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!
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 SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
Gifted learners are increasingly taught in mixed-ability classrooms, requiring thoughtful differentiation that is both effective and manageable. This session offers practical, classroom-ready strategies to meet the unique learning needs of gifted students while supporting all learners. Participants will explore ways to differentiate skills, daily work, and new content: increase curriculum rigor through depth and complexity; and support self-directed independent study. Educators will leave with tools to challenge, inspire, and support engagement for gifted learners in today’s diverse classrooms.
Shannon Anderson has taught for 26 years, from first grade through college level. She also served as the gifted coordinator for her school district and on the board of directors for the Indiana State Literacy Association. A highlight of her teaching career was being named one of the... Read More →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT Rm. 1314 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
Let’s secure the basics. This session will be hands-on and interactive as we learn how to navigate the ParentSquare platform. Users will customize account settings for notifications, language preferences, and office hours. We will learn how to create and manage groups to better reach students and families. Using groups, we’ll practice creating posts for everyday communication and explore direct messages for quick conversations and real time chats. Already have the basics? Join us for our other session: ParentSquare - Beyond the Basics.
Google Sheets can be used to create all kinds of self-checking assignments so that students can have fun while leading themselves through the activities. The problem is that sometimes, the checking mechanisms can be time -consuming to program and set up. This session will provide many Google Sheets templates that are ready to go so that all you have to do is add your own content.
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
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.
Discover the tools two science teachers use to keep students organized, monitor progress in real time, and respond with targeted support. From student binders and Edugence-informed progress monitoring sheets to Canvas Mastery Paths and digital remediation resources, this session blends inspiration with hands-on exploration — giving you practical tools and a framework you can bring back to your classroom.
Discover how to make your daily Teacher Access Center (TAC) tasks faster, easier, and more efficient! Learn time-saving shortcuts and powerful features that will transform the way you manage attendance, gradebooks, and student data. You’ll get insider tips on one-click attendance marking, auto-saving grades, and generating insightful reports—all designed to give you more time for teaching and less time clicking through TAC. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to streamline your TAC workflow!
As a nation, we have long acknowledged the critical importance of deep, conceptual understanding of academic language as a cornerstone of student achievement. Yet, despite this recognition, our collective practices and systemic efforts have not consistently aligned with these aspirations. The persistent discrepancy between what we know and what we collectively do continues to impact students’ ability to access, comprehend, and engage with complex academic content within and across disciplines.
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 →
Tuesday July 21, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT Rm. 1106 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
This session will introduce teachers to practical ways to use Google's Gemini and NotebookLM to streamline planning and boost engagement. Participants will create slides, infographics, and video summaries with NotebookLM, and explore Gemini tools such as Gems, Deep Research, and Learning Guide to support instruction and student learning. Teachers will leave with ready-to-use strategies they can apply right away.
Whether you teach kindergarten or high school, Padlet offers something for every classroom. Teachers stay connected to student work using features like auto-remake and breakout links, while customizable settings keep teachers in control of sharing and collaboration. Curious about Padlet Sandbox? Think interactive slides, a digital whiteboard, or even a presentation space. Both Padlet and Padlet Sandbox give teachers and students access to Padlet’s full suite of multimedia tools. Come discover new ways to use Padlet that you may not have seen before to create digital notebooks, podcast platforms, interactive formatives, published writing templates, and more.
“From Monitoring to Management: Making Lightspeed Work for Your Classroom” is an engaging and practical session designed to help educators move beyond simply observing student screens to using Lightspeed as an effective classroom management tool. In a 1:1 environment, managing student behavior and maintaining focus can be challenging as students navigate multiple tabs, distractions, and digital tasks.
This session explores how Lightspeed can be used proactively to support instruction, redirect off-task behavior, and create a more focused learning environment. Participants will learn how to monitor student activity in real time, respond efficiently without interrupting instruction, and establish clear expectations for device use. Through real-life examples, demonstrations, and practical strategies, educators will gain tools to reduce technology-related disruptions and increase student engagement. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies they can implement immediately to streamline classroom management and make technology work for—not against—their instruction.
In the high-stakes environment of the classroom, clear communication is the difference between a touchdown and a turnover. But what happens when the "vocal playbook" isn't enough for every player on your roster?Enter Total Communication: a strategic approach that utilizes ASL signs, AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices, visual supports, and tactile cues to ensure no student is left on the sidelines. This session will coach you on how to integrate these "Game-Changing" tools into your daily routines.
Learn to distinguish your "base playbook" strategies from "specialized equipment" accommodations and "rule-changing" modifications to ensure every player on your roster has a clear path to the end zone.
Join us for a dedicated Canvas work session designed as independent work time to focus on building, refining, and organizing your courses. You’ll have uninterrupted time to work on your own Canvas content while support staff are available in person to answer questions and provide guidance if needed. Use this time to tackle your Canvas to-do list and leave the session with your courses more prepared for the start of the school year.
Looking for ways to make Canva work even harder for your classroom? This session will highlight helpful tools, creative shortcuts, and practical strategies for designing instructional materials and sharing them with students. Educators will explore features that simplify content creation, support engaging presentations, and make it easy to distribute activities through their digital classroom platforms. Come discover new ways Canva can save time while supporting meaningful learning experiences.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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!
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 →
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.
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.
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 →
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Chrome Extensions, Keyboard Shortcuts, and Hacks, OH MY! I am SO excited to share our FAVORITE THINGS with you! This is a session you will not want to miss! Whether you are Admin, Office Staff, Teachers, or someone who uses a computer daily, this session is. for. you. Come learn about all the ways to make your life easier with all these magical tricks. I promise, you will not be disappointed!
Great learning experiences don't happen by accident—they're built lesson by lesson. Join Victor Sampson, creator of Argument-Driven Inquiry, as he unlocks the daily instructional moves that transform your classroom into a place where students show up equipped to argue, reason, and think critically—every single day.
Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer, Argument-Driven Inquiry
Dr. Victor Sampson is an Associate Professor of STEM Education at the University of Texas in Austin. He is also the co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Argument-Driven Inquiry. Dr. Sampson received his Ph.D. from Arizona State University in 2007 and is an expert in STEM education... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30am - 11:45am CDT Rm. 1104 - Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School, 2301 Texan Drive, Justin, TX 76247
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.
