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Tuesday, November 29
 

4:00pm CST

Registration Open
Tuesday November 29, 2022 4:00pm - 6:00pm CST
Registration Desk

5:00pm CST

Newbee Orientation
New to giftED? Not to worry—we are here to help you make the most of your experience. Start off your conference with new friends and connections at this event made just for you. You will learn a bit more about TAGT, the must-dos of your giftED22 experience, and how to connect to the rest of your professional network after the conference is over.

Tuesday November 29, 2022 5:00pm - 6:00pm CST
Texas Salon F

6:00pm CST

Geeks Who Teach Trivia Night: 90’s Edition
Are you all that and a bag of chips? Are you da bomb when it comes to useless knowledge? Is that your final answer? Then, it’s time to grab a team or join a table of your fellow teachers and trivia geeks and compete for all the glory at this fast-paced, super fun trivia night hosted by trivia master, gifted expert, and self-proclaimed geek Brian Housand. You’ll laugh, get rowdy (we hope—it’s a competition!), “Whatever!” our host, learn plenty of useful 90’s knowledge with which to impress your Friends-loving students, yada, yada, yada . . . just plan to join us! Lite bites and a cash bar will be available. 

Speakers
avatar for Brian Housand

Brian Housand

Coordinator, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Dr. Brian Housand, is the coordinator of the Academically or Intellectually Gifted program at University of North Carolina Wilmington and creator of Gifted360.com. Dr. Housand earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology at the University of Connecticut with an emphasis in both gifted... Read More →


Tuesday November 29, 2022 6:00pm - 8:00pm CST
Texas Salon C
 
Wednesday, November 30
 

7:00am CST

Registration Open
Wednesday November 30, 2022 7:00am - 5:30pm CST
Registration Desk

8:00am CST

CANCELLED: Are they STILL talking about their Minecraft world? Yes! And Let’s Keep That Conversation Going!
It’s the bestselling video game of all time. Embrace that and use Minecraft to differentiate, encourage creativity, and promote critical thinking. Learn ways to get students thinking beyond the nether! Many districts already have Minecraft Education Edition, but we’ll also look at options for students to obtain it for free!

Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Shackelford

Stephanie Shackelford

Digital Learning Coach, Mansfield ISD
Within her 20+ years in education, Stephanie has taught in the English, technology, and leadership classrooms. Her passion for utilizing technology in the classroom led her to the Digital Learning team in Mansfield ISD. She has the unique opportunity to work with the Advanced Academics... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Texas Salon H

8:00am CST

STEAM Camps - How to Start a Summer Enrichment Program (Coordinator Track)
Need to have summer enrichment, but you are literally a GT department of 1? Come learn how a small-ish (<8000 students) district leveraged other departments, teachers, and community members to run 6 weeks of summer camps without the use of district funds.

Speakers
avatar for Mel Harlan M.Ed.

Mel Harlan M.Ed.

Director of GT & Advanced Academics, Forney ISD
Mel has been in education since 2001 & a GT coordinator for 8 years. Before becoming a GT coordinator, she taught all of the AP & on-level high school sciences and coached cheer. She has 6 babies (2 of the human variety and 4 of the canid variety), an awesome hubs, lives way out in... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
River Oaks Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

Transforming Tier 1 Instruction: Going Beyond the Standards with Easy Higher-Order Questioning (Equity Track)
The standards are an important part of preparing each student to read, write, and do math on grade-level, but they are not enough to truly prepare students for the world they will face when they leave school. They are necessary, but not sufficient. Students need to approach material in more broad, deep, and complex ways in order to truly master critical thinking across the disciplines. Learn strategies for asking and answering better questions in class can be a simple, but powerfully transformative tool to unlock learning potential and make the “basics” more interesting and engaging.

Speakers
avatar for Clint Von Gundy

Clint Von Gundy

Director of Professional Learning, ThinkLaw
Clint spent the beginning of his career teaching English to gifted students in a Dallas/Fort Worth Suburb where he eventually became the lead humanities teacher at a magnet for highly gifted middle schoolers. He has also worked as a central office coordinator of secondary gifted services... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Hunters Creek Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

Keep On Growing: When They Already Know It (Differentiation Track)
In this hands-on workshop, presenters (Liz Rimler, Tikka Walters, and Russ Weeks) will share content, philosophies, and strategies to help all learners grow, with a focus on gifted learners who may already know content.

Speakers
avatar for Liz Rimler

Liz Rimler

Advanced Academics Facilitator, Mesquite ISD
Liz Rimler has 24 years of experience in Mesquite ISD, serving as a classroom teacher, district and campus instructional specialist, and Advanced Academics facilitator. She enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
RW

Russ Weeks

Advanced Academics Director, Mesquite ISD
Russ Weeks is the Director of Advanced Academics K -- 12 in Mesquite ISD. He has worked in the district for 24 years, most of that in gifted education and advanced academics. His passions are walking in nature and singing with the Turtle Creek Chorale. He loves to read, cultivate... Read More →
avatar for Tikka Walters

Tikka Walters

Advanced Academics Facilitator, Mesquite ISD


Wednesday November 30, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Briargrove Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

Increasing Equity and Demystifying Giftedness in Emergent Bilingual Students (Identification Track)
Participants will examine how to demystify what it means for an Emergent Bilingual student to exhibit gifted characteristics. We will explore how an equity plan was developed to ensure inclusive practices are implemented to increase the identification of emergent bilingual students in G/T programs.

Speakers
avatar for Christin Kimball

Christin Kimball

Elementary G/T Specialist, Spring ISD
Christin Kimball is an Elementary G/T Specialist in the Spring Independent School District. Ms. Kimball has enjoyed working in gifted education for 14 years as a teacher, campus and now district level coordinator/specialist. Ms. Kimball is a graduate of Texas State University, a Texas... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Meyerland Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

How to Effectively Advocate for Gifted Students
Participants will hear tips and tricks for advocating to administration, teachers, and students about the needs of gifted students. Whether you are a team or a lone advocate, you will hear experiences and lessons learned from advocating for gifted students in school.

Speakers
avatar for Justin Pata

Justin Pata

GT Teacher, Richardson ISD
Justin is in his 8th year in education and teaches in a program for highly gifted students in Richardson ISD. He has taught science in upper elementary and middle school settings and is passionate about not only science education, but advocating for the academic and social needs of... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Clearlake Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

Brainstorm. Create. Present. Repeat.
Walk through middle school curriculum designed to encourage students to use their 21st century skills. Challenges are tailored to meet different learning styles and are aligned with career paths outlined in Texas HS graduation endorsements. Participants will get a taste of this curriculum though hands on activities and enriching conversations.

Speakers
avatar for Kristen Bryant

Kristen Bryant

Classroom Teacher, New Braunfels ISD
Kristen Bryant and Norma Cowan have been teaching 8th grade GT together for 8 years. Teamed together for their complementary skills and 20+ years of educational experience. Both are passionate about curriculum design that is challenging, fosters creativity, and develops 21st century... Read More →
avatar for Norma Cowan

Norma Cowan

Classroom Teacher, New Braunfels ISD
Norma Cowan and Kristen Bryant have been teaching 8th grade GT together for 8 years. Teamed together for their complementary skills and 20+ years of educational experience. Both are passionate about curriculum design that is challenging, fosters creativity, and develops 21st century... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Montrose Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

From Striving to Thriving: Implementing Secondary GT Services (Secondary Track)
Is there a way to serve secondary students in a meaningful way with an engaging curriculum? Join us for an interactive experience showing how one district has implemented an effective secondary service supporting the needs of these students. These services address both intellectual and emotional needs of the gifted adolescent. _x000D_

Speakers
avatar for Anna Baggett

Anna Baggett

Secondary GT Facilitator of Advanced Academics, Keller ISD
I am the Secondary GT Facilitator of Advanced Academics in KellerISD. My role in the district is primarily to build and implement GT services for our 5 high schools and 7 middle schools. As a former preAP/AP science teacher, my passion is driven by the lessons learned through this... Read More →
avatar for Denise Koontz

Denise Koontz

Intermediate and Secondary GT Specialist, Keller ISD
I serve as both an intermediate and secondary GT specialist in Keller ISD.  I have 23 year classroom experience, and the recipient of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science (PAEMST). In addition to bring a specialist, I support secondary services through... Read More →
avatar for Alyson Laurel

Alyson Laurel

Gifted and Talented Specialist, Keller ISD



Wednesday November 30, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Kingwood Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

Synergy: Scope and Sequence for Gifted Learners K-12
As gifted educators, we are keenly aware of the traits, aptitudes, and behaviors of our students. Designing a Scope and Sequence for K-12 Gifted Skills is an integral tool advantageous to educators planning learning experiences and parents supporting them.

Speakers
avatar for Bronwyn Vaughan M.Ed.

Bronwyn Vaughan M.Ed.

G&T Program Coordinator, ForneyISD
Bronwyn Vaughan is the Gifted & Talented Program Coordinator for Forney ISD. She has over two decades of K-12 classroom experience working with gifted students and educators in gifted education. Bronwyn conducted research on Gifted and Talented Identification for rural communities... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Texas Salon G

8:00am CST

Tracking and Planning for Equity in Programs
This interactive session will focus on historical data you already have combined with the collection of critical data on your current students to ensure a reliable source for past, present, and future analysis to create a strategic and meaningful growth plan focused on equity in services and instruction.  



Speakers
avatar for Jayson Hammett

Jayson Hammett

Vice President, Project Education
Jayson Hammett made language acquisition a cornerstone of his education and career. He started his education career by teaching elementary Spanish and general studies in several North Texas school districts before moving to Arlington ISD to teach 4th grade. While there he found a... Read More →
avatar for Roxanne Brown

Roxanne Brown

District GT Program Coordinator, Northside ISD
Roxanne Brown has been an educator for 32 years and has taught across Texas. She sparked a passion for serving GT students in Clear Creek ISD which continues today. Roxanne left the classroom in 2016 with the goal of having a larger impact on students while improving identification... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Texas Salon B

8:00am CST

TAGT Podcast Recording: Christine Fonseca
Watch your favorite speakers and TAGT Podcast host Michael Flusche in engaging conversation as they record episodes of TAGT’s upcoming podcast series live at giftED22. Speakers and schedule listed below.
  • Wednesday, November 30, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Christine Fonseca
  • Wednesday, November 30, 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.: Matt Wells
  • Wednesday, November 30, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.: Joyce Juntune
  • Thursday, December 1, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Thomas P. Hébert 
  • Thursday, December 1, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Nielsen Pereira
  • Thursday, December 1, 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Bruce Ellis
  • Friday, December 2, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Vicki Phelps
  • Friday, December 2, 9:00 a.m.-9:45 a.m.: Javetta Jones-Roberson

Want to listen to episodes from Seasons 1 and 2 of the TAGT Podcast? Check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GK8K08gKd5k8MjWAWFexG


Speakers
avatar for Christine Fonseca

Christine Fonseca

Educational Psychologist and Author, Christine Fonseca, Author
Christine Fonseca is a licensed educational psychologist, critically acclaimed author, and a nationally recognized speaker on topics related to educational psychology, mental health, and giftedness. Using her experience consulting and coaching, Christine brings her expertise to Psychology... Read More →
avatar for Michael Flusche

Michael Flusche

Comedian & G/T Director, Curtis Needs A Ride
Michael Flusche loves to combine his passion for comedy with his love for gifted education. Beginning as a teacher with a hobby of comedy, Flusche earned an opportunity to work as a coordinator in gifted education. In doing so, Flusche discovered that the foundations of improvisational... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Memorial

8:45am CST

TAGT Connect Live
Join your TAGT community for live discussions on a variety of topics of interest to members! Make connections and meet someone new!

