TAGT giftED24: Full Schedule

8:00am CST

LITerally STEM

Wednesday December 4, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST

Get ready to flip the script and become the students in our model classroom session! Dive into a mentor text, tackle brain-teasing depth and complexity questions, team up for a STEM challenge, and flex those executive functioning muscles. Walk away with two premade lessons to teach in your own classroom!

Speakers

Melissa ONeal

District Lead GT Teacher, Tyler ISD

Melissa O’Neal currently serves as the District Lead GT Teacher for Tyler ISD. With over 21 years of teaching experience, she has taught both elementary and middle school prior to solely focusing on gifted and talented elementary students. Her passion for gifted students was sparked... Read More →

Alecia Cole

GT Teacher, Tyler ISD

Alecia Cole is an educator of eight years, poet, gifted adult, and mom of gifted children. She taught first, fourth, and fifth grades before transitioning to focus her career on gifted elementary learners. A lover of learning herself, Alecia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication... Read More →

LITerally STEM pdf

Wednesday December 4, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST
Pearl 3 (2nd Floor)

Creativity and Instructional Strategies

Keyword STEM

8:00am CST

The STEAMpunks: Creating Equitable and Engaging STEAM Programs for All Students

Wednesday December 4, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST

Salon E (3rd Floor)

Join our education team as we share the exploration of STEAM within the classroom. Learn about tools and solutions you can use district-wide to show students what’s possible and see themselves in STEAM careers. Explore STEAM stations that incorporate hands-on learning to help students develop cognitive, social, and creative skills.

Speakers

Daniel Buhrow

GT STEAM Teacher, McKinney ISD

Daniel Buhrow is a 3rd-5th grade STEAM teacher for the gifted and talented program in McKinney, Texas. He is an active presenter and instructor, advocating for GT students and instructional strategies at the elementary level. Daniel loves to incorporate LEGO Education solutions into... Read More →

Rico Sneller

GT 3-5 Teacher, McKinney ISD

A self-proclaimed nerd, Rico Sneller has been learning alongside students for over 10 years. He set his own personal Rubik's cube record, has a room in a house just for board games, and recently became a 3D printing expert. Always a passionate advocate for gifted children, Mr. Sneller... Read More →

Shana Prugh

GT 3rd-5th STEAM Teacher, McKinney ISD

Shana Prugh is proud to serve students in the McKinney ISD 3rd-5th grade gifted and talented program. Serving and advocating for neurodivergent students is where she found her true passion as an educator. Shana is dedicated to designing curriculum and bringing joyful learning opportunities... Read More →

Wednesday December 4, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST
Salon E (3rd Floor)

Creativity and Instructional Strategies

Keyword STEM

11:00am CST

Ethics in Science and Engineering

Wednesday December 4, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Pearl 2 (2nd Floor)

With new Science and Engineering TEKS being implemented this year, participants dive deep into three historic and local engineering scenarios and engage in discussions about the ethics behind each scenario. Teachers walk away with ideas that incorporate ethical issues of science and engineering that increase rigor for their gifted students.

Speakers

Polly Osei

SPIRAL Teacher, Spring Branch ISD

I am in my 27th year as an educator. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of South Dakota. Shortly after graduating, I moved to Texas where I taught for several years in middle school science. It is in teaching middle school and coaching Science Olympiad... Read More →

Annie Mitchell

Teacher, Spring Branch ISD

I earned a BA in Curriculum and Instruction from Houston Christian University, M.Ed in Educational Leadership from University of St. Thomas, and doctorate in Ethical Leadership at University of St. Thomas. My research focused on effective instructional practices for the continued... Read More →

Wednesday December 4, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Pearl 2 (2nd Floor)

Creativity and Instructional Strategies

Keyword STEM

11:00am CST

NASA Opportunities for K-12 Students

Wednesday December 4, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Salon A/B (3rd Floor)

NASA has myriad programs to engage K-12 students throughout the school year and into the summer. HAS, ADC, SPARX and many other amazing acronymic possibilities await to challenge and dive deeper into STEM with your G/T students. This session will not be just a random list of resources. The presenter will focus on those opportunities relevant to the participants who show up and make sure you leave with resources, and materials that you can plug directly into your curriculum.

