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Wednesday, December 4
 

8:00am CST

Gifted Identification and Service Design Alignment
Wednesday December 4, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST
Does your identification process match your service design? Why does this matter? Selecting identification tools that are cost and time effective while easy to use matters. However, if these tools do not match the service design, then why identify students? In this session, learn how to check your G/T alignment.
Speakers
avatar for Shirley Bachus

Shirley Bachus

Director, Advanced Programs, Leander ISD
Director of Advanced Programs for Leander ISD, a fast growing district outside of Austin, TX, Shirley believes the use of high quality curriculum as well as providing access to learning opportunities for teachers and leaders in the use of curriculum is critical to strengthening access... Read More →
Wednesday December 4, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST
Salon A/B (3rd Floor)

11:00am CST

NASA Opportunities for K-12 Students
Wednesday December 4, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
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
avatar for Steven Smith

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)

3:15pm CST

Enhancing Differentiation with Technology for Gifted Students
Wednesday December 4, 2024 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST
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
avatar for Bruce Ellis

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)

4:30pm CST

TEA and CAC Update
Wednesday December 4, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
The Texas Education Agency and Commissioner's Advisory Council on G/T Education (CAC) will provide program updates. Topics included legislative updates, equity in identification, program options, student growth, and parental involvement.
Speakers
avatar for Meredith Austin

Meredith Austin

Associate Director; TEA CAC Chair, Rice University
Dr. Meredith Austin is the Associate Director of the Master of Arts in Teaching program and a faculty member at Rice University. She is an experienced educator and district administrator with a vibrant passion and deep commitment to developing educators. As a teacher and administrator... Read More →
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 →
Wednesday December 4, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Salon A/B (3rd Floor)
 
Thursday, December 5
 

8:00am CST

Empowering Writing Skills to Impact Research [Secondary Focus]
Thursday December 5, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST
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!
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Seaton

Jennifer Seaton

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 →
Thursday December 5, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST
Salon A/B (3rd Floor)

11:00am CST

Empowered But Exasperated: Nurturing Executive Function and Mental Health in Gifted Kids
Thursday December 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
If you work in any capacity with gifted students and their families, you've heard the age-old gripe, "Are you sure they're gifted?" from teachers who cite executive function challenges as evidence for exiting gifted students. Here's the thing: Research supports the notion that gifted students are more likely to struggle with executive function due to the nature of their neurodiversity. Discover actionable insights in this essential conference session tailored for educators and administrators as we delve into the complexities of nurturing executive function and mental health in gifted children who often grapple with unique challenges despite their exceptional abilities. From identifying early signs of executive function struggles to implementing effective strategies for support, this session offers a comprehensive roadmap for fostering holistic well-being in gifted learners. Gain practical tools and techniques to empower and uplift gifted students, ensuring they thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Don't miss this opportunity to transform frustration into empowerment and cultivate a culture of resilience and understanding in your school communities.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Erika Lucas, Ed.D

Dr. Erika Lucas, Ed.D

Teacher, Unlocking EF
Dr. Erika Lucas brings over a decade of teaching experience in Pennsylvania's public school system, with a significant portion of her career dedicated to nurturing the minds of gifted middle school students and collaborating closely with their families. Her recent doctoral journey... Read More →
Thursday December 5, 2024 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Salon A/B (3rd Floor)

1:30pm CST

Unlocking Potential: Transforming Gifted Education with Independent Study Mentorship (ISM) [Secondary Focus]
Thursday December 5, 2024 1:30pm - 3:00pm CST
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
avatar for Tiffany Sweitzer-Guzman

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 →
avatar for Maria Cisneros

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 →
avatar for Roxanne Brown

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)

3:15pm CST

Increasing Rigor and Engagement in the Classroom: Tips and Tricks to Try Tomorrow!
Thursday December 5, 2024 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST
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.
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, 2024 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST
Salon A/B (3rd Floor)

4:30pm CST

Gifted/Talented Updated Rules and State Plan 
Thursday December 5, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
The session will address the SBOE approved changes to TAC 89: Gifted Education and to the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students in program services. Topics include equity in identification, program options, student growth, and parental involvement.

Submit your TSP Questions, Feedback, and Guidance
Access your District Summary of Finances (Look for PIC 21)
Speakers
avatar for Meredith Austin

Meredith Austin

Associate Director; TEA CAC Chair, Rice University
Dr. Meredith Austin is the Associate Director of the Master of Arts in Teaching program and a faculty member at Rice University. She is an experienced educator and district administrator with a vibrant passion and deep commitment to developing educators. As a teacher and administrator... Read More →
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, 2024 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Salon A/B (3rd Floor)
 
Friday, December 6
 

8:00am CST

Setting Up Innovation Labs to Actively Engage Students
Friday December 6, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST
In this session, participants will hear from gifted specialists and how they implemented an enrichment/innovation lab for their campuses. The campuses range in economic status so the participants see how this can be done with various levels of support.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Weiss

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 →
avatar for Jennifer Cooper

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 →
avatar for Kathryn Gardiol

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 →
Friday December 6, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CST
Salon A/B (3rd Floor)

9:30am CST

Demystifying Giftedness: Unveiling the Soul of the Gifted Learner for the Sake of Student Mental Health
Friday December 6, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Demystification was a practice originally reserved for students supported in special education used to empower students to be self-advocates. Join Dr. Erika Lucas for an enlightening session on how we can use this same practice with gifted students as we delve into the essence of giftedness, unraveling the intricacies that define the soul of the gifted learner. In this empowering conference session, we will explore how understanding the unique characteristics of giftedness can profoundly impact student mental health and well-being. From uncovering the challenges they face to identifying strategies for support and empowerment, this session is designed to equip participants with strategies and resources needed to nurture the holistic development of gifted learners through demystification. Don't miss this opportunity to foster a culture of understanding and support in your educational communities.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Erika Lucas, Ed.D

Dr. Erika Lucas, Ed.D

Teacher, Unlocking EF
Dr. Erika Lucas brings over a decade of teaching experience in Pennsylvania's public school system, with a significant portion of her career dedicated to nurturing the minds of gifted middle school students and collaborating closely with their families. Her recent doctoral journey... Read More →
Friday December 6, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am CST
Salon A/B (3rd Floor)
 
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