Wednesday November 30, 2022 8:45am - 9:00am CST
Registration Desk

9:00am CST

Artemis in Practice: How, Why, and Who
Artemis missions are not just a repeat of previous Apollo missions. Our how is different. The why is different. Perhaps most importantly the who is different. Our hands on activity will explore the team work needed to make missions successful.

Speakers
avatar for Steven Smith

Steven Smith

Senior Program Coordinator, NASA
Steven is a Senior Program Coordinator at Johnson Space Center in Houston. His work supports educators inspiring the next generation from historically disenfranchised groups, helping create culturally responsive lessons that engage students previously left out of the work NASA does... Read More →



Wednesday November 30, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Texas Salon A

9:00am CST

Achieving Equity in Gifted Education through Identification, Interpretation and Programming
Racial, ethnic and socioeconomic inequality in gifted education is abundantly evident. For this to change, educators need to better understand equitable identification processes, the critical importance of culturally-free assessments, and practical, effective strategies for identifying and serving students of diversity in schools’ gifted programs. Join us for this interactive discussion.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Dina Brulles

Dr. Dina Brulles

Gifted Program Coordinator, Arizona State University
Dr. Brulles is the gifted program coordinator at Arizona State University and former gifted education director at Paradise Valley Unified School District. She served several leadership roles at the National Association of Gifted Students. She has published many books including... Read More →
avatar for Kim Lansdowne

Kim Lansdowne

Executive Director, Herberger Young Scholars Academy
Dr. Kimberly Lansdowne is the founding Executive Director of the Herberger Young Scholars Academy, a secondary school for highly gifted students at Arizona State University.  She received her doctorate at ASU in 2008 and has a lengthy career in teaching and administration at universities... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Texas Salon F

9:00am CST

Brilliance, Excellence, Equity and You: Understanding the Role We All Play in Increasing Representation in Gifted Education (Equity Track)
Through the lens of antiracism, participants in this mini-workshop will identify the ways internal, interpersonal, and structural racism impact who gets to be gifted as well as who gets to teach gifted. This will be an interactive workshop that will encourage participants to look within as well as around them to identify how implicit and explicit biases shape the picture of gifted education in the United States.

Speakers
avatar for Autumn A. Arnett

Autumn A. Arnett

Executive Director, The Brilliance, Excellence, and Equity Project
Autumn A. Arnett is the inaugural executive director of the Brilliance, Excellence, and Equity Project, a nonprofit that works to increase the number of certified Black and Hispanic gifted educators. A self-described “former gifted kid,” Autumn is the author of “Let’s Stop... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Hunters Creek Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
  Identification and Assessment, Learning Lab
  • about Autumn A. Arnett is the inaugural executive director of the Brilliance, Excellence, and Equity Project, a nonprofit that works to increase the number of certified Black and Hispanic gifted educators. A self-described “former gifted kid,” Autumn is the author of “Let’s Stop Calling it an Achievement Gap,” and “Radical Ideas for Educating Black Children,” a workbook for educators looking to dive deeper into their antiracist journey. She is also the founder of A Black Child Can, a Texas-based nonprofit that advocates for better educational experiences for children across the state, and a frequent speaker on topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion in K-12 and higher education.

9:00am CST

Facing Educational Barriers and Building Bridges: Promoting Anti-Racism and Facing Racist Facts
Many teachers are forced into classrooms for which they are not fully prepared. Unfortunately, some of the educational practices of school personnel who matriculated through teacher preparation programs that did not address cultural competency education lead to a spectrum of racist practices. When racist practices are muddled with macroaggressions, microaggressions, prejudices, and discrimination, those who are on the opposing end are often met with disregard, hence the necessity for teachers to possess and understand anti-racism. During this session, the presenter will share her daughter's journey to gifted identification and encounters her daughter faced after being identified. The National Education Association's code of ethics will be used to identify the ethical standards used during her time within the P - 12 setting. The presenter will also utilize Merton's typology to discuss how prejudice and discriminatory beliefs delayed her daughter's gifted identification and will share anti-racist strategies that can be used to address issues that may arise before, during, and after the identification process.

Speakers
avatar for Michelle Frazier Trotman Scott

Michelle Frazier Trotman Scott

Professor & Director of Graduate Affairs, University of West Georgia
Dr. Michelle (Shelli) Frazier Trotman Scott is the Director of Graduate Affairs and Professor at the University of West Georgia. Affectionately known as “Dr. FTS” and Dr. Shelli, she writes and presents on racial disproportionalities in gifted and special education, dual exceptionalities... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Texas Salon B

9:00am CST

Learning to Fly the giftED Experience
Are you ready to go ALL IN on giftED22? Join Andi and Brian to kickoff your learning experience and explore practical ways to fully engage in this year’s conference. Begin your journey by intentionally identifying your needs and the needs of your learners. Then, chart a course for possible pathways to reach your destination. Next, identify collaboration opportunities for “learning together and being together” throughout the event and consider purposeful ways to extend the learning beyond the conference experience. Finally, we will offer a series of challenge activities to empower you to make the most of your giftED22 Experience!

Speakers
avatar for Brian Housand

Brian Housand

Coordinator, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Dr. Brian Housand, is the coordinator of the Academically or Intellectually Gifted program at University of North Carolina Wilmington and creator of Gifted360.com. Dr. Housand earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology at the University of Connecticut with an emphasis in both gifted... Read More →
avatar for Andi McNair

Andi McNair

GT Specialists, ESC Region 12
Andi was a classroom teacher for 16 years before pursuing her passion to change education by sharing practical ways to engage and empower today’s learners.  She is now a published author, international speaker, gifted education specialist and digital innovation specialist at ESC... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Texas Salon A

9:00am CST

“Teacher, has the world gone mad?”: Supporting the Social and Emotional Development of Gifted Kids in Complex Times
We find ourselves living at a time of intense social unrest, economic uncertainty, unprecedented tragedies, and a mounting sense of collective hopelessness. These are indeed complex times. How do we learn to live with these challenges? How do these challenges affect the lives of our students? How does so much uncertainty influence their social and emotional well-being? We will examine these issues and explore ways in which educators can address the concerns of gifted students.

Speakers
avatar for Thomas P. Hébert

Thomas P. Hébert

Professor, Gifted and Talented Education, University of South Carolina
Thomas P. Hébert is Professor of Gifted and Talented Education in the College of Education at the University of South Carolina. Tom has more than a decade of K-12 classroom experience working with gifted students and 25 years in higher education training graduate students and educators... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 9:00am - 10:00am CST
Texas Salon C

9:15am CST

Meeting the Needs of Gifted Learners: A Principal’s Perspective (Separate Registration Required)
Attendees of this training will discuss questions around to supporting the needs of gifted learners with Kelsey Karcher of Dallas ISD, state G/T policy including identification and funding with Dr. Meredith Austin of Humble ISD, as well as building trust and achievement with Kamilah Holmes and Crystal Wilson of Ft. Bend ISD. Principals, school board members, and superintendents are invited to engage alongside leaders in gifted education to explore topics relevant to the unique role of campus leaders. Feel free to stick around and enjoy sessions in the afternoon as well. Lunch provided. full conference registration is not required, but a separate event-specific registration is required.  Cost: $150 

Registration Link: https://www.txgifted.org/ev_calendar_day.asp?date=11%2F30%2F22&eventid=85 

Speakers
avatar for Kamilah Holmes

Kamilah Holmes

GT Academy Coordinator, Ft. Bend ISD
Kamilah Holmes leads the Gifted and Talented Middle School Academy in Fort Bend ISD. Her 22-year educational career began as a mathematics teacher, followed by leadership roles as a middle school assistant principal and the District’s Gifted and Talented Coordinator. Kamilah is... Read More →
avatar for Meredith Austin

Meredith Austin

Coordinator of Gifted & Talented, Humble ISD
Meredith Austin is the Coordinator of Gifted and Talented programs in Humble ISD. Additionally, she serves at the chair of the TEA Commissioner's Advisory Council for G/T Education.
KK

Kelsey Karcher

Manager, Advanced Academic Services, Dallas ISD
Kelsey Karcher, M.Ed., is a Manager on Dallas ISD's Advanced Academic Services team. Throughout her career, her goal has been to ensure all gifted students have equitable access to an education that challenges and supports them. Kelsey values the work TAGT does and is an active member... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 9:15am - 12:45pm CST
Texas Salon G

10:00am CST

TAGT Connect Live
Join your TAGT community for live discussions on a variety of topics of interest to members! Make connections and meet someone new!

Wednesday November 30, 2022 10:00am - 10:30am CST
Registration Desk

10:15am CST

Recharge Zone Mini-Session: Mindfulness via Chocolate: Using Mindful Eating to Achieve Greater Focus, Calm, and Joy
Any of your five senses can be used as an "anchor" to bring awareness to the present moment, even taste. Which means, YES, eating chocolate can be transformed into a mindfulness practice! Join the NuMinds team in the Recharge Zone (within the TAGT Marketplace) for a guided, slow motion, chocolate eating experience. Come for the chocolate, leave with epically calm vibes.

Wednesday November 30, 2022 10:15am - 10:30am CST
Texas Foyer

10:15am CST

Mindsets and Mastery: Why Am I Grading This? (Differentiation Track)
A teacher's "grading philosophy" can have a huge influence on whether or not our students feel motivated to take risks, stay engaged, and push through challenges with grit. Join us as we identify how traditional grading practices can actually de-motivate gifted students especially, and how we might approach grading differently.

Speakers
avatar for Matt Wells

Matt Wells

Science Dept. Chair, CFISD
Matt is an award-winning teacher, Science department chair, GT trainer and AP consultant based in Houston, TX. A regular presenter at giftED, CAST and other conferences, Matt is a Past-President of STAT and TABT, and winner of numerous teaching awards, including NABT's "Outstanding... Read More →
avatar for Kate Wells

Kate Wells

Elementary Teacher, CFISD
Kate is an award-winning elementary teacher and educational consultant based in Houston, TX who is a regular presenter at giftED. Having raised a 2E child and taught gifted students in all 3rd-5th grade subjects, (in both clustered and self-contained settings), Kate is passionate... Read More →



Wednesday November 30, 2022 10:15am - 12:15pm CST
Briargrove Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

10:15am CST

Teacher to Facilitator...Mastering the Role of Facilitator as You Move From Teacher-Centered to a Student-Centered Classroom (Secondary Track)
Differentatiate for students as you move from the Sage on the Stage to the Stage on the side. Collaborate with the instructors as you learn to build your own version of a CENTERS based classroom that creates interdependence.

Speakers
avatar for Blake Bogus

Blake Bogus

Advanced Learning Specialist, Richardson ISD
Blake just stepped out of the classroom at the end of the '20-'21 school year after 26 years. He started his career on the southside of Houston in HISD, then moved to Aldine ISD, and finally Cy-Fair ISD. After moving to North Texas in 2000, he spent one year in Carrollton-Farmers... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 10:15am - 12:15pm CST
Kingwood Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

10:15am CST

Implementing The CASA Criteria for Evaluating Gifted and Talented Identification Systems: Cost, Alignment, Sensitivity, and Access (Identification Track)
In this session, we present the CASA criteria, a framework to evaluate identification systems according to their cost, alignment to services, sensitivity, and access. We believe these criteria would facilitate more-productive conversations over identification and continued growth and improvement for the field of gifted education.

