Neurographic art is "Art for the non-artist". We will practice meditation and deepen mindfulness while creating a drawing with ink and watercolors. This art therapy lesson is a cross curricular fusion of art, science, and psychology.
This session, curriculum and instruction thought leader, Dr. Donyall D. Dickey, is designed todeepen participants’ knowledge of the critical components of high-quality, standards-informed writing instruction across grade levels and content areas. Through a blend of research-based theory and practical application, the session will address essential instructional elements that shape students into competent and confident writers. Throughout the session, participants will gain insight to actionable strategies to support the planning, delivery, and evaluation of writing instruction. Emphasis will be placed on ensuring alignment with state standards and curricular expectations across all content areas, not limited to English language arts. Educators will leave the session equipped to lead writing instruction that is rigorous, relevant, and developmentally appropriate—empowering students to express knowledge effectively and meet academic benchmarks with confidence.
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 →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT Rm. 1109 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
Come engage with the critical thinking of our comprehension & response TEKS as we intentionally interact with texts. Leave with resources, ideas, and strategies to use with any text!
(say it Mc-GOY) I am a certified English teacher who enjoys learning & sharing about literacy, leadership, assessment, curriculum design, & school improvement. I share free TEKS-based resources on my website: www.tinyurl.com/ToshShares
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT Rm. 806 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
Vocabulary plays a key role in helping students understand and communicate their learning. In this session, educators will explore engaging strategies and activities designed to help students interact with and deepen their understanding of content vocabulary. Participants will get an introduction to tools such as Flashcard Factory, Wayground, Flippity, Quizlet, and Mote and consider how they can support vocabulary practice, collaboration, and student voice. Leave with practical ideas for using technology to strengthen vocabulary learning across content areas.
This 90-minute workshop reveals how Transactional Analysis explains why the anxious student becomes more dependent on reassurance, why the avoider shuts down when we offer help, and why the disrupter escalates when we set limits. You'll learn to identify the ego states driving problematic behaviors and practice Adult-to-Adult interventions that build student capacity instead of reinforcing stuck patterns. This isn't lecture-based theory. Through case study planning and scenario analysis, you'll develop concrete strategies for your most challenging students—the ones who avoid, disrupt, dysregulate, and catastrophize. Perfect for: Anyone working with middle and high school students who want practical tools that actually shift behavior patterns.
While education coursework is centered around sound instructional practices, few programs supply a toolbelt of easy-to-implement social-emotional strategies to support inevitable challenges in the classroom. In a post-Covid world, learners are navigating complex social situations requiring explicit teaching. Learners may experience anxiety, depression, debilitating perfectionism, existential dread, and difficulty navigating successful relationships. Educators need strategies they can implement to support the ever- increasing needs of their students, and Little Miss Gifted is here to help! With tons of quick, easy-to-implement strategies, many of which are free, teachers will be racing back to their classrooms, ready to employ new and improved strategies to support the ever-changing needs of their learners!
Gifted Educator & Differentiation Coach, Little Miss Gifted
Stephanie Higgs, best known as @littlemissgifted on Instagram, is an award-winning, Nashville-living gifted educator and differentiation coach. Stephanie is a quick thinking, fast talking, and passionate international professional development presenter who infuses a little sparkle... Read More →
We will show teachers how to make the basic everyday requirements of teaching more interactive with movement and opportunities to make things student led.
Teachers know that students learn best when group sizes are smaller! With class sizes increasing, small groups are a wonderful way to structure your classes and see increased engagement and comprehension! Come to this session to learn: How to form your small groups How to create a routine for small groups Structuring small group mini-lessons How to engage students NOT in a small group
In this session, elementary classroom teachers will learn how to maximize their Tier 2 time with students who have reading gaps. Teachers will learn to create intervention plans, create flexible groups within their class or grade level, match the plan to resources, and create student goal-setting folders.
Get your classroom ready for game day math! This session will show educators how to use your new math resource to implement problem-solving and discourse routines that keep students actively engaged and thinking strategically. Explore hands-on approaches for fostering meaningful math conversations, building reasoning skills, and guiding students to work collaboratively through challenging tasks. You’ll leave with practical strategies to help every student advance down the field toward stronger conceptual understanding.
