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Make sure you stick around for lunch on Tuesday and Karaoke in the Student Union! (12:00-1:00)
Tuesday, July 23
 

10:30am CDT

Flexible Grouping for Diverse Mathematical Learning
How are you serving the Underserved? This session is geared towards the educators who work tirelessly to ensure equitable access for all students. Sessions will focus on the following.
*Why differentiate?
*Planning for differentiation
*Getting all stakeholders onboard
*Flexible Grouping
*Gifted Strategies for advanced learners

Presenters
avatar for Lisa Degnan

Lisa Degnan

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
Lisa Degnan is a GT Specialist and advocate for gifted students in Northwest ISD.
avatar for Sandra Dougherty

Sandra Dougherty

Northwest ISD
avatar for Danielle Byron

Danielle Byron

3rd Grade Math/Science, Carter Elementary


Tuesday July 23, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
BNHS AC-106 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Planning, Instruction

10:30am CDT

Getting the Most Out of the Big Idea Icon
How deep can you go with the Big Idea icon? In this session you will engage in tasks that show the true power of the Big Idea icon and see how deep it can take our thinking.

Presenters
avatar for Lyndsie Smith

Lyndsie Smith

Principal, Northwest ISD


Tuesday July 23, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
BNHS AC-108 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

10:30am CDT

Implementing Depth & Complexity Graphic Organizers into Your Classroom
Explore J Taylor graphic organizers, view student examples, and create your own.

Presenters

Tuesday July 23, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
BNHS AC-104 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Planning, Instruction

10:30am CDT

Messy Learning without Losing Your Mind!

This session is a book study/in-person experience after participants (over the summer) read the book, "A Meaningful Mess" by Andi McNair. This culminating event will explore strategies for engaging, experiencing and empowering today's Gen Z and Generation Alpha learners with messy learning through taking risks in the classroom, and by seeking meaning (and fun) among the mess. Participants will leave with practical applications to use alongside the NISD curriculum for the upcoming new school year. Andi McNair will be providing an online zoom with us at Engage. You will earn 6 update GT hours only after reading the book AND attending this 80-minute Engage session.

Presenters
avatar for Sarah Jones

Sarah Jones

Librarian, Justin ES / Northwest ISD
avatar for Kelly Barrett

Kelly Barrett

GT Teacher, Northwest ISD
With 34 years of teaching experience, this year marks Kelly Barrett's 20th year as a GT Specialist, serving elementary students in Northwest ISD. She is a recipient of the TAGT Teacher of the Gifted and was twice awarded the Northwest ISD Campus Exemplar Educator of the Year Award... Read More →


Tuesday July 23, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
BNHS AC-109 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

1:00pm CDT

Picture Ponder: Quick Hitters for D&C
I know the icons, now what? More ideas for how to use the Depth and Complexity icons in your classroom.

Presenters
avatar for Katie Delgado

Katie Delgado

GT Specialist
avatar for Tammy Krieger

Tammy Krieger

Gifted & Talented Specialist, Clara Love ES


Tuesday July 23, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AC-103 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Planning, Instruction

1:00pm CDT

Talking the Talk: Verbal Reasoning in K-2
In this session, we will explore effective strategies and practical approaches to foster verbal thinking skills in our youngest learners. We will delve into the foundational elements of verbal reasoning and provide insights into how educators can foster and develop these skills in the most managable way. This session will be geared toward K-2 learners.

Presenters
avatar for Kelli Mitchell

Kelli Mitchell

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
KM

Kimberly Morgan

Northwest ISD


Tuesday July 23, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AC-104 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Planning, Instruction

1:00pm CDT

Using D&C in Student Led Book Clubs
In this session, you will engage in multiple tasks and graphic organizers to support the work your students are doing in student lead book clubs.

Presenters
avatar for Lyndsie Smith

Lyndsie Smith

Principal, Northwest ISD


Tuesday July 23, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AC-108 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Planning, Instruction

1:00pm CDT

Make Problem Solving ICONic!
Are you in a problem solving rut? Are you looking for a way to jazz up your problem solving block while maintaining a way for students to think deep? We have the solution for you! We will show you how to use Depth and Complexity problem solving mats and much more to convert simple problem solving into active and engaging thinking!