Speakers

Steven Smith

Communications Strategist II, NASA

Steven is a Communications Strategist at Johnson Space Center in Houston. His work supports educators, inspiring the next generation from historically disenfranchised groups and helping create culturally responsive lessons that engage students previously left out of the work of NASA... Read More →

Wednesday December 4, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Salon A/B (3rd Floor)

Creativity and Instructional Strategies

Keyword STEM

11:00am CST

Retiring "I Don’t Do Math": Leveraging Critical Thinking Math Mindsets to Sharpen Math Skillsets

Wednesday December 4, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Conference Room 3/4 (3rd Floor)

If someone offers to pay you $10 to watch their dog and says they'll be gone an hour, should you get paid more if they come back after an hour and a half? Too often, students (and teachers) think of math as a rigid set of formulas and steps, and high achieving gifted learners obsess over getting the right answer, skipping over the power of asking the right questions. Instead, when we teach students to shift from asking "what" and "how" to "why" and "what if", we unlock a set of tools for solving real-world problems of fairness and justice. In this session, learn powerful, practical steps for teaching math mindsets, including checking gut reactions, analyzing from multiple perspectives, and asking "what would the world look like if __?".

Speakers

Tabitha Ejinkonye

Partner Success Manager, thinkLaw

Before serving as thinkLaw's Partner Success Manager, Tabitha taught elementary math, science, and gifted and talented students in Dallas and Houston, TX and served as Special Education Department Chair. She has a M.Ed. in Special Education from the University of Houston-Victoria... Read More →

Gaby Romero

Curriculum and Systems Specialist, thinkLaw

Gaby, a dedicated educator with a passion for serving her community in Dallas, Texas, brings over 14 years of experience teaching elementary bilingual and gifted and talented students. Her journey began with a belief in the transformative power of education, leading her to create... Read More →

Wednesday December 4, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Conference Room 3/4 (3rd Floor)

Creativity and Instructional Strategies

Keyword STEM

3:15pm CST

Enhancing Differentiation with Technology for Gifted Students

Wednesday December 4, 2024 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST

Salon A/B (3rd Floor)

Explore how technology can be used to differentiate content for gifted students. This session provides educators with practical tech tools and strategies to create personalized and challenging learning experiences.

Speakers

Bruce Ellis

Director of Professional Development, TCEA

Bruce’s versatile classroom teaching experiences lend authenticity to his workshops. His 20+ years of experience, enthusiasm for educational technology, and his hands-on approach to training have helped educators effectively utilize educational technology and improve student success... Read More →

Wednesday December 4, 2024 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST
Salon A/B (3rd Floor)

Differentiated Curriculum

Keyword STEM

3:15pm CST

The Struggle Is Real: Valuing Productive Struggle

Wednesday December 4, 2024 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST

Pearl 3 (2nd Floor)

Ditch the myth of “math people” by emphasizing the value of productive struggle in learning. Learn how to foster a positive math identity in students as they grapple with challenging problems, ultimately leading to deeper mathematical understanding. Explore strategies to build supportive communities, plan effective lessons, and reflect on teaching practices.

Speakers

Alyssa Hanna

Sales Executive-Central South, Art of Problem Solving

With 11 years of experience and a Masters in Teacher Leadership, my enthusiasm for education is evident. I have partnered with educators to strategically design and execute cross-curricular lesson plans aligned with state standards. My passion lies in leveraging critical thinking... Read More →

The Struggle Is Real pdf

Math Productive Struggle Inventory pdf

Wednesday December 4, 2024 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST
Pearl 3 (2nd Floor)

Social and Emotional Needs of the Gifted

Keyword Social Emotional Needs, STEM

4:30pm CST

Tech Tools for the G/T Classroom

Wednesday December 4, 2024 4:30pm - 5:00pm CST

Salon Ballroom G-M (3rd Floor)

Robotics and technology are amazing and engaging tools for students, but what exactly can we do with them within the time we have our gifted students? This session gives its attendees resources and ideas on how to utilize various robotics and technology while integrating core subjects.

Speakers

Kathryn Gardiol

Coordinator of Advanced Programs, Leander ISD

Kathryn Gardiol is the current Coordinator of Advanced Programs in Leander ISD, bringing nearly two decades of experience in education to her role. She began her career as a third-grade classroom teacher and has dedicated the past 12 years to serving as a Gifted and Talented (GT... Read More →

Jessica Weiss

G/T Specialist, Leander iSD

Jessica received her degree in Early Childhood Development from The University of Texas at Austin and immediately began her career in education teaching in Leander ISD. Jessica is currently in her 15th year of teaching and has taught multiple grade levels.This is Jessica’s third... Read More →

Jennifer Cooper

G/T Specialist, Leander ISD

I have been in gifted education for 12 years. I co created the AIM gifted program in Manor ISD and was the lead gifted elementary coordinator while there. I have since moved to Leander ISD where I teach their gifted program known as QUEST. I have been a member of TAGT's Advocacy and... Read More →

Tech Tools STEM TAGT pdf

Wednesday December 4, 2024 4:30pm - 5:00pm CST
Salon Ballroom G-M (3rd Floor)

Creativity and Instructional Strategies

Keyword STEM

11:00am CST

Innovation Knows No Language Barrier Through Gifted/Talented Dual Language STEAM

Thursday December 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Pearl 1 (2nd Floor)

Gifted/Talented Dual Language STEAM empowers students to thrive in a world where innovation knows no language barrier and where teachers can cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and cultural competency while preparing them for success in their global society. These strategies and activities will build for everything STEAM.

