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Thursday, December 5
 

7:30am CST

Beyond Either/Or: Open-ended Questions Support Academic and Social-Emotional Learning
Open-ended questions challenge yet support academic and social-emotional growth of gifted students. Divergent thinking may initially be unsettling; with practice, students communicate unique perspectives, support claims with evidence, and use others' insights to stretch their thinking. Reflect on ways to improve questioning as you participate in a Shared Inquiry™ discussion.

Speakers
avatar for Denise Ahlquist

Denise Ahlquist

Senior Academic Consultant, Great Books Foundation
Denise Ahlquist loves to engage people in Shared Inquiry discussions about the great ideas that shape our world. Since 1985, Denise has taught workshops in effective questioning for teachers and volunteers, supported diverse schools implementing inquiry learning, and led thousands... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Cibolo 1-2 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Breathing to Breathe
This is an introductory lesson on types of yoga breathing that if used in your classrooms could help your students learn how to calm themselves, relieve test anxiety, and reduce stress.

Speakers
avatar for Jacqueline Brewer

Jacqueline Brewer

GT Enrichment Teacher, Advanced Academics Waco ISD
Jacqueline Brewer lives in Waco, Texas with her husband. She has one son, Clark, and one daughter, Alexandra. Jacqueline has over 20 years of teaching experience and is currently a GT Enrichment Teacher for Waco ISD. She has a passion for fitness and health participating in numerous... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Grand Oaks CD JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Connections Between Critical Thinking, Writing, and Meeting the Social Emotional Needs of Gifted Children
This workshop will focus on how to help children in grades 2-7 be better thinkers and learners in ways that improve their self-esteem and confidence. There will be an emphasis on the importance of challenge, perseverance, and hard work as social-emotional components for acquiring skills that help gifted children adapt to meet life’s expectations. Practical ideas and materials will be presented. Participants will leave with abundant strategies for improving children’s abilities to ask thoughtful and pertinent questions. Attendees should bring their thinking caps and their funny bones to this highly engaging session.

Speakers
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Nathan Levy

President, Nathan Levy Books LLC
Nathan Levy, author of the “Stories With Holes” series, has over forty years experience as a teacher, principal, author and educational consultant. Nathan has spoken extensively nationally and internationally to educators, parents and children on how to improve creativity, thinking... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Grand Oaks RS JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Diving Deeper: Research Update "Social/Emotional Issues in the Gifted World"
Officers and members of the TAGT Research Division will present an analysis of recently published research on topics focused on the social and emotional issues that concern our gifted learners. A wide array of journals will be reviewed and their findings will be presented.

Speakers
avatar for Kristin Majority

Kristin Majority

Secondary GT, Frisco ISD
avatar for Joyce Miller, Ph.D.

Joyce Miller, Ph.D.

Professor Curriculum and Instruction, Texas A&M University Commerce
Joyce E. Kyle Miller, holds the doctorate in Supervision, Curriculum and Instruction and has completed post-doctoral education in Gifted Education at the University of North Texas and the University of Connecticut-Storrs. Dr. Miller developed the gifted and talented graduate program... Read More →
avatar for Katie Lewis

Katie Lewis

Associate Professor, York College of Pennsylvania
Katie D. Lewis, Ed.D., is an assistant professor at York College of Pennsylvania. She teaches undergraduate and graduate elementary education courses, and she also serves as program coordinator for Secondary Education, Post-Baccalaureate and Transfer students. Dr. Lewis has 5 years... Read More →
avatar for Christina Dearman, Ph.D.

Christina Dearman, Ph.D.

DFW Regional Consultant - Speak Up Speak Out (SUSO), The Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life - The University of Texas at Austin
Christina T. Dearman, Ph. D. has taught in various capacities from pre-k through secondary, serving as an honors level teacher, pull-out GT teacher, running school wide enrichment programs, and teaching Saturday enrichment programs. As a secondary GT Specialist, she worked to connect... Read More →
avatar for Debra A. Troxclair

Debra A. Troxclair

Associate Professor, Lamar University
Dr. Debbie Troxclair, Associate Professor at Lamar University, has developed/taught graduate courses in Special Education and Gifted Education. She has served on the Board of Directors for two professional associations in the field of gifted education. She is president-elect of the... Read More →
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Kristen Lamb

Postdoctoral Research Associate, Robinson Center
Kristen N. Lamb, Ph.D., is a Postdoctoral Research Associate for the Robinson Center at the University of Washington. She studies equity issues in gifted education and talent development, the role of creativity in talent development of high ability students, and classroom conditions... Read More →
avatar for Alex Kabli

Alex Kabli

Gifted and Talented Coordinator, Splendora ISD
Alex Kabli is the GT Coordinator in Splendora ISD, a rural school district northeast of Houston. She is the elementary pull out teacher and also coordinates the secondary SPARK program. SPARK began last year and is focused on the social and emotional needs of secondary gifted stu... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Cibolo 5 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Inquiring Minds Want to Know: Inquiry & Mathematics
Take mathematically talented students to higher levels through an inquiry approach. Design student learning from engaging activities to questions to be investigated, communication, and discoveries that students understand. Why does that card trick work? How are digits related to whether or not you can create a palindrome in one step?