Speakers
avatar for Lindsey Lee

Lindsey Lee

Research Assistant Professor, East Tennessee State University
Lindsay Ellis Lee, Ph.D. is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at East Tennessee State University. She graduated from the University of North Texas (UNT) with a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Gifted and Talented Education. Lindsay’s... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 10:15am - 12:15pm CST
Meyerland Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

10:30am CST

Authentic Learning - Methods for Making Learning Matter
Begins with an overview of what authentic learning is, specifically project-based learning, problem-based learning, and case-based learning, all which fall under inquiry learning. Then participants have the choice to explore one of these strategies and see how they would use it for themselves.

Speakers
avatar for Todd Stanley

Todd Stanley

Gifted Services Coordinator, Pickerington Local Schools
Todd Stanley is the author of many teacher-education books including Project-Based Learning for Gifted Students: A Handbook for the 21st Century Classroom (2nd edition), How the Hell Do We Motivate These Kids, Promoting Rigor Through Higher Level Questioning, and A Teacher’s Toolbox... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Texas Salon C

10:30am CST

Curiouser & Curiouser: Technology Adventures in Wonderland
Gifted kids are often very curious creatures. However, many lose sight of this playful nature and instead go in search of the one right answer. In this adventurous session, we will go down the rabbit hole and explore a wonderland of technology infused and teacher tested lessons designed to reconnect you and your students with a playful sense of wonder.

Speakers
avatar for Brian Housand

Brian Housand

Coordinator, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Dr. Brian Housand, is the coordinator of the Academically or Intellectually Gifted program at University of North Carolina Wilmington and creator of Gifted360.com. Dr. Housand earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology at the University of Connecticut with an emphasis in both gifted... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Texas Salon A

10:30am CST

Every Tool You Need to Build a Summer Camp
Transparency: We are a company that writes curriculum and supports student programs. Other great companies do this too. Truth: Every student deserves access to summer enrichment, but not every school can afford our services. Solution: Give you every tool you need to build a camp. No strings. No tricks. Copies of waivers, sign up forms, scheduling solutions, free curriculum, and supply sheets. It'll still be hard work, but you won't be starting from scratch. Your students need this; you can do this; and we want to help.

Speakers
avatar for Justin Vawter

Justin Vawter

CEO, NuMinds Enrichment
Justin Vawter lives on the fringe of education, a creative spark working tirelessly to redefine the educational narrative and make the learning experience more impactful and meaningful. He holds a Masters degree in Curriculum Design and Instruction from the University of North Texas... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Montrose Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

10:30am CST

Pursuing Equity and Excellence: Practical Interventions for Educators (Equity Track)
The Excellence Gaps Intervention Model (Plucker & Peters, 2016) provides strategies to reduce excellence gaps and equitably serve students with advanced learning needs. Excellence gaps can be reduced through evidence-based strategies (e.g., frontloading, flexible ability grouping) and this presentation will discuss practical interventions educators can use in their classrooms. _x000D_

Speakers
avatar for Melanie Meyer

Melanie Meyer

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, John Hopkins University
Melanie S. Meyer is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Johns Hopkins University. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Gifted and Talented Education from the University of North Texas. She has been a classroom teacher in Texas for over 20 years, with experience... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Hunters Creek Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

10:30am CST

Teaching Gifted Students to Ask Open-Ended, Sophisticated Questions for Research Projects
The Texas Performance Standards Project requires students to develop questions as an initial step in the research process. This session will focus on methods for teaching students important processes leading to open-ended, sophisticated questions: selecting a topic, (b) organizing knowledge for in-depth investigations, and (c) formulating questions.

Speakers
avatar for Susan Johnsen

Susan Johnsen

Professor Emerita, Baylor University
Susan K. Johnsen, PhD, is professor emerita of the Department of Educational Psychology at Baylor University. She has written over 300 publications including an independent study program, 30 books, and three tests for identifying gifted students. She is editor-in-chief of Gifted Child... Read More →



Wednesday November 30, 2022 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Texas Salon B

10:30am CST

An Important Step in Whole-Grade Acceleration Planning: Developing a Transition Plan
After deciding to accelerate a student, an important next step is creating a plan for transition into the new grade, including addressing academic and non-academic gaps, observing social/emotional growth, communicating with families and educators, and developing welcoming activities. Presenters will share sample transition forms and a process for supporting students.

Speakers
RL

Randy Lange

Professional Development and Curriculum Coordinator, University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center
Randy Lange, Ph.D., is the Professional Development & Curriculum Coordinator at the Belin-Blank Center at the University of Iowa. Key areas he supports at the Center are AP Training, The Academy for Twice-Exceptionality, Honors Opportunity Program, and a variety of professional development... Read More →
avatar for Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik

Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik

Administrator, Acceleration Institute and Research, University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center
Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik, Ph.D. is Administrator, Acceleration Institute and Research at the University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center. She co-authored Developing Math Talent (2nd ed.), Developing Academic Acceleration Policies, and the Iowa Acceleration Scale. She is also co-developer of... Read More →



Wednesday November 30, 2022 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Texas Salon H

10:30am CST

Opening Doors to College, Career, and Workforce Opportunities for ALL Students (Coordinator Track)
How can you incorporate courses designed to give ALL students the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed in advanced coursework into your programming options? One district implemented a new type of programming, the Cambridge International Pathway and Global Perspectives courses to allow its students to slow down and focus on the most essential and relevant concepts. This led to student engagement, collaboration, and problem solving skills at Kingman Unified School District, along with allowing teachers to delve in depth with learning objectives. In the new program, students also experience instructional practices and routines that help them develop critical thinking skills that lay the foundation to success. Join Kingman Unified School District to learn more about how and why they implemented these new courses, engage in activities that demonstrate what a typical classroom looks like, and discover how they are building college and career readiness in their students.

Speakers
MS

Margaret Stevenson

Advanced Learning Coordinator, Kingman Unified School District, Arizona
Margaret Stevenson, M.Ed., has been a proud public educator for 30 years and is a proud alumni of both Central Michigan University and Northern Arizona University. As the Advanced Learning Coordinator for Kingman Unified School District #20 in Kingman, Arizona, Ms. Stevenson oversees... Read More →



Wednesday November 30, 2022 10:30am - 11:30am CST
River Oaks Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

10:30am CST

Strategies to Support Gifted Children and How Trauma Impacts Them
Many gifted children suffer their own kind of trauma as they try to fit into society's expectations. Being just as likely to suffer from other traumas, their sensitivities also put them at a unique risk. We will highlight what they are going through and provide strategies to support them.

Speakers
avatar for Bright Child A-z

Bright Child A-z

Owner/President Elect, Bright Child AZ / SENG
Adam Laningham, has over 20 years of experience in the field of education. Adam is an award-winning educator, has taught at several schools in multiple grade levels, created and facilitated numerous gifted programs, and also served as a gifted services manager coordinating programs... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 10:30am - 11:30am CST
Texas Salon F

11:30am CST

Info Desk and Explore TAGT
Swing by the registration area to explore your TAGT membership benefits and connect with TAGT members from across the state. Join us for short discussions with your peers, dive into TEMPO+ resources, and make the most of your online benefits. From usernames and passwords to volunteer opportunities, we’ve got you covered.

Wednesday November 30, 2022 11:30am - 5:30pm CST
Registration Desk

1:00pm CST

MasterMind Session: The Accidental Rocket Scientist: Recognizing Potential to Increase Educational Equity
How can educators make STEM and other advanced fields more accessible? Through recognizing potential in students whom they may overlook. Join Dajae Williams, engineer, hip hop artist, and educator, as she recounts her “unplanned” journey of becoming a NASA rocket scientist. In this MasterMind session, Dajae will share exactly what it takes to remove learning barriers of students from diverse backgrounds. Take away her teaching strategies to create equitable learning environments with lasting purpose and long-term impact.

Speakers
avatar for Dajae Williams

Dajae Williams

Rocket scientist, professor, and STEM-based hip hop artist
A multi-hyphenate hailing from St. Louis, MO, Dajae Williams is a rocket scientist, professor, and STEM-based hip hop artist. Dajae is known for her journey of becoming the “Accidental Rocket Scientist” and for her ability to translate math and science into catchy hip hop songs... Read More →



Wednesday November 30, 2022 1:00pm - 2:15pm CST
Texas Salon DE

2:15pm CST

TAGT Connect Live
Join your TAGT community for live discussions on a variety of topics of interest to members! Make connections and meet someone new!

Wednesday November 30, 2022 2:15pm - 2:30pm CST
Registration Desk

2:30pm CST

Increasing Resilience Through STEAM and the Mulligan Rule
For high-achieving students success often comes easily. Failure can lead to quitting or underachieving. Presenting challenges that require trial and error can teach students the Mulligan Rule or to have a do-over. Come learn ways to engage your students in experiences that push them to rethink solutions and try again.

Speakers
avatar for Sheila Mulbry

Sheila Mulbry

Gifted Specialist, Lockhart ISD
Sheila Mulbry currently serves as a Gifted Facilitator with Lockhart ISD. She is a constant advocate for gifted students and their special needs, and has presented staff development on gifted education for the past 20 years. She obtained BA degrees in Humanities (‘83) and Elementary... Read More →
avatar for Yvonne Garcia

Yvonne Garcia

Gifted Specialist, Lockhart ISD
Yvonne Garcia is a gifted facilitator with Lockhart ISD. She has spent over 17 years as a public school teacher and has taught Sunday school and home-schooled also. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas A&M and a Master’s of Science in Curriculum and Instruction... Read More →



Wednesday November 30, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm CST
Montrose Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

2:30pm CST

Inspiring Compassion, Courage and Curiosity through Invention Education
As society’s challenges grow ever more complex, so too does the need to work together to solve them. Invention Education promotes “soft skills” needed to become lifelong learners and problem solvers. Through exposure to relationship skills, self-awareness, and responsible decision making, students social-emotional learning becomes the key.

Speakers
avatar for Barbara Hinton

Barbara Hinton

Customized Regional Program Manager, National Inventors Hall of Fame
The National Inventors Hall of Fame has been connecting with districts for 31 years to bring innovative STEM programming inspiring the next generation problem solvers._x000D_


Wednesday November 30, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm CST
Texas Salon H

2:30pm CST

Leveraging the Depth & Complexity Framework with Graphic Organizers (Differentiation Track)
Strengthen your students' critical thinking skills by incorporating the Depth & Complexity Framework into interdisciplinary graphic organizers. Incorporate iconic lenses to focus learning tasks based on individual student needs. Learn easy-to-implement differentiation strategies to increase rigor and inspire expert level understanding.

Speakers
avatar for Kim Tredick M.Ed.

Kim Tredick M.Ed.

Lead Consultant, J Taylor Education
Kim Tredick is an Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services. She has served as lead curriculum writer for J Taylor Education since 2006 and has been using Depth and Complexity for three decades as a teacher, principal, and district administrator. In 2006, she was awarded the... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm CST
Briargrove Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

2:30pm CST

Collaborate to Educate: Accepting the Challenge of Supporting Twice-Exceptional (2E) Students Through Cross-Program Collaboration (Equity Track)
Serving 2E students perplexes special education and gifted teachers and parents as they need an Individualized Education Program (IEP), yet don’t qualified for remedial instruction. This session discusses foundational special education practices and provide strategies on cultivating a culture of cross-program collaboration to implement whole-child based supports for 2E students.