How can we encourage all of our students to think deeper and more critically? Asking good questions, analyzing information, and drawing conclusions are crucial skills for success in the science classroom. In addition, cultivating strong reasoning skills is so important for 21st century learners. Participants in this session will engage in practical, ready-to-use strategies to promote critical thinking for all students.
We are an education company that provides high quality, research-based professional development and engaging classroom resources, specializing in science and gifted education.
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT Rm. 1314 - 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.
Experience 6th grade curriculum-embedded ADI labs firsthand during this interactive session. Gain insights into your students' perspectives as you participate in the labs, helping you better understand their needs and plan dynamic learning experiences.
We will meet as a culmination of the book study to discuss topics from the book. You will be provided questions before the session to help guide the conversation.
Most of us can build a Canvas course, but is it actually working for our students and for us? This session focuses on redesigning your course with intention, so it’s clearer, more efficient, and easier to manage.
You’ll explore higher-impact Canvas features and design strategies that streamline navigation, reduce teacher workload, and improve the student experience. This isn’t a sit-and-get session - you’ll actively rework your own course with guided support, leaving with real improvements already in place.
Delivering Effective Behavior Accommodations focuses on shifting staff from simply using behavior supports to delivering them effectively. Participants will examine common accommodations, identify frequent misuses, and learn how to implement them in ways that actually lead to behavior change.
Does your PLC Playbook need a reboot? Finding the balance between meaningful data discussions and purposeful team/people centered discussions will help your team thrive. We are inspired by the many stories of successful coaches that transform unity in a team by working on the hearts of the team. Everything else grows from there! Join us as we walk you through some highly impactful PLC protocols and the purposes behind each. Walk away with a PLC playbook and map out your plan for the year.
I have been in education for 20 years. I have taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades, served as an Intervention Specialist for 3 years, served as an ESL Instructional Coach for 3 years, and have been an Assistant Principal for 3 years. I have completed my Master's in Educational Leadership... Read More →
Step onto the field with a winning strategy for building and maintaining a dynamic, student-centered library collection. In this session, school librarians will develop a clear “game plan” for collection development by examining current data, identifying gaps, and aligning selections with student interests, curriculum needs, and district priorities.Participants will explore practical strategies for evaluating and weeding collections, diversifying titles, and staying responsive to evolving student needs. Using real-world scenarios and collaborative discussion, librarians will learn how to balance budgets, prioritize purchases, and ensure their collections remain relevant, inclusive, and engaging for all learners.Leave with actionable plays you can implement immediately—so your library collection is not just in the game, but winning it.
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
Perfect for the staff member who is required to have CPR (UIL sponsor such as band director) or who would benefit (Special Ed, administrator). This class provides Heartsaver CPR certification through video presentations and hands-on practice.
I coordinate training and compliance for campus nurses and support staff in our 33 clinics across the district. Talk to me about CPR, Stop the Bleed, emergency response teams, or other health care needs for the school environment. I look forward to meeting you.
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 11:45am CDT Rm. 1001 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
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.
I have taught MHFA for over 11 years and it has been my full time job for 4 1/2 years. I am a LPC but continue to do this job because I love my job and this program. It is a passion and I just can't give it up yet.
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 the SOAR teachers will begin with a deep dive into Links Assessments, focusing on gathering specialized materials and streamlining the transition of data into grades and progress. The afternoon features a "Make and Take" session where participants will create essential classroom supports, including visual schedules (wall, portable, and written) and Links specific Creation Stations. To ensure day-one readiness, teachers will also develop physical resources such as task boxes, file folder games, and data binders for student tracking. THIS SESSION IS NOT AT NORTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL. It is at Wilson Middle School, 14250 Sendera Ranch Blvd, Haslet, TX 76052
In this training the PACEE and SLC teachers will begin with a deep dive into STAR SLP, focusing on gathering specialized materials and streamlining the transition of data into grades and progress. The afternoon features a "Make and Take" session where participants will create essential classroom supports, including visual schedules (wall, portable, and written) and STAR-specific Creation Stations. To ensure day-one readiness, teachers will also develop physical resources such as task boxes, file folder games, and data binders for student tracking. THIS SESSION IS NOT AT NORTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL. It is at Perrin Elementary, 1073 Canyon Maple Rd, Northlake, TX 76247
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 →
With 34 years of teaching experience, this year marks Kelly Barrett's 20th year as a GT Specialist, serving elementary students in Northwest ISD. She is a recipient of the TAGT Teacher of the Gifted and was twice awarded the Northwest ISD Campus Exemplar Educator of the Year Award... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT Rm. 1104 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
Social studies teachers will discover new ways to intentionally incorporate deeper historical thinking skills by connecting the Political, Social, Economic, and Diplomatic impact of events, lesson topics, and primary sources.
