TAGT giftED24: Full Schedule

8:00am CST

What the Research Says About Math Talent Development

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

In this session, we review seven recent (2023-2024) research studies on math talent development for students in K-12 schools. Our panel of speakers will present the findings of each article and practical applications of these findings for classroom teachers who work with advanced learners.

Speakers

Melanie S. Meyer

Lecturer, Baylor University

Melanie S. Meyer, Ph.D., is a lecturer at Baylor University where she teaches research methods and advises students conducting problem-of-practice dissertations in the Learning and Organizational Change Ed.D. program. For over 20 years, Dr. Meyer taught secondary English in gifted... Read More →

Wednesday December 4, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST
Conference Room 1/2 (3rd Floor)

Program Options and Design

9:30am CST

giftED Kickoff More Than a Match: Creating Lasting Educational Connections

Wednesday December 4, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST

Salon Ballroom G-M (3rd Floor)

Think of us as your ultimate educational matchmakers! This kickoff session is your chance to “swipe right” on innovative ideas, connect with like-minded educators, and discover your perfect thought partner. We’re here to help you find your ideal professional match at giftED, and build meaningful connections that will go beyond the conference experience. Let's build lasting bonds and collaboration opportunities that will transform gifted education forever!

Speakers

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 →

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 →

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 →

Wednesday December 4, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Salon Ballroom G-M (3rd Floor)

Program Options and Design

11:00am CST

Changing the Perception: Rethinking Your G/T Curriculum and Service Model

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

Southtown 3 (2nd Floor)

Take a look at how our district restructured the G/T service model and curriculum to align with academic standards. Also, explore how the G/T Expo can demonstrate creativity and the application of learning. Participants will learn why we made the change, what we changed, and the implementation process.

Speakers

Judi Elliott

Identification & Differentiation Specialist, Humble ISD

Judi Elliott’s pursuit of lifelong learning includes Master’s of Information Technology and over 27 years of education. During that time, she served as a middle school math teacher, Instructional Technologist, Lead Science Teacher, and Gifted and Talented Facilitator. Judi currently... Read More →

Jennifer Williams

Advanced Learning Coordinator, Humble ISD

Jennifer Williams is the Advanced Learning Coordinator for Elementary Schools in Humble ISD. This is her 24th year in education, and she has a diverse background throughout her career. Jennifer has worked with PK-12 grade students as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal... Read More →

Wednesday December 4, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Southtown 3 (2nd Floor)

Program Options and Design

Keyword Coordinators/Specialists

11:00am CST

Gifted Onboarding: An Intentional Approach to Helping Gifted Learners and Their Families Understand the Gifted Journey

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

Salon E (3rd Floor)

Imagine starting a new job and feeling a bit lost in the shuffle. What if you didn’t even know why you were there? In this session, learn how Gifted Onboarding can help gifted learners and their families understand what giftedness is, what it isn’t, and what they can expect from gifted services.

Speakers

Andi McNair

GT Specialists, ESC Region 12

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

Program Options and Design

Keyword Social Emotional Needs

1:30pm CST

MasterMind Session: When An At-Risk Summer Becomes A Worthwhile Life

Wednesday December 4, 2024 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST

Salon Ballroom G-M (3rd Floor)

Join e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, an award-winning young adult author, as they share their experience of trekking across America to mentor at-promise youth, and came back with a testament to the power of showing up, standing up, and being heard. Be inspired and stand in solidarity to continue your impactful work with students after hearing e.E. Charlton-Trujillo’s stories of the challenges, hopes, and new beginnings found in the most unlikely places.