Speakers
avatar for Kamilah Holmes

Kamilah Holmes

GT Academy Coordinator, Ft. Bend ISD
Kamilah Holmes leads the Gifted and Talented Middle School Academy in Fort Bend ISD. Her 22-year educational career began as a mathematics teacher, followed by leadership roles as a middle school assistant principal and the District’s Gifted and Talented Coordinator. Kamilah is... Read More →
avatar for Linda Scott

Linda Scott

Special Education Department Head, Fort Bend ISD
Linda Scott has served in education for over 16 years. Her current role is the special education department head and teacher at Quail Valley Middle School which houses the District’s Gifted and Talented Academy. She is a lifelong learner who enjoys working with students in special... Read More →



Wednesday November 30, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm CST
Hunters Creek Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

2:30pm CST

Parent Conversation: Why isn't my gifted child motivated?
You are invited to join in an open, non-judgmental conversation to discuss the real challenges of motivation no one else seems to understand. Let’s be kind and help one another by sharing practical ideas to encourage and support the journey of raising a gifted child.

Speakers
avatar for Folly Ligh

Folly Ligh

Parent Advocate, Independent Consultant
Folly Jee Ligh is a recovering perfectionist, chocoholic, green tea drinker, bean counter, pianist, lifelong learner, and SMPG facilitator. She served on the TAGT board 2016-2019, finance committee 2019-2021, and currently serves on the equity resource committee. Passionate about... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm CST
Clearlake Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

2:30pm CST

Building Inclusive Gifted Programs to Enfranchise and Empower All Gifted Learners (Coordinator Track)
The hallmark of excellence in gifted education insists on inclusivity and equitable identification, culturally diverse programming and culturally responsive classrooms. Hear methods and approaches that can help integrate our diverse gifted learners into every aspect of school. Learn practical steps for building, supporting and sustaining inclusive gifted practices and programs.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Dina Brulles

Dr. Dina Brulles

Gifted Program Coordinator, Arizona State University
Dr. Brulles is the gifted program coordinator at Arizona State University and former gifted education director at Paradise Valley Unified School District. She served several leadership roles at the National Association of Gifted Students. She has published many books including... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm CST
River Oaks Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

2:30pm CST

Educator Agency - How to Cultivate a Thriving Learning Culture at SECONDARY
Educators on a campus need shared beliefs and a plan on what student success looks like. Humble ISD Advanced Learning will discuss Educator Agency in a panel interview showing ways to work together to cultivate a culture of thriving secondary advanced learning and take intentional actions to increase measurable success for all students and each other.

Speakers
avatar for Christie Huseman

Christie Huseman

Advanced Learning Coordinator, Humble ISD
I work for Humble ISD in the Advanced Learning and Services Department as the AVID and International Baccalaureate Coordinator. I am a consultant with Leadership Partners, working with district and campus leaders across Texas to provide a strategic framework of holistic leadership... Read More →
avatar for Marybeth Hines

Marybeth Hines

Partner Engagement Manager, AVID
AVID's College Readiness System accelerates student learning, uses research based methods of instruction, provides motivational professional learning, and is a catalyst for systemic reform/change.


Wednesday November 30, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm CST
Texas Salon F

2:30pm CST

Pinterest, TPT, Instagram…Oh My!: Evaluating Resources for your GT program
Whether you are scrolling through GT resources on Teachers Pay Teachers, or pinning today’s top pick to your Pinterest board, the Texas State Plan requires that District guidelines for evaluation of resources used to serve G/T students are established and used in selecting materials that are appropriate for differentiated learning.

Speakers
avatar for Cecelia Boswell Ed.D.

Cecelia Boswell Ed.D.

Educational Consultant, Austin Creek Education Systems
Cecelia Boswell is an educator, consultant, and author. She taught migrant and gifted students, was Advanced Academics Consultant and Executive Director of Advanced Academics in an urban school where she created a middle school gifted academy. She led research projects, professional... Read More →
avatar for Ashley Duncan M.Ed.

Ashley Duncan M.Ed.

Coordinator of State and Federal Programs, Midway ISD
Ashley Duncan, M.Ed is the State and Federal Programs Coordinator in Midway ISD. In this role, Ashley oversees the gifted and ELL programs in her district.  Ashley received her Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Sociology from Texas State University, and Master’s degree in Educational... Read More →
MC

Mary Christopher Ph.D.

Consultant, Christopher Gifted Leadership Consulting
Mary Christopher, Ph. D., holds a PhD in curriculum and instruction with a concentration in Gifted Education from Texas Tech University. After teaching gifted children in public school, she served as a professor in Gifted Educational and Leadership at Hardin-Simmons University. She... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm CST
Texas Salon G

2:30pm CST

Serving Gifted Children with Differing Gifts
Each year, children with gifts, talents, and potential are identified and/or recognized for GATE or enrichment. Regardless of the number who are identified/recognized, one may find that multiple children with differing interests are forced to enter one space, and may become overwhelmed. This presentation will present an approach that can benefit teachers and parents as they navigate the waters of serving/parenting and advocating for multiple children with differing gifts.

Speakers
avatar for Michelle Frazier Trotman Scott

Michelle Frazier Trotman Scott

Professor & Director of Graduate Affairs, University of West Georgia
Dr. Michelle (Shelli) Frazier Trotman Scott is the Director of Graduate Affairs and Professor at the University of West Georgia. Affectionately known as “Dr. FTS” and Dr. Shelli, she writes and presents on racial disproportionalities in gifted and special education, dual exceptionalities... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm CST
Texas Salon A

2:30pm CST

Individual Identity for Community and Connection
Students are not just gifted; they are many facets: linguistically, culturally, racially, emotionally, physically, etc. Wouldn’t it be a relief for students to start the journey towards identity celebration sooner? Join this session to unpack personal identity. Learn to facilitate discussions on beliefs and influences and community need for individuals.

Speakers
avatar for Heather Vaughn

Heather Vaughn

Associate Director, Ricks Center for Gifted Children
Heather Vaughn, Ed.S. is currently the Associate Director for the Ricks Center for Gifted Children at the University of Denver. With most of her career dedicated to curriculum development and teacher training, Ms. Vaughn has served as a district administrator, a district specialist... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm CST
Texas Salon B

2:30pm CST

SENG: Social-emotional health increases learning outcomes in the classroom and at home
SENG board of directors share their knowledge and experience working with gifted and twice-exceptional children to create a classroom and home culture that reduces anxiety, addresses trauma, and promotes a growth mindset. Current SENG board members provide strategies and resources to support the social and emotional health of GT/2e students.

Speakers
avatar for Bright Child A-z

Bright Child A-z

Owner/President Elect, Bright Child AZ / SENG
Adam Laningham, has over 20 years of experience in the field of education. Adam is an award-winning educator, has taught at several schools in multiple grade levels, created and facilitated numerous gifted programs, and also served as a gifted services manager coordinating programs... Read More →
avatar for Karen Arnstein

Karen Arnstein

Professor, Bridges Graduate School
Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Denver. She is a consultant, speaker, and author dedicated to helping teachers and school districts understand how to identify and service twice-exceptional learners. Dr. Arnstein presents at state, national, and international conferences... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Lin Lim

Dr. Lin Lim

Dean of Students, Bridges Graduate School (BGS) of Cognitive Diversity in Education
Lin Lim is the Dean of Students and Communications at Bridges Graduate School with a doctorate in human development psychology. Her current interests include interdisciplinary embodied complex dynamic systems thinking and applications around positive parenting, education, workplace... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm CST
Meyerland Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

2:30pm CST

Social-Emotional Learning Through Reading and Reflection
Join us as we explore how teachers and counselors facilitate book discussions designed to guide bright young people to self-understanding through high quality literature. We enjoy engaging lessons and activities to support students as they process their feelings regarding issues highlighted in the books and class discussion. Featured are examples of lessons and menus of questions for successful book discussions as well as enrichment activities to extend students’ learning. We examine this approach with whole classrooms, as well as with special populations of gifted students, including twice-exceptional students, culturally diverse students, and children and teens facing adversity.

Speakers
avatar for Thomas P. Hébert

Thomas P. Hébert

Professor, Gifted and Talented Education, University of South Carolina
Thomas P. Hébert is Professor of Gifted and Talented Education in the College of Education at the University of South Carolina. Tom has more than a decade of K-12 classroom experience working with gifted students and 25 years in higher education training graduate students and educators... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm CST
Texas Salon C

2:30pm CST

Work Work, Don’t Stop Examining Mental Health Issues Black Students Experience in Gifted and Talented Programming in Texas (Secondary Track)
Mental health has been the topic of discussion quite frequently in contemporary contexts. However, the research concerning the mental health status among gifted and talented populations has been silent. The presenter aims to explore the levels of mental health and how they intersect with gifted and talented students' professions

Speakers
avatar for Dalvin Dunn

Dalvin Dunn

Graduate Student, Texas A&M University
Dalvin Dunn is a current Graduate Assistant for the Office of Diversity at Texas A&M University and an Adjunct professor for Lee College. Born and raised in Texarkana, Texas - he finds joy in helping students from rural and underrepresented areas succeed in post-secondary education._x000D__x000D_As... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm CST
Kingwood Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

2:30pm CST

TAGT Podcast Recording: Matt Wells
Watch your favorite speakers and TAGT Podcast host Michael Flusche in engaging conversation as they record episodes of TAGT’s upcoming podcast series live at giftED22. Speakers and schedule listed below.
  • Wednesday, November 30, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Christine Fonseca
  • Wednesday, November 30, 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.: Matt Wells
  • Wednesday, November 30, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.: Joyce Juntune
  • Thursday, December 1, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Thomas P. Hébert 
  • Thursday, December 1, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Nielsen Pereira
  • Thursday, December 1, 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Bruce Ellis
  • Friday, December 2, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Vicki Phelps
  • Friday, December 2, 9:00 a.m.-9:45 a.m.: Javetta Jones-Roberson
Want to listen to episodes from Seasons 1 and 2 of the TAGT Podcast? Check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GK8K08gKd5k8MjWAWFexG

Speakers
avatar for Matt Wells

Matt Wells

Science Dept. Chair, CFISD
Matt is an award-winning teacher, Science department chair, GT trainer and AP consultant based in Houston, TX. A regular presenter at giftED, CAST and other conferences, Matt is a Past-President of STAT and TABT, and winner of numerous teaching awards, including NABT's "Outstanding... Read More →
avatar for Michael Flusche

Michael Flusche

Comedian & G/T Director, Curtis Needs A Ride
Michael Flusche loves to combine his passion for comedy with his love for gifted education. Beginning as a teacher with a hobby of comedy, Flusche earned an opportunity to work as a coordinator in gifted education. In doing so, Flusche discovered that the foundations of improvisational... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm CST
Memorial

3:15pm CST

TAGT Connect Live
Join your TAGT community for live discussions on a variety of topics of interest to members! Make connections and meet someone new!

Wednesday November 30, 2022 3:15pm - 3:30pm CST
Registration Desk

3:30pm CST

Speed Geeking
Feast your minds on this collection of self-professed geeks as they attempt to wow you with their favorite tech tools for use in your classroom. Each presenter will have only five minutes to dazzle you with whatever apps or resources they feel should be a part of your technology tool box. This is definitely a session that everyone will be talking about later. Come early and be able to say that you were in the room where it happened!