Join us for a hands-on workshop where we will explore the practical applications of NotebookLM. NotebookLM is an AI-powered workspace that allows you and your students to interact with documents, notes, and research materials in a dynamic and intuitive way. It can: Summarize complex texts: Quickly distill key information, freeing up valuable class time.
Generate personalized study guides: Create tailored learning resources for diverse student needs. Facilitate deeper analysis: Encourage students to ask insightful questions and draw meaningful connections. Streamline research projects: Empower students to gather, organize, and synthesize information efficiently. Provide instant vocabulary and concept explanations: Students can get help with difficult topics instantly. We will focus on the tool's ability to turn a typed-up interview into an AI generated podcast.
We will be using the book "Hands Down Speak Out" to guide this PD. We are conducting a book study this semester with a "lab" class to practice the lessons and skills within the book. We will share our journey as well as use the lessons with the attendees. Students will leave with a strong understanding of the value of Student LED discourse in learning, as well as lessons to try with their students.
Ready to turn your next lesson into an immersive classroom challenge? Join us for this session where we reimagine tried-and-true digital tools like Google Forms/Sheets and Kami for interactive learning adventures for your students. We’ll show you how to design "Mastery Milestones" that transform standard assignments into engaging "Digital Breakouts," where students hunt for evidence, solve puzzles, and "level up" through purposeful investigation. You’ll leave with a template for gamifying your curriculum and providing instant feedback, proving that innovation isn't just about the newest tool, it’s also about using your favorite reliable tools in creative, game-changing ways. Come see how to bridge the gap between "classic" tech and cutting-edge engagement to create an unforgettable experience for your students!
Come explore the skills tested from the Writing Process TEKS in the STAAR Revising passages. Leave with ideas, lessons, and resources to use in any unit to engage students in thinking like writers!
(say it Mc-GOY) I am a certified English teacher who enjoys learning & sharing about literacy, leadership, assessment, curriculum design, & school improvement. I share free TEKS-based resources on my website: www.tinyurl.com/ToshShares
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT Rm. 806 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
Participants will step into the shoes of emergent bilingual students through a powerful immersive experience that highlights the confusion, frustration, and resilience these learners navigate daily. In this interactive session, participants will engage in an immersive experience designed to simulate the challenges faced by emergent bilingual students. Through this lens, educators will reflect on barriers to access and engagement, then explore practical, research-based strategies that can be implemented immediately. Walk away with tools to ensure every student can participate, learn, and succeed. Bring a lesson plan that you can work with to implement ideas and scaffolds right away!
Mote empowers students with tools like read-aloud, voice typing, translation, predictive text, and more. Mote works across any website, PDF, or web-based activity, helping students better comprehend texts with features like highlighting, dictionary support, and flashcards. Whether students are reading, writing, or creating, Mote’s simple interface and human-like voice provide support every step of the way. In this hands-on session, we’ll experience Mote firsthand, preview examples of Mote in action throughout NISD, explore ready-made templates, and share practical ideas for the classroom.
Let’s shake things up and make learning unforgettable! Join Little Miss Gifted for a hands-on, action-packed session where you’ll discover bite-sized, super-simple ways to sprinkle creativity into your gifted lessons. Whether you’re looking for warm-ups, brain breaks, or ways to energize your teaching with arts integration, this session is bursting with ideas you can’t wait to try with your learners! These creativity-infused strategies are research-based, teacher-tested, student-approved, and sure to be a hit. Get ready to spark, create, and shine as you learn to level up gifted lessons with FUN! Don’t miss out—this is one of Little Miss Gifted’s most-loved workshops for a reason!
Gifted Educator & Differentiation Coach, Little Miss Gifted
Stephanie Higgs, best known as @littlemissgifted on Instagram, is an award-winning, Nashville-living gifted educator and differentiation coach. Stephanie is a quick thinking, fast talking, and passionate international professional development presenter who infuses a little sparkle... Read More →
Great readers, like great athletes, know what to watch for — and the Fiction Signposts from the Notice and Note series by Kylene Beers and Bob Probst give students exactly that edge when tackling literary texts. In this session, we'll break down each signpost and explore ready-to-use strategies for coaching students to read with intention and analyze an author's purpose like a pro.