Speakers

e.E. Charlton-Trujillo

Author, Filmmaker

Mexican American author, filmmaker and youth literacy activist e.E. Charlton-Trujillo is the recipient of the prestigious Michael L. Printz Award 2024 for The Collectors. Trujillo has written several award-winning books for teens and children, most notably the Fat Angie series, an... Read More →

Wednesday December 4, 2024 1:30pm - 2:45pm CST
Salon Ballroom G-M (3rd Floor)

Program Options and Design

3:15pm CST

PLCs for Campus G/T Specialists

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

Conference Room 20/21 (3rd Floor)

Professional Learning Communities allow educators to share best practices, brainstorm innovative ideas, and collaborate on ways to improve/drive student achievement. Together we will explore key components to a successful, motivating, and informative PLC among Gifted and Talented specialists.

Speakers

Melissa Vasquez

Gifted and Advanced Academic Services Coordinator, Round Rock ISD

Melissa Vasquez is one of the Gifted and Advanced Academic Services Coordinator with Round Rock ISD, focusing on elementary programming. She has been a member of the Round Rock ISD family for 12 years. Her career in education started with substitute teaching, after which she became... Read More →

PLCs for Campus GT Specialis pdf

GiftED Tap & Talk pdf

PLC Book Study Resources pdf

2024 2025 ETAGS Scope & Sequence pdf

Sample Calendar pdf

Take Away Ideas pdf

ETAGS Mentor & Mentee pdf

Big Idea & Detail Frame pdf

Wednesday December 4, 2024 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST
Conference Room 20/21 (3rd Floor)

Program Options and Design

Keyword Coordinators/Specialists

4:30pm CST

Bringing G/T to the Community

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

Conference Room 3/4 (3rd Floor)

This session focuses on bringing G/T to the community. Participants will learn how Central Heights ISD has incorporated their G/T showcase with the community health fair. Attendees will be able to ask questions and share ideas with peers on the best methods of bringing their G/T projects to the community.

Speakers

Michaelle Coker

Teacher, Central Heights ISD

Dr. Michaelle Coker has taught in the secondary setting for the past 14 years including both science and GT research. She has her doctorate in agriculture education with an emphasis on extension and youth development. Her classroom environment is learner-centered, which is accomplished... Read More →

Donna Johnson

Curriculum/GT Coordinator, Central Heights ISD

Donna Johnson a 24 year veteran educator has served students from Kindergarten through twelfth grades. During her teaching career, Mrs. Johnson focused on the English Language Arts classroom and prodded herself on her interdisciplinary studies and collaboration with all subjects... Read More →

Bringing GT to the Community pptx

Think Sheet pdf

Wednesday December 4, 2024 4:30pm - 5:00pm CST
Conference Room 3/4 (3rd Floor)

Program Options and Design

4:30pm CST

Genius Hour Meetup

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

Salon Ballroom G-M (3rd Floor)

Join us for a casual conversation about Genius Hour. Those that attend will be given the opportunity to ask questions, learn from others and gain new ideas for utilizing passion projects and family passion projects to serve gifted learners and support gifted families in a meaningful way.

Speakers

Andi McNair

GT Specialists, ESC Region 12

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

Program Options and Design

8:00am CST

Research in Practice: How Educators are Doing More with Less Using the Total School Cluster Grouping Model

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST

Conference Room 8 (3rd Floor)

Each year, educators are asked to do more with less and schools across the state are making it work. In this panel, we discuss how educators in Northside ISD use the Total School Cluster Grouping Model to put research into practice for students with advanced learning needs.

Speakers

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 →

Katherine Pentz

Gifted and Talented Specialist, Northside ISD

Laura Benavidez

Gifted and Talented Specialist, Northside ISD

Laura has taught for over 9 years in Northside ISD, beginning in kindergarten where her passion for teaching blossomed. Carrying her love into 3rd grade, she taught a diverse range of students, including gifted learners, fostering environments for creative problem-solving and critical... Read More →

Rachel Friedrich

Northside ISD

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 →

Melanie S. Meyer

Lecturer, Baylor University

Thursday December 5, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST
Conference Room 8 (3rd Floor)

Program Options and Design

1:30pm CST

Prepping for Fallout: Building your Doomsday Bunker for a Post-Apocalyptic Gifted World

Thursday December 5, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST

Conference Room 3/4 (3rd Floor)

If gifted education wasn’t a priority to you, you wouldn’t be at this conference. But, in K-12 education, gifted education continues to be deprioritized, defunded, and in some cases, decimated entirely. This session explores practical, but powerful strategies that champions of gifted education can use to create sustainable programming to serve gifted students, even if the state and/or your district shuts down your gifted program entirely. And this isn’t just about preparing your doomsday bunker for a future fallout; it’s about envisioning a model for gifted services that creates equitable access and outcomes today.

