ENGAGE 2026 Professional Learning Conference: Full Schedule

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

8:30am CDT

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

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!

Presenters

Tosh McGaughy

Educational Consultant, Tosh McGaughy LLC

(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

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 806 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, ELA

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Content Literacy

8:30am CDT

Saban's Winning Strategy- How to get 4s and 5s on AP Tests

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

Rm. 1214 - Northwest High School

Attention to detail is the key and I will give you the keys to improve student writing on AP Tests. I'll give tips and tricks from an AP Reader's perspective. Honors teachers or anyone else interested in elevating writing is welcome! Find out what to emphasize in writing a Thesis, using Evidence to support your point, or how to properly use Context. I promise to be entertaining and give you the tools to elevate your students' writings!

Presenters

Eric Grant

AP US History Teacher at Eaton High School

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

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 1214 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, All Contents

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Content Literacy

8:30am CDT

Orchestrating Your Orchestra Class

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

Rm. 110 - Orchestra -Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Sara Wharry

Orchestra

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 110 - Orchestra -Northwest High School 2301 Texan Dr, Justin, TX 76247, USA

Planning

Audience Secondary

8:30am CDT

Engage - Specially Designed - Secondary Day 1 at Truett Wilson Middle School

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

SOAR Rm. B121/B122 - Truett Wilson Middle School

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

Presenters

Elizabeth Elliott-Norman

Northwest ISD

Ruth Ann Beagle

Dyslexia Coordinator, NORTHWEST ISD, ADMINISTRATION

Amelia Bowler

Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 4:00pm CDT
SOAR Rm. B121/B122 - Truett Wilson Middle School 14250 Sendera Ranch Blvd, Haslet, TX 76052, USA

Planning, Special Education | Instruction, Special Education | Learning Environment, Special Education

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Differentiation

10:15am CDT

Boosting STAAR Success with Class Companion

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

Rm. 1103 - Northwest High School

Discover how Class Companion can transform STAAR preparation in your 3rd–12th grade classrooms! In this hands-on session, teachers will explore how to use Class Companion’s AI-powered tools to provide targeted, TEKS-aligned practice that mirrors STAAR's question types. Learn how to easily create assignments from existing curriculum, generate rigorous open-ended and multiple-choice questions, and deliver instant, actionable feedback to support student growth.

Participants will leave with ready-to-use strategies for using Class Companion to:
✅ Differentiate practice based on student needs
✅ Track progress on specific TEKS and readiness standards
✅ Encourage critical thinking and test-taking stamina
✅ Save time while improving instructional impact

Presenters

Kayla Beaman

Susan Borroeta

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1103 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, ELA

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Instructional Strategies

10:15am CDT

From Note-Takers to Thinkers: Strategies That Spark Active Learning

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

Rm. 804 - Northwest High School

Shift students from passive note-takers to active thinkers with simple, high-impact routines. Learn how quick pre-class summaries boost readiness and how whiteboard teamwork drives discussion, problem-solving, and deeper understanding. Students move beyond memorizing to exploring, questioning, and applying—making learning stick in powerful ways

Presenters

Kerri Kamischke

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 804 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, All Contents

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Instructional Strategies

10:15am CDT

Math Plays for a Winning Game! Increasing the Impact of your Graphing Calculator Tools

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

Rm. 1110 - Northwest High School

Stop running the same play when the game has changed. This session will compare and contrast the uses of DESMOS and the TI-84. Let's fill our toolbox with ways to help student become proficient and efficient consumers of these calculators.

Presenters

Melanye Griffin

Secondary Math Coordinator, Northwest ISD

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1110 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, Math

Audience Secondary

10:15am CDT

No Benchwarmer! Getting Every Student in The Game With Thinking Classrooms

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

Rm. 1204 - Northwest High School

Ready to call a new play in your math classroom? Inspired by Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics by Peter Liljedahl, this session introduces strategies that get students actively thinking, collaborating, and solving problems. Experience random grouping, vertical thinking spaces, and carefully scaffolded “thin-sliced” tasks from the student perspective. Leave with a game plan for increasing engagement, mathematical discourse, and student confidence while creating a classroom where every learner is in the game.

Presenters

Carla Dalton

NISD Secondary Math Instructional Coach

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 →

Jennifer Covert

Honors & GT Algebra 1, Tidwell Middle School

I'm entering my 21st year teaching and my 10th year in NISD. I have taught all levels of math from Pre-algebra through Algebra 2. I love challenging students to push through barriers and helping them discover they can do more than they thought they could.