Presenters

Tuesday July 23, 2024 1:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AC-244 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Planning, Instruction

1:00pm CDT

I'm a GT Specialist . . . Now What?
This session is the orientation for new elementary GT Specialists.

Presenters
avatar for Kelly Barrett

Kelly Barrett

GT Teacher, Northwest ISD
With 34 years of teaching experience, this year marks Kelly Barrett's 20th year as a GT Specialist, serving elementary students in Northwest ISD. She is a recipient of the TAGT Teacher of the Gifted and was twice awarded the Northwest ISD Campus Exemplar Educator of the Year Award... Read More →


Tuesday July 23, 2024 1:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AC-109 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

2:45pm CDT

Boredom Isn't Necessarily BAD . . . Until It Is
What did you do at school today? "Nothing." Did you learn anything? "No." Did anything exciting happen? "I don't know." This conversation happens so often in homes daily. But, this child isn't actually saying they didn't do anything or didn't do anything exciting. What they're actually saying is they didn't do anything that was meaningful to them. Join us to learn the anecdote to boredom.

Presenters
avatar for Brandy Brewer

Brandy Brewer

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
Mom of Three, Chaos Coordinator, Cookie Connoisseur, Avid Reader, Passionate Public EducatorI've spent 12 years in public education; serving as both an elementary and middle school classroom teacher, instructional coach, and GT specialist. Designing engaging experiences for students... Read More →
avatar for Heather Martin

Heather Martin

GT Specialist
I am a 23 year experienced teacher having taught grades K-5. I have been, both, departmentalized (ELA/SS) and self-contained, and have served as a Dyslexia Specialist. I am currently a Gifted and Talented Specialist at Hughes Elementary.


Tuesday July 23, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AC-104 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

2:45pm CDT

RTC's and D&C
We will take a look at the Recuring Themes and Concepts that are coming with the the new science TEKS and how they relate to our Depth and Complexity that we are already using in science!

Presenters

Tuesday July 23, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AC-103 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

2:45pm CDT

Team USA: The GT Olympics
Go for the Gold! Step onto the podium of excellence with our Olympic-themed session tailored for teachers that work with gifted students. Join us as we explore strategies, techniques, and resources to help educators coach their gifted students to reach their full potential and achieve greatness.

Presenters
avatar for Kelli Mitchell

Kelli Mitchell

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
KM

Kimberly Morgan

Northwest ISD
avatar for Laura Taylor Dunn

Laura Taylor Dunn

GT Specialist K-5, Curtis Elementary, Northwest ISD
I have been teaching since 2000. I have taught 2nd grade, 5th grade ELA/SS and I am currently a GT Specialist. I started teaching at Dove Elementary in GCISD and I have taught at Peterson Elementary, Haslet Elementary and now Curtis Elementary. I am married to Nate Dunn, who teaches... Read More →
avatar for Tammy Krieger

Tammy Krieger

Gifted & Talented Specialist, Clara Love ES
avatar for Kristen Dixon

Kristen Dixon

Elementary Gifted and Talented Specialist, Northwest ISD
avatar for Caitlin Andrews

Caitlin Andrews

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
Caitlin Andrews is a GT Specialist in Northwest ISD with over 14 years of experience in providing gifted services in both self-contained and pull-out classrooms. She is advocate for twice-exceptional students, a passion that has only grown since her own son was identified as dyslexic... Read More →
avatar for Katie Delgado

Katie Delgado

GT Specialist
avatar for Lindsey Hart

Lindsey Hart

Gifted and Talented Specialist at Lance Thompson
avatar for Lisa Degnan

Lisa Degnan

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
Lisa Degnan is a GT Specialist and advocate for gifted students in Northwest ISD.
avatar for Maegan Del Curto

Maegan Del Curto

GT Specialist, Berkshire Elementary
Hi! My name is Maegan Del Curto. I am completing my 8th year in public school but have been teaching since 2006. I love to spend time with my family, I am an avid reader, and love to travel. I am passionate about teaching and love to create engaging lessons for diverse learners. I... Read More →


Tuesday July 23, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS LIB-207 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Planning, Instruction

2:45pm CDT

Using Depth & Complexity in the Primary Classroom
In this session, participants will engage in ways to use the Depth & Complexity icon with our youngest learners.