Speakers

Colin Seale

CEO & Founder, ThinkLaw

Colin Seale was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, where struggles in his upbringing gave birth to his passion for educational equity. Tracked early into gifted and talented programs, Colin was afforded opportunities his neighborhood peers were not. Using lessons from his experience... Read More →

Thursday December 5, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
Conference Room 3/4 (3rd Floor)

Program Options and Design

1:30pm CST

Unlocking Potential: Transforming Gifted Education with Independent Study Mentorship (ISM) [Secondary Focus]

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

Salon A/B (3rd Floor)

Does your campus or district struggle to meet the needs of your secondary gifted learners in a meaningful way? Come explore the transformative impact of Independent Study Mentorship (ISM), an innovative course offered by TEA, that empowers gifted juniors and seniors to pursue personalized learning experiences with community mentors. The second half of this session will include a student panel so you can hear directly from them about their experience and impact of their learning.

Speakers

Tiffany Sweitzer-Guzman

G/T Specialist, Northside iSD

Tiffany Sweitzer-Guzman has been part of the Northside Independent School District for the last 16 years and currently serves as the Gifted and Talented Program Specialist at O’Connor High School. She dedicates her expertise to challenging and inspiring gifted students. Her passion... Read More →

Maria Cisneros

GT Specialist, Northside ISD

Maria Cisneros holds a Master's degree in Secondary Education with an emphasis on special populations and has dedicated 15 years to teaching at Northside Independent School District. With a decade of experience in the Gifted and Talented program, she is committed to fostering the... Read More →

Roxanne Brown

District GT Program Coordinator, Northside ISD

Roxanne Brown has been an educator for 33 years and has taught across Texas. She sparked a passion for serving GT students in Clear Creek ISD which continues today. Roxanne left the classroom in 2016 with the goal of having a larger impact on students while improving identification... Read More →

Thursday December 5, 2024 1:30pm - 3:00pm CST
Salon A/B (3rd Floor)

Program Options and Design

Keyword Secondary

4:30pm CST

Success in Cluster Grouping: Making it Work Using Local Norms

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

Salon E (3rd Floor)

Cluster grouping has become the de-facto method for serving gifted learners. The model, used with two additional current trends, universal testing and using building norms, completes the process of increasing inclusion in gifted services. Learn methods for developing and supporting an inclusive cluster-grouping model in any school or district.

Speakers

Kim Lansdowne

Executive Director, Herberger Young Scholars Academy

Kimberly is the founding Executive Director of the Herberger Young Scholars Academy, a distinguished secondary school catering to highly gifted students at Arizona State University.In 2023, Kimberly was honored with the Arizona Association for Gifted and Talented Lifetime Achievement... Read More →

Dr. Dina Brulles

Academic Associate, MLF Teacher's College, Arizona State University

Dina Brulles, Ph.D., is the Gifted Masters Program Coordinator at Arizona State University and the former Director of Gifted Education at Paradise Valley USD in Arizona. Dina has served as NAGC’s Governance Secretary and the board’s School District Representative. She received... Read More →

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

Program Options and Design

8:00am CST

Revamp and Reignite: Transforming Your Middle School G/T Program

Friday December 6, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST

Conference Room 1/2 (3rd Floor)

Does your middle school G/T program need a facelift? Discover how our district reinvented our program in response to declining enrollment. G/T Innovative Thinkers is a year-long course that provides a scaffolded approach to STEAM, entrepreneurship, leadership, and authentic research using project-based learning, depth & complexity, and social-emotional learning strategies.