Together, we’ll explore what anxiety is, where it comes from, and how it shows up in students’ behavior and learning. You’ll gain practical strategies to help students manage anxious thoughts, build coping skills, and develop confidence in navigating challenges independently. This session also highlights ways to outsmart common “brain tricks,” foster a mindset of progress over perfection, and create a supportive classroom environment.
Why do some students "fumble" their self-control even when they know the rules? In this high-energy, interactive session, we will go under the helmet to explore the science of the developing brain. Teachers will gain a clear understanding of how executive function and the pre-frontal cortex impact a student's ability to stay focused and regulated for every play, every day.
What we will learn: The "Science of the Snap": A simplified look at brain development and why self-control is a physiological skill, not just a choice. Reading the Defense: How to identify "brain-based" triggers before they lead to classroom penalties. The Coaching Mindset: Moving from discipline to "neural coaching" to build long-term regulation.
What we will do: The Strategy Huddle: Participants will collaborate to build a "Take-Away Playbook" of 5-minute regulation strategies tailored to their grade level. If possible, every attendee will create their own "Brain Break Bottle" (calm-down jar) to take back to their classroom as a ready-to-use tool for student co-regulation.
NISD has been home to me since 2005. My roles have included classroom teacher, parent, PTA member, UIL and student council sponsor, and for the past 8 years, elementary school counselor. I am also working towards my LPC license, working part time in a therapy clinic as an LPC-Associate... Read More →
I'm starting my 18th year in education where I've taught elementary self contained and departmentalized, taught at elementary long term DAEP, worked as a middle school counselor and as an elementary school counselor. I am currently the Counseling Coordinator for Northwest ISD... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT Rm. 1307- Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
Get ready to enhance your teaching "game plan" with the Lead4ward Instructional Strategies Playlist. This session is designed to provide educators with a practical set of low-prep, high-yield maneuvers that turn everyday lessons into active learning experiences. We will explore how these easy-to-use strategies can be integrated into your existing curriculum to encourage deep student interaction and make thinking visible. By the end of this session, you’ll have a refreshed playbook of research-based strategies ready for kickoff in your own classroom. Let’s huddle up and prepare for a season of high student engagement!
Many of our students love nothing more than for teachers to do the heavy cognitive lifting and speaking on their behalf. But there is a solution for supporting students in a swift transition to independent critical thinking, speaking, and problem solving. This session will help teachers to plan and deliver instruction that addresses learned helplessness, diverse needs and divergent cognitive abilities. In this workshop series, Dr. Dickey – a nationally respected and highly sought-after expert in teaching and learning will deepen participants’ understanding of the cornerstone for driving student capacity and confidence.
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 →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT Rm. 1109 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
In this session, elementary classroom teachers will learn how to maximize their Tier 2 time when working with students who have gaps in math. Teachers will learn to create intervention plans, create flexible groups within their class or grade level, match the plan to resources, and create student goal-setting folders.
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 23 year experienced teacher having taught grades K-5. I have been, both, departmentalized (ELA/SS) and self-contained, and have served as a Dyslexia Specialist. I am currently a Gifted and Talented Specialist at Hughes Elementary.
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 →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT Rm. 803 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
Experience 7th grade curriculum-embedded ADI labs firsthand during this interactive session. Gain insights into your students' perspectives as you participate in the labs, helping you better understand their needs and plan dynamic learning experiences.
Our students live in a world that is saturated with visual images. Being able to analyze and interpret photos, diagrams, graphs, illustrations, and other visuals is critical to students’ understanding of the world around them. In this session, participants will learn practical strategies to empower our students to actively analyze and create images to deepen their understanding of science content. Participants will receive practical strategies and ready-to-use activities to boost visual literacy skills.
We are an education company that provides high quality, research-based professional development and engaging classroom resources, specializing in science and gifted education.
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT Rm. 1314 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
Step onto the field ready to strengthen your instructional game with purposeful visual supports that drive learning for Emergent Bilingual (EB) students. In this engaging session, participants will explore practical strategies for using visuals to clarify content and boost engagement. Learn how to avoid common instructional “fumbles” and create a visual game plan that helps students move the chains toward academic success.