Speakers


Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Grand Oaks NO JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Let’s Talk: What to Expect When You’re Expected to Teach Gifted Students
Brand-new to gifted education? Unsure of where to find the resources, information, and guidance you need? You’re not alone! These experts can answer all of your questions about what to expect when you’re expected to teach gifted students.

Speakers
avatar for Tracy Inman

Tracy Inman

Associate Director, The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU
Tracy Ford Inman, Ed. D., associate director of The Center for Gifted Studies at Western Kentucky University, is active on the state, national, and international levels in gifted education, working the educators, parents, and gifted students. She serves on NAGC’s board (parent representative... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Julia Link Roberts

Dr. Julia Link Roberts

Mahurin Professor of Gifted Education; Executive Director, The Center for Gifted Studies at WKU
Julia Link Roberts is the Mahurin Professor of Gifted Studies. She is the Executive Director of The Center for Gifted Studies and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky. She is President of the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children and a member of the board... Read More →
avatar for Kari Lockhart

Kari Lockhart

Advanced Academics Coordinator, Lovejoy ISD
Kari Lockhart has served the public education system for 10 years in a variety of roles, including gifted and talented teacher, campus coordinator, and district coordinator. She has a master's degree in educational psychology, focusing on gifted education, and is now pursuing a doctoral... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Grand Oaks EF JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Playful Learning: Engaging Strategies for the Early Childhood Learner
Our objective is to help students make the connection of ideas, concepts, and vocabulary by providing teachers with different ways/strategies to present information to guide students to independently engage, explore, explain, expand, and evaluate their knowledge.

Speakers
avatar for Doris Tomas

Doris Tomas

Director, Oilfield Energy Center
Doris Tomas is the Director of Education at the Oilfield Energy Center. She is in charge of educational outreach, and the design and the development of programs. Doris created and oversees the earth science traveling museum called the MOLU (mobile oilfield learning unit) that travels... Read More →
JS

Joy Sloan

Educational Facilitator, Oilfield Energy Center
Joy Sloan is a former math/science facilitator who earned a Bachelor of Science from Houston Baptist University and a Master’s in Education from Lamar University. She has presented at different conferences and school districts in Texas, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania. She is currently... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Cibolo 3-4 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Thinking Outside the Box: Spatial Skills in Advanced Academics
Spatial skills are associated with academic and career achievement, and recent research highlights the unique role these fundamental skills play in the advanced academic landscape. Focusing on spatial skills opens new doors for characterizing students and developing opportunities that foster the needs of a diverse range of advanced learners.

Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Cibolo 10-11 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Tools for Ecological Thought
Despair, denial, simplistic thinking: None of these will help students to deal with global warming. This session introduces conceptual tools for thinking more rigorously about how we coexist with each other and with nonhuman beings. It also shares research related to reversing global warming and curricular resources for experiential education.

Speakers
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Susan Waite

Assistant Professor, Texas State University
Dr. Susan Field Waite is the program coordinator of the master's programs in Talent Development, the graduate minor in Creativity Studies, and the graduate minor in Gifted and Talented Education at Texas State University.
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Melanie Warren

Graduate Student, Texas State University
Melanie Warren is a graduate student in Elementary Education with a concentration in Talent Development and a minor in Creativity Studies.
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Keira Holt

Graduate Student; Teacher, Texas State University & Northside ISD
Keira Holt is graduate student majoring in Elementary Education with a concentration in Talent Development and a minor in Creativity Studies. She also is a full-day Pre-K teacher at Villarreal Elementary in Northside Independent School District.


Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Grand Oaks PQ JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

7:30am CST

Twice-Exceptional Students and G/T Services
Often, twice-exceptional learners are misdiagnosed or misidentified as a result of misconceptions regarding their needs and appropriate service options. The school community must be able to respond to their unique exceptionalities and potentialities. Investigate the TEA G/T Equity website with the lead of the TEA 2e Task Force.

Speakers
avatar for Donna Ashby

Donna Ashby

G/T Specialist, Region 7 ESC
Donna Ashby M. Ed., a G/T Specialist for over 15 years at Region 7 Education Service Center, has created and conducted numerous programs and events for thousands of students across East Texas including Model United Nations, robotics, the Imagination Fair, and Innovative Inventions... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 7:30am - 8:30am CST
Bluebonnet/Dogwood JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

A Parent's Guide to School Jargon and Advocacy for Gifted Learners
Your child needs more challenge at school but how do you ask for that? What do you ask for? How are strategies such as differentiation, higher level thinking, depth, complexity, grouping, or compacting defined and implemented? Learn definitions, advocacy approaches and the research behind commonly used strategies in gifted education.