Speakers

Estephanie Ronquillo

Teacher, El Paso ISD

Estephanie Ronquillo has served as a G/T Dual Language Teacher at Mesita Elementary School for seven years. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Texas at El Paso. Ms. Ronquillo has presented at TAGT conferences, as well as Dual Language... Read More →

Patricia Castano

Assistant Principal, Mesita ECDC/Elem School,ISD El Paso ISD

Patricia Castano has served as a G/T Dual Language Teacher at Mesita Elementary School for ten years. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Master's Degree in Education Leadership. Ms. Castano has presented at TAGT conferences, as well as Dual Language conferences... Read More →

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, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Pearl 1 (2nd Floor)

Creativity and Instructional Strategies

Keyword Multilingual, STEM

11:00am CST

Phenomenal Phenomena: Using Discrepant Events To Trigger Inquiry In Science

Thursday December 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Pearl 3 (2nd Floor)

Wait...WHAT?! Why did that happen? Gifted can students sometimes think they know everything, but what if if we could burst their bubble? Put on your student hat and join us for a fast-paced, full audience participation, classroom-ready smorgasbord of hands-on science demonstrations that will leave your gifted students wondering "Why?!".

Speakers

Matt Wells

Science Dept. Chair, Cypress Fairbanks ISD

Matt Wells is a multiple award-winning teacher, Science department chair, AP consultant and workshop presenter based in Houston, TX. A Past-President of both the Science Teacher’s Association of Texas and the Texas Association of Biology Teachers, and a regular presenter at giftED... Read More →

Thursday December 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Pearl 3 (2nd Floor)

Creativity and Instructional Strategies

Keyword STEM

11:00am CST

From STEM to STEAM: Unleashing Creativity and the Arts into Your Gifted Education Lessons (Elementary)

Thursday December 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Salon E (3rd Floor)

Let’s make learning more FUN! Join Little Miss Gifted, Stephanie Higgs, as she shares quick, easy, bite-sized tips to infuse elements of creativity, one of the most underutilized tools in education, into daily gifted lessons. Whether you use these as warm-ups, brain breaks, or as a way to level up gifted education instruction with arts integration, you are guaranteed to leave with strategies that you and your students will LOVE! Creativity sessions are always Little Miss Gifted’s most popular sessions, and this one is can’t-miss!

Speakers

Stephanie Higgs

Gifted Educator & Differentiation Coach, Little Miss Gifted

Stephanie Higgs, best known as @littlemissgifted on Instagram, is an award-winning, Nashville-living gifted educator and differentiation coach. Stephanie is a quick thinking, fast talking, and passionate international professional development presenter who infuses a little sparkle... Read More →

FromSTEMtoSTEAMStephanieHiggsHandout (4) pdf

Thursday December 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Salon E (3rd Floor)

Differentiated Curriculum

Keyword STEM

11:00am CST

Supercharged Science: Integrating Depth and Complexity with the New TEKS

Thursday December 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST

Salon C/D (3rd Floor)

Discover innovative strategies to merge the powerful tools of the Depth and Complexity Framework and the new Science TEKS to elevate your instruction to new heights. Uncover fresh teaching practices, dynamic resources, and hands-on activities that will captivate and engage your students like never before. Join us to revolutionize your approach and ignite a passion for science in your classroom!

Speakers

Katelyn Barnhart

J Taylor Education

Katelyn Barnhart has over 15 years of experience teaching middle school science and has worked with students from all backgrounds and learning styles. She has worked to create a campus literacy initiative on her campus that promotes literacy in all subjects and grade levels. She has... Read More →

Thursday December 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Salon C/D (3rd Floor)

Differentiated Curriculum

Keyword STEM, Depth & Complexity

1:30pm CST

STEM Blitz: Rapid-Fire Elevation

Thursday December 5, 2024 1:30pm - 3:00pm CST

Pearl 2 (2nd Floor)

In this session, you'll engage in a rapid exploration and discussion of STEM opportunities. We will emphasize the integration of new TEKS standards while addressing the metacognitive needs of gifted learners. Infused with the natural differentiator of depth & complexity will create learning worthy of the brightest.