Presenters
avatar for Sherri Standridge

Sherri Standridge

First Grade Teacher, Northwest ISD
avatar for Holly Ah Leong

Holly Ah Leong

teacher, Northwest ISD


Tuesday July 23, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AC-105 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Planning, Instruction
 
Wednesday, July 24
 

8:30am CDT

The Creative Dozen: 12 Strategies to Invite and Encourage Creative Thinking
We all want students to “be” creative and think creatively, but what does that look like in a classroom on a day-to-day basis? In this session, you’ll get a dozen ideas you can use right now to invite and incite creativity in your students in a way that builds and deepens content knowledge. No fluff, just brains on fire.

Presenters
avatar for Lisa Van Gemert

Lisa Van Gemert

Creator, Gifted Guru
Using a combination of neuropsychology, pedagogy, experience, humor, technology and sheer fun, Lisa Van Gemert shares best practices in education with audiences around the world. She is an expert consult to television shows including Lifetime’s "Child Genius," and a writer of award-winning... Read More →


Wednesday July 24, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AD-201 Lecture Hall 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Instruction, Planning

8:30am CDT

"But I Can't" Strategies to address the crippling impact of toxic perfectionism in GT students
Participants will identify and describe the different types of GT learners, connect it to perfectionism, and learn strategies to manage toxic perfectionism for each type.


Wednesday July 24, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AC-102

8:30am CDT

Building Critical Thinking Classrooms
How can we encourage all of our students to think deeper and more critically? Asking good questions, analyzing information, and drawing conclusions are crucial skills for success in the science classroom. In addition, cultivating strong reasoning skills is so important for 21st century learners. Participants in this session will engage in practical, ready-to-use strategies to promote critical thinking for all students.

Presenters
avatar for Think Big Learning

Think Big Learning

Co-owner, Think Big Learning
www.thinkbiglearning.net


Wednesday July 24, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AC-103 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

8:30am CDT

Raise your Level of Questioning with the Depth and Complexity Framework
This training is intended for educators that have already attended a Depth and Complexity introductory workshop. How do teachers ask students rigorous questions? And more importantly, how can teachers strategically ask high-level follow-up questions after student responses? This workshop provides strategies to elevate teacher and student questioning. Embedding critical thinking skills along with the iconic prompts will elevate initial questions and help teachers guide learners in real-time by creating secondary questions. Students will be empowered to create their own learning pathways through meaningful questions fueled by the Depth and Complexity Framework.

Presenters

Wednesday July 24, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AC-101
  Planning

10:15am CDT

Holiday Hacks: Rigorous Lessons that Capture the Festive Spirit
Like celebrating the holidays in class, but don’t want to lose valuable instructional time? Join in as Lisa shows you her hacks for making sure standards are met while fun is had. You’ll learn one of her secret weapons – the enriched wordsearch – and you’ll leave with loads of ideas you can use for your next favorite holiday.

Presenters
avatar for Lisa Van Gemert

Lisa Van Gemert

Creator, Gifted Guru
Using a combination of neuropsychology, pedagogy, experience, humor, technology and sheer fun, Lisa Van Gemert shares best practices in education with audiences around the world. She is an expert consult to television shows including Lifetime’s "Child Genius," and a writer of award-winning... Read More →


Wednesday July 24, 2024 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
BNHS AD-201 Lecture Hall 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

10:15am CDT

Going Beyond Average: Rethinking Gifted Services in Advanced Academics

Regardless of school size and resources, advanced and gifted students can and should thrive. The trick lies in the design of program. Too many advanced, dual credit, honors, G/T, pre-AP, AP, and ACT/SAT prep classes are designed to fit the average student and focus on students' weaknesses. In this session, we will examine why academic environments designed on the average hinder student potential where a students’ talents become a liability leading them to become bored and underchallenged.