Speakers
avatar for Tamra Stambaugh

Tamra Stambaugh

Associate Professor; Executive Director, Vanderbilt University, Programs for Talented Youth
Tamra Stambaugh, Ph.D. is the Executive Director of Programs for Talented Youth and an Associate Research Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. Stambaugh's research interests include gifted students living in rural settings, students of poverty, and curriculum and... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Freesia JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

AP Capstone: A Perfect Match for Gifted High School Students
The AP Capstone Diploma provides the opportunity for personalized learning and independent study, and the encapsulates skills and experiences critical for the growth and development of advanced learners. This session will share the essence of the Capstone program and lessons learned as our district implemented it in three high schools.

Speakers
avatar for Michelle Swain

Michelle Swain

Director, Round Rock ISD
Michelle Swain serves Round Rock ISD as the Director of Gifted and Advanced Academic Services, overseeing GT identification and programming, college credit bearing coursework, and college readiness assessments. She has served on the NAGC Board and TAGT Board, including as TAGT 2011... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Oaks AB JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Daily Wonderings & Genius Minutes: Finding Ways to Fit Curiosity, Passion, and Wonder Into Everyday Activities
Gifted students are naturally curious, but they tend to lose this in the classroom. This fun session will explore the benefits and advantages of curiosity and ways to stimulate your students’ interests in multiple ways everyday. Participants will also learn ways to support students in finding and exploring their passions.

Speakers
avatar for Sheila Mulbry

Sheila Mulbry

Gifted Specialist, Lockhart ISD
Sheila Mulbry currently serves as a Gifted Facilitator with Lockhart ISD. She is a constant advocate for gifted students and their special needs, and has presented staff development on gifted education for the past 20 years. She obtained BA degrees in Humanities (‘83) and Elementary... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Cibolo 8-9 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Early Childhood: Precocity and Gaps in Educational Opportunities
Quality early childhood learning experiences can help level the playing field for students who have been traditionally underserved in gifted education programs. However, many students do not have access to these enriched educational opportunities. This session will highlight research-based interventions to combat the lingering impacts of early opportunity gaps.

Speakers
avatar for Melanie Meyer

Melanie Meyer

PhD Student/AP Language Teacher, University of North Texas/McKinney ISD
Melanie Meyer has been a classroom teacher in Texas for over 20 years, with experience in GT and advanced academics settings. She is also pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in gifted and talented education at the University of North Texas. Her research... Read More →
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Leah Murphy

PhD Student/Teacher, University of North Texas
Leah Murphy has taught in both Oklahoma and Texas over her 5 years as a classroom teacher. She completed her Master’s degree in 2017 and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in gifted and talented at the University of North Texas. Her research interests... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Oaks CD JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Get Them Thinking! Keep Them Thinking!
One of the key challenges in serving gifted students is to move them beyond learning the content to thinking about the content. This session will focus on skills and strategies that need to be developed in gifted students to help them operate successful in the 21st century.

Speakers
avatar for Joyce Juntune

Joyce Juntune

Instructional Professor, Texas A&M University
Dr. Joyce Juntune is an Instructional Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. She began her teaching career as a first grade teacher in Minnesota. Her later teaching experiences included migrant students in the San Joaquin... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Oaks PQ JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Guiding Development: The Social-Emotional Needs of Gifted Learners
Many students who are gifted have low self-concepts after starting school. Explore the unique social emotional needs of the gifted learner, discover how to support those needs in the educational environment, and apply what you learn to advocate for gifted learners.

Speakers
avatar for Randi Rasco

Randi Rasco

District Gifted and Talented Education Instructional Specialist, San Antonio ISD
Randi Rasco received her B.S. degree in Psychology from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2002, and her M.A. degree in Community Counseling from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor on 2007. She has an EC-12 Special Education Certification and has worked as a GT facilitator... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Cibolo 7 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

If You Love It, Let It Go: Popular Practices and Favorite Myths That Are Holding G/T Education Back
Massive upheavals are occurring in the world of G/T education. Changes in law, funding, public perception, and what science says are all creating challenges that G/T stakeholders must be nimble in addressing head on. Bring an open mind and an "unpopular opinion" and let's strategize about the future together!

Speakers
avatar for Clinton Rodriguez

Clinton Rodriguez

Gifted and Talented, and Advanced Academics Specialist, ESC Region 11
Clint Rodriguez is the GT and Advanced Academics Consultant for ESC Region 11. Previously he served as the district-wide Secondary GT Specialist in Richardson ISD. He taught at ASPIRE Academy for the Highly Gifted in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD and has a master's degree in religion... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Indian Paintbrush/Lakespar JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Owning Your Identity
Whether suffering from imposter syndrome, perfectionism, idealism, or just trying to fit into a social microcosm, gifted students benefit from stepping into their individual power. Join this session to unpack personal identity and stereotypes. Learn methods to facilitate discussions on beliefs, influences on identity, and the need for personal contributions.

Speakers

Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Grand Oaks NO JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Real-World Independent Projects: Take Your Students to the Next Level!
Excite students with fun topics to explore and research. Learn to provide a framework, yet allow interests, ability, and learning style to guide content, process, and product. This teacher presentation demonstrates project creation and management. Provide high-level, interdisciplinary challenge while alleviating your workload. View student portfolios/exhibits. Excellent handouts!