Speakers
avatar for Brian Housand

Brian Housand

Coordinator, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Dr. Brian Housand, is the coordinator of the Academically or Intellectually Gifted program at University of North Carolina Wilmington and creator of Gifted360.com. Dr. Housand earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology at the University of Connecticut with an emphasis in both gifted... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Texas Salon F

3:30pm CST

The Gifted Kids Will Not Be Alright
This session makes the case for why gifted students need just as much attention and differentiation as other students. This takes a certain type of teacher as well as strategies designed to stretch and challenge. Specific strategies will be explored to broaden the toolbox of teachers working with gifted students.

Speakers
avatar for Todd Stanley

Todd Stanley

Gifted Services Coordinator, Pickerington Local Schools
Todd Stanley is the author of many teacher-education books including Project-Based Learning for Gifted Students: A Handbook for the 21st Century Classroom (2nd edition), How the Hell Do We Motivate These Kids, Promoting Rigor Through Higher Level Questioning, and A Teacher’s Toolbox... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Texas Salon A

3:30pm CST

A Proven Recipe for Designing Powerful Curriculum for Gifted Students
Writing rigorous and engaging curriculum designed to meet the needs of gifted children is not easy. This session will focus on the process by which any teacher can create powerful curriculum for advanced learners using elements of the Integrated Curriculum Model, problem-based learning, and NAGC's rubric for rating outstanding curriculum.

Speakers
avatar for Jason McIntosh

Jason McIntosh

Author and Gifted Coordinator, Avondale Elementary School District
Jason S. McIntosh, Ph.D. is an author, educational consultant, and Gifted Services Coordinator for a local school district in Arizona. After earning his doctorate in Gifted, Talented, and Creative Studies from Purdue University in 2015, he developed a passion for curriculum design... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Texas Salon B

3:30pm CST

Acceleration Works: Spreading the Good News
In this session, participants will learn key research-based underpinnings of acceleration, practical application tips, and tools schools can use in acceleration decisions. Specific target areas covered will be acceleration forms, long term impacts, social and emotional findings, strength-based approach (especially for 2e), tools to guide, and transition to acceleration planning.

Speakers
RL

Randy Lange

Professional Development and Curriculum Coordinator, University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center
Randy Lange, Ph.D., is the Professional Development & Curriculum Coordinator at the Belin-Blank Center at the University of Iowa. Key areas he supports at the Center are AP Training, The Academy for Twice-Exceptionality, Honors Opportunity Program, and a variety of professional development... Read More →
avatar for Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik

Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik

Administrator, Acceleration Institute and Research, University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center
Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik, Ph.D. is Administrator, Acceleration Institute and Research at the University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center. She co-authored Developing Math Talent (2nd ed.), Developing Academic Acceleration Policies, and the Iowa Acceleration Scale. She is also co-developer of... Read More →



Wednesday November 30, 2022 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Texas Salon G

3:30pm CST

Tw(y)ce-Exceptional: Gifted Black Males in P-12 Education
In this session I offer an alternative view of the term tw(y)ce exceptional when applied to the P-12 schooling experiences of academically gifted Black males.

Speakers
avatar for Fred Bonner

Fred Bonner

Professor, Prairie View A&M University
Fred A. Bonner II is Professor, Endowed Chair, and Chief Research Scientist for the Minority Achievement, Creativity, and High-Ability Center at Prairie View A&M University. His primary research focus highlights the experiences of academically gifted Black males across the P-20 education... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Texas Salon H

3:30pm CST

You Can’t Pour From An Empty Cup: Teaching gifted students to manage stress and overwhelm through resiliency development
Gifted children are prone to intense emotions which can often leading to emotional distress. In this workshop, the presenter offers specific strategies to teach gifted children how to develop resiliency skills, balance emotional intensity and manage stress and overwhelm leading to improved mental health outcomes.

Speakers
avatar for Christine Fonseca

Christine Fonseca

Educational Psychologist and Author, Christine Fonseca, Author
Christine Fonseca is a licensed educational psychologist, critically acclaimed author, and a nationally recognized speaker on topics related to educational psychology, mental health, and giftedness. Using her experience consulting and coaching, Christine brings her expertise to Psychology... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Texas Salon C

3:30pm CST

TAGT Podcast Recording: Joyce Juntune
Watch your favorite speakers and TAGT Podcast host Michael Flusche in engaging conversation as they record episodes of TAGT’s upcoming podcast series live at giftED22. Speakers and schedule listed below.
  • Wednesday, November 30, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Christine Fonseca
  • Wednesday, November 30, 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.: Matt Wells
  • Wednesday, November 30, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.: Joyce Juntune
  • Thursday, December 1, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Thomas P. Hébert 
  • Thursday, December 1, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Nielsen Pereira
  • Thursday, December 1, 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Bruce Ellis
  • Friday, December 2, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Vicki Phelps
  • Friday, December 2, 9:00 a.m.-9:45 a.m.: Javetta Jones-Roberson
Want to listen to episodes from Seasons 1 and 2 of the TAGT Podcast? Check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GK8K08gKd5k8MjWAWFexG

Speakers
avatar for Joyce Juntune

Joyce Juntune

Instructional Professor, Texas A&M University
Dr. Joyce Juntune is an Instructional Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. She began her teaching career as a first grade teacher in Minnesota. Her later teaching experiences included migrant students in the San Joaquin... Read More →
avatar for Michael Flusche

Michael Flusche

Comedian & G/T Director, Curtis Needs A Ride
Michael Flusche loves to combine his passion for comedy with his love for gifted education. Beginning as a teacher with a hobby of comedy, Flusche earned an opportunity to work as a coordinator in gifted education. In doing so, Flusche discovered that the foundations of improvisational... Read More →


Wednesday November 30, 2022 3:30pm - 4:30pm CST
Memorial

4:30pm CST

giftED Gathering
Together is better, and it’s great to be back at giftED! Whether you’re a first-timer or long-timer, you’re invited to celebrate and connect with your fellow attendees and TAGT exhibitors at the giftED gathering. Join your TAGT community in the TAGT Marketplace for cookies, cocoa, and connections!

Wednesday November 30, 2022 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Texas Foyer
 
Thursday, December 1
 

7:00am CST

Info Desk and Explore TAGT
Swing by the registration area to explore your TAGT membership benefits and connect with TAGT members from across the state. Join us for short discussions with your peers, dive into TEMPO+ resources, and make the most of your online benefits. From usernames and passwords to volunteer opportunities, we’ve got you covered.

Thursday December 1, 2022 7:00am - 4:30pm CST
Registration Desk

7:00am CST

Registration Open
Thursday December 1, 2022 7:00am - 4:30pm CST
Registration Desk

8:00am CST

Better Collaboration, Deeper Learning with Shared Inquiry
Better collaboration skills lead to deeper learning. Learners arrive with great variety in their
readiness to collaborate. Communication styles, prior history, cultural and neurodiversity — all
affect students’ abilities to work effectively with others. Experience how the Shared Inquiry
method helps students improve listening, speaking, reading, thinking and social-emotional skills.

Speakers
avatar for Denise Ahlquist

Denise Ahlquist

Senior Academic Consultant, Great Books Foundation
Denise Ahlquist loves to engage people in Shared Inquiry discussions about the great ideas that shape our world. Since 1985, Denise has taught workshops in effective questioning for teachers and volunteers, supported diverse schools implementing inquiry learning, and led thousands... Read More →



Thursday December 1, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Montrose Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

Extending Learning with Next Generation Thinking - The Toshiba ExploraVision Competition (Exhibitor Spotlight)
Exploravision is an opportunity for students to use science standards as they collaborate to identify a problem and use research, data analysis, and engineering to innovate a solution that may be viable within 10 to 20 years. Learn more and get your students involved in this amazing free competition!

Speakers
avatar for Cathy Eng

Cathy Eng

GT Specialist, Tomball ISD
The best way to describe Cathy Eng is she is a lifelong learner that truly loves inspiring others to do the same! She is a graduate of the University of Houston and currently earning a Master’s Degree in Education, Leadership, and Technology. She has taught since 2001 and has been... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Texas Salon G

8:00am CST

Incorporating Augmented and Virtual Reality in Your GT Lessons
Bring your phone and/or tablet fully charged for hands-on learning with various augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) activities to supercharge your lessons! You’ll be able to tweak the lessons and tailor them to YOUR students. You will also leave with plenty of resources for additional support.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Bruce Ellis

Dr. Bruce Ellis

Director of Professional Development, TCEA
Bruce’s versatile classroom teaching experiences lend authenticity to his workshops. His 20+ years of experience, enthusiasm for educational technology, and his hands-on approach to training have helped educators effectively utilize educational technology and improve student success... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Texas Salon H

8:00am CST

Fostering Secondary Gifted Education in the Core Content Classroom (Secondary Track)
Secondary GT students rarely have learning opportunities designed purely with gifted students in mind, yet they still need to be challenged. Participants will explore ways to develop learning experiences within their individual curriculum to help gifted students reach their full potential while supporting their social and emotional needs.

Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Walls

Elizabeth Walls

Teacher, Katy ISD
Elizabeth Walls has degrees in English, Music, and Gifted and Talented Education. She began her career teaching sixth grade English and quickly discovered a passion for gifted education. As an advocate for gifted learners, she has presented workshops for her school and district to... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Kingwood Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

Using Discrepant Events in the Science Classroom to Foster Inquiry and Critical Thinking (Differentiation Track)
Gifted students can sometimes assume they know everything: let's rock their world by showing them scientific phenomena that defy easy explanations. Join us for a fast-paced, hands-on, full-participation science experience as we perform several discrepant event demonstrations that will challenge the assumptions of even our most confident gifted students.

Speakers
avatar for Matt Wells

Matt Wells

Science Dept. Chair, CFISD
Matt is an award-winning teacher, Science department chair, GT trainer and AP consultant based in Houston, TX. A regular presenter at giftED, CAST and other conferences, Matt is a Past-President of STAT and TABT, and winner of numerous teaching awards, including NABT's "Outstanding... Read More →



Thursday December 1, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Briargrove Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

The Door to Opportunity Must Be Visible to the Invisible (Identification Track)
Scholars studying gifted and talented programming have identified the lack of representation within the ranks of underrepresented populations. However, communication geared towards these communities has proven to be a gatekeeper. The presenter aims to challenge the communication barriers that hinder inclusiveness and identify ways to bridge schools and communities.

Speakers
avatar for Dalvin Dunn

Dalvin Dunn

Graduate Student, Texas A&M University
Dalvin Dunn is a current Graduate Assistant for the Office of Diversity at Texas A&M University and an Adjunct professor for Lee College. Born and raised in Texarkana, Texas - he finds joy in helping students from rural and underrepresented areas succeed in post-secondary education._x000D__x000D_As... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Meyerland Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

How Do I Teach and Reach THIS Kid??
Gifted students present a variety of personality traits, and it can be challenging to address them in a classroom. Come and learn (and share) some tips on how to best meet the needs of a diverse group of learners.

Speakers
avatar for Brigette Cardenas

Brigette Cardenas

Advanced Academics Specialist, Mansfield ISD
She has been in education for over 22 years in many places including Australia and South America. She is passionate about meeting the needs of GT students because as a student, her GT time was only once a week and she never felt fully challenged. As an Advanced Academics Instructional... Read More →
avatar for Teresa Francis M. Ed.

Teresa Francis M. Ed.