Presenters
avatar for Think Big Learning

Think Big Learning

Co-owner, Think Big Learning
www.thinkbiglearning.net


Wednesday July 24, 2024 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
BNHS AC-103 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

10:15am CDT

Depth and Complexity Graphic Organizers
Using the Depth & Complexity Icons as Graphic Organizers is not a new practice. It helps students internalize the concepts embedded within the Icons and creates meaningful products. Join a Depth & Complexity practitioner and learn ways to use Iconic Organizers on a regular basis. We'll explore meaningful and fun ways to use several Graphic Organizers to empower high-level thinking. Participants will be given ample time to integrate Graphic Organizers into their curriculum and lesson plans.

Presenters

Wednesday July 24, 2024 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
BNHS AC-101
  Planning

1:00pm CDT

The Creativity Prescription
Would you like to turn your classroom into your favorite place to be? Hands down the most popular workshop Lisa presents, this is a treasure of practical strategies any teacher can use to infuse fun and creativity into any classroom. Lisa Van Gemert shares twelve tools and techniques any teacher can easily use that will improve student performance and enhance the classroom experience for teachers and students alike.

Presenters
avatar for Lisa Van Gemert

Lisa Van Gemert

Creator, Gifted Guru
Using a combination of neuropsychology, pedagogy, experience, humor, technology and sheer fun, Lisa Van Gemert shares best practices in education with audiences around the world. She is an expert consult to television shows including Lifetime’s "Child Genius," and a writer of award-winning... Read More →


Wednesday July 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AD-201 Lecture Hall 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

1:00pm CDT

Power of Phenomenon: Using Curiosity to Drive Equitable Instruction
As learners, we naturally crave to know more about the world around us. When we connect student learning to real-world phenomena, student interests/experiences, and current events, we can foster authentic engagement in the classroom. In this interactive session, we share practical ways to launch lessons with phenomena, make learning more relevant, and increase student motivation and achievement.

Presenters
avatar for Think Big Learning

Think Big Learning

Co-owner, Think Big Learning
www.thinkbiglearning.net


Wednesday July 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AC-103 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Learning Environment

1:00pm CDT

The Next Step: Iconic Combinations and Pathways
Participants who were previously or are now familiar with the icons of Depth & Complexity will explore using these lenses in combinations and pathways to produce deeper, abstract thinking. Iconic Combinations provide valuable, different perspectives and can instantly increase rigor within a learning task. Participants will learn how to facilitate student-let exploration of content by designing iconic pathways. Examples will be shared and time will be allotted for participants to explore these pairings and pathways in their own area of instruction.

Presenters

Wednesday July 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AC-101
  Planning

1:00pm CDT

What Do I Do With My Accelerated Math Students?
In this session, participants will learn about elementary math acceleration, how students are identified and pathways for students. Resources will be shared to help 2nd-5th grade teachers who have accelerated math students continue to support these GT learners. Presenter will share what the online 6/7 GT class looks like for accelerated elementary students.

Presenters
avatar for Courtney Baker

Courtney Baker

Accelerated Math Specialist, Northwest ISD
Courtney Baker is the Accelerated Math Specialist in Northwest ISD. She spent 9 years as a math and science teacher in grades 4 and 5 before moving to the gifted classroom, where she was in her role for 2 years. In her current position, she teaches elementary aged students middle... Read More →


Wednesday July 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AC-104 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Planning, Instruction

2:45pm CDT

GT Update: At the Movies: October Sky
These session will explore gifted learners through popular culture. Teachers will watch October Sky on their own, complete a short task, and then meet at Engage to discuss giftedness through the lens of Hollywood. Visit the GT Update site for directions.

