Loading…

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

Subject: GT Update clear filter
Tuesday, July 21
 

8:30am CDT

Gifted Kids in Today’s Classrooms (GT Update)
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Gifted learners are increasingly taught in mixed-ability classrooms, requiring thoughtful differentiation that is both effective and manageable. This session offers practical, classroom-ready strategies to meet the unique learning needs of gifted students while supporting all learners. Participants will explore ways to differentiate skills, daily work, and new content: increase curriculum rigor through depth and complexity; and support self-directed independent study. Educators will leave with tools to challenge, inspire, and support engagement for gifted learners in today’s diverse classrooms.
Presenters
avatar for Shannon Anderson

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 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Rm. 1314 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

8:30am CDT

For the Love of Learning (GT Update)
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
What drives students to learn - not just perform, but truly engage with curiosity and joy? In this energizing keynote, Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, unpacks the science of motivation and how traditional approaches in schools can unintentionally extinguish it, especially for neurodivergent learners. With insight, humor, and heart, she introduces a new lens for understanding underachievement and disengagement through the core principles of self-determination: agency, competence, and connection. Attendees will explore how to create environments where students feel empowered, capable, and genuinely connected to their learning, because when we stop trying to force compliance, we make room for passion to thrive.
Presenters
avatar for Emily Kircher Morris

Emily Kircher Morris

Licensed Professional Counselor, Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, is the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, which explores the psychological, educational, and social needs for enriching the lives of neurodivergent people. She is the author of several books for parents and educators related to supporting neurodivergent... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Lecture Hall Rm. 2604 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

10:15am CDT

Brain + Belief = Breakthrough: Guiding Students Toward Purposeful Success (GT Update)
Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
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
avatar for Shannon Anderson

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

10:15am CDT

Calling an Audible: Using Improv to Adapt and Energize the Classroom
Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
This session will equip you with creative, purposeful activities that transform indoor recess or tired classrooms to creative thinking powerhouses. Discover engaging games, hands-on challenges, and movement-based strategies that foster social-emotional growth, teamwork, and critical thinking — all while giving students the brain break they need. Walk away with ready-to-use ideas that will keep kids active, engaged, and eager for more!
Presenters
avatar for Caitlin Andrews

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 →
avatar for Lindsey Hart

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 →
avatar for Cathy Baker

Cathy Baker

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
Cathy Baker is a GT Specialist and advocate for gifted students in Northwest ISD.
Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1217 - Northwest High School 2301 Texan Dr, Justin, TX 76247, USA

10:15am CDT

Twice-Exceptional Learners 101 (GT Update)
Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
The intersection of high cognitive ability and neurodivergent traits creates a unique presentation that is far more than the sum of its parts. This session explores the profile of the twice-exceptional learner, commonly referred to as 2e, and examines how characteristics of ADHD, dyslexia, and autism blend with giftedness to produce a singular and often misunderstood academic look. Participants will move beyond simple identification to analyze evidence-based frameworks and markers associated with asynchronous development within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). By exploring this dynamic interplay of strengths and challenges, educators can master the dual-differentiation required at every tier to ensure these complex students receive both the high-level enrichment and the targeted interventions they need to succeed.
Presenters
avatar for Emily Kircher Morris

Emily Kircher Morris

Licensed Professional Counselor, Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, is the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, which explores the psychological, educational, and social needs for enriching the lives of neurodivergent people. She is the author of several books for parents and educators related to supporting neurodivergent... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Lecture Hall Rm. 2604 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

10:15am CDT

PK Critical and Creative Thinking in Centers
Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
This session is for PreK teachers to think about their centers through the lens of differentiation. This will count towards your GT update hours.
Presenters
avatar for Kristen Dixon

Kristen Dixon

Early Childhood and Literacy Instructional Coach, Northwest ISD
Tuesday July 21, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1107 - Northwest High School

1:00pm CDT

Writing from Scratch: Whip up Delicious Writing Lessons Your Students Will Eat Up! (GT Update)
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Motivating our young writers to take creative "whisks" can be tricky at the elementary level. In this practical, you-can-do-it session, you will learn strategies for young writers to add some flavor to their writing. Through demonstrations, video clips, and oodles of ideas, you’ll be excited to go back to the classroom and try some of these writing recipes with just the right dash of fun.
Presenters
avatar for Shannon Anderson

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 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Rm. 1314 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

1:00pm CDT

Math Detectives: Investigating Acceleration & Enrichment Needs and How to Support Students
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Presenters
avatar for Courtney Baker

Courtney Baker

Accelerated Math Specialist, Northwest ISD
Courtney Baker is the Accelerated Math Specialist in Northwest ISD. She spent 9 years as a math and science teacher in grades 4 and 5 before moving to the gifted classroom, where she was in her role for 2 years. In her current position, she teaches elementary aged students middle... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Rm. 1107 - Northwest High School

1:00pm CDT

From Textures to Temperature: Supporting Sensory Needs in Neurodivergent Students (GT Update)
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Being neurodivergent comes with a wide range of unique sensory sensitivities. Sensory needs are intricately tied into emotional regulation and executive function skills, however, their connection is only minimally understood. Understanding these sensory needs (from all eight - yes, eight! - sensory systems) is key to providing an environment that allows neurodivergent students thrive at home and in the educational setting.
Presenters
avatar for Emily Kircher Morris