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
Whole Brain Teaching is an instructional approach that combines direct teaching with movement, speaking, listening, and collaboration to actively engage every part of the learner’s brain. Instead of students sitting passively, they are constantly interacting through gestures, partner talk, call-and-response, and immediate practice. This keeps attention high, builds strong classroom routines, and helps students retain information more effectively. In this session, participants will learn the core strategies of Whole Brain Teaching, including how to use attention-getters, structured partner teaching, and simple gestures to reinforce learning. They will also explore how to increase student engagement, improve classroom management, and create a fast-paced, positive learning environment where all students are actively involved. By the end, teachers will leave with practical, ready-to-use techniques they can implement right away in their classroom
An update of last year's session that was well attended and well received: A session for any elementary or secondary staff who want to know more about what we do at DAEP. We are a support campus and our mission is to teach in all aspects. We will discuss our routines and procedures of course. But more importantly, we will discuss how we try to have our classrooms mirror those of the home campus, through restorative practices, our behavior framework, and through alignment with the district scope and sequence.
Game Plan for Success: Understanding the Emergent Tree Daily Behavior Report Card is designed to help educators effectively interpret and use behavior data to support student outcomes. In this session, participants will learn the key components of the Emergent Tree Daily Behavior Report Card, including how to read, analyze, and apply the data to guide instructional and behavioral decisions. Emphasis will be placed on using data to identify patterns, monitor progress, and make informed adjustments that promote positive behavior change
Participants will learn how to guide students using Frayer model systems in defining terms, identifying key characteristics, providing examples, and recognizing non-examples to deepen understanding of United States history concepts. By the end of the session, teachers will be equipped with tools to improve student engagement and retention of academic vocabulary.
Take a trip around the Short Constructed Response (SCR) game board in "Monopoly for SCR Success." This interactive, Monopoly-themed session transforms the challenge of teaching and scoring SCRs into an engaging, strategic experience. Teachers will roll the dice, buy properties of knowledge, and collect instructional strategies while learning how to guide students toward mastering SCR responses. Participants will gain insights into how responses are scored, avoid common pitfalls ("Go to Jail" moments), and learn how to help students build "Response Hotels" for high scores. By the end of this session, participants will: 1. Pass Go & Collect Knowledge – Learn the key components of an effective SCR rubric and how student responses are evaluated. 2. Buy, Trade, and Score – Engage in Monopoly-inspired activities to simulate the scoring process and highlight common student errors. 3. Build Response Hotels – Gain winning strategies to help students develop clear, complete, and high-quality responses.
8th Grade Science Science Department Lead, C.W. Worthington Middle School Northwest ISD
Middle School Science is my JAM! I have 23 years of experience teaching 6th - 8th grade Science. I am a Science Department Lead, Science Curriculum Writer, and ADI Facilitator because I am dedicated to quality Science teaching and learning. I’m passionate about building strong classroom... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT Rm. 803 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
In this session, educators will learn a two-part writing strategy where students analyze initial evidence to form a hypothesis before synthesizing new sources to confirm or correct their original claims. This iterative process fosters deeper critical thinking and shifts students from passive writing to active, evidence-based inquiry.
In this interactive session, teachers will step into the role of students to experience what it truly means to “read like a scientist.” Participants will engage in hands-on strategies that break down complex science texts into manageable, meaningful chunks. Through modeling, guided practice, and collaborative discussion, teachers will learn how to help students annotate with purpose, identify key information, and make sense of challenging vocabulary and diagrams. Teachers will actively practice annotation strategies, analyze sample student responses, and transform traditional reading tasks into engaging, standards-aligned learning experiences. By the end of the session, participants will walk away with ready-to-use tools, sentence stems, and classroom strategies that support comprehension, critical thinking, and success on rigorous assessments like STAAR.
Come engage with the critical thinking of our comprehension & response TEKS as we intentionally interact with texts. Leave with resources, ideas, and strategies to use with any text!