Presenters
avatar for Audra Rowell

Audra Rowell

Advanced Academics Coordinator, Northwest ISD
Audra has been involved with gifted education for the majority of her career. Having taught 5th GT, she was involved in curriculum writing and professional development. Upon leaving the classroom, she became a GT coordinator for elementary services in Irving for 9 years. For the past... Read More →


Wednesday July 24, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AC-203 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

2:45pm CDT

The Five-Minute Fix: Meeting Students' Social and Emotional Needs at Warp Speed
Join Lisa as she share the therapist-approved strategies she uses to build relationships, create emotional safety, address diverse needs, and more, without spending a ton of class time or staying up until 3am getting stuff ready. You won’t want to miss this session where she shares all the things she’s got on her IKEA bookcase in her classroom!

Presenters
avatar for Lisa Van Gemert

Lisa Van Gemert

Creator, Gifted Guru
Using a combination of neuropsychology, pedagogy, experience, humor, technology and sheer fun, Lisa Van Gemert shares best practices in education with audiences around the world. She is an expert consult to television shows including Lifetime’s "Child Genius," and a writer of award-winning... Read More →


Wednesday July 24, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AD-201 Lecture Hall 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

2:45pm CDT

The DC Buffet: Classroom Activities Using the Depth & Complexity Framework
The Big Idea Iconic Prompt is often misused, preventing teachers from harnessing its full power. Both teachers and students often fall into the trap of identifying and focusing on minor themes within a lesson. In addition, the Big Idea is often mistakenly represented by one or a few words - when it should always be written as a statement. When Big Idea statements are broader and overarching, the other Icons become easier to implement, and students are pushed towards deeper analysis and evaluation. Spend some time in this session breaking down powerful new ways to use the Big Idea Icon which will allow students to make deeper connections across disciplines.

Presenters

Wednesday July 24, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AC-101
  Planning

2:45pm CDT

Meeting the needs of our 2E Children
Meeting the needs of our twice-expectational students is extremely important. If we aren't addressing all of their needs and expecting them to do well because they are "smart" we are doing them a major disservice. Children need explicit teaching to be able to handle their weaknesses. Come learn how to support your 2E students and get some strategies you can use right away!

Presenters
avatar for Amy Lawson

Amy Lawson

Principal


Wednesday July 24, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AC-204 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
 
Thursday, July 25
 

8:30am CDT

Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics - Book Study wrap up session
Book Study of “Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics” by Peter Liljedahl will be held at Byron Nelson High School. You will be responsible for purchasing the book. It is available on Amazon, Kindle, and as an audiobook on Audible. Some campuses have copies to borrow as well…ask campus leaders. We will meet once in June, once in July and then our last session will be during Engage. All meetings (except during Engage) can be attended in person or via Zoom.

If you attend all three meetings and read the book, you will receive 6 hours of Flex Time AND 4 hours of GT update.  Participants can choose to only attend the Engage summary session, but you will only receive 1.5 hours of credit.  I will email everyone the book study dates once they are finalized and will include the Zoom link as well.

"The Thinking Classroom" offers a transformative approach to instruction, providing educators with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to create dynamic learning environments where students are empowered to think critically, collaborate effectively, and succeed in mathematics and beyond.  It also allows teachers to adjust the curriculum and adapt the depth, complexity, pace of lessons, and differentiate specific thinking tasks to meet the specific needs of GT students while fostering a safe environment for taking risks and providing multiple avenues to achieve learning goals.

Through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and reflective practice, participants in the book study will gain the knowledge and confidence to transform their classrooms into vibrant centers of mathematical thinking and learning.

Make sure you also sign up in Edugence to do the book study.  Edugence link: https://nisd.edugence.com/profdev/#/sessiondetail/5054 - must be signed in to Edugence through the Portal for the link to work.


Thursday July 25, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AC-113 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Instruction, Learning Environment

8:30am CDT

Train your Brain to Ramp up Resilience
Our fantastic, elastic brains were designed to help us learn. We can empower our students to overcome challenging life situations by teaching them how to bounce back and fall forward. A student's ability to tolerate tension determines their growth potential. Learn how we can help our kids become strong, self-aware, and unstoppable students.