Emily Kircher Morris

Licensed Professional Counselor, Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, is the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast, which explores the psychological, educational, and social needs for enriching the lives of neurodivergent people. She is the author of several books for parents and educators related to supporting neurodivergent... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Lecture Hall Rm. 2604 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

2:45pm CDT

Bossy Pants, Perfectionists, and Slackers, Oh My! (GT Update)
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
As a classroom teacher, you know that meeting students' academic needs is a challenge, but addressing their social and emotional needs is just as important. Discover strategies to tackle these matters and help kids develop healthy mindsets and coping skills positively. Shannon, a gifted coordinator and teacher for 26 years, has helped create programs and lessons that support the social and emotional development of gifted students. She will share ideas for helping students enhance their leadership skills, offer tips for helping perfectionists gain a balanced perspective, assist you in building confidence in shy students, and provide tools to motivate unmotivated learners. This session is full of practical strategies, mentor text suggestions, and lessons you will find useful for years to come.
Presenters
avatar for Shannon Anderson

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 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 1314 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247

2:45pm CDT

Read, Race, ENGAGE!
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
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
avatar for Olivia Myers

Olivia Myers

Secondary ELA - Middle School, Medlin Middle School
avatar for Madeline Melton

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

2:45pm CDT

Differentiation Strategies for Gifted Learners (3-5 Math/Science)
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Participants will explore practical strategies to differentiate instruction for gifted learners and reflect on how to apply these strategies in their own classrooms.
Presenters
avatar for Jennifer Casey

Jennifer Casey

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
avatar for Joanna Espinoza

Joanna Espinoza

G/T Specialist, Northwest ISD
I am a G/T Specialist who loves to differentiate, find new and innovative ways to help students pursue their passions, and facilitate scholarly growth in G/T learners! I also love creating cross-curricular lessons to make learning more engaging and teaching more time-efficient.
Tuesday July 21, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Rm. 806 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
 
Wednesday, July 22
 

8:30am CDT

Hearts & Minds: Integrating Emotional Development in Education (GT Update)
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
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
avatar for Stephanie Higgs

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

8:30am CDT

Building Critical Thinking Classrooms Part 1 (GT Update)
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
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
avatar for Think Big Learning

Think Big Learning

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

8:30am CDT

Differentiation Strategies for Gifted Learners (K-2)
Wednesday July 22, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Participants will explore practical strategies to differentiate instruction for gifted learners and reflect on how to apply these strategies in their own classrooms.
Presenters
avatar for Laura Taylor-Dunn

Laura Taylor-Dunn

GT Specialist K-5, Curtis Elementary, Northwest ISD

avatar for Stacy Pickett

Stacy Pickett

Gifted and Talented Specialist, Northwest ISD
avatar for Tricia Hanson

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

10:15am CDT

Brain-Based Strategies to Kick Off Engagement
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
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
avatar for Liz Smith

Liz Smith

Gifted and Talented Specialist, Northwest ISD
avatar for Kelly Barrett

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

10:15am CDT

Coloring Outside the Lines: The Magic is in the Mess! (GT Update)
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
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
avatar for Stephanie Higgs

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

10:15am CDT

Differentiation Strategies for Gifted Learners (3-5 ELA)
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Participants will explore practical strategies to differentiate instruction for gifted learners and reflect on how to apply these strategies in their own classrooms.
Presenters
avatar for Heather Martin

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.
avatar for Caitlin Andrews

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 →
avatar for Lindsey Hart

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

10:15am CDT

Promoting Visual Literacy in the Science Classroom
Wednesday July 22, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
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
avatar for Think Big Learning

Think Big Learning

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

1:00pm CDT

Sparkle & Shine: Differentiation that Dazzles (GT Update)
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
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
avatar for Stephanie Higgs

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

1:00pm CDT

Building Critical Thinking Classrooms Part 2 (GT Update)
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
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
avatar for Think Big Learning

Think Big Learning

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

1:00pm CDT

At the Movies: Encanto (GT Update)
Wednesday July 22, 2026 1:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
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
avatar for Audra Rowell

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

2:45pm CDT

Thunderstruck: Power Plays for Engaging GT Learners
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
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
avatar for Caitlin Andrews

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 →
avatar for Lindsey Hart

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

2:45pm CDT

Unpacking Thinking: Depth + Complexity in Action
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
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
avatar for Katie Delgado

Katie Delgado

GT Specialist

avatar for Jessica Young

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

2:45pm CDT

Speaking of Science: Promoting Academic Conversation
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
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
avatar for Think Big Learning

Think Big Learning

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

2:45pm CDT

Teacher Tune Up (GT Update)
Wednesday July 22, 2026 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
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
avatar for Stephanie Higgs

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 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Lecture Hall Rm. 2604 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
 
Thursday, July 23
 

8:30am CDT

At the Movies: Rain Man (GT Update)
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 11:45am CDT
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
avatar for Audra Rowell

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 →
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 11:45am CDT
Rm. 1106 - Northwest High School Northwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
 


Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.