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1204 - Northwest High School 2301 Texan Dr, Justin, TX 76247, USA

Instruction, Math

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Differentiation

10:15am CDT

Stronger Together: Teaming Up with Your Campus Librarian

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

Rm. 1203 - Northwest High School

When teachers and librarians work together, they form the ultimate instructional team. In this session, participants will explore ways to partner with the library to create meaningful learning opportunities that support any curriculum and help every student succeed. Leave with practical collaboration strategies and fresh ideas—and share how your librarian can best support you—every play, every day.

Presenters

Tiffany Siders

Librarian, Medlin Middle School

23 years in education teaching Social Studies, ELA, Math, Leadership, and being a librarian.

Meghan Batson

Library Media Specialist

Jennifer Gaskin

Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1203 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, All Contents

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Content Literacy

10:15am CDT

Brain + Belief = Breakthrough: Guiding Students Toward Purposeful Success (GT Update)

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

Rm. 1314 - Northwest High School

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

Presenters

Shannon Anderson

Author, Brain Coach, Educator, Motivational Speaker, www.shannonisteaching.com

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

Learning Environment, All Contents

Audience Secondary
TOPIC GT Update

1:00pm CDT

Pages with Purpose: Rigorous & Responsive Journals in ELA

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

Rm. 1303- Northwest High School

Stop chasing engagement and start building a system! This session shows how interactive journals can become a self-sustaining system that supports rigorous literacy practices, ongoing formative assessment, and consistent student engagement—without increasing teacher workload.

Presenters

Katelynn Steinhauser

English II Teacher, JAMES M STEELE EARLY COLLEGE H S

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Rm. 1303- Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, ELA

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Assessment

1:00pm CDT

Score a Touchdown with Authentic Text Interaction! - Secondary

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

Rm. 806 - Northwest High School

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!

Presenters

Tosh McGaughy

Educational Consultant, Tosh McGaughy LLC

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Rm. 806 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, ELA

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Content Literacy

1:00pm CDT

Winning the Project Game: Organize Student Teams with Microsoft Teams & Planner

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

Rm. 1205 - Northwest High School

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!

Presenters

Jarrod Cleveland

8th Grade LEAP | Digital Communications in the 21st Century

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Rm. 1205 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, CTE

Audience Secondary

1:00pm CDT

Gameplan for the Future

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

Rm. 1104 - Northwest High School

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

Presenters

Heather Crawford

Transition Coordinator

Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1104 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

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

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Post-Secondary

2:45pm CDT

Beyond the Red Pen: Empowering Writers Through Micro-Conferences

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

Rm. 1303- Northwest High School

Looking to transform your writing instruction into something more meaningful, targeted, and student-centered? This session will explore how micro-conferences can be used to build student agency, improve writing mastery, and track individual progress over time. During this session, you will see real classroom examples of micro-conferencing, practice scripting a micro-conference, learn how to track student writing progress, develop your own digital template, and collaborate with peers. Walk away with templates, strategies, and inspiration to make writing feedback more meaningful and manageable—for you and your students!

Presenters

Katelynn Steinhauser

English II Teacher, JAMES M STEELE EARLY COLLEGE H S

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1303- Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, ELA

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Differentiation

2:45pm CDT

Read, Race, ENGAGE!

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

Rm. 1001 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Olivia Myers

Secondary ELA - Middle School, Medlin Middle School

Madeline Melton

Secondary ELA - Middle School

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1001 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Learning Environment, ELA

Audience Secondary
TOPIC GT Update

2:45pm CDT

The Long Game: Strategies for Vertical Algebraic Growth

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

Rm. 1203 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Hannah Patredis

Instructional Math Coach, Northwest ISD

Carla Dalton

NISD Secondary Math Instructional Coach

Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1203 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, Math | Instruction, Math

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Instructional Strategies

8:30am CDT

Getting Students to Write with Clarity and Strength 3-12 in ALL Contents

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

Rm. 1109 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Donyall Dickey

CEO and Lead Consultant, Educational Epiphany

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

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 1109 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, All Contents

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Content Literacy

8:30am CDT

Score a Touchdown with Authentic Text Interaction! - Secondary

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

Rm. 806 - Northwest High School

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!

Presenters

Tosh McGaughy

Educational Consultant, Tosh McGaughy LLC

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 806 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, ELA

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Content Literacy

8:30am CDT

The Argument Arena: Where Claims Compete

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

Rm. 1305- Northwest High School

In this hands-on session, we will explore how authors leverage rhetorical appeals and logical fallacies to strengthen an argument.

