ENGAGE 2026 Professional Learning Conference: Full Schedule

Lunch Options or Bring Lunch for Game Show theme Party happening in the Student Union!

arrow_back View All Dates

8:30am CDT

Got Your Six: House Bill 6 and Student Discipline

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

House Bill 6 made changes to many aspects of student discipline: cell phones, vaping, suspensions, and teacher removal of students from class. This session focuses on teacher removal of students. We'll explore the new law with saucy hypotheticals and real-world scenarios.

Presenters

Christie Hobbs

General Counsel, Northwest ISD

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 1109 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Learning Environment, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Leadership

8:30am CDT

Introduction to ADI for Science Teachers

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Rm. 803 - Northwest High School

Argument Driven Inquiry is a seven stage lab experience that plays an important role in helping students use disciplinary ideas along with their own idea to figure something out about the world around them. Experience how to guide students through the process as they use different disciplinary practices and lieracy skills to collaborate and move their thinking forward.

Presenters

Helen Wright

Instructional Coach, Northwest ISD

Courtney Toht

Secondary Science Instructional Coach

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 803 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, Science

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Content Literacy

8:30am CDT

ParentSquare Basics - NISD’s Communication Tool

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Rm. 1101 - Northwest High School

Let’s secure the basics. This session will be hands-on and interactive as we learn how to navigate the ParentSquare platform. Users will customize account settings for notifications, language preferences, and office hours. We will learn how to create and manage groups to better reach students and families. Using groups, we’ll practice creating posts for everyday communication and explore direct messages for quick conversations and real time chats. Already have the basics? Join us for our other session: ParentSquare - Beyond the Basics.

Presenters

Kelli Sanders

Instructional Technologist, Northwest ISD

Rayna Strader

Instructional Technologist, Northwest ISD

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 1101 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, All Contents | Instruction, All Contents | Learning Environment, All Contents

Audience All Levels

8:30am CDT

Spreadsheet Magic

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Rm. 1103 - Northwest High School

Google Sheets can be used to create all kinds of self-checking assignments so that students can have fun while leading themselves through the activities. The problem is that sometimes, the checking mechanisms can be time -consuming to program and set up. This session will provide many Google Sheets templates that are ready to go so that all you have to do is add your own content.

Presenters

Kristy Butler

Instructional Technologist, Northwest ISD

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 1103 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, All Contents | Instruction, All Contents | Learning Environment, All Contents

Audience All Levels

8:30am CDT

Be a Team Player!

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Rm. 1203 - Northwest High School

For General Education Teachers: Confused and frustrated by all the SPED paperwork you have to fill out? Come and get valuable information about why it's important for students, how to fill it out correctly, and some advice from a general education teacher turned SPED teacher/ case manager.

Presenters

Rita Cox

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 1203 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Professional Practices & Responsibilities, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Leadership

8:30am CDT

CPI - Crisis Prevention Institute (Test Out Portion)

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Rm. 1216 - Northwest High School

Participants will learn how to safely de-escalate behavior and how to physically deal with students exhibiting physical aggression. Participants will need to take the online portion on Canvas passing with an 80% or higher, prior to attending session

Presenters

Jenny Reyna

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 1216 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Professional Practices & Responsibilities, Special Education

Audience All Levels

8:30am CDT

ESL Trivia Bowl: Game Plan for Passing the TExES ESL Supplemental Exam

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Rm. 1108 - Northwest High School

Get ready to huddle up and hit the field for a high-energy, trivia review designed to help you score big on the TExES ESL Supplemental exam! In this interactive session, participants will engage in a fast-paced “Trivia Bowl” that covers key concepts from Domains I, II, and III — all while learning how to avoid common test-day pitfalls. Whether you're in the red zone or just starting your drive down the field, this session will help you refine your playbook and walk into test day prepared, confident, and ready to win.

Presenters

Jennifer Wilson

Elementary ESL Teacher Support Specialist, Northwest ISD

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 1108 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Professional Practices & Responsibilities, All Contents

Audience All Levels

8:30am CDT

For the Love of Learning (GT Update)

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Lecture Hall Rm. 2604 - Northwest High School

What drives students to learn - not just perform, but truly engage with curiosity and joy? In this energizing keynote, Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, unpacks the science of motivation and how traditional approaches in schools can unintentionally extinguish it, especially for neurodivergent learners. With insight, humor, and heart, she introduces a new lens for understanding underachievement and disengagement through the core principles of self-determination: agency, competence, and connection. Attendees will explore how to create environments where students feel empowered, capable, and genuinely connected to their learning, because when we stop trying to force compliance, we make room for passion to thrive.

