In this session, we explore how AI can be effectively used as a learning tool while emphasizing the importance of digital citizenship. Students will discover how AI-powered educational technologies can personalize learning experiences, enhance engagement, and support diverse learning needs.
Heather Brantley is an experienced educator and founder of HeatherTechEdu. With a background in instructional design and technology integration, Heather is passionate about helping teachers and students leverage the power of technology to enhance teaching and learning. Through HeatherTechEdu... Read More →
The truth is that the vast majority of classroom games offer little more than fast-paced trivia style questions. Far too often, deep thinking is sacrificed for flashing lights and speedy responses. But what if we could work our way up the Bloom's Taxonomy pyramid while still providing a safe, supportive environment for all learners? Say goodbye to the days of mindless button mashing and hello to a new era of inclusive and thought-provoking activities!
Michael Matera (@MrMatera) is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based sixth grade teacher and founder of EMC2Learning.com as well as the author of Explore Like a Pirate: Gamification and Game-Inspired Course Design to Engage, Enrich and Elevate Your Learners (2016), and Fully Engaged: Playful... Read More →
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!
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 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 →
The buzz word strategy for meeting the needs of 2e students is to focus on their strengths. Much confusion exists about what strength-based means conceptually and how such approaches are valid for students who also demonstrate areas of challenge. Clarity in understanding the purposes of strength-based approaches will guide educators in thoughtful implementation of strength-based, talent-focused instruction with complex learners and support the development of strength-based goals.
Susan Baum, Ph.D, is Chancellor of the Bridges Graduate School for Cognitive Diversity in Education and C0-director of the 2e Center for Research and Professional Development at Bridges Academy, a school for twice exceptional students. The author of many publications concerning the... Read More →
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.
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 →
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 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 →
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. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-hmWD5WcxkzIqGJnIS_FfRQgaDSEdFvshdhltFYOUro/edit?usp=sharing
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 →
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 →
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.
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 →
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 __?".
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, 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 →
Behind the bells and whistles, most "gamified" classroom solutions are little more than low level guessing games. Students deserve better! Let's blow way past Jeopardy and learn how to start using gamified instructional techniques to challenge students to fuse content knowledge with creativity while unlocking their highest levels of learning.
Michael Matera (@MrMatera) is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based sixth grade teacher and founder of EMC2Learning.com as well as the author of Explore Like a Pirate: Gamification and Game-Inspired Course Design to Engage, Enrich and Elevate Your Learners (2016), and Fully Engaged: Playful... Read More →
Immerse yourself into the magic of AR and VR in the classroom on a limited budget. We will explore how you can take your lessons to the next level with easy to use tools. This session will include hands on learning that will open a learning portal within the classroom.
Heather Brantley is an experienced educator and founder of HeatherTechEdu. With a background in instructional design and technology integration, Heather is passionate about helping teachers and students leverage the power of technology to enhance teaching and learning. Through HeatherTechEdu... Read More →
Artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting our education system. We must develop students’ scholar identities alongside their artificial intelligence literacy. This session will introduce the Artificial Intelligence Classroom Competencies in conjunction with the Scholar Identity Model™ as a means to prepare gifted and advanced learners in the age of machine learning.
Professor and Executive Director, Purdue University Global and California Association for the Gifted
Dr. Julia Nyberg is a Professor at Purdue University Global in Graduate Education. Dr. Nyberg was a K-6 classroom teacher and professional development expert before entering higher education. Dr. Nyberg’s research focuses on curriculum design that is culturally sustainable for diverse... Read More →
Dr. Whiting is a Professor at Vanderbilt University in African American and Diaspora Studies. Dr. Whiting's areas of research include educational disparity; special and gifted education; sociology of race, sports, and American culture; research methods, and fatherhood initiatives... Read More →
You can make your curriculum shimmer, even with limited time, tools or space. This session offers fun, time-efficient learning opportunities that can be tailored to the interests of your students. We promise you’ll leave with ready-to-implement curriculum ideas that promise practical, impactful solutions to build engagement in the gifted classroom. This session is geared toward upper elementary but can be adjusted to fit the needs 3-8.
Lindsey Hart is a GT Specialist in Northwest ISD with over 16 years of experience in providing gifted services in both classroom and pull-out settings. She advocates tirelessly for twice-exceptional students, and works closely with teachers and other specialists to develop curriculum... Read More →
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 →
Developing quantitative reasoning in all content areas leads GT readers to deeper, richer thinking. A fast-paced session that defines and has educators practice quantitative strategies. Educators can quickly implement these unique strategies that will inspire GT readers to engage in very different critical thinking while interacting with text.
