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.
Gifted learners are increasingly taught in mixed-ability classrooms, requiring thoughtful differentiation that is both effective and manageable. This session offers practical, classroom-ready strategies to meet the unique learning needs of gifted students while supporting all learners. Participants will explore ways to differentiate skills, daily work, and new content: increase curriculum rigor through depth and complexity; and support self-directed independent study. Educators will leave with tools to challenge, inspire, and support engagement for gifted learners in today’s diverse classrooms.
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 8:30am - 10:00am CDT Rm. 1314 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
In this session, participants will explore movement-based strategies for teaching grammar focuses to help students internalize key concepts. We'll also dive into fun, practical techniques for coaching students to apply their grammar skills when editing their own writing — leaving you with a playbook of ready-to-use ideas for your classroom.
The most meaningful way for students to learn is through meaningful and authentic conversations and experiences. Come learn the power of your words and conversation to grow your students and get them excited to write in authentic ways.
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.
This collaborative workshop supports orchestra directors in planning effective fall concert programs, with a focus on purposeful repertoire selection and alignment with instructional goals. Participants will explore strategies for designing warm-ups and structuring pass-offs to promote consistent skill development. Attendees will also exchange repertoire ideas and leave with practical resources to strengthen their programs from the start of the year.
Teachers will learn the key elements of the enVision+ topic and lesson structure, dive into print components and digital resources on Savvas Realize, and explore innovative ways to strengthen instruction and increase student engagement.
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.
Amber Oyemola is a Behavioral Health Specialist and graduate of the University of North Texas, where she earned a Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Adolescent Development. She specializes in adolescent behavior, behavioral intervention, and Special Education... 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 →
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!
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 SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
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.
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.
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!
Motivating our young writers to take creative "whisks" can be tricky at the elementary level. In this practical, you-can-do-it session, you will learn strategies for young writers to add some flavor to their writing. Through demonstrations, video clips, and oodles of ideas, you’ll be excited to go back to the classroom and try some of these writing recipes with just the right dash of fun.
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 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT Rm. 1314 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
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.
Put on your detective hat! 🕵️♂️ In this session, you’ll learn how to analyze student data, identify who’s ready for acceleration, and spot opportunities for enrichment. You’ll leave with clear strategies for what to do next so you can solve the mystery of how to help your advanced learners thrive in 2-5th grade math!
Courtney Baker is the Accelerated Math Specialist in Northwest ISD. She spent 9 years as a math and science teacher in grades 4 and 5 before moving to the gifted classroom, where she was in her role for 2 years. In her current position, she teaches elementary aged students middle... Read More →
In this session participants will look at the 2024 Technology Application standards and explore ways that educators can easily integrate them into content instruction. Walk away with resources that can be woven into your instructional playbook.
This session will explore how you can integrate a simple project management software from Microsoft to enhance student ownership, improve productivity, and ultimately lead to more successful (and organized!) project outcomes. Microsoft Teams and Planner can be used by anyone - CTE, STEM, Media, Yearbook, and even traditional Classroom projects - to assign tasks, track progress, communicate and collaborate - all with programs that you already have! Live demo, actionable takeaways, and more; get your project-based curriculum on track with Teams and Planner!
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.
Come to learn more about using Patterns of Wonder in your classroom. Are you looking for simple ways to integrate it daily? Are you looking for alternate books to use? This session will explore not only the basics of Patterns of Wonder, but also some tips and tricks to make it an easy resource to use in your classroom.
Get ready to call the right plays in your math classroom! Just like a coach designing a winning game plan, this session will show how to use your new math resource to orchestrate effective small group instruction that moves every learner down the field. You’ll explore strategies for diagnosing needs, selecting targeted activities, and adjusting your approach in real time to keep your team in sync and scoring. Coaches and educators alike will walk away with actionable play-calling techniques to boost engagement and achievement in every quarter.
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.
From kickoff to the end zone, educators will learn how to develop a complete IEP Transition Plan by writing measurable postsecondary goals and aligning courses, transition services, and IEP components to support those goals. This session will focus on understanding how each part of the transition plan works together to create a clear pathway that prepares students for life after high school
Teachers will learn the key elements of the enVision+ topic and lesson structure, dive into print components and digital resources on Savvas Realize, and explore innovative ways to strengthen instruction and increase student engagement.
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.
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!
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 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT Rm. 1214 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
Participants will explore practical strategies to differentiate instruction for gifted learners and reflect on how to apply these strategies in their own classrooms.
I am a G/T Specialist who loves to differentiate, find new and innovative ways to help students pursue their passions, and facilitate scholarly growth in G/T learners! I also love creating cross-curricular lessons to make learning more engaging and teaching more time-efficient.
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT Rm. 806 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
Every great sports broadcast starts with preparation — and so does a great read aloud. In this hands-on session, teachers will learn how to transform read aloud into an interactive, high-leverage instructional tool. Explore how to plan strategic stopping points, craft think alouds aligned to the TEKS, and design turn-and-talk opportunities that spark meaningful student discourse. You'll get prep time and leave with a read aloud game plan ready to run from day one.
Algebra is often taught as a series of isolated "tricks" and procedures, but it is actually a continuous story of relationships, patterns, and logic. In this session, we will zoom out and explore the vertical trajectory of algebraic thinking. Instead of focusing on "how to get the answer," we will investigate the conceptual shifts required to move students from basic inverse operations to the sophisticated world of advanced functions.
I'm entering my 23rd year in education. I have taught all levels of secondary math through College Algebra. One of my greatest passions in math education is helping students BELIEVE that they can do the math by fostering a mistake-friendly environment that prioritizes deep thinking... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT Rm. 1203 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
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.
Every great athlete knows that two-a-days build the strength, endurance, and mental toughness it takes to compete at the highest level. The same is true for our readers. In this power-packed session, educators will lace up and dive into the world of paired texts — a dynamic instructional approach that challenges students to think harder, read deeper, and push beyond the surface of a single text. Just as two-a-day practices sharpen an athlete's skills from multiple angles, paired texts train the brain to analyze, synthesize, and draw connections across two carefully selected passages. Participants will explore strategies for intentional text pairing, scaffolding complex thinking, and coaching students through evidence-based discussion and writing. Leave this session with a training plan full of practical tools and classroom-ready resources that will condition your students to become stronger, more confident readers — one rep at a time.
In this Game Clock & Check-Ins session, you’ll learn how to use timely assessments—both formal and formative—to keep your math instruction on pace and your players moving toward mastery. Just like a coach checking the game clock and calling strategic timeouts, you’ll explore quick “check-ins” that give immediate feedback and inform your next play in small groups or whole-class settings. Discover how purposeful assessments help you adjust your game plan in real time, ensure students are mastering key skills, and drive meaningful growth. Walk away ready to use your math resource to make every minute of instruction count.
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.
“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.