Speakers

Lizette Ramirez

GT Specialist, Northside ISD

Lizette Ramirez is an esteemed Gifted and Talented (GT) specialist with over a decade of experience in the field of education at Sul Ross Middle School in Northside ISD. She has dedicated her career to advocating for and supporting gifted learners. Lizette is known for her innovative... Read More →

Ginger Brown

GT Instructional Support Teacher, Northside ISD

Ginger Brown has over twenty years of teaching experience, both across Texas and abroad. She has developed a deep understanding of the needs of gifted learners and the strategies that work best to support their academic, social and emotional growth. In her current role as an GT Instructional... Read More →

Revamp and Reignite Transforming Your Middle School GT Program pdf

Friday December 6, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST
Conference Room 1/2 (3rd Floor)

Program Options and Design

Keyword Secondary

9:30am CST

Trials, Tribulations, & Triumphs: The Trail to Talent Development (Taylor's Version)

Friday December 6, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST

Salon E (3rd Floor)

Are you ready to create a "Love Story" of student success? This session is your "Blank Space" to discover how to nurture gifted learners through the lens of Taylor Swift's inspiring journey. We'll explore how to build resilience, ignite creativity, and guide students on their own paths to greatness. Leave with actionable steps to transform your classroom into a "Fearless" talent development powerhouse.

Speakers

Brian Housand

Coordinator, University of North Carolina Wilmington

Friday December 6, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Salon E (3rd Floor)

Program Options and Design

9:30am CST

Using College Board Programs to Support CCMR

Friday December 6, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST

Conference Room 1/2 (3rd Floor)

Join the College Board as we share tools and resources available to support student opportunity and College, Career, and Military Readiness. We will examine the latest data trends and updates, including the expansion of digital AP Exams. Additionally, we will share the free tools and resources available to students as they navigate their college and career readiness paths.

Speakers

Lana Sveda

Senior Director, State and District Partnerships, College Board

Lana Sveda joined the College Board 2009. She supports districts in Texas and the Texas Education Agency. Ms. Sveda began her career as a middle school teacher. She has a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development from UT Austin and a Master of Public Administration from... Read More →

College Board GiftED 2024 pdf

Counselor Guide BigFuture, BigFuture School (1) pdf

bigfuture scholarships student flyer pdf

BigFuture Scholarships PowerPoint pdf

Friday December 6, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Conference Room 1/2 (3rd Floor)

Program Options and Design

Keyword Secondary, Coordinators/Specialists

10:45am CST

MasterMind Session: Real Self-Care: It’s Not About Bubble Baths or Juice Cleanses

Friday December 6, 2024 10:45am - 12:00pm CST

Salon Ballroom G-M (3rd Floor)

Self-care is often promoted as beauty products and massages, but real self-care is a deeper, more sustainable process that involves making the tough decisions that align with our values. For educators, practicing real self-care is critical—not only for your personal well-being, but also to maintain the capacity to show up for your students and families, and prevent burnout within your teams. In this session, psychiatrist and best selling author Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, MD will share her framework for real self-care that you can actually stick with (not like that skin care routine you abandoned last year). You’ll come away with an understanding of why boundaries, compassion and values setting are not “soft skills” but instead mission critical components of living and working in a sustainable way, and feel empowered to foster a proactive culture of burnout prevention in your teams and schools.

Speakers

Pooja Lakshmin, MD

Author, Professor

Dr. Pooja Lakshmin MD is a psychiatrist, a best-selling author and a contributor to The New York Times. She serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at George Washington University School of Medicine. Pooja has spent thousands of hours taking care of individuals struggling... Read More →

Friday December 6, 2024 10:45am - 12:00pm CST
Salon Ballroom G-M (3rd Floor)

Program Options and Design