Presenters
avatar for Shannon Anderson

Shannon Anderson

Speaker, Shannon Anderson
Shannon Anderson has taught for 25 years, from first grade through college level. She also served as the gifted coordinator for her school district and on the board of directors for the Indiana State Literacy Association. A highlight of her teaching career was being named one of the... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AC-105 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

8:30am CDT

Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Whose Line Is It Anyway

Presenters
avatar for Katie Delgado

Katie Delgado

GT Specialist
avatar for Heather Martin

Heather Martin

GT Specialist
I am a 23 year experienced teacher having taught grades K-5. I have been, both, departmentalized (ELA/SS) and self-contained, and have served as a Dyslexia Specialist. I am currently a Gifted and Talented Specialist at Hughes Elementary.
avatar for Tammy Krieger

Tammy Krieger

Gifted & Talented Specialist, Clara Love ES
avatar for Kristen Dixon

Kristen Dixon

Elementary Gifted and Talented Specialist, Northwest ISD
avatar for Caitlin Andrews

Caitlin Andrews

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
Caitlin Andrews is a GT Specialist in Northwest ISD with over 14 years of experience in providing gifted services in both self-contained and pull-out classrooms. She is advocate for twice-exceptional students, a passion that has only grown since her own son was identified as dyslexic... Read More →
avatar for Lindsey Hart

Lindsey Hart

Gifted and Talented Specialist at Lance Thompson


Thursday July 25, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AC-104 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

8:30am CDT

Embracing the Unknown: Ambiguous Learning
Through interactive activities, participants will gain new perspectives on how to help GT students feel comfortable with ambiguous learning and its role in driving success. Leave equipped with practical strategies to foster innovation, resilience, and growth in your classrooms.

Presenters

Thursday July 25, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AC-110 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Planning, Instruction

8:30am CDT

Space to Create: Leveraging Student Voice and Creativity
In a world of heavy consumption, it is no wonder that students and teachers feel heavy with emotional and mental burden.  Our brains were designed to create.  When resources are limited, the power of the brain kicks in to give us everything we need to create new ideas and endless possibilities.  Join us as we engage in hands-on projects designed to boost learning through creation using our greatest resources, our beautiful hands and brilliant brains!
In this session you will participate in an interactive discussion about the gifted learners' need for creativity and freedom in learning. Leave with strategies to help students move into the creative flow and out of the "I'm Stuck" mindset.  You will participate in free-writing, creative storytelling based on AI generated art, how to develop self paced learning/student led learning into everyday curriculum, and systems to help students create their own extensions.  Here from the mouths of our 4th and 5th grade students why creativity is important to true learning.

 


Presenters
avatar for Maegan Del Curto

Maegan Del Curto

GT Specialist, Berkshire Elementary
Hi! My name is Maegan Del Curto. I am completing my 8th year in public school but have been teaching since 2006. I love to spend time with my family, I am an avid reader, and love to travel. I am passionate about teaching and love to create engaging lessons for diverse learners. I... Read More →
avatar for Shawn Finney

Shawn Finney

4th Grade, Berkshire Elementary School
With over 20 years of leadership, public speaking, success coaching, and corporate training experience, I love all things leadership! I am especially excited about how the advances in technology can shake hands with our efforts to help us and our students become the best versions... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AC-118 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

10:15am CDT

B is for Belonging
Creating a sense of belonging starts with building strong, meaningful foundations through connection. When kids feel accepted, it has positive mental health effects as they form their identities. When kids feel like they don't belong, they feel isolated, less capable, and unworthy of various opportunities. In this session, many ideas will be shared to create a classroom atmosphere where kids see themselves reflected and respected.

Presenters
avatar for Shannon Anderson

Shannon Anderson

Speaker, Shannon Anderson
Shannon Anderson has taught for 25 years, from first grade through college level. She also served as the gifted coordinator for her school district and on the board of directors for the Indiana State Literacy Association. A highlight of her teaching career was being named one of the... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
BNHS AC-105 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

10:15am CDT

Beyond Straight A's: Tackling Perfectionism in Gifted Students
This session delves into the intricate relationship between giftedness and perfectionism, exploring how the pursuit of excellence can sometimes veer into harmful territory. Participants will gain insights into identifying signs of toxic perfectionism in gifted students and learn practical strategies to foster a healthier approach to achievement.