Speakers

Hunter Miller

GT/STEM Teacher, Kerrville ISD

Hunter is the proud GT/STEM teacher at Tally Elementary in Kerrville ISD. My goal in the classroom is to inspire lifelong learners through hands-on and engaging experiences. I am known on my campus for my 75+ hats/dress up attire that helps show students that it’s okay to be themselves... Read More →

Blythe Brown

STEM Coordinator & Advanced Academics Specialist, JTaylor Education

Blythe Brown is currently an E-STEM Liaison and Advanced Academics Specialist in Clear Creek ISD who has spent over 20 years growing K-5 students and teachers. Prior to her current role, Blythe has taught upper elementary all contents and served as a math and science instructional... Read More →

Thursday December 5, 2024 1:30pm - 3:00pm CST
Pearl 2 (2nd Floor)

Differentiated Curriculum

Keyword STEM

3:15pm CST

Do the Math: Learning Logic, Strategy and Fun at the Bridge Table

Thursday December 5, 2024 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST

Pearl 1 (2nd Floor)

A hands-on overview of the fundamentals of bridge and how students can expand their knowledge of their math, logic and strategy skills while enjoying working with a partner in a fun environment. Free resources available to get you started!

Speakers

Betty Starzec

JumpStart Bridge

Betty has been involved in bridge education for more than 40 years. She has taught bridge in four different countries and worked for the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) where she accredited approximately 3,000 players to teach the game to others. Betty continues to be a consultant... Read More →

Sally Sassen

JumpStart Bridge

Sally has been teaching people to play bridge for over 25 years. She started teaching in her neighborhood when the local bridge club needed new players. She continued teaching through the Bridge Center of Austin where she is an owner and director. Sally was selected Teacher of the... Read More →

GiftED Presentation Handout (1) pdf

Thursday December 5, 2024 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST
Pearl 1 (2nd Floor)

Creativity and Instructional Strategies

Keyword STEM

3:15pm CST

Student Panel: 2024 National Math Stars

Thursday December 5, 2024 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST

Conference Room 8 (3rd Floor)

Hear from a group of 2024 National Math Star students! These students are part of a cohort of 61 extraordinarily talented young mathematicians, selected from a pool of over 1,300 applicants spread across Texas. As a National Math Star, each student has access to our 10-year support and scholarship program designed to help them grow up to push the frontiers of math and science.

Speakers

Ilana Walder-Biesanz

CEO, National Math Stars

Ilana founded National Math Stars in 2023. Prior to that she worked as a management consultant for Bain & Company, advising for- and non-profits in education, climate, and manufacturing. She started her career as a product manager at Yahoo! She holds a B.S. in Engineering from Olin... Read More →

Alex Lochoff

Head of Partnerships, National Math Stars

A self-professed math nerd, Alex began his career as a 5th-grade STEM teacher in California before joining Edpuzzle, where he led curriculum development for schools nationwide. More recently, Alex ran an education nonprofit focused on expanding college access for first-generation... Read More →

Thursday December 5, 2024 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST
Conference Room 8 (3rd Floor)

Nature and Needs of the Gifted

Keyword STEM

4:30pm CST

Speed Geeking

Thursday December 5, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST

Salon Ballroom G-M (3rd Floor)

End your day with this energizing session where you will walk away with loads of instructional strategies and tech tools! Andi and Brian will facilitate presenters rotating every 3-4 minutes and share with you the best and latests tips and resources you can take back with you and start using right away!

Speakers

Andi McNair

GT Specialists, ESC Region 12

Andi was a classroom teacher for 16 years before pursuing her passion to change education by sharing practical ways to engage and empower today’s learners. She is now a published author, international speaker, gifted education specialist and digital innovation specialist at ESC... Read More →

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 →

Thursday December 5, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Salon Ballroom G-M (3rd Floor)

Creativity and Instructional Strategies

Keyword STEM

8:00am CST

Elevating Math Learning: Low-Floor, High-Ceiling Activities to Build Fluency and Flexibility

Friday December 6, 2024 8:00am - 10:00am CST

Pearl 3 (2nd Floor)

M.C. Escher once asked, “Are you really sure that a floor can’t also be a ceiling?”. Join us to explore practical strategies and resources to develop fluency and flexibility in math, as well as build confidence and competence in gifted learners through the use of Low-Floor, High-Ceiling tasks.

Speakers

Katie Hitchman

GT Instructional Support Specialist, Northside ISD

Katie Hitchman has a passion for gifted education that has been developed and deepened over her 18 years in education. She now coordinates a total school clustering program for elementary schools as a district Instructional Support Teacher for the Advanced Academics Department in... Read More →

Kelly Cross

Elementary Math Instructional Support Specialist, Northside ISD

In her 18 years as an educator, Kelly Cross has been privileged to work with students and teachers in a variety of K-5 settings. She has worked as a classroom teacher, gifted and talented teacher, and now Instructional Support Teacher for Northside ISD. Her passion is in creating... Read More →

TAGT giftED24 Elevating Math Learning pdf

Friday December 6, 2024 8:00am - 10:00am CST
Pearl 3 (2nd Floor)

Creativity and Instructional Strategies

Keyword STEM