Director Advanced Academics, Mansfield ISD
Teresa Francis is entering her 30th year of service to schools in the Metroplex. Twenty-nine of those years have been in Mansfield ISD. She served as a Social Studies teacher and coach for the first 18 years of her career and then moved into leadership and administrative roles including... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Texas Salon B

8:00am CST

Out of the Mouth of Babes: The Real Lived Experience of Gifted 3rd-5th Students
Join us for a student panel of current gifted and talented students from diverse populations! Students answer questions about the day and the life of a gifted student. Learn powerful insights to their emotional, social, and academic internal thought processes as they navigate through their own learning journey.

Speakers
avatar for Annie Mitchell

Annie Mitchell

3rd-5th grades GT economics teacher, Spring Branch ISD
I earned a BA in Curriculum and Instruction from Houston Christian University, M.Ed in Educational Leadership from University of St. Thomas, and currently working on a doctorate in Ethical Leadership at University of St. Thomas. My dissertation is about teacher's perceptions of effective... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Texas Salon F

8:00am CST

A Game Plan for Developing Equity-Driven Professional Learning for Gifted Programs (Equity Track)
Growing an equitable gifted education program starts the teachers. This session focuses on empowering educators as change agents. The presenter will share a four zone equity-driven professional learning plan, adaptable to participants’ districts. This playbook of strategies facilitates the emergence of teacher leaders while developing equity for marginalized gifted learners.

Speakers
avatar for Katie Lewis

Katie Lewis

Associate Professor, York College of Pennsylvania
Katie D. Lewis, Ed.D., is an assistant professor at York College of Pennsylvania. She teaches undergraduate and graduate elementary education courses, and she also serves as program coordinator for Secondary Education, Post-Baccalaureate and Transfer students. Dr. Lewis has 5 years... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Hunters Creek Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

From Worker Bee to Queen of the Hive – A Session for New District Level Administrators of GT Programming (Coordinator Track)
New Coordinators, directors and facilitators should make a Bee-line to this session. We will swarm together and discuss common pitfalls and problems, but the real buzz will be the resources and solutions to guide you on your way!

Speakers
avatar for Amy Ellingson M.Ed.

Amy Ellingson M.Ed.

GT Facilitator, Spring Branch ISD
Amy Ellingson has worked as a facilitator in Advanced Academics Studies in Spring Branch ISD in Houston, Texas for the past 10 years. She previously taught Spanish 16 years. She is the president of the Houston Cooperative on the Gifted which provides training for teachers in the Houston... Read More →



Thursday December 1, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
River Oaks Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

Who Am I? Identity Formation and LGBTQ Gifted Teens
Gifted adolescents are struggling through identify formation. How can we meet the needs of Gen Z? What are challenges and strengths of our LGBTQ students in classrooms? This presentation will discuss the challenges facing adolescents in identity formation especially the LGBTQ population and how we can support that journey.

Speakers
avatar for Amanda Rudolph

Amanda Rudolph

Professor, Stephen F. Austin State University
Amanda M. Rudolph is a profess at Stephen F. Austin State University. She works in the graduate and undergraduate programs and teaches the gifted education coursework. She has served TAGT on the TEMPO editorial board, the Advocacy committee, the Parent Resource committee and is currently... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Texas Salon C

8:00am CST

 LGBTQ+ and Gifted: Information and Advocacy
Understanding the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals who are neurodiverse is so important to creating environments that best support this community.  A person’s identity significantly impacts how their giftedness manifests and, therefore, how to understand and connect with them. This intersectionality is vital to effectively meeting their needs and needs to be communicated effectively to all systems that they engage in, whether it is school, home, work, activities, or social life.  This discussion will focus on education and then how to effectively advocate with language and connecting to outside resources and support groups. 

Speakers
avatar for Matthew Zakreski

Matthew Zakreski

Psychologist, The Neurodiversity Collective
Matthew "Dr. Matt" Zakreski, PsyD is a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with neurodivergent (gifted, 2e, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, etc.) people and has presented over 300 times all over the country and internationally.


Thursday December 1, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Clearlake Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

TAGT Podcast Recording: Thomas P. Hébert
Watch your favorite speakers and TAGT Podcast host Michael Flusche in engaging conversation as they record episodes of TAGT’s upcoming podcast series live at giftED22. Speakers and schedule listed below.
  • Wednesday, November 30, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Christine Fonseca
  • Wednesday, November 30, 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.: Matt Wells
  • Wednesday, November 30, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.: Joyce Juntune
  • Thursday, December 1, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Thomas P. Hébert 
  • Thursday, December 1, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Nielsen Pereira
  • Thursday, December 1, 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Bruce Ellis
  • Friday, December 2, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Vicki Phelps
  • Friday, December 2, 9:00 a.m.-9:45 a.m.: Javetta Jones-Roberson
Want to listen to episodes from Seasons 1 and 2 of the TAGT Podcast? Check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GK8K08gKd5k8MjWAWFexG

Speakers
avatar for Thomas P. Hébert

Thomas P. Hébert

Professor, Gifted and Talented Education, University of South Carolina
Thomas P. Hébert is Professor of Gifted and Talented Education in the College of Education at the University of South Carolina. Tom has more than a decade of K-12 classroom experience working with gifted students and 25 years in higher education training graduate students and educators... Read More →
avatar for Michael Flusche

Michael Flusche

Comedian & G/T Director, Curtis Needs A Ride
Michael Flusche loves to combine his passion for comedy with his love for gifted education. Beginning as a teacher with a hobby of comedy, Flusche earned an opportunity to work as a coordinator in gifted education. In doing so, Flusche discovered that the foundations of improvisational... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Memorial

8:45am CST

TAGT Connect Live
Join your TAGT community for live discussions on a variety of topics of interest to members! Make connections and meet someone new!

Thursday December 1, 2022 8:45am - 9:00am CST
Registration Desk

9:00am CST

MasterMind Session: #whyGT: A Storytelling Session
Our TAGT community is filled with amazing advocates who have supported, built, and delivered G/T services for their students, their children, and our members. These incredible advocates have celebrated successes, faced setbacks, and moved forward with resilience and a stronger sense of #whyGT matters. This MasterMind session celebrates and shares the stories of the 2022 TAGT Award Winners Blake Haygood, Adriana Sanchez Cantu, and Debi Torres, along with one of the 2022 Laura Allard Scholarship Winners, Evan Hsiang. Join us as we come together to laugh and cry with them, share in their joys, and reflect on #whyGT is our passion in this unique storytelling session.

Speakers
avatar for Blake Haygood

Blake Haygood

GT Specialist, Austin ISD
Blake Haygood is one of three GT Specialists brought to Austin ISD by the Javits Gifted Grant Austin ISD won in 2022. Blake is a graduate of the TAGT Emerging Leaders Program, a TAGT New Coordinator Boot Camp committee member and presenter, and the current Chair of the TAGT Parent... Read More →
avatar for Evan Hsiang

Evan Hsiang

Student, Harvard College
Evan Hsiang, W.B. Ray High School’s 2022 Valedictorian, is currently a freshman at Harvard College majoring in Chemical and Physical Biology. His professional goal is to attend medical school and pursue a career in academic medicine. Evan currently volunteers for a number of programs... Read More →
avatar for Adriana Sanchez Cantu

Adriana Sanchez Cantu

Advanced Academics Specialist, Bel Sanchez Elementary
The Advanced Academics Specialist at Bel Sanchez Elementary in Alvin ISD, Adriana Sanchez Cantu has served as the G/T teacher for the last 5 years providing engaging learning opportunities for students in grades K-5. Adriana holds an MBA, a Master’s in Education, and a Bachelor’s... Read More →
avatar for Debi Torres M.Ed.

Debi Torres M.Ed.

Gifted Education Coordinator, Austin ISD
Debi Torres, the Gifted Education Coordinator for Austin ISD, was honored as the 2022 TAGT Administrator of the Gifted. She is an avid enthusiast for equity and diversity topics; her work with the 2022 Jacob Javits Grant, awarded to Austin ISD, is focused on improving equity representation... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 9:00am - 10:30am CST
Texas Salon DE

10:30am CST

Recharge Zone Mini-Session: Raise the Roof With Power Breath
You may know that through mindfulness, we can use the breath to calm, relax, and down-regulate our nervous system to manage anxiety. But the breath can also be a switch to bring us a super boost of energy, clarity, and vitality! Come to this session sans coffee (you won't need it for the rest of the day!) to experience a short guided power breathing practice to tap into your body's natural energy reserves. Leave feeling lighter, energized, and mentally clear. (Recharge Zone Mini-Sessions held in the Recharge Zone within the TAGT Marketplace)

Thursday December 1, 2022 10:30am - 10:45am CST
Texas Foyer

10:30am CST

Coordinator Coffee
Take a moment to catch up with your fellow G/T leaders and share your challenges and solutions with your favorite morning brew in this casual coffee and chat session, sponsored by Knowsys Educational Services LLC.

Thursday December 1, 2022 10:30am - 11:00am CST
Kingwood Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

10:30am CST

TAGT Connect Live
Join your TAGT community for live discussions on a variety of topics of interest to members! Make connections and meet someone new!

Thursday December 1, 2022 10:30am - 11:00am CST
Registration Desk

11:00am CST

Coding for Gifted Students
You don’t have to be a computer science teacher to teach your GT students coding. Join us for coding for non-coder teachers. You’ll learn about and get hands-on time with several free coding tools to get your students coding and creating. You’ll be amazed at what they can create!

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Bruce Ellis

Dr. Bruce Ellis

Director of Professional Development, TCEA
Bruce’s versatile classroom teaching experiences lend authenticity to his workshops. His 20+ years of experience, enthusiasm for educational technology, and his hands-on approach to training have helped educators effectively utilize educational technology and improve student success... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Texas Salon H

11:00am CST

Creative Thinking Tools to Enhance Depth and Complexity (Differentiation Track)
This session covers various tools and techniques from creativity research that will transform the way educators think about depth and complexity. Participants will gain practical strategies in the form of templates and online tools to engage their students in differentiated activities.

Speakers
avatar for Suzanna Ramos

Suzanna Ramos

Clinical Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University
Suzanna is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University. She has an M.S. in Creativity and Change Leadership from Buffalo State University, NY. Suzanna was in the teaching profession for several years in Singapore and held various appointments – as Head of Department for... Read More →
avatar for Hector Ramos

Hector Ramos

Lecturer, Texas A&M University - College Station, TX
Dr. Hector Ramos is a Lecturer in the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University. Dr. Ramos received his B.Sc. (Honors) in European Community Studies, M.S. in Creativity and Change Leadership, and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology focused on giftedness, creativity... Read More →



Thursday December 1, 2022 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Texas A Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

11:00am CST

Mindset The Musical!
Discover how to utilize melody, rhythm, and pneumonic devices as mantras for mindset and engaging transitions that ignite the mind for new learning! Explore positive mental strategies for students to build confidence, encourage grit, develop meaningful connections, and celebrate self-worth.

Speakers
avatar for Misty Lewin

Misty Lewin

Gifted and Talented Teacher, Frisco ISD
Misty Lewin has been in the field of education for a total of 20 years as a Kindergarten teacher, 1st grade teacher, Head of Early Childhood Programming, Private School Director, and a Gifted and Talented Educator K-5 for 8 years. She has won several Frisco Education Foundation Grants... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Montrose Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

11:00am CST

Surviving Your First Year in Gifted
The world of gifted can be a very confusing. Because there is not much training how to best work with this population of students, many teachers do not know where to start. In this session we will look at tools that those new to working in gifted will find useful.