Presenters

Emily Kircher Morris

Licensed Professional Counselor, Neurodiversity Podcast

Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, is the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, which explores the psychological, educational, and social needs for enriching the lives of neurodivergent people. She is the author of several books for parents and educators related to supporting neurodivergent... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Lecture Hall Rm. 2604 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Professional Practices & Responsibilities, All Contents | Learning Environment, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

8:30am CDT

District Mentors & Buddies Training

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 11:45am CDT

Rm. 1126 - Northwest High School

This course is designed to outline the professional practices and responsibilities of being a mentor or buddy to a new-to-NISD staff member.

Presenters

Patrice Brake

Elementary Teacher Support Specialist, Northwest ISD Curriculum & Instruction

Teacher Support Specialist for Northwest ISD; serving new teachers to NISD.

Sara Erikson

Secondary Teacher Support Specialist, NISD Curriculum & Instruction

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1126 - Northwest High School 2301 Texan Dr, Justin, TX 76247, USA

Professional Practices & Responsibilities, Mentorship

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Leadership

8:30am CDT

Youth Mental Health First Aid

LIMITED

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 2:30pm CDT

Rm. 1001 - Northwest High School

Limited Capacity seats available

Guidance and Counseling will offer an opportunity each day of Engage for staff to take the blended Youth Mental Health First Aid training that meets the state requirement. These are full day trainings.

Presenters

Katie Beer

Edwinna Thompson

Behavioral Health Partnership Program Liaison, My Health My Resources Tarrant

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 2:30pm CDT
Rm. 1001 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Professional Practices & Responsibilities, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Differentiation

8:30am CDT

SEAC Systems & Strategies

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 4:00pm CDT

SOAR RMs. 1404, 1406, 1408 - Northwest High School

This session is for SEAC teachers. It focuses on the systematic implementation of the SEAC Guidebook, moving through the critical Phases of Support to ensure student stability and growth. Participants will explore strategies for partnering with other special education staff and fostering effective collaboration to maintain consistency across all educational settings. We will dive deep into the "Why" behind the SST (Student Support Team) process and conclude with intentional social skills planning, demonstrating how to differentiate lessons using Emergent Tree and Everyday Speech to meet the diverse social-emotional needs of every student.

Presenters

Natalie Maughan

Amber Oyemola

Adolescent Behavioral Interventionist, Northwest ISD

Behavioral Health Specialist (M.A. Psychology) with a focus on adolescent behavior and SPED support. I lead behavior and focused problem solving by helping teams understand root causes and apply practical, effective strategies.
I’m committed to culturally responsive practices an... Read More →

Alyssa Velasquez

Cedric Carter

Behavior Interventionist, Northwest ISD

Cedric Carter is a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Community Parks and Recreation and Leisure Service. Mr. Carter obtained a Masters of Special Education Degree from Anderson University December 2022. Mr. Carter will... Read More →

Kelton Mahon

Behavior Interventionist, Northwest ISD

Rodney Jackson

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 4:00pm CDT
SOAR RMs. 1404, 1406, 1408 - Northwest High School 2301 Texan Dr, Justin, TX 76247, USA

Professional Practices & Responsibilities, Special Education | Learning Environment, Special Education | Instruction, Special Education | Planning, Special Education

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Behavior

10:15am CDT

Calling an Audible: Using Improv to Adapt and Energize the Classroom

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

Rm. 1217 - Northwest High School

This session will equip you with creative, purposeful activities that transform indoor recess or tired classrooms to creative thinking powerhouses. Discover engaging games, hands-on challenges, and movement-based strategies that foster social-emotional growth, teamwork, and critical thinking — all while giving students the brain break they need. Walk away with ready-to-use ideas that will keep kids active, engaged, and eager for more!

Presenters

Caitlin Andrews

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD

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 →

Lindsey Hart

G/T Specialist, Northwest ISD

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 →

Cathy Baker

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD

Cathy Baker is a GT Specialist and advocate for gifted students in Northwest ISD.

