ENGAGE 2026 Professional Learning Conference: Full Schedule

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

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8:30am CDT

Hearts & Minds: Integrating Emotional Development in Education (GT Update)

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Lecture Hall Rm. 2604 - Northwest High School

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!

Presenters

Stephanie Higgs

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 →

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Lecture Hall Rm. 2604 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Learning Environment, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

8:30am CDT

Building Critical Thinking Classrooms Part 1 (GT Update)

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Rm. 1314 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Think Big Learning

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 School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, All Contents | Instruction, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

8:30am CDT

Differentiation Strategies for Gifted Learners (K-2)

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Rm. 1103 - Northwest High School

Participants will explore practical strategies to differentiate instruction for gifted learners and reflect on how to apply these strategies in their own classrooms.

Presenters

Laura Taylor-Dunn

GT Specialist K-5, Curtis Elementary, Northwest ISD

Stacy Pickett

Gifted and Talented Specialist, Northwest ISD

Tricia Hanson

Gifted and Talented Specialist, Northwest ISD

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 1103 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, ELA | Instruction, ELA

Audience Elementary
TOPIC GT Update

10:15am CDT

Brain-Based Strategies to Kick Off Engagement

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

Rm. 1104 - Northwest High School

NISD educators will… learn brain-friendly strategies to boost student focus, engagement, and a more in-depth understanding of content.

So, educators can…apply some research-based neuroscience strategies into their
classrooms.

You’ll know you have it when…you’ve "kicked off" these strategies into your classrooms starting in August and see the “boosted” engagement!

Presenters

Liz Smith

Gifted and Talented Specialist, Northwest ISD

Kelly Barrett

GT Teacher, Northwest ISD

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 School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

10:15am CDT

Coloring Outside the Lines: The Magic is in the Mess! (GT Update)

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

Lecture Hall Rm. 2604 - Northwest High School

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!

Presenters

Stephanie Higgs

Gifted Educator & Differentiation Coach, Little Miss Gifted

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Lecture Hall Rm. 2604 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, All Contents | Planning, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

10:15am CDT

Differentiation Strategies for Gifted Learners (3-5 ELA)

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

Rm. 803 - Northwest High School

Participants will explore practical strategies to differentiate instruction for gifted learners and reflect on how to apply these strategies in their own classrooms.

Presenters

Heather Martin

GT Specialist

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

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 →

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 803 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, ELA | Instruction, ELA

Audience Elementary
TOPIC GT Update

10:15am CDT

Promoting Visual Literacy in the Science Classroom

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

Rm. 1314 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Think Big Learning

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 School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, Science | Instruction, Science

Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

1:00pm CDT

Sparkle & Shine: Differentiation that Dazzles (GT Update)

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Lecture Hall Rm. 2604 - Northwest High School

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!

Presenters

Stephanie Higgs

Gifted Educator & Differentiation Coach, Little Miss Gifted

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Lecture Hall Rm. 2604 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, All Contents | Planning, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

1:00pm CDT

Building Critical Thinking Classrooms Part 2 (GT Update)

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

Rm. 1314 - Northwest High School

Presenters

Think Big Learning

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 School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, All Contents | Instruction, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

1:00pm CDT

At the Movies: Encanto (GT Update)

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 4:15pm CDT

Rm. 1110 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Audra Rowell

Advanced Academics Coordinator, Northwest ISD

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 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

2:45pm CDT

Thunderstruck: Power Plays for Engaging GT Learners

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

Rm. 1104 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Caitlin Andrews

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD

Lindsey Hart

G/T Specialist, Northwest ISD

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1104 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, All Contents

Audience Elementary
TOPIC GT Update

2:45pm CDT

Unpacking Thinking: Depth + Complexity in Action

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

Rm. 1121 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Katie Delgado

GT Specialist

Jessica Young

MTSS Interventionist, Northwest ISD

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1121 - Northwest High School 2301 Texan Dr, Justin, TX 76247, USA

Instruction, All Contents

TOPIC GT Update, Differentiation

2:45pm CDT

Speaking of Science: Promoting Academic Conversation

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

Rm. 1314 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Think Big Learning

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 School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, Science | Instruction, Science

Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

2:45pm CDT

Teacher Tune Up (GT Update)

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

Lecture Hall Rm. 2604 - Northwest High School

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!

Presenters

Stephanie Higgs

Gifted Educator & Differentiation Coach, Little Miss Gifted

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Lecture Hall Rm. 2604 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Professional Practices & Responsibilities, All Contents

Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

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