Speakers
avatar for Todd Stanley

Todd Stanley

Gifted Services Coordinator, Pickerington Local Schools
Todd Stanley is the author of many teacher-education books including Project-Based Learning for Gifted Students: A Handbook for the 21st Century Classroom (2nd edition), How the Hell Do We Motivate These Kids, Promoting Rigor Through Higher Level Questioning, and A Teacher’s Toolbox... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Texas Salon G

11:00am CST

Learn to Be a Creator of Curriculum, Not Just a Consumer
Want to add curriculum developer to your skills list? In this session, participants will be guided through a step-by-step process by which they will transform a nugget of an idea into a power-packed plan ready for development. Multiple examples will be provided and feedback given from peers and the presenter.

Speakers
avatar for Jason McIntosh

Jason McIntosh

Author and Gifted Coordinator, Avondale Elementary School District
Jason S. McIntosh, Ph.D. is an author, educational consultant, and Gifted Services Coordinator for a local school district in Arizona. After earning his doctorate in Gifted, Talented, and Creative Studies from Purdue University in 2015, he developed a passion for curriculum design... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Texas Salon B

11:00am CST

Measuring Growth for Advanced Learners (Identification Track)
Are your advanced learners growing academically? How much growth is enough? Are your programs having the desired effect? Measuring growth for advanced learners can be difficult. This session helps educators define growth in their system, review data best practices, and discuss the most useful approaches to measure growth.

Speakers
avatar for Melissa Hinshaw

Melissa Hinshaw

Assessment Director, Northwestern University
Melissa Hinshaw is the Assessment Coordinator at Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development. Throughout her thirty-year career as an education professional, she has served as a classroom teacher, administrator, consultant and Account Manager for NWEA. You can find recent... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Meyerland Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

11:00am CST

The Tangible Equity Equation for Rural Students: Transformative Practice for An Overlooked Gifted Population (Equity Track)
One of four public schools is rural. Advanced students attending these schools are among the most overlooked and underserved members of the gifted subpopulation. These students often lack the same kind of access to talent development as their urban and suburban peers. Learn about the case for strengthening gifted services in rural locales and about low-prep, low-cost instructional solutions that value their identities while expanding their possibilities.

Speakers
avatar for Clint Von Gundy

Clint Von Gundy

Director of Professional Learning, ThinkLaw
Clint spent the beginning of his career teaching English to gifted students in a Dallas/Fort Worth Suburb where he eventually became the lead humanities teacher at a magnet for highly gifted middle schoolers. He has also worked as a central office coordinator of secondary gifted services... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Hunters Creek Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

11:00am CST

Building Your PSAT National Merit Pipeline by Developing Advanced Learners (Secondary Track)
The journey for National Merit doesn’t begin when a student takes the PSAT/NMSQT their Junior year. It takes opportunities and conversations in the preceding years. Two districts will share their middle school programs put in place to help lay the foundation for advanced learners.

Speakers
avatar for Holley Nasky

Holley Nasky

GT Coordinator, Irving ISD
Holley Nasky is in her 27th year of education. She began her career as a third-grade teacher in Dallas ISD and, after earning her administrative degree and certification, moved to Irving ISD. After some years teaching in Irving, Holley moved to the GT Coordinator position in Irving... Read More →
avatar for Audra Rowell

Audra Rowell

Advanced Academics Coordinator, K-12, Northwest ISD
Audra Rowell has been in education for 29 years. After teaching elementary school for 12 years, she became the Elementary GT Coordinator for Irving ISD. In 2015, she moved to Northwest ISD to serve as the Advanced Academics Coordinator overseeing Gifted Services, AP, Math Acceleration... Read More →
avatar for Sheila Griffith Ph.D.

Sheila Griffith Ph.D.

President, Knowsys Educational Services, LLC
Dr. Sheila Griffith is the author of the Knowsys College Readiness Program and the Knowsys Vocabulary Builder Program and the co-author of the Knowsys That's Genius Math Program. Dr. Griffith is the co-owner and co-founder of Knowsys Educational Services and a recognized expert in... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Kingwood Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

11:00am CST

Just What We Were Looking For: A Solution for Secondary Programming (Coordinator Track)
For the students and teachers at Lee Williams High School, the transfer to the Cambridge International program has presented a whole new way of thinking – and the more they delve into it, the more they like it. Learn from a fellow Advanced Academics Coordinator why Kingman Unified School District, with limited resources and funding, chose to incorporate a new program at their district to increase opportunities for students to accelerate and bring back students they were losing to the local charter school. Hear their journey with the Cambridge program and how it has allowed for innovative approaches to teaching and learning in advanced secondary courses.

Speakers
MS

Margaret Stevenson

Advanced Learning Coordinator, Kingman Unified School District, Arizona
Margaret Stevenson, M.Ed., has been a proud public educator for 30 years and is a proud alumni of both Central Michigan University and Northern Arizona University. As the Advanced Learning Coordinator for Kingman Unified School District #20 in Kingman, Arizona, Ms. Stevenson oversees... Read More →



Thursday December 1, 2022 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
River Oaks Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

11:00am CST

Strength-Based Goal Setting for 2E Learners
Leveraging strengths of 2E learners is the first step in effective goal-setting, but how do we further empower 2E learners through their own self-regulation and student agency in this process? Join us as we discuss personalized goal-setting through a reflective focus on intrapersonal awareness, interpersonal skills, and application to learning.

Speakers
avatar for Vicki Phelps Ed.D.

Vicki Phelps Ed.D.

Assistant Professor of Education, Milligan University
Dr. Vicki Phelps is an Assistant Professor of Education at Milligan University. She has been involved in gifted education for 25+ years and enjoys providing professional learning and consultation services to districts seeking to improve gifted practice. Dr. Phelps is the recipient... Read More →
avatar for Karah Lewis

Karah Lewis

Lead Consulting Teacher for Gifted Education, Sumner County Schools
Karah Lewis is the Lead Consulting Teacher for Gifted Education and the county-wide Gifted Consultant for high school students in Sumner County, Tennessee. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (K-8) and a Master of Arts in Special Education (K-12). Karah has been... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Clearlake Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

11:00am CST

The Struggle is Real: Recognizing and Responding to #giftedkidburnout
Gifted adolescents and young adults are turning to social media and sharing their experiences growing up in gifted programs, and it is brutally disheartening. In this session, we will explore some potential causes of this phenomena and discuss some key strategies that can help to alleviate the despair as well as prevent it from happening in the first place.

Speakers
avatar for Andi McNair

Andi McNair

GT Specialists, ESC Region 12
Andi was a classroom teacher for 16 years before pursuing her passion to change education by sharing practical ways to engage and empower today’s learners.  She is now a published author, international speaker, gifted education specialist and digital innovation specialist at ESC... Read More →
avatar for Brian Housand

Brian Housand

Coordinator, University of North Carolina Wilmington
Dr. Brian Housand, is the coordinator of the Academically or Intellectually Gifted program at University of North Carolina Wilmington and creator of Gifted360.com. Dr. Housand earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology at the University of Connecticut with an emphasis in both gifted... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Texas Salon DE

11:00am CST

Using Photography to Support Identity Development in Gifted Students
With a cell phone camera and a thoughtful prompt, teachers can support identity development in gifted students. This session offers a classroom strategy that combines writing and photography to help students develop a coherent sense of who they are and their aspirations in life. Participants leave the session with helpful methods and resources to support their students.

Speakers
avatar for Thomas P. Hébert

Thomas P. Hébert

Professor, Gifted and Talented Education, University of South Carolina
Thomas P. Hébert is Professor of Gifted and Talented Education in the College of Education at the University of South Carolina. Tom has more than a decade of K-12 classroom experience working with gifted students and 25 years in higher education training graduate students and educators... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Texas Salon C

11:00am CST

What the Research Says About Safe Learning Environments for All Gifted Learners
Within today’s educational climate, the need for psychologically safe learning environments is at the forefront of parents' and teachers' minds. In this session, we will outline what the research says regarding the importance of psychologically safe learning environments for developing talent and discuss practical implications for gifted education. _x000D_

Speakers
avatar for Katie Lewis

Katie Lewis

Associate Professor, York College of Pennsylvania
Katie D. Lewis, Ed.D., is an assistant professor at York College of Pennsylvania. She teaches undergraduate and graduate elementary education courses, and she also serves as program coordinator for Secondary Education, Post-Baccalaureate and Transfer students. Dr. Lewis has 5 years... Read More →
avatar for Debra A. Troxclair

Debra A. Troxclair

Associate Professor, Lamar University
Debra A. Troxclair, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Lamar University, teaches graduate special education and gifted education courses, earned a doctorate in Special Education: Emphasis Gifted Education from The University of Southern Mississippi. She has 20+ years teaching in K-12 classrooms... Read More →
SR

Seth Rutledge

Prosper ISD
avatar for Lindsey Lee

Lindsey Lee

Research Assistant Professor, East Tennessee State University
Lindsay Ellis Lee, Ph.D. is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at East Tennessee State University. She graduated from the University of North Texas (UNT) with a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Gifted and Talented Education. Lindsay’s... Read More →
avatar for Celeste Sodergren

Celeste Sodergren

Director of Advanced Academics, Waco ISD
Celeste Sodergren is the Director of Advanced Academics in Waco ISD and an adjunct faculty member in educational psychology in the Baylor University School of Education. She is an associate of the Baylor Exceptionalities Research Group (the BERG) where she studies academic self-concept... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Texas Salon F

11:00am CST

TAGT Podcast Recording: Nielsen Pereira
Watch your favorite speakers and TAGT Podcast host Michael Flusche in engaging conversation as they record episodes of TAGT’s upcoming podcast series live at giftED22. Speakers and schedule listed below.
  • Wednesday, November 30, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Christine Fonseca
  • Wednesday, November 30, 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.: Matt Wells
  • Wednesday, November 30, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.: Joyce Juntune
  • Thursday, December 1, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Thomas P. Hébert 
  • Thursday, December 1, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Nielsen Pereira
  • Thursday, December 1, 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Bruce Ellis
  • Friday, December 2, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Vicki Phelps
  • Friday, December 2, 9:00 a.m.-9:45 a.m.: Javetta Jones-Roberson
Want to listen to episodes from Seasons 1 and 2 of the TAGT Podcast? Check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GK8K08gKd5k8MjWAWFexG

Speakers
avatar for Michael Flusche

Michael Flusche

Comedian & G/T Director, Curtis Needs A Ride
Michael Flusche loves to combine his passion for comedy with his love for gifted education. Beginning as a teacher with a hobby of comedy, Flusche earned an opportunity to work as a coordinator in gifted education. In doing so, Flusche discovered that the foundations of improvisational... Read More →
avatar for Nielsen Pereira

Nielsen Pereira

Associate Professor, Purdue University
Nielsen Pereira (PhD) is an associate professor of Gifted, Creative, and Talented Studies at Purdue University. His research interests include conceptual, contextual, and measurement issues in the identification of gifted and talented populations; design and assessment of learning... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 11:00am - 12:00pm CST
Memorial

1:00pm CST

Functioning in Space: A Cross-Curricular Approach
The secret to student engagement is relevance. NASA is studying how to keep our astronauts healthy during their journeys. In this session we'll use that to find ways to incorporate STEM, ELA, PE, Social Science, and more, to these problems that will resonate with your students.