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1217 - Northwest High School 2301 Texan Dr, Justin, TX 76247, USA

Learning Environment, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

10:15am CDT

Twice-Exceptional Learners 101 (GT Update)

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

Lecture Hall Rm. 2604 - Northwest High School

The intersection of high cognitive ability and neurodivergent traits creates a unique presentation that is far more than the sum of its parts. This session explores the profile of the twice-exceptional learner, commonly referred to as 2e, and examines how characteristics of ADHD, dyslexia, and autism blend with giftedness to produce a singular and often misunderstood academic look. Participants will move beyond simple identification to analyze evidence-based frameworks and markers associated with asynchronous development within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). By exploring this dynamic interplay of strengths and challenges, educators can master the dual-differentiation required at every tier to ensure these complex students receive both the high-level enrichment and the targeted interventions they need to succeed.

Presenters

Emily Kircher Morris

Licensed Professional Counselor, Neurodiversity Podcast

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Lecture Hall Rm. 2604 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Learning Environment, All Contents | Professional Practices & Responsibilities, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

10:15am CDT

Rookie of the Year (your first 3 years as a teacher)

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

Rm. 1214 - Northwest High School

Tips and Tricks for New Teachers (first 3 years) to immediately make an impact. I will show you how to plan a lesson that is engaging, how to make the most out of data, and ultimately how to love what you do everyday. If you are nervous about engagement, or what planning for the day/week/month/year, or having a boring class then this is the session for you! I promise you'll be entertained and learn how to be the Rookie of the Year!

Presenters

Eric Grant

AP US History Teacher at Eaton High School

I can teach you how to break down data in a quick and efficient way to help maximize your class time. I also have simple tricks to improve your students' writing. My students' feedback every year is that they actually like my notes and it's because of the simple things I do differently... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1214 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Content Literacy

10:15am CDT

TFAR: Using Cambium's Formative System

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

Rm. 1205 - Northwest High School

Do you want your students to get more comfortable with the state’s online testing platform before STAAR? In this session, you’ll learn how to use the Texas Formative Assessment Resource (TFAR) in Cambium to build and deliver STAAR-aligned assessments using released items, item banks, or your own questions. We’ll cover how to create, share, publish, administer, and score assessments—all within the same platform students use for STAAR.

Presenters

Holly Blackmore

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1205 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Assessment

10:15am CDT

Tools That Make a Difference: A Classroom System for Progress Monitoring and Personalized Learning

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

Rm. 1105 - Northwest High School

Discover the tools two science teachers use to keep students organized, monitor progress in real time, and respond with targeted support. From student binders and Edugence-informed progress monitoring sheets to Canvas Mastery Paths and digital remediation resources, this session blends inspiration with hands-on exploration — giving you practical tools and a framework you can bring back to your classroom.

Presenters

Brandie Wolf

Gracie Barnhill

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1105 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, All Contents | Instruction, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Differentiation

10:15am CDT

Teacher Access Center: Time-Saving Shortcuts & Insights

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

Rm. 1101 - Northwest High School

Discover how to make your daily Teacher Access Center (TAC) tasks faster, easier, and more efficient! Learn time-saving shortcuts and powerful features that will transform the way you manage attendance, gradebooks, and student data. You’ll get insider tips on one-click attendance marking, auto-saving grades, and generating insightful reports—all designed to give you more time for teaching and less time clicking through TAC. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to streamline your TAC workflow!

Presenters

Julie Meek

Director of Data Services, Northwest ISD

Melissa Griffith

Teacher Support Specialist, Northwest ISD

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1101 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, All Contents | Instruction, All Contents | Learning Environment, All Contents

Audience All Levels

10:15am CDT

CPI - Crisis Prevention Institute (Test Out Portion)

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

Rm. 1216 - Northwest High School

Presenters

Jenny Reyna

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1216 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Professional Practices & Responsibilities, Special Education

Audience All Levels

10:15am CDT

Magnifying Teacher Excellence through National Board Certification

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

Rm. 1104 - Northwest High School

Calling all teachers! Join us to learn how you can magnify your best teaching practices and earn professional recognition as a National Board Certified Teacher.

Presenters

Kendra Langston

Social Studies Teacher; Collegiate Academy and Early College High School Facilitator, Northwest ISD

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1104 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Professional Practices & Responsibilities, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Differentiation

1:00pm CDT

A Transdisciplinary Approach to Literacy K-12

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Rm. 1106 - Northwest High School

As a nation, we have long acknowledged the critical importance of deep, conceptual understanding of academic language as a cornerstone of student achievement. Yet, despite this recognition, our collective practices and systemic efforts have not consistently aligned with these aspirations. The persistent discrepancy between what we know and what we collectively do continues to impact students’ ability to access, comprehend, and engage with complex academic content within and across disciplines.