Speakers
DO

Danielle Oehler

Elementary Gifted & Talented Specialist, Round Rock ISD
Danielle Oehler is a Elementary Gifted and Talented Specialist for Round Rock ISD. She has been a TAG Specialist for 5 years teaching K-5.
avatar for Melanie Bondy

Melanie Bondy

Author, Educational Trainer, Mind Vine Press
Melanie Bondy is a former teacher, now writer and educational consultant, with a passion for inspiring gifted students and their teachers. By sharing stories of personal classroom experiences along with student stories and student products, she teaches practical options for program... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Cibolo 10-11 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Selecting and Interpreting Tests for Identifying Gifted Students
The Texas State Plan requires multiple sources and assessments be used in identifying gifted students. This session will focus on how to select quality instruments and interpret assessment results when making decisions regarding the selection of gifted students. Practical evaluation forms and methods for interpreting assessment results will be discussed.

Speakers
avatar for Susan Johnsen

Susan Johnsen

Professor Emerita, Baylor University
Susan K. Johnsen, PhD, is professor emerita of the Department of Educational Psychology at Baylor University. She has written over 300 publications including an independent study program, 30 books, and three tests for identifying gifted students. She is editor-in-chief of Gifted Child... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Begonia/Bottlebrush JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Taking Genius Hour to the Next Level
Learn to how to encourage today's learners to shift from making products to creating change using new strategies and The Global Goals. In this session, I'll share the 6 Ps of Genius Hour from a new perspective as well as new ways to make Genius Hour both manageable and meaningful.

Speakers
avatar for Andi McNair

Andi McNair

Gifted Education Specialist, ESC Region 12
Andi was a classroom teacher for 16 years before pursuing her passion to help educators understand giftedness and serve gifted learners well. By sharing practical ways to engage and empower today’s gifted learners, Andi encourages the audience to consider manageable and meaningful... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Cibolo 6 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

11:00am CST

Learning Lab: Build Math Thinkers
Memorization of math facts got you down? Come and experience the power of building a math mindset with Math Stackers. Session includes hands-on experiments focused on number reasoning and several instant challenges to equip and empower ALL students to wonder and think mathematically. Develop mathematicians who know their stuff!

Speakers
avatar for Kelly Threadgill

Kelly Threadgill

Math Stackers, Inc., President & Creator
After discovering that her creative mind empowered her to see mathematics from a different perspective, Kelly earned a Masters in Mathematics Education and set out to provide the best math experiences for all her students. After 10 years in the classroom inventing authentic, active... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Playground (Exhibit Hall)

1:00pm CST

A Meaningful Mess
As teachers, we often feel like we should have it all together or at least seem like we do. In this learning experience, we will have an honest conversation about messy learning and how to design experiences for you learners that will make that mess meaningful.

Speakers
avatar for Andi McNair

Andi McNair

Gifted Education Specialist, ESC Region 12
Andi was a classroom teacher for 16 years before pursuing her passion to help educators understand giftedness and serve gifted learners well. By sharing practical ways to engage and empower today’s gifted learners, Andi encourages the audience to consider manageable and meaningful... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Grand Oaks RS JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:00pm CST

Comedic Critical Thinking
In this session, participants will explore their comedic side by engaging in a series of critical thinking activities.  The activities, rooted in the principles of improv, will ask participants to step into the role of the comedian while creating and thinking at a high level.

Speakers
avatar for Michael Flusche

Michael Flusche

Comedian & G/T Director, Curtis Needs A Ride
Michael Flusche loves to combine his passion for comedy with his love for gifted education. Beginning as a teacher with a hobby of comedy, Flusche earned an opportunity to work as a coordinator in gifted education. In doing so, Flusche discovered that the foundations of improvisational... Read More →
avatar for Austin Hines

Austin Hines

Comedian, Curtis Needs a Ride


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Cibolo 5 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:00pm CST

Implementing Acceleration, Universal Screening, and Grouping: Administrators’ Viewpoints
This session will focus on three research-based practices in gifted education: acceleration, universal screening, and grouping. Acceleration and grouping are related to significant gains in student achievement. Universal screening increases access to gifted programs for underrepresented students Administrators will share their experiences and specific considerations for implementing these important practices.