Presenters
avatar for Caitlin Andrews

Caitlin Andrews

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
Caitlin Andrews is a GT Specialist in Northwest ISD with over 14 years of experience in providing gifted services in both self-contained and pull-out classrooms. She is advocate for twice-exceptional students, a passion that has only grown since her own son was identified as dyslexic... Read More →
avatar for Lisa Degnan

Lisa Degnan

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
Lisa Degnan is a GT Specialist and advocate for gifted students in Northwest ISD.


Thursday July 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
BNHS AC-104 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

10:15am CDT

2E and Beyond: Helping GT and Twice Exceptional Students Succeed
Twice Exceptional Students face a vairiety of challenges in life and education. GT students already face the challenge of cognitive dissonance, which is magnified when students are Gifted and have a learning disability. Come learn tools and strategies to help students succeed in your class.

Presenters
avatar for Maegan Del Curto

Maegan Del Curto

GT Specialist, Berkshire Elementary
Hi! My name is Maegan Del Curto. I am completing my 8th year in public school but have been teaching since 2006. I love to spend time with my family, I am an avid reader, and love to travel. I am passionate about teaching and love to create engaging lessons for diverse learners. I... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
BNHS AC-113 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Planning, SEL

1:00pm CDT

Bossy Pants, Perfectionists, and Slackers, Oh My!
As a classroom teacher, you know that it is not only a challenge to meet students' academic needs, but also their unique social and emotional needs. Learn strategies to deal with some of these issues and how to help kids develop appropriate mindsets and coping strategies in a positive way. As a gifted coordinator and teacher for 25 years, Shannon has helped create programming and lessons for the social and emotional growth of gifted students. She will share ideas for helping our students who need to hone their leadership skills, provide tips for giving perfectionists a proper perspective, help you develop confidence in your shy students, and give teachers tools to motivate their unmotivated students. This session is packed with practical strategies, mentor text recommendations, and lessons you will use for years to come. (K-5)

Presenters
avatar for Shannon Anderson

Shannon Anderson

Speaker, Shannon Anderson
Shannon Anderson has taught for 25 years, from first grade through college level. She also served as the gifted coordinator for her school district and on the board of directors for the Indiana State Literacy Association. A highlight of her teaching career was being named one of the... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AC-105 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

1:00pm CDT

GT Update: At the Movies: Gifted
These session will explore gifted learners through popular culture. Teachers will watch Gifted on their own, complete a short task, and then meet at Engage to discuss giftedness through the lens of Hollywood. Visit the GT Update site for directions.

Presenters
avatar for Audra Rowell

Audra Rowell

Advanced Academics Coordinator, Northwest ISD
Audra has been involved with gifted education for the majority of her career. Having taught 5th GT, she was involved in curriculum writing and professional development. Upon leaving the classroom, she became a GT coordinator for elementary services in Irving for 9 years. For the past... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AC-207 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Learning Environment

2:45pm CDT

Writing from Scratch: Whip up Delicious Writing Lessons Your Students Will Eat Up!
Motivating our young writers to take creative "whisks" can be tricky at the elementary level. In this practical, you-can-do-it session, you will learn strategies for young writers to add some flavor to their writing. Through demonstrations, video clips, and oodles of ideas, you’ll be excited to go back to the classroom and try some of these writing recipes with just the right dash of fun.

Presenters
avatar for Shannon Anderson

Shannon Anderson

Speaker, Shannon Anderson
Shannon Anderson has taught for 25 years, from first grade through college level. She also served as the gifted coordinator for her school district and on the board of directors for the Indiana State Literacy Association. A highlight of her teaching career was being named one of the... Read More →


Thursday July 25, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AC-105 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Learning Environment, SEL
 


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