Presenters

Donyall Dickey

CEO and Lead Consultant, Educational Epiphany

Donyall D. Dickey, Ed.D. is a nationally recognized authority on curriculum, instruction, organizational
development, and district improvement. Unparalleled levels of student achievement and school improvement
distinguish Dr. Dickey's 20+ year career as an educational leader. Dr. D... Read More →

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Rm. 1106 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Content Literacy

1:00pm CDT

Game Plan for Rigor: Executing the TEKS Every Play for ELA/SLA/SCI

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Rm. 1201 - Northwest High School

Step into the playbook for rigorous instruction! In this session, K-8 classroom teachers will learn how to leverage the TEKS Guide to plan for instruction with a deep understanding of the TEKS. Through collaborative analysis and planning, participants will ensure every learning “play” aligns to the rigor of the TEKS in ELA, SLA, and science.
Audience: K - 8th grade classroom teachers.

Presenters

Sunni Johnson

Director of Curriculum, Northwest ISD

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Rm. 1201 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, ELA, Science

Audience All Levels

1:00pm CDT

From Sources to Students: Planning Smarter with NotebookLM and Gemini

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Rm. 804 - Northwest High School

What if your AI only knew what you taught it? In this hands-on session, we will pull back the curtain on how we use NotebookLM and Gemini Gems to plan smarter and engage students deeper. From building source libraries and designing activities to generating podcast-style Audio Overviews and custom Gems — you'll see it all, then try it yourself. No generic AI content, just your materials working harder for you. Walk away with two workflows you can use this school year.

Presenters

TJ Ellis

Jarek Brown

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Rm. 804 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Technology

1:00pm CDT

Red Zone Results: Strengthening Tier 3 with Really Great Reading

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Rm. 1105 - Northwest High School

When instruction matters most, execution counts. Together, we’ll reflect on our Tier 3 impact, share adjustments that moved the needle, and build a stronger intervention game plan for next year.

Presenters

Hailey Wray

Intervention Specialist, Northwest ISD

Mandy Chube

Intervention Specialist

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Rm. 1105 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, MTSS | Instruction, MTSS

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Differentiation

1:00pm CDT

Google Power Tools: Gemini & Notebook LM

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Rm. 1103 - Northwest High School

This session will introduce teachers to practical ways to use Google's Gemini and NotebookLM to streamline planning and boost engagement. Participants will create slides, infographics, and video summaries with NotebookLM, and explore Gemini tools such as Gems, Deep Research, and Learning Guide to support instruction and student learning. Teachers will leave with ready-to-use strategies they can apply right away.

Presenters

Samantha Norton

Kristy Butler

Instructional Technologist, Northwest ISD

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Rm. 1103 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, All Contents | Instruction, All Contents | Learning Environment, All Contents

Audience All Levels

1:00pm CDT

I didn't know Padlet and Padlet Sandbox could do that!

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Rm. 1101 - Northwest High School

Whether you teach kindergarten or high school, Padlet offers something for every classroom. Teachers stay connected to student work using features like auto-remake and breakout links, while customizable settings keep teachers in control of sharing and collaboration. Curious about Padlet Sandbox? Think interactive slides, a digital whiteboard, or even a presentation space. Both Padlet and Padlet Sandbox give teachers and students access to Padlet’s full suite of multimedia tools. Come discover new ways to use Padlet that you may not have seen before to create digital notebooks, podcast platforms, interactive formatives, published writing templates, and more.

Presenters

Rayna Strader

Instructional Technologist, Northwest ISD

Brittany Horn

Instructional Technologist, Northwest ISD

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Rm. 1101 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, All Contents | Instruction, All Contents | Learning Environment, All Contents

Audience All Levels

1:00pm CDT

From Monitoring to Management: Making Lightspeed Work for Your Classroom

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Rm. 1208 - Northwest High School

“From Monitoring to Management: Making Lightspeed Work for Your Classroom” is an engaging and practical session designed to help educators move beyond simply observing student screens to using Lightspeed as an effective classroom management tool. In a 1:1 environment, managing student behavior and maintaining focus can be challenging as students navigate multiple tabs, distractions, and digital tasks.

This session explores how Lightspeed can be used proactively to support instruction, redirect off-task behavior, and create a more focused learning environment. Participants will learn how to monitor student activity in real time, respond efficiently without interrupting instruction, and establish clear expectations for device use. Through real-life examples, demonstrations, and practical strategies, educators will gain tools to reduce technology-related disruptions and increase student engagement. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies they can implement immediately to streamline classroom management and make technology work for—not against—their instruction.