Speakers
avatar for Monica Simmonds

Monica Simmonds

Director of Advanced Learning Programs and Services, Richardson ISD
Monica Simonds received her M.Ed., from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, currently the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. After teaching for almost ten years in Louisiana, she moved to Texas where she spent ten years as a high school debate coach and is now in her 12th year... Read More →
avatar for Susan Johnsen

Susan Johnsen

Professor Emerita, Baylor University
Susan K. Johnsen, PhD, is professor emerita of the Department of Educational Psychology at Baylor University. She has written over 300 publications including an independent study program, 30 books, and three tests for identifying gifted students. She is editor-in-chief of Gifted Child... Read More →
avatar for Marcy Voss

Marcy Voss

Consultant, J Taylor Education
During her 36 years in public education, Marcy coordinated GT and BL/ESL Programs, served on the TAGT Board, and was Chair of the TEA GT Advisory Council. Marcy currently serves as Facilitator for the TAGT ELP, Chair of the NABE GT/Bilingual SIG, and Advisory Board member for NCRGE... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Indian Paintbrush/Lakespar JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:00pm CST

In Search of Equity: Removing Barriers to the Identification of At-Risk Populations
The identification of students for services is challenging for even the most experienced professional. In this interactive session we will explore root causes that lead to under-representation and solutions that remove barriers, increase equity, and opportunity for students who may live in poverty and/or are English learners or twice exceptional.

Speakers
avatar for Wendy Behrens

Wendy Behrens

State Director/Gifted Education Specialist, Minnesota Department of Education
Wendy Behrens is the Gifted Education Specialist for the Minnesota Department of Education and Director of Project North Star, a Javits Grant. Previously she worked as a district gifted services coordinator and consultant for the Science Museum of Minnesota. She frequently presents... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Bluebonnet/Dogwood JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:00pm CST

Making Depth & Complexity Work for ME!
Have you attended previous Depth & Complexity workshops and felt excitement to begin incorporating into instruction and then realized you needed more practice using the Framework with your own content? This session provides attendees to collaborate and design Depth & Complexity infused activities and lessons aligned to their own content.

Speakers
avatar for Kim Tredick

Kim Tredick

Director Student Support Services, Castaic USD, CA
Kim Tredick is currently the Director of Student Support Services in Castaic School District in Southern California. She has served as lead curriculum writer for J Taylor Education over the past seven years and has been using Depth and Complexity for two decades as a teacher, principal... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Begonia/Bottlebrush JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:00pm CST

Mindsets & Mastery: Why Am I Grading This?!
Join us for an amusing but thought-provoking dive into the common pitfalls of traditional grading practices, and see how they can hinder effort and motivation in gifted students. Discover alternative approaches to grading that foster a Growth Mindset, encourage risk-taking and creativity, and help our gradebooks tell the whole story

Speakers
avatar for Matt Wells

Matt Wells

Science Dept. Chair, AP Consultant & GT Trainer, CFISD
Matt is an award-winning teacher, Science department chair, GT trainer and AP consultant based in Houston, TX. A regular presenter at giftED, CAST and other conferences, Matt is a Past-President of STAT and TABT, and winner of numerous teaching awards, including NABT's "Outstanding... Read More →
avatar for Kate Wells

Kate Wells

GT Trainer & Elementary Teacher, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Kate is a GT Trainer and award-winning elementary teacher who has worked in multiple grade levels and content areas with Gifted, SPED and ESL populations from a wide variety of socio-economic backgrounds. Passionate about differentiating both instruction AND assessment, and an expert... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Grand Oaks CD JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:00pm CST

NASA’s Next Generation STEM Activities for the GT Classroom
NASA has three big themes for its Next Generation STEM Program. Moon to Mars, Commercial Crew Program, and Small Steps to Giant Leaps. In this workshop participants will see and get to sample the many new free products NASA is rolling out to challenge your students.

Speakers
avatar for Steven Smith

Steven Smith

Education Specialist II, NASA
Steven is an Education Specialist at Johnson Space Center in Houston. His work supports educators inspiring the next generation from historically disenfranchised groups, helping create culturally responsive lessons that engage students previously left out of the work NASA does. He... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Cibolo 8-9 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:00pm CST

Think Through the Emotion
Gifted students can use their analytical thinking skills to help them cope with their emotional intensities.  Students can learn to use their exceptional thinking skills to tame their worries and anxiety.  We’ll discuss strategies from several sources you can teach your students to help them with decision-making, perfectionism, and worrying.

Speakers
avatar for Lynette Breedlove

Lynette Breedlove

Director, The Gatton Academy of Mathematics & Science, KY
Dr. Lynette Breedlove is Director of The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky located on the campus of Western Kentucky University. She has served gifted students in Texas as a central office administrator, campus GT specialists, and classroom teacher. She is a past... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 1:00pm - 4:00pm CST
Freesia JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

And Then They Go to College . . .
In the K-12 environment, getting gifted/2e learner needs met is difficult, but doable. When they go to college, it's a whole different game. One small state university is attempting to meet the needs of underrepresented gifted/2e learners with a totally new program. Interactive discussion will take place.

Speakers
LL

Lou Lloyd-Zannini

Advocate for Gifted/2e Learners, University College, UHV
Lou Lloyd-Zannini has been engaged in gifted education for more than twenty years, and has been training leaders at the school and district level since 1994. In his new role, he serves with the University College of UHV, where he is building and directing the Gifted/Twice-Exception... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Goldenrod JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

Differentiation Made Modern: Using Hyperdocs to Differentiate for Gifted Learners
Let’s bring differentiation into the 21st century! Come find out how to use and create (free!) hyperdocs that allow for integrated differentiation. It’s “Choose Your Own Adventure” for classrooms! Come find out what they are, how to use them, where to find them, and what you can do with them.