Gifted and Talented Resource Teacher, Jeffco Public Schools
Marla Caviness-French has been a public education teacher for 34 years - 14 as a secondary social studies and language arts teacher, 9 as a teacher librarian, and 11 as a Gifted and Talented Resource teacher. Marla is the CogAT Coordinator for the Jeffco Public Schools (96 schools... Read More →
In Problem-Based Learning students are transported into a real world story. PBL this catalyst as platform for students to become knowledgeable, independent thinkers, and self-directed collaborators. Through demonstration, discussion, and classroom stories you will see how PBL uses the allure of a story to immerse students in advanced learning.
Dr. Shelagh Gallagher is Director of the Office of Gifted and Talented at the University of North Texas. She is an nine-time winner of the NAGC award for exemplary curriculum Her efforts also involve policy and advocacy, including co-authoring the report America Agrees. Other publications... Read More →
Strategies for helping gifted students integrate cognitive and affective processes while learning academic content will be the focus of this session. Participants will evaluate and improve a set of strategies designed to stimulate confluent thinking and leave the session armed with concrete strategies for differentiating thinking processes for diverse learners.
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 →
Shaunise Pelts Robinson earned her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration. She holds the doctoral degree in Curriculum and Instruction department at Texas A&M University-Commerce. She has experience as an elementary special... Read More →
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.
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 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 →
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 →
Are you frustrated and overwhelmed with your gifted math students solely focusing on quickly spitting out “the right answer”? Come learn strategies that can be easily implemented to challenge and support your gifted students to focus on learning rather than giving answers.
Charm Mapp, a 21-year veteran middle school math teacher in Jones County, Georgia, is passionately dedicated to the growth of the gifted program in her school and county. She is currently enrolled in the Curriculum and Instruction doctoral program at Georgia College & State University... Read More →
Do your students have access to Canva? Join us to learn how to use Canva to create voice and choice opportunities for our G/T students. Canva is a graphic design platform that empowers students to craft engaging professional materials for learning and communication purposes effortlessly.
Susan Alcala is an educator with over two decades of teaching experience in English and Social Studies classrooms. Currently serving as the Secondary Advanced Academics Facilitator for HEB ISD, Susan brings a wealth of expertise in fostering academic excellence across diverse student... Read More →
Donna Hodge serves as the Advanced Academics/GT Coordinator for Keller I.S.D. Her passion lies in advocating for gifted learners, as well as the parents and teachers who support them, in our ever-evolving world. This passion fuels her pursuit of even better solutions that create new... Read More →
Many adults struggle with building a resume, what if we taught the next generation how to build a digital resume in elementary? E-Portfolios become digital transcripts showcasing their presentations, artifacts, any reflections/blogs, or have a place for discussions. E-Portfolios share their learning with teachers, their peers, and the world.
I am a fourth-grade teacher in my district. I have taught for 10 years and have a master’s degree in Applied Digital Learning and another in Teacher Leadership with a focus in Gifted and Talented. I have always taught a wide-range of students from SPED to the gifted and have a passion... Read More →
I have fifteen years of educational experience and a master’s degree in educational administration. I am a literacy instructional coach on my campus and have done that for eight years. I was a first, second, and third grade teacher and taught SPED students as well as gifted students... Read More →
Before young researchers can complete an organized presentation showing depth of understanding, they must ask/refine open-ended questions, glean the most relevant information, and be able to present their findings in a coherent way. Let's dive into strategic writing skills and techniques that will make a noticeable impact on their product!
Director Of Learning & Development, Empowering Writers
After 17 years in public education, Jennifer made the decision to join the Empowering Writers team as a trainer so she could passionately share impactful skills that transformed her own instruction and help create effective writers with others. After 8 years with the company, she... Read More →
This session will explore the related strategies of Classroom Escape Rooms and Classroom Forensic Scenes. These fun and engaging exercises also develop important critical and creative thinking skills, and can be used to reinforce standard-based content. Also, (FREE!) books will be provided with ready-to-use exercises for the classroom.
The PBL Project provides teachers with a variety of DOK 3-4 strateges (PBL scenarios, Critical/Creative Thinking exercises, Escape Rooms/Forensic Scenes, STEM Challenges, Analogies, and more).Contact: Ben BacheWebsite: https://www.pblproject.comEmail: ben@pblproject.com
Many of us adopted “growth mindset” (Dweck, 2006); but motivation science has grown significantly over recent decades! Combining lessons from peer-reviewed texts (Dweck, Dixon, & Gross, 2023; Bong, Reeve, & Kim, 2023) with practical techniques, this session will bottom-line the what, why, and how behind building resilience and self-efficacy.