(say it Mc-GOY) I am a certified English teacher who enjoys learning & sharing about literacy, leadership, assessment, curriculum design, & school improvement. I share free TEKS-based resources on my website: www.tinyurl.com/ToshShares
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT Rm. 806 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
Get ready to sparkle & shine with differentiation! It’s more than just a buzzword - it’s the secret to helping every learner shine. This glittering, high-energy session is packed with creative, low-prep strategies to elevate your teaching and dazzle your classroom. From stoplight questioning that lights up your math and ELA lessons to a customizable visual schedule that frees up time for your high achievers, these ideas will transform your teaching with ease. Don’t miss this chance to illuminate your classroom with differentiation magic - it’s your time to help advanced thinkers shine!
Gifted Educator & Differentiation Coach, Little Miss Gifted
Stephanie Higgs, best known as @littlemissgifted on Instagram, is an award-winning, Nashville-living gifted educator and differentiation coach. Stephanie is a quick thinking, fast talking, and passionate international professional development presenter who infuses a little sparkle... Read More →
Skip the "practice swatches" and jump straight into creating! In this beginner-friendly workshop, you will learn the fundamentals of crochet by hand-crafting your very own functional coaster. We’ll guide you through the basics—from starting your first loop to mastering the single crochet stitch and finishing your edges. You’ll walk away with a completed project, a new hobby, and the "cheat sheet" you need to keep creating at home. All skill levels are welcome, but no experience is required!
Hail Mary's rarely work in football and they don't work in the classroom either. We will learn about quick low prep discourse activities that are fun, engage students and can be used to formatively assess students. YES, you can even use them for grades!
Great teams communicate on and off the field—and strong math classrooms do the same! In this session, elementary educators will explore how to build a winning “math team” (class) through purposeful student discourse. Learn practical strategies to get every player in the game, including math talk play calls, team signals, and structured partner huddles. Walk away with ready-to-use tools that help you coach a classroom culture where every student takes the field, shares their thinking, and works together to score big in math learning.
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.
How can we encourage all of our students to think deeper and more critically? Asking good questions, analyzing information, and drawing conclusions are crucial skills for success in the science classroom. In addition, cultivating strong reasoning skills is so important for 21st century learners. Participants in this session will engage in practical, ready-to-use strategies to promote critical thinking for all students.
We are an education company that provides high quality, research-based professional development and engaging classroom resources, specializing in science and gifted education.
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT Rm. 1314 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
Experience 8th grade curriculum-embedded ADI labs firsthand during this interactive session. Gain insights into your students' perspectives as you participate in the labs, helping you better understand their needs and plan dynamic learning experiences.
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.
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.
We will review the components of a great Medical Emergency Response Team. The campus nurse might be your all-star quarterback for medical events but the nurse has to be surrounded with a great offense and defense to win the game. This session will tackle all the x's and o'x of a great team effort when responding to medical emergencies on campus.
I coordinate training and compliance for campus nurses and support staff in our 33 clinics across the district. Talk to me about CPR, Stop the Bleed, emergency response teams, or other health care needs for the school environment. I look forward to meeting you.
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT Rm. 1001 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
As advertised: a library...in a garage...during the summer. The Summer Garage Library is our family's way of building a community of readers in our neighborhood for the past 8 years. Learn about our innovative approach to encourage and support reading during the summer. Includes a book tasting of the 2026-27 Texas Bluebonnet book selections, so you can be ready to share and book talk these texts with your students.
These sessions will explore gifted learners through popular culture. Teachers will watch the movie on their own, complete a short task, and then discuss giftedness through the lens of Hollywood. Visit the GT Update site for directions.
Audra has been involved with gifted education for the majority of her career. Having taught 5th GT, she was involved in curriculum writing and professional development. Upon leaving the classroom, she became a GT coordinator for elementary services in Irving for 9 years. For the past... Read More →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 4:15pm CDT Rm. 1110 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
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
We will focus on meditation, mindfulness, and well-being with a "Black Out Poetry" session where we will recycle book pages to create a poetic work of art with inks and watercolors. All materials will be supplied. Cross Curricular Visual Art with Language Arts.
In this session, K–5 teachers will learn practical, real-time monitoring strategies that uncover misconceptions, increase engagement, and allow for immediate instructional adjustments. See how this approach has led to measurable growth across our campus and leave with tools you can implement right away to keep every student in the game.
Participants will explore strategies that challenge advanced thinkers, promote creativity, and encourage deeper levels of understanding while still supporting the needs of the whole classroom. We’ll focus on ways to increase depth, complexity, and student ownership through strategies such as open-ended questioning, flexible grouping, tiered assignments, and opportunities for creative problem solving.