Speakers
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 →


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Cibolo 6 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

Empowering Middle School Students Using the Texas Performance Standards Project
The Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP) offers differentiated instruction for students based on interest and choice. Come explore ways to use the TPSP to empower your middle school students to participate in in-depth investigations and the development of authentic products for an audience outside your classroom walls.

Speakers
avatar for Heather Bland

Heather Bland

G/T Coordinator for Advanced Academics, Ector County ISD
I have experience as an elementary classroom teacher, G/T program teacher, Schoolwide Enrichment (SEM) coordinator, and current secondary G/T instructional coach. I am interested in strength- based teaching with a focus on developing the talent and individual strengths of all students... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Grand Oaks AB JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

Life Coaching for G/T Kids: A Powerful Tool to Challenge Limiting Beliefs in Our Gifted Students
In this session, participants will engage in deep reflection about the vast impact 1:1 life coaching may have on gifted students, allowing them to challenge limiting beliefs and build a strong emotional foundation, thus paving the way toward becoming the best version of themselves.

Speakers
avatar for Yoliani Saud

Yoliani Saud

Dual Language Teacher/Gifted and Talented Teacher, Alief ISD
One of my biggest passions is to teach and coach GT and 2E students, supporting them in the task of discovering, accepting, and fully embracing who they are, so they strengthen and express their true selves. I am a Doctor In Dentistry with a Specialization in Health Management, a... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Grand Oaks NO JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

TEA Gifted/Talented Education Update
Hear the latest information pertaining gifted/talented education in Texas, including the new Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted and Talented Students. TEA divisions will also share other highlights related to G/T.

Speakers
avatar for Monica Brewer

Monica Brewer

Gifted/Talented Education Statewide Coordinator, Texas Education Agency
Monica Brewer is a Statewide Coordinator, Gifted/Talented (G/T) Education with the Texas Education Agency. In this role, Monica coordinates all aspects of G/T education and the Commissioner’s Advisory Council for Gifted/Talented Education. Monica is a qualified leader and holds... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Cibolo 7 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

The Rural Gifted: Influences and Challenges
Rural gifted programming is as unique as each rural community. Understanding the nature of rural gifted programming is essential to meeting this unique gifted student population’s needs. This session explores the intersection of gifted characteristics and rural culture as well as the challenges of providing gifted programming in rural settings.

Speakers
avatar for Cecelia Boswell Ed.D.

Cecelia Boswell Ed.D.

Educational Consultant, Austin Creek Education Systems
Cecelia Boswell is an educator, consultant, and author. She taught migrant and gifted students, was Advanced Academics Consultant and Executive Director of Advanced Academics in an urban school where she created a middle school gifted academy. She led research projects, professional... Read More →
avatar for Katie Lewis

Katie Lewis

Associate Professor, York College of Pennsylvania
Katie D. Lewis, Ed.D., is an assistant professor at York College of Pennsylvania. She teaches undergraduate and graduate elementary education courses, and she also serves as program coordinator for Secondary Education, Post-Baccalaureate and Transfer students. Dr. Lewis has 5 years... Read More →
avatar for Kristin Graham

Kristin Graham

Director, Mockingbird ISD
Kristin Graham, M.Ed is in her 12th year in education with K-12 teaching and leadership experience in rural, suburban, and urban areas in Texas and China. She enjoys working strategically with others to leverage meaningful learning opportunities for our students. She currently provides... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Cibolo 10-11 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

1:15pm CST

Learning Lab: STEM and Innovation Comes to Life
Join us to explore and experience innovative, hands-on STEM strategies to engage in 21st-century thinking and learning skills of creativity, innovation, inspiration, and problem-solving. Let's experience together the elements of design thinking to ideate, prototype, and bring your idea to life.

Speakers
avatar for Kim Lindenfeld

Kim Lindenfeld

Regional Consultant, National Inventors Hall of Fame
Kim Lindenfeld is passionate about giving students opportunities to explore invention and innovation. She resides in the Houston area and serves as Regional Consultant for the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Kim received certification as a Training Professional from Texas A&M University... Read More →
avatar for Barbara Hinton

Barbara Hinton

Customized Program Manager, National Inventors Hall of Fame
Barbara Hinton has been a Customized Program Development Manage with NIHF for 5 years. She brings over 30+ years of experience in education and Advanced Academics. She has a Bachelor’s in Education and a M.ED. in Educational Curriculum and Instructional Design. Barbara served as... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 1:15pm - 2:15pm CST
Playground (Exhibit Hall)

2:30pm CST

Depth & Complexity in Mathematics
The Depth & Complexity Iconic Prompts are used in thousands of Texas classrooms and in numerous content areas. However, educators often find it challenging to integrate the prompts into their math instruction. This interactive workshop highlights ways to incorporate Depth & Complexity into mathematics and provides samples of student work.

