacy and learning outcomes. Teachers will learn how to engage families in meaningful educational support. Takeaway: Participants will leave with ideas to increase family participation and student success.
What to Say When Nothing Works: Helping Students Beat the Test	Face-to-face	2-3 hours	No	Testing Skills	This workshop provides strategies to help students overcome test anxiety and improve performance. Teachers will learn how to prepare learners for GED, ESL, and standardized exams effectively. Takeaway: Educators will gain tools to increase student confidence and test success rates.
Turn Ideas Into Impact: Fast-Track Writing Success	Face-to-face	4-6 hours	No	Writing/Composition	This session focuses on building strong writing skills from basic sentence formation to structured paragraphs. Teachers will learn step-by-step strategies for developing confident writers. Takeaway: Teachers will be able to guide students to produce clearer, stronger written work.
🎵 Learning English Through Music Fluent Faster: Turning Music Into Language Mastery	Face-to-face	4-6 hours	No	Other - The Art of Music	This workshop shows how music and rhythm can accelerate language learning and improve pronunciation, vocabulary, and memory. Teachers will learn how to integrate songs into ESL instruction. Takeaway: Educators will gain engaging strategies that make English learning fun and effective.
The Language of Influence: Guiding Students to U.S. Citizenship Success	Face-to-face	3-4 hours	Yes	Citizenship	This workshop explores how teacher communication and instructional framing can empower English learners preparing for citizenship. Educators will learn how to simplify civics content while increasing confidence for the interview and exam. Takeaway: Teachers will gain tools to make citizenship instruction clearer, easier, and more engaging for students.