Presenters

Jennifer Haden

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Rm. 1208 - Northwest High School 2301 Texan Dr, Justin, TX 76247, USA

Planning, All Contents | Learning Environment, All Contents | Instruction, All Contents | Professional Practices & Responsibilities, All Contents

Audience All Levels

1:00pm CDT

CPI - Crisis Prevention Institute (Test Out Portion)

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Rm. 1216 - Northwest High School

Presenters

Jenny Reyna

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Rm. 1216 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Professional Practices & Responsibilities, Special Education

Audience All Levels

1:00pm CDT

From Textures to Temperature: Supporting Sensory Needs in Neurodivergent Students (GT Update)

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Lecture Hall Rm. 2604 - Northwest High School

Being neurodivergent comes with a wide range of unique sensory sensitivities. Sensory needs are intricately tied into emotional regulation and executive function skills, however, their connection is only minimally understood. Understanding these sensory needs (from all eight - yes, eight! - sensory systems) is key to providing an environment that allows neurodivergent students thrive at home and in the educational setting.

Presenters

Emily Kircher Morris

Licensed Professional Counselor, Neurodiversity Podcast

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Lecture Hall Rm. 2604 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Professional Practices & Responsibilities, All Contents | Learning Environment, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

1:00pm CDT

Campus Mentor Coordinator Training

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 4:15pm CDT

Rm. 1126 - Northwest High School

NEW Campus Mentor Coordinators ONLY: This course is designed to outline the professional practices and responsibilities of being a Campus Mentor Coordinator.

Presenters

Patrice Brake

Elementary Teacher Support Specialist, Northwest ISD Curriculum & Instruction

Teacher Support Specialist for Northwest ISD; serving new teachers to NISD.

Sara Erikson

Secondary Teacher Support Specialist, NISD Curriculum & Instruction

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1126 - Northwest High School 2301 Texan Dr, Justin, TX 76247, USA

Professional Practices & Responsibilities, Mentorship

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Leadership

2:45pm CDT

ECSE and PreK Partnerships to Support ALL learners

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

Rm. 1207 - Northwest High School

Strong collaboration between ECSE and Pre-K teachers is essential for creating inclusive, supportive early learning environments. This session will explore practical strategies for effective communication, co-planning, and shared goal setting to meet the diverse needs of young learners. Participants will leave with tools to strengthen partnerships, enhance classroom collaboration, and ensure all children receive the support they need to thrive.

Presenters

Darcy Vasquez

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, Northwest ISD

Casey DiBenedetto

Pre-K Teacher, Northwest ISD

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1207 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, PreK

Audience All Levels

2:45pm CDT

Total Communication - It's a Game Changer

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

Rm. 1108 - Northwest High School

In the high-stakes environment of the classroom, clear communication is the difference between a touchdown and a turnover. But what happens when the "vocal playbook" isn't enough for every player on your roster?Enter Total Communication: a strategic approach that utilizes ASL signs, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices, visual supports, and tactile cues to ensure no student is left on the sidelines. This session will coach you on how to integrate these "Game-Changing" tools into your daily routines.

Presenters

Susan Gideon

Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Northwest ISD

Stephanie Hansen

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1108 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Differentiation

2:45pm CDT

Championship Meal Planning: Using AI to Score with your Team

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

Rm. 1110 - Northwest High School

Are you tired of fumbling dinner? Retire the paper scraps and eliminate the bench brawls. Join us for this Pre-Season Combine as we move beyond basic recipes and build a winning draft. You'll learn to use AI-driven playcallers to scout meals for picky eaters, automate your grocery "Special Teams" and keep your household under the salary cap. All while you play championship-level defense against busy schedules.

Presenters

Courtney Toht

Secondary Science Instructional Coach

Amanda Piper-McClure

Instructional Resource & Technology Manager, Northwest Independent School District

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1110 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, All Contents

Audience All Levels

2:45pm CDT

Money Ball- How to Truly Dominate with Data

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

Rm. 1214 - Northwest High School

In this session you will learn how to breakdown, interpret, and use data. Lots of people talk about using data but very few actually do it affectively. I will show you how to breakdown STAAR tests/AP Test Data to maximize your class time which leads to results. I'll show you how to use data to prioritize and highlight topics in your class which free up time for you that you never thought possible. Data is the secret key to great success and I'll help you win the championship if you come to my session!