Doctoral Candidate (ABD), University of North Texas
Nicole Mattingly, M.A., is a Doctoral Candidate (ABD) in Educational Psychology at the University of North Texas, and a certified SENG Community Group Facilitator. A former Instructor and biochemical researcher at University of Colorado and a parent to two 2e/PG children, Nicole’s... Read More →
In this session, participants will understand the importance of promoting critical thinking activities in their classrooms. They will be exposed to interesting children's books and activities which promote deep thinking & will be able to ponder how they could incorporate the ideas learned to enhance critical thinking in their classrooms.
Johnna Rosson-M.A. This is her 40th year in education. She will be installed as the K-12 representative for the TAGT Board of Directors at this giftED conference. Ms. Rosson has taught at the elementary and secondary levels and has administrative experience as a Curriculum Enrichment... Read More →
People can set their minds to magical and seemingly impossible ideas and through exploration. There comes a time in each of our lives where we are called to step up to the proverbial line and venture into the unknown. It's our time as educational explorers. Time for us to take chances, time for us to embrace the challenges that come with exploration, time for us to move beyond the known and shape this new world of education. Together, let us set our course for greatness.
Michael Matera (@MrMatera) is a Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based sixth grade teacher and founder of EMC2Learning.com as well as the author of Explore Like a Pirate: Gamification and Game-Inspired Course Design to Engage, Enrich and Elevate Your Learners (2016), and Fully Engaged: Playful... Read More →
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.
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 →
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 →
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 →
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?!".
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 →
Targeted vocabulary study is essential, but how do you make it interesting and efficient? How do you integrate high-level vocabulary activities into a sustained vocabulary program without taking too much class time? Walk away with a menu of flexible activities you can use with a variety of vocabulary resources.
Claire Skierski is an enthusiastic English teacher in her thirtieth year in education. Formerly a gifted specialist, she currently serves as the English department chair and teaches AP English Language and Composition, OnRamps Rhetoric (dual enrollment), and English III at Dubiski... Read More →
Dr. Sheila Griffith is the author of the Knowsys College Readiness Program and the Knowsys Vocabulary Builder Program and the co-author of the Knowsys That's Genius Math Program. Dr. Griffith is the co-owner and co-founder of Knowsys Educational Services and a recognized expert in... Read More →
Whether you’re utilizing ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or any AI tool, how you craft your prompt determines your results. The same is true with questions of Google, Alexa, Siri, and even humans! Through a series of ready-to-use thought experiments you’ll learn to think like a philosopher, question like a scientist, and create like an artist – all by wielding the power of the perfect prompt!
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 →
Feeling overwhelmed as you keep adding more to your load to differentiate for your special learners? What about limiting choices as a source of creativity within our current curriculum? This session will share lots of tried and tested ideas that will have your students 100% engaged!
Kate is an award-winning elementary teacher and educational consultant based in Houston, TX who is a regular presenter at giftED. Having raised a 2E child and taught gifted students in all 3rd-5th grade subjects, (in both clustered and self-contained settings), Kate is passionate... Read More →
As we continue to explore creative ways to engage students, educators look to Invention Education as effective teaching strategies empowering students with more relevant learning. Educators who create environments that are conducive to self-determination help students feel greater levels of satisfaction, more engaged and invested in what they’re learning.
Regional Program Manager, National Inventors Hall of Fame
Former educator with a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of education. I dedicated eight impactful years to White Settlement ISD, where I taught 3rd and 4th grade, as well as led the Gifted and Talented K-4 program and served as the STEM Coordinator. My passion for advancing... Read More →
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!
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 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 →
Over the years NASA educators have created free challenges, activities, educator guides, and even graphic novels to be used in the classroom. In this “Choose Your Own Adventure” session you will be introduced to resources tailored to your classes. This is differentiated instruction NASA style. You will be doing hands on, feet on, and who-knows-what-else on activities. So come ready to move and participate. Scaling and accommodations will be made for any adaptation you need during physical challenges.
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 →
Tried and true strategies for increasing academic rigor, critical and creative thinking, and student engagement that will transform your classroom into a successful learning hub for high ability learners will be showcased, along with helpful tips, tricks, and strategies to minimize prep time and maximize impact.
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 →
Participants will explore important instructional considerations in light of the new Digital SAT and what we have learned so far. We will then engage in a concrete framework/routine to meaningfully use SAT concepts and skills to build critical thinking habits across disciplines and contexts.