Speakers
avatar for Daniel Brillhart

Daniel Brillhart

G/T Specialist, Round Rock ISD
Daniel Brillhart is the 2016 TAGT Educator of the Gifted. He has taught a wide range of subjects across all levels during his 29 year career. Currently, Daniel serves as the GT Specialist for his campus and on district GT leadership committees. Daniel has presented on Depth and Complexity... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Grand Oaks PQ JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

2:30pm CST

Small High School G/T Programming and G/T ISM: No Time, No Budget, No Problem
How do coordinators at small schools offer meaningful and effective G/T services when they don't have designated class time or an limited budget? Find ways to make the time and resources you do have count by offering questions and tasks that students can answer on their own time.

Speakers
avatar for Cody Pruitt

Cody Pruitt

G/T Coordinator, Lago Vista High School
Cody Pruitt is a veteran classroom educator whose experience as a Gifted/Talented coordinator in two small-district high schools has led him to create novel ways to integrate G/T programming with limited resources to better serve the Gifted/Talented community. He's also taught Audio/Video... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Grand Oaks AB JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

2:30pm CST

Supporting Undocumented Students and Families From K-12 to Higher Education
Educators have the legal and moral responsibility to educate and support students regardless of their immigration status. This session will provide an overview of policies affecting undocumented students, best practices for creating safe and welcoming schools, and resources designed for K-12 educators supporting undocumented students.

Speakers
avatar for Viridiana Carrizales

Viridiana Carrizales

Co-Founder and CEO, ImmSchools
Viridiana was born in Michoacán, Mexico and immigrated with her family to the United States when she was 11 years old. In 2017, Viridiana co-founded ImmSchools, an organization that partners with K-12 educators to support undocumented students and families. Her passion for education... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 2:30pm - 3:30pm CST
Goldenrod JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Launching TPSPs for Beginners!
Don't let project-based learning overwhelm you. Instead, let your students take control of their learning! Let me coach you through four different TPSPs for grades K-5. I found the free resources, wrote timelines, and created unit plans I will share with you. We'll also look at authentic student examples.

Speakers
avatar for Deniece Frideley

Deniece Frideley

GT Specialist, Lancaster ISD
Deniece Frideley is currently in her seventeenth year teaching and her sixth year as a G/T Specialist in Lancaster Independent School District. She is an innovative teacher who allows her students to take ownership of their learning through project based learning, as well as Genius... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Grand Oaks CD JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Literature That Connects to G/T Students
Research shows that when students "see" themselves within the pages of a book, their mind is more open and receptive. Our gifted population is certainly no exception. Participants will be exposed to a variety of texts with gifted characters. In addition, twice-exceptional students will be highlighted.

Speakers
avatar for Melissa Saphos

Melissa Saphos

Texas Education Service Center Region 6
Melissa Saphos has always been a teacher at heart, although she took a twisty path to get there! She has enjoyed a career in journalism, marketing, banking, and education and considers herself fortunate for the experiences that allow her to advocate for teachers and learners. She... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Bluebonnet/Dogwood JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Out of the Box: Implementing Mystery as a Strategy to Engage Gifted Learners
Think outside the box to guide gifted learners through advanced content and abstract thinking through inquiry! Attendees will discover how to develop crosscurricular mystery lessons to motivate and challenge gifted learners. In addition to learning how to create mystery lessons, a complete social studies unit with student work samples will be shared.

Speakers
VP

Vicki Phelps

Lead Consulting Teacher for Gifted Education, Sumner County
Vicki Phelps, Ed.D., NBCT, is Lead Consulting Teacher for Gifted Education in Sumner County, TN. She has been teaching and leading gifted services for the last 20 years and enjoys writing gifted curricula. She enjoys presenting at state, national, and world gifted conferences. Dr... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Grand Oaks AB JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Ratcheting-Up the Curriculum for Gifted Learners
Teachers of the gifted are responsible for going beyond mastery of grade-level curriculum. They need to be able to “ratchet-up” the learning for students. This skill can be developed by learning how to upgrade grade-level curriculum TEKS objectives and pose appropriate advanced-level questions in any content area.

Speakers
avatar for Debra A. Troxclair

Debra A. Troxclair

Associate Professor, Lamar University
Dr. Debbie Troxclair, Associate Professor at Lamar University, has developed/taught graduate courses in Special Education and Gifted Education. She has served on the Board of Directors for two professional associations in the field of gifted education. She is president-elect of the... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Cibolo 3-4 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Speed Geeking
Feast your minds on this collection of self-professed geeks as they attempt to wow you with their favorite tech tools for use in your classroom. Each presenter will have only five minutes to dazzle you with whatever apps or resources they feel should be a part of your technology tool box. This is definitely a session that everyone will be talking about later. Come early and be able to say that you were in the room where it happened!

