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.
In this session, participants will gain a deeper understanding of trauma and its impact on student behavior, learning, and relationships in the classroom. We will explore the core principles of trauma-informed teaching and how to create a safe, supportive, and predictable learning environment for all students. Through real-life scenarios, reflection, and collaborative discussion, participants will learn practical strategies to respond to challenging behaviors with empathy, build strong relationships, and support emotional regulation. Attendees will leave with actionable tools and classroom practices that promote resilience, increase student engagement, and foster a positive, inclusive classroom community.
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.
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.
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.
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 →
In this training, ECSE teachers will get a hands-on simulation of the STAR/Links curriculum, allowing teachers to rotate through practical implementation stations. Participants will master the essentials of STAR classroom set-up and practice the mechanics of Discrete Trial Training (DTT), including Pivotal Response Training (PRT) to enhance student engagement. The rotation also features a deep dive into fine motor instruction using Handwriting Without Tears and strategies for integrating the STAR/Links Media center to support digital learning in a specialized setting. THIS SESSION IS NOT AT NORTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL. It is at Perrin Elementary, 1073 Canyon Maple Rd, Northlake, TX 76247
In this training, SOAR teachers will get a hands-on simulation of the Links curriculum, allowing teachers to rotate through practical implementation stations. Participants will master the essentials of Links classroom set-up and practice the mechanics of Discrete Trial Training (DTT), including Pivotal Response Training (PRT) to enhance student engagement. The rotation also features a deep dive into fine motor instruction using Handwriting Without Tears and strategies for integrating the Links Media center to support digital learning in a specialized setting. THIS SESSION IS NOT AT NORTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL. It is at Wilson Middle School, 14250 Sendera Ranch Blvd, Haslet, TX 76052
In this training, PACEE and SLC teachers will get a hands-on simulation of the STAR/Links curriculum, allowing teachers to rotate through practical implementation stations. Participants will master the essentials of STAR classroom set-up and practice the mechanics of Discrete Trial Training (DTT), including Pivotal Response Training (PRT) to enhance student engagement. The rotation also features a deep dive into fine motor instruction using Handwriting Without Tears and strategies for integrating the STAR/Links Media center to support digital learning in a specialized setting. THIS SESSION IS NOT AT NORTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL. It is at Perrin Elementary, 1073 Canyon Maple Rd, Northlake, TX 76247
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.
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 →
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 →
Unlock the power of mindset and the brain to help students discover who they’re meant to be, set meaningful goals, and take consistent action toward them. This energizing keynote blends practical neuroscience with classroom-ready strategies so educators and administrators can: *Guide students to uncover personal purpose and align goals with long-term vision *Teach goal-setting that leverages brain systems for motivation, focus, and habit formation *Use evidence-based techniques to reduce fear and self-doubt and build resilience *Help students develop healthy daily habits and mindsets that support academic and life success
Shannon Anderson has taught for 26 years, from first grade through college level. She also served as the gifted coordinator for her school district and on the board of directors for the Indiana State Literacy Association. A highlight of her teaching career was being named one of the... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT Rm. 1314 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
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!
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 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 →
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.
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 →
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!
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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 →
As a classroom teacher, you know that meeting students' academic needs is a challenge, but addressing their social and emotional needs is just as important. Discover strategies to tackle these matters and help kids develop healthy mindsets and coping skills positively. Shannon, a gifted coordinator and teacher for 26 years, has helped create programs and lessons that support the social and emotional development of gifted students. She will share ideas for helping students enhance their leadership skills, offer tips for helping perfectionists gain a balanced perspective, assist you in building confidence in shy students, and provide tools to motivate unmotivated learners. This session is full of practical strategies, mentor text suggestions, and lessons you will find useful for years to come.
Shannon Anderson has taught for 26 years, from first grade through college level. She also served as the gifted coordinator for her school district and on the board of directors for the Indiana State Literacy Association. A highlight of her teaching career was being named one of the... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT Rm. 1314 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
In today’s technology-driven classrooms, fostering strong literacy skills requires intentional engagement. This session equips teachers with practical strategies and tools to build reading, writing, and critical thinking across honors, GT, and on-level secondary classrooms.
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.
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.
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.