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 →
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT Rm. 1104 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
Discover how graphic organizers can support deeper thinking through the Depth and Complexity Framework. Teachers will explore examples, interact with resources, and leave with ideas ready to use in their classrooms.
Shift from teacher-led instruction to student-driven exploration. In this session, you’ll explore instructional stations and "Thinking Classroom" strategies through hands-on mock rotations. Discover how movement and collaboration can diversify learning while fostering student independence. Leave with a clear roadmap to implement these engaging strategies in your classroom.
Do you love the game show SURVIVOR? If so, bring that passion to the classroom! Come find out how to use the SURVIVOR game show to set up routines and procedures at the beginning of school or how to use it as a review for any time of the year. Come find out how to survive the first nine weeks of school!
The classroom is built on a foundation of consistency, positivity, and community. From the moment students walk in to the moment they leave, our routines help create a learning environment that is safe, structured, and engaging.
This session for secondary teachers will focus on strengthening language supports to increase access and engagement for emergent bilingual learners. Participants will explore practical, adaptable strategies, such as: structured discussion, vocabulary support, and scaffolding techniques that can be implemented across any content area.
ITeachers maximize your time with quick and easy planning resources that will allow you to use your student data and provide small group instruction in a “SNAP”
This PD session helps teachers replace traditional worksheets with meaningful formative assessments that reveal student thinking without increasing grading workload. Participants will learn and apply adaptable strategies that work across all subject areas.
It’s so much more than posts and messages! ParentSquare can streamline communication and up engagement. In this session, we’ll explore how to create groups and generate posts with add-ons to facilitate Events/RSVPs, Volunteer Sign Ups, Wish Lists, Sharing Media, and Completing Forms. Using the collaborative Studio Editor, users can create eye-catching newsletters with easy to use content blocks. We’ll simplify the process of scheduling appointments using the Appointment Sign-Ups feature for conferences, meetings, and more. Need the ParentSquare basics? Attend the ParentSquare Basics training before attending this session.
Experience Biology curriculum-embedded ADI labs firsthand during this interactive session. Gain insights into your students' perspectives as you participate in the labs, helping you better understand their needs and plan dynamic learning experiences.
How do we empower all students to speak with confidence in our classrooms? Current research is clear on the benefits of getting students talking about the content. It helps our students become better readers and writers, has a significant impact on retention and prepares them for the real world! This interactive, engaging session is full of practical, ready-to-use strategies to promote academic conversation with all students.
We are an education company that provides high quality, research-based professional development and engaging classroom resources, specializing in science and gifted education.
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT Rm. 1314 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
Looking for new ways to support student learning and provide meaningful feedback? In this session, educators will explore Snorkl and Class Companion, two tools designed to help students demonstrate their thinking and receive guidance as they learn. Participants will discover strategies for using these platforms to encourage reflection, monitor student progress, and support instruction. Leave with ideas for integrating these tools into your classroom routines.
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
This session will cover essential practices for accurate and timely data collection, focusing on service logs, student progress reporting, and documentation of incidents and restraints. Participants will learn how to maintain compliance, track student outcomes, and support decision-making through effective recordkeeping. This session is ideal for special education staff and related service providers.
Teachers are selfless humans, but we can’t pour from empty cups! Join Little Miss Gifted for a feel-good, yet research-based, action-packed session to support your happiest year yet. When you feel better, you teach better. Think of this as a teacher spa treatment! You’ll leave feeling replenished, reflective, and restored, resulting in your students’ happiest year yet, too! Teacher self-care is an essential component of a happy and effective teacher who avoids burnout in a demanding profession. Stephanie will share numerous self-care strategies to help you establish and set healthy boundaries, both professional and personal, to ensure a strong work-life balance in your school year. This session is tons of fun and allows you to take a moment to prioritize your own care and wellbeing so that you can continue to selflessly love on and serve so many others! Strategies include learning how to navigate difficult conversations, conceptualize feedback vs. feedsmack, set New Year’s resolutions for professional and personal goals, and many more!
Gifted Educator & Differentiation Coach, Little Miss Gifted
Stephanie Higgs, best known as @littlemissgifted on Instagram, is an award-winning, Nashville-living gifted educator and differentiation coach. Stephanie is a quick thinking, fast talking, and passionate international professional development presenter who infuses a little sparkle... Read More →