Speakers
avatar for Andi McNair

Andi McNair

Gifted Education Specialist, ESC Region 12
Andi was a classroom teacher for 16 years before pursuing her passion to help educators understand giftedness and serve gifted learners well. By sharing practical ways to engage and empower today’s gifted learners, Andi encourages the audience to consider manageable and meaningful... Read More →
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 →
avatar for Stephanie Shackelford

Stephanie Shackelford

Digital Learning Coach, Mansfield ISD
Within her 20+ years in education, Stephanie has taught in the English, technology, and leadership classrooms. Her passion for utilizing technology in the classroom led her to the Digital Learning team in Mansfield ISD. She has the unique opportunity to work with the Advanced Academics... Read More →
avatar for Melanie Beckett

Melanie Beckett

Advanced Academics Instructional Coach, Mansfield ISD
Melanie has been an educator for over 20 years in Texas and New Mexico and has served on Advisory Councils for developing curriculum with the GT and advanced student in mind. As an Advanced Academics Instructional Coach, she shares her passion of meeting the needs of GT students by... Read More →
avatar for Brigette Cardenas

Brigette Cardenas

G/T Program Coordinator, Mansfield ISD
She has been in education for over 22 years in many places, including Australia and South America. She is passionate about meeting the needs of GT students because as a student, her GT time was only once a week and she never felt fully challenged. As a GT Program Coordinator she helps... Read More →
avatar for Rolando Ruvalcaba

Rolando Ruvalcaba

Educational Consultant, Region 20
Rolando Ruvalcaba has had experience facilitating G/T workshops at various levels for over 20 years. Rolando is known for his interactive sessions that bring out the best of his participants. As a classroom teacher, Rolando has established himself as an effective educator for gifted... Read More →
avatar for Brian Housand

Brian Housand

Coordinator, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Dr. Brian Housand, is the coordinator of the Academically or Intellectually Gifted program at University of North Carolina Wilmington and creator of Gifted360.com. Dr. Housand earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology at the University of Connecticut with an emphasis in both gifted... Read More →
avatar for Justin Vawter

Justin Vawter

CEO, NuMinds Enrichment
Justin Vawter lives on the fringe of education, a creative spark working tirelessly to redefine the educational narrative and make the learning experience more impactful and meaningful. He holds a Masters degree in Curriculum Design and Instruction from the University of North Texas... Read More →
avatar for Clinton Rodriguez

Clinton Rodriguez

Gifted and Talented, and Advanced Academics Specialist, ESC Region 11
Clint Rodriguez is the GT and Advanced Academics Consultant for ESC Region 11. Previously he served as the district-wide Secondary GT Specialist in Richardson ISD. He taught at ASPIRE Academy for the Highly Gifted in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD and has a master's degree in religion... Read More →
avatar for Laila Ferris

Laila Ferris

Principal, Mesita ECDC/Elementary School, El Paso ISD
Laila Ferris has been the Principal of Mesita Early Childhood Development Center/Elementary School for 28 years, in the El Paso ISD. She has worked with the implementation of the Connecting Worlds/Mundos Unidos G/T Dual Language magnet program for 27 years. She received her Bachelors... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Cibolo 5 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Weaving STAAR Stems, Depth and Complexity Tools, and Collaboration Into a Tapestry of STAAR Reading Mastery
Sadly, STAAR practice tests become the reading curriculum in some classrooms. This hurts gifted readers who crave opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions with others about interesting literature. Explore ways to inspire students, boost their confidence, and lead them to mastery on the STAAR through the use of irresistible text.

Speakers
avatar for Gina Pasisis

Gina Pasisis

Gifted and Talented Instructional Specialist, Waco ISD
Gina Pasisis is passionate about providing students with a thinking curriculum. As an author, former principal, and coach of teachers, she seeks to share ideas for engaging students in rich learning experiences.



Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Grand Oaks PQ JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

What Is Giftedness, Really? A Talent Development Perspective
In this presentation, Dr. Frank C. Worrell will review several definitions of giftedness and discuss contributing factors and considerations for supporting students' gifts and talents.  He will argue that giftedness is the outcome of a talent development process that involves appropriate opportunities, curriculum matched to student strengths, and motivational factors.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Frank Worrell

Dr. Frank Worrell

Professor; Faculty Director of the School of Psychology Program, University of California, Berkeley
Frank C. Worrell is a Professor in the Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he serves as Faculty Director of the School Psychology Program, the Academic Talent Development Program, and the California College Preparatory Academy. He also holds... Read More →


Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Cibolo 8-9 JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel

4:30pm CST

Learning Lab: Astronomy for the Classroom
Bring the basics of astronomy into your classroom by creating a chandelier-like constellation of Orion. Through the presentation you will be learning the stars that make up Orion and their meaning, bringing understanding of constellations to your students.

Speakers
avatar for Abigail Peterson

Abigail Peterson

Sales and Outreach Coordinator, US Space and Rocket Center
Abigail Peterson is the Sales and Outreach Coordinator at The U.S. Space and Rocket Center, home of Space Camp, and specializes in Custom programs. While overseeing Custom and Corporate programs, she travels the United States promoting the exciting educational opportunities available... Read More →



Thursday December 5, 2019 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Playground JW Marriott Hill Country Hotel
 


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