Presenters

Aleisha Reid

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 1305- Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, ELA

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Literacy

8:30am CDT

Adult to Adult: Using Transactional Analysis to Reach Avoiders, Disrupters, and Anxious Students

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

Rm. 1203 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Mike Hays, LPC, CSC

Counselor, Chisholm Trail Middle School

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 1203 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Learning Environment, All Contents

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Leadership

8:30am CDT

Small Groups in the Secondary Classroom

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

Rm. 1110 - Northwest High School

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

Presenters

Natalia Vasquez

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 1110 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, ELA

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Instructional Strategies

8:30am CDT

Hands-On ADI Exploration: Unveiling 6th Grade Science Labs!

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

Rm. 801 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Helen Wright

Instructional Coach, Northwest ISD

Courtney Toht

Secondary Science Instructional Coach

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 801 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, Science | Instruction, Science

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Content Literacy

8:30am CDT

SAVVAS Implementation Training for Secondary Math Grades 9-12

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 11:45am CDT

Rm. 1208 - Northwest 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

Presenters

Becky Bailey

Savvas Learning Company

Melanye Griffin

Secondary Math Coordinator, Northwest ISD

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1208 - Northwest High School 2301 Texan Dr, Justin, TX 76247, USA

Planning, Math | Instruction, Math | Professional Practices & Responsibilities, Math

Audience Secondary

8:30am CDT

Engage - Specially Designed - Secondary Day 2 at Wilson Middle School

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 4:00pm CDT

SOAR Rm. B121/B122 - Truett Wilson Middle School

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

Presenters

Elizabeth Elliott-Norman

Northwest ISD

Ruth Ann Beagle

Dyslexia Coordinator, NORTHWEST ISD, ADMINISTRATION

Amelia Bowler

Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 4:00pm CDT
SOAR Rm. B121/B122 - Truett Wilson Middle School 14250 Sendera Ranch Blvd, Haslet, TX 76052, USA

Planning, Special Education | Instruction, Special Education | Learning Environment, Special Education

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Differentiation

10:15am CDT

Deepen Historical Thinking for Every Student, Every Day!

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

Rm. 1101 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Kendra Langston

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

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1101 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, Social Studies

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Differentiation

10:15am CDT

Draft Day: Picking Your Lead4ward Power Plays

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

Rm. 1201 - Northwest High School

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!

Presenters

Hannah Patredis

Instructional Math Coach, Northwest ISD

Lauren Smith

Secondary Social Studies Instructional Coach

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1201 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, All Contents

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Instructional Strategies

10:15am CDT

Hands-On ADI Exploration: Unveiling 7th Grade Science Labs!

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

Rm. 801 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Helen Wright

Instructional Coach, Northwest ISD

Courtney Toht

Secondary Science Instructional Coach

Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 801 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, Science | Instruction, Science

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Content Literacy

1:00pm CDT

Level Up Language: Making Academic Vocabulary Stick

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

Rm. 1118 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Carter Billingsley

Hailey Hart

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Rm. 1118 - Northwest High School 2301 Texan Dr, Justin, TX 76247, USA

Instruction, All Contents

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Differentiation

1:00pm CDT

Monopoly for SCR Sucess

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

Rm. 803 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Karen Groves

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

Instruction, All Contents

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Assessment

1:00pm CDT

Hands-On ADI Exploration: Unveiling 8th Grade Science Labs!

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

Rm. 801 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Helen Wright

Instructional Coach, Northwest ISD

Courtney Toht

Secondary Science Instructional Coach

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Rm. 801 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, Science | Instruction, Science

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Content Literacy

1:00pm CDT

SAVVAS Implementation Training for Secondary Math Grades 6-8

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

Rm. 1208 - Northwest High School

Presenters

Becky Bailey

Savvas Learning Company

Melanye Griffin

Secondary Math Coordinator, Northwest ISD

Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1208 - Northwest High School 2301 Texan Dr, Justin, TX 76247, USA

Planning, Math | Instruction, Math | Professional Practices & Responsibilities, Math

Audience Secondary

2:45pm CDT

The Student-Led Playbook: Scoring Big with Learning Rotations

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

Rm. 1107 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Hannah Patredis

Instructional Math Coach, Northwest ISD

Shana Muriel

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1107 - Northwest High School