Coordinator of High School Humanities, Spring Branch ISD
Alana Morris has been leading literacy in Texas and abroad for 36 years and has taught all levels from elementary through high school. She is currently the Coordinator of High School Humanities in Spring Branch ISD and teaches in the Education Dept. at the University of Houston. She... Read More →
Dr. Sheila Griffith is the author of the Knowsys College Readiness Program and the Knowsys Vocabulary Builder Program and the co-author of the Knowsys That's Genius Math Program. Dr. Griffith is the co-owner and co-founder of Knowsys Educational Services and a recognized expert in... Read More →
Director of Advanced Academic Studies, Spring Branch ISD
Dr. Tracy Scholz has been an educator for over 25 years. She has experience as a classroom teacher, department specialist, district interventionist, district coordinator, and served as the Associate Director for the Teacher Education Program at Rice University. She is a contributor... Read More →
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!
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 →
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 →
Discover how to ignite your gifted students and spark a passion for real-world change! This session equips you with real-world strategies to cultivate creativity, problem-solving, and leveraging local issues for project-based learning, empowering students to become changemakers in their communities and motivating students, including underachievers.
Robin Johnson is a Doctoral Candidate in Educational Psychology at UNT specializing in Gifted Education. Her research investigates the transformative potential of place-based education for gifted students in small, rural school districts. Leveraging her 26 years of experience as a... Read More →
Grizelle Larriviel, a Doctoral Candidate in Educational Psychology at UNT, studies gifted education while inspiring young minds in Irving ISD. Her research fuses Vygotsky and Bronfenbrenner's theories to empower CLED students in gifted programs and their teachers. Passionate about... Read More →
Learn how to write robust prompts to create engaging G/T activities and supports. This session empowers teachers and students to craft quality prompts, resulting in detailed and complex artifacts that enhance learning and creativity. Leave with quality prompts that are tweaked to fit YOUR students.
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 →
Join us to learn more about how the Silverquicken Episodes for Enrichment and Diagnosis (SEED) program can help you bring both rigorous and fun learning into your classroom. This soon-to-be-released book, co-authored with Brian Housand, provides educators with 20-30-minute “SEEDs”—story-based puzzles, games, and activities that build problem solving, creativity, teamwork, and metacognitive skills that we know our gifted students need to thrive. Be among the first educators to experience the book, and learn how you can plant these SEEDs in your own classroom!
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 →
Teacher, author, and curriculum developer, Chris Ryan is CEO and co-founder of Silverquicken. He spent 15+ years growing an education startup to the world’s largest provider of GMAT test-preparation services, after close to a decade of consulting and teaching high school chemistry/physics... Read More →
Educator, curriculum designer, parent, and community builder, Leslie Kerner is the COO and co-founder of Silverquicken. She’s spent 20 years developing K-12 education products and services. At Amplify, she worked closely with teachers and administrators around the country to bring... Read More →
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.
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 →
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 →
Discover how to increase the rigor of instruction and provide gifted MLs with the opportunity to exhibit in-depth, complex thinking while also increasing achievement and proficiency in English. Activities that couple Depth and Complexity with sheltered instruction to meet both language and learning needs of gifted MLs will be shared.
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 →
Build enthusiasm for any subject by creating blended-learning opportunities for every student that showcases their talents and knowledge. Design events with your students that develop their voice and foster choice to comprehend complex content in immersive and interactive experiences that help all students build confidence in sharing what they know.
Jan Martinez teaches 6th-8th grade Humanities at Odyssey Academy in SE Texas. She earned a BS in Sociology from Texas A&M and a ME in Curriculum and Instruction from UT at Arlington. In her 25 years of teaching middle school students in large public and small charter schools, she... Read More →
Family board games are a wonderful way to grow skills. Let's take game night one step further, and look at some "out-of-the-box" ideas to add into family night rotation. Explore new and different ideas to encourage families to grow critical and creative thinking skills outside of the classroom.
Kathryn Galinat brings diverse experience in family engagement, adult education, language acquisition, and Gifted and Talented services. Her specialty lies in forging innovative opportunities to strengthen the bond between home and school, utilizing creative thinking and community... Read More →
Scavenger hunts can be an innovative tool to foster critical thinking, teamwork, and a lifelong love of learning. They can be tailored to reinforce specific subjects or topics. Explore a variety of hunts and discover practical tips for designing your own captivating hunts that motivate and engage your students.
I currently serve as a Gifted Facilitator in Lockhart ISD. I have been teaching for 20 years in north and central Texas in grades 3rd-8th, math facilitating, GT teacher for grades K-5th. I enjoy sparking the imaginations of gifted students and their special needs. I have presented... Read More →
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 →