Presenters

Eric Grant

AP US History Teacher at Eaton High School

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1214 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Assessment

2:45pm CDT

Draft Day Decisions: Scouting the Pillars of Student Support

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

Rm. 1201 - Northwest High School

Learn to distinguish your "base playbook" strategies from "specialized equipment" accommodations and "rule-changing" modifications to ensure every player on your roster has a clear path to the end zone.

Presenters

Lilia Vasquez

504/At-Risk Coordinator

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1201 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, All Contents | Instruction, All Contents | Learning Environment, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Differentiation

2:45pm CDT

Canvas Creation Camp

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

Rm. 1101 - Northwest High School

Join us for a dedicated Canvas work session designed as independent work time to focus on building, refining, and organizing your courses. You’ll have uninterrupted time to work on your own Canvas content while support staff are available in person to answer questions and provide guidance if needed. Use this time to tackle your Canvas to-do list and leave the session with your courses more prepared for the start of the school year.

Presenters

Rene Egle

Instructional Technologist, Northwest ISD

Instructional Technologist

Melissa Griffith

Teacher Support Specialist, Northwest ISD

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1101 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, All Contents | Instruction, All Contents | Learning Environment, All Contents

Audience All Levels

2:45pm CDT

Create, Design, and Share with Canva

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

Rm. 1103 - Northwest High School

Looking for ways to make Canva work even harder for your classroom? This session will highlight helpful tools, creative shortcuts, and practical strategies for designing instructional materials and sharing them with students. Educators will explore features that simplify content creation, support engaging presentations, and make it easy to distribute activities through their digital classroom platforms. Come discover new ways Canva can save time while supporting meaningful learning experiences.

Presenters

Brittany Horn

Instructional Technologist, Northwest ISD

Kelli Sanders

Instructional Technologist, Northwest ISD

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1103 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, All Contents | Instruction, All Contents | Learning Environment, All Contents

Audience All Levels

2:45pm CDT

Teachers Are Just Houseplants… With Anxiety and a Schedule

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

Rm. 1208 - Northwest High School

“Teachers Are Just Houseplants… With Anxiety and a Schedule” is an engaging and practical session designed to support educator well-being through realistic, sustainable self-care strategies. In a profession where time is limited and demands are constant, traditional self-care advice often doesn’t fit the reality of a teacher’s schedule. This session reframes self-care through a relatable lens, acknowledging that teachers need consistent conditions—not occasional breaks—to function at their best.

Participants will explore how factors like schedule constraints, decision fatigue, and emotional demands contribute to burnout, and will learn practical strategies to manage energy throughout the school day. Through real-life examples, guided reflection, and actionable planning, educators will identify small, manageable shifts that support well-being without adding extra time or unrealistic expectations. Attendees will leave with concrete tools they can implement immediately to create more balance, protect their energy, and sustain their effectiveness in the classroom.

Presenters

Jennifer Haden

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1208 - Northwest High School 2301 Texan Dr, Justin, TX 76247, USA

Planning, All Contents | Professional Practices & Responsibilities, All Contents

Audience All Levels

2:45pm CDT

CPI - Crisis Prevention Institute (Test Out Portion)

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

Rm. 1216 - Northwest High School

Presenters

Jenny Reyna

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1216 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Professional Practices & Responsibilities, Special Education

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Behavior

2:45pm CDT

Ted Lasso & Educator Ethics

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

Rm. 1106 - Northwest High School

What can a fictional soccer coach teach us about leadership? We’ll explore what it means to believe in our students and colleagues, the wisdom in living like a goldfish, and the ways generous kindness can transform a team or school.

Presenters

Christie Hobbs

General Counsel, Northwest ISD

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1106 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Professional Practices & Responsibilities, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC Leadership

8:30am CDT

8:30am CDT

8:30am CDT

8:30am CDT

8:30am CDT

8:30am CDT

8:30am CDT

8:30am CDT

8:30am CDT

8:30am CDT

8:30am CDT

10:15am CDT

10:15am CDT

10:15am CDT

10:15am CDT

10:15am CDT

10:15am CDT

10:15am CDT

10:15am CDT

1:00pm CDT

1:00pm CDT

1:00pm CDT

1:00pm CDT

1:00pm CDT

1:00pm CDT

1:00pm CDT

1:00pm CDT

1:00pm CDT

1:00pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

Get help with the event