Instruction, Math | Learning Environment, Math

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Differentiation

2:45pm CDT

Elevating Language Supports in the Secondary Classroom

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

Rm. 1113 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Tami Glaser

Keisha Gomes

Secondary ESL Teacher Support Specialist, Northwest ISD

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1113 - Northwest High School 2301 Texan Dr, Justin, TX 76247, USA

Planning, All Contents

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Differentiation

2:45pm CDT

Meaningful Formative Assessments

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

Rm. 1115 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Laura Miley

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1115 - Northwest High School 2301 Texan Dr, Justin, TX 76247, USA

Planning, All Contents

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Assessment

2:45pm CDT

Hands-On ADI Exploration: Unveiling Biology and Chemistry Science Labs!

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

Rm. 801 - Northwest High School

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.

Presenters

Helen Wright

Instructional Coach, Northwest ISD

Courtney Toht

Secondary Science Instructional Coach

Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 801 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, Science | Instruction, Science

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Content Literacy

8:30am CDT

Huddle Up for Higher level Discussion: Philosophical Chairs in Action

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Rm. 1202 - Northwest High School

Entice students into a meaningful and structured debate over a controversial topic, while teaching the skills of academic discussion and how to effectively support a position.

Presenters

Sara Erikson

Secondary Teacher Support Specialist, NISD Curriculum & Instruction

Lauren Smith

Secondary Social Studies Instructional Coach

Rebekah Hall

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 1202 - Northwest High School 2301 Texan Dr, Justin, TX 76247, USA

Instruction, ELA, Social Studies

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Instructional Strategies

8:30am CDT

NoodleTools: Your Research Game Plan

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Rm. 1110 - Northwest High School

Step onto the field with a winning strategy for student research! In this session, educators will learn how to use NoodleTools as their playbook for guiding students through the research process—from building strong sources to creating accurate citations and organized notes. Whether you're coaching beginners or seasoned researchers, you’ll discover practical ways to integrate NoodleTools into your instruction, support academic integrity, and keep students on track from kickoff to final submission. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies that will help your students score big on their next research project!

Presenters

Kay Downing

Jamie Eikenberry

Secondary Librarian, Northwest ISD

Meghan Batson

Library Media Specialist

Jaime LeRoy

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 1110 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, All Contents

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Content Literacy

8:30am CDT

Not Theory—Teaching: Practical Wisdom from the Classroom

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Rm. 1217 - Northwest High School

This session features a veteran classroom teacher sharing proven strategies for boosting student engagement, improving classroom management, and building a strong culture of learners. Participants will gain practical, classroom-ready tools grounded in real experience to foster student ownership, collaboration, and a focused, inclusive learning environment.

Presenters

Teresa Williams

Spanish Teacher- Tidwell Middle School

Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 1217 - Northwest High School 2301 Texan Dr, Justin, TX 76247, USA

Instruction, All Contents

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Differentiation

10:15am CDT

TI-84 Calculator strategies and activities for MS

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

Rm. 1101 - Northwest High School

Learn ways to make the TI-84 calculator a tool for exploration and learning.

Presenters

Melanye Griffin

Secondary Math Coordinator, Northwest ISD

Pareesa Schulte

Education Technology Consultant, TI Education Technology Consultant

For more than 30 years, Texas Instruments has been an active member of classrooms around the world, empowering teachers and inspiring students to succeed in mathematics.
Through our award-winning products, engaging lessons, and top-notch professional development, TI is transformin... Read More →

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1101 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Instruction, Math

Audience Secondary
TOPIC Instructional Strategies

10:15am CDT

Middle Grade & Young Adult Literature: Secondary ELA Professional Book Study

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

Rm. 1201 - Northwest High School

Back by popular demand! Teachers will experience some of the top young adult and middle grade authors and titles in contemporary literature. By reading and experiencing these stories, teachers will be able to reach a variety of student interests and walk away with strategies for curriculum and instructional implementation. If you participated in previous years, you will have the opportunity to select titles from a brand new list of titles!

Presenters

Thursday July 23, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1201 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

Planning, ELA | Instruction, ELA

Audience Secondary

8:30am CDT

8:30am CDT

8:30am CDT

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10:15am CDT

10:15am CDT

10:15am CDT

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2:45pm CDT

8:30am CDT

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10:15am CDT

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10:15am CDT

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2:45pm CDT

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2:45pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

8:30am CDT

8:30am CDT

8:30am CDT

10:15am CDT

10:15am CDT

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