Speakers
avatar for Steven Smith

Steven Smith

Senior Program Coordinator, NASA
Steven is a Senior Program Coordinator at Johnson Space Center in Houston. His work supports educators inspiring the next generation from historically disenfranchised groups, helping create culturally responsive lessons that engage students previously left out of the work NASA does... Read More →



Thursday December 1, 2022 1:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Texas Salon A

1:00pm CST

Discovering and Nurturing Brilliance in Gifted English Language Learners (Equity Track)
Students who are both linguistically diverse and gifted have unique characteristics and needs. Tapping into their non-verbal abilities develops potential, increases understanding, and provides social and emotional support without over-reliance on words. What does nonverbal brilliance look like, and how do we nurture it in our EL students?

Speakers
avatar for Mark Hess

Mark Hess

President, Colorado Association for Gifted Students, Portable Gifted and Talented
Mark Hess is President of the Colorado Association for Gifted Students, editor of the SENG Library, and is the Gifted Programs Specialist in an urban school district in Colorado Springs. Mark has published nine books including I Used to Be Gifted, formerly a #1 New Top Seller in Gifted... Read More →
avatar for Nisia Patalan

Nisia Patalan

Gifted Education Regional Consultant, Colorado Department of Education
Nisia Patalan is in her 22nd year in education, 14 of which have been working with other gifted learners.  Her professional focus is on equity in gifted education and she loves busting myths about gifted children and adults.  She is currently a Gifted Education Regional Consultant... Read More →



Thursday December 1, 2022 1:00pm - 3:00pm CST
Hunters Creek Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

1:00pm CST

Beyond The Blank Screen: How COVID Has Impacted GT Student Attention and Neuro-Social Development (and what we can do about it!)
We've all experienced the educational fallout of COVID, but what can we do to get our gifted students back on track? We will discuss the social architecture of the brain, the distraction-driving influences of online environments, and how to restore focussed attention and positive social interaction in our gifted classrooms.

Speakers
avatar for Matt Wells

Matt Wells

Science Dept. Chair, CFISD
Matt is an award-winning teacher, Science department chair, GT trainer and AP consultant based in Houston, TX. A regular presenter at giftED, CAST and other conferences, Matt is a Past-President of STAT and TABT, and winner of numerous teaching awards, including NABT's "Outstanding... Read More →



Thursday December 1, 2022 1:00pm - 3:00pm CST
River Oaks Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

1:30pm CST

Surf’s Up: Engagement Strategies for Gifted Learners
Authentically engaging gifted learners can be challenging and seem like extra work. But, the reality is that every learner deserves an opportunity to learn in a way that is meaningful for them. In this learning experience, Andi McNair will share practical ways that we can “create the perfect wave” for gifted learners and even help them understand that there is value in “wiping out.” Educators will leave this learning experience with tools, ideas, strategies to encourage gifted learners to grab their boards and paddle out into the water knowing that they will be challenged, encouraged, and most importantly, engaged.

Speakers
avatar for Andi McNair

Andi McNair

GT Specialists, ESC Region 12
Andi was a classroom teacher for 16 years before pursuing her passion to change education by sharing practical ways to engage and empower today’s learners.  She is now a published author, international speaker, gifted education specialist and digital innovation specialist at ESC... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
Texas Salon DE

1:30pm CST

From Framework to Fireworks: Putting Pizzazz Into the Texas Performance Standards Project (TPSP) (Differentiation Track)
Not sure what to make of the TPSP? Looking to increase excitement and buy in? In this session, you’ll hear how Dallas ISD included elementary teacher leaders to enhance resources, representation, structure, and support while creating flexibility and fun for G/T students and teachers alike.

Speakers
avatar for Courtney Baroody

Courtney Baroody

Coordinator, Advanced Academic Services, Dallas ISD
Courtney is a strong advocate for ensuring all students are provided an equal opportunity to an enriching education. Courtney has proudly served as an educator for 11 years. She earned a B.S. in Middle Grades Education with concentrations in Mathematics and Social Studies from Georgia... Read More →
KK

Kelsey Karcher

Manager, Advanced Academic Services, Dallas ISD
Kelsey Karcher, M.Ed., is a Manager on Dallas ISD's Advanced Academic Services team. Throughout her career, her goal has been to ensure all gifted students have equitable access to an education that challenges and supports them. Kelsey values the work TAGT does and is an active member... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
Briargrove Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

1:30pm CST

Using Identification Assessment Data to Guide Differentiation (Identification Track)
Districts give so many assessments and take so much instruction time yet they don't always use the data to directly inform instruction. Let's use identification data to best meet the needs of all types of student populations.

Speakers
avatar for Brigette Cardenas

Brigette Cardenas

Advanced Academics Specialist, Mansfield ISD
She has been in education for over 22 years in many places including Australia and South America. She is passionate about meeting the needs of GT students because as a student, her GT time was only once a week and she never felt fully challenged. As an Advanced Academics Instructional... Read More →
avatar for Teresa Francis M. Ed.

Teresa Francis M. Ed.

Director Advanced Academics, Mansfield ISD
Teresa Francis is entering her 30th year of service to schools in the Metroplex. Twenty-nine of those years have been in Mansfield ISD. She served as a Social Studies teacher and coach for the first 18 years of her career and then moved into leadership and administrative roles including... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
Meyerland Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

1:30pm CST

Filling the Gaps: Assessing High-Ability Student Support through the Lens of CCMR (Secondary Track)
Postsecondary readiness systems (e.g., Texas’ A-F Accountability) are designed to monitor student achievement and inform programming, but these systems can overlook high-ability students. This session will present research on adolescent identity development and postsecondary choice and discuss ways to address college, career, and military readiness for academically-advanced students.

Speakers
avatar for Travis Hill

Travis Hill

PhD Student, University of North Texas
Travis D. Hill (he/him) is pursuing his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in gifted education. His research interests are in the student experience, creativity, and how secondary preparedness impacts gifted students’ post-secondary decisions. He is the Director... Read More →
avatar for Melanie Meyer

Melanie Meyer

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, John Hopkins University
Melanie S. Meyer is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Johns Hopkins University. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Gifted and Talented Education from the University of North Texas. She has been a classroom teacher in Texas for over 20 years, with experience... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
Kingwood Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

1:30pm CST

Building a Culturally Responsive Environment that Respects and Values All Gifted Learners
Culturally responsive practices in gifted education are more important now than ever before. With greater frequency we are seeing the erosion of understanding the strengths and value of too many of our gifted students who have been traditionally othered in educational practice. Join in this campfire discussion with some of the editors and authors of Culturally Responsive Teaching in Gifted Education as we explore ways to make our gifted programs more culturally relevant to wide diversity of students in our classrooms – students of color, those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, from rural populations, twice/thrice-exceptional, LGBTQ+, and so many more. Understanding the intersecting social identities of our gifted students means looking beyond just their academic achievement. We must acknowledge and respect their lived experiences and the richness that they bring to the learning in order to build an environment where they can thrive and grow.

Speakers
avatar for Matt Fugate, Ph.D.

Matt Fugate, Ph.D.

Provost, Bridges Graduate School (BGS) of Cognitive Diversity in Education
Dr. Fugate received his doctorate in Gifted, Creative, and Talented Studies at Purdue University. Prior to this, he worked as an elementary teacher in the Houston Independent School District where he also served as a Gifted Coordinator and Magnet Coordinator. Dr. Fugate's past research... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
Clearlake Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

1:30pm CST

Developing Equity and Engagement in Gifted Classrooms
This session is designed to help address and meet the needs of K-12 gifted learners. Participants explore current research and engage in critical conversations around an equitable and engaging classroom composition. The session will engage participants in creating a supportive community, empowering student voice, and high expectations for learners.

Speakers
avatar for Erinn Wilcots

Erinn Wilcots

Manager, Dallas ISD
Erinn Wilcots began her career in education after eleven years in the telecommunication industry. The move to education was eagerly embraced, and challenges faced with the knowledge that while she was not in front of a group of students, she had always been teaching in one form or... Read More →
avatar for Tamika Stevenson

Tamika Stevenson

AVID District Coordinator, Dallas ISD
Tamika R. Stevenson is a proud Dallas ISD alumna. As an AVID District Coordinator, Tamika supports campuses throughout the district with implementing best instructional practices school-wide. Tamika earned a Bachelors in English from the University of Texas at Austin, Master’s in... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
Texas Salon C

1:30pm CST

Excellence in Gifted Education: A New Framework for Improving Programs
The Illuminate Excellence project at Baylor University has been studing leadership, excellence, and change in gifted education. We present a framework for programmatic excellence in gifted education that can guide school districts seeking to build stronger, more vibrant programs applying change theory, strategic planning, and learning centered leadership.

Speakers
avatar for Todd Kettler, Ph.D.

Todd Kettler, Ph.D.

Professor, Baylor University
Todd Kettler is associate professor of educational psychology at Baylor University and an affiliated faculty member of the Baylor Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development. Dr. Kettler serves as the coordinator of the graduate programs in gifted education at Baylor University... Read More →
avatar for Celeste Sodergren

Celeste Sodergren

Director of Advanced Academics, Waco ISD
Celeste Sodergren is the Director of Advanced Academics in Waco ISD and an adjunct faculty member in educational psychology in the Baylor University School of Education. She is an associate of the Baylor Exceptionalities Research Group (the BERG) where she studies academic self-concept... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
Texas Salon B

1:30pm CST

Intersectional Perspectives in Gifted Education: What Do Gifted Students Say?
In this session, current and former gifted students will discuss their intersectional educational experiences in the state of Texas and how these experiences have influenced their identity development. The student panel discussion will include insights on how to address the social-emotional and academic needs of students in advanced classrooms._x000D_

Speakers
avatar for Lindsey Lee

Lindsey Lee

Research Assistant Professor, East Tennessee State University
Lindsay Ellis Lee, Ph.D. is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at East Tennessee State University. She graduated from the University of North Texas (UNT) with a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Gifted and Talented Education. Lindsay’s... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
Texas Salon F

1:30pm CST

Table Top! Developing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Skills in the Gifted Population
Many gifted children can struggle with the social and emotional skills necessary to create and maintain relationships. This presentation will demonstrate techniques on how to teach and model SEL skills for gifted children.

Speakers
avatar for Matthew Zakreski

Matthew Zakreski

Psychologist, The Neurodiversity Collective
Matthew "Dr. Matt" Zakreski, PsyD is a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with neurodivergent (gifted, 2e, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, etc.) people and has presented over 300 times all over the country and internationally.


Thursday December 1, 2022 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
Texas Salon G

1:30pm CST

TAGT Podcast Recording: Bruce Ellis
Watch your favorite speakers and TAGT Podcast host Michael Flusche in engaging conversation as they record episodes of TAGT’s upcoming podcast series live at giftED22. Speakers and schedule listed below.
  • Wednesday, November 30, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Christine Fonseca
  • Wednesday, November 30, 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.: Matt Wells
  • Wednesday, November 30, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.: Joyce Juntune
  • Thursday, December 1, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Thomas P. Hébert 
  • Thursday, December 1, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Nielsen Pereira
  • Thursday, December 1, 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Bruce Ellis
  • Friday, December 2, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Vicki Phelps
  • Friday, December 2, 9:00 a.m.-9:45 a.m.: Javetta Jones-Roberson
Want to listen to episodes from Seasons 1 and 2 of the TAGT Podcast? Check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GK8K08gKd5k8MjWAWFexG

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Bruce Ellis

Dr. Bruce Ellis

Director of Professional Development, TCEA
Bruce’s versatile classroom teaching experiences lend authenticity to his workshops. His 20+ years of experience, enthusiasm for educational technology, and his hands-on approach to training have helped educators effectively utilize educational technology and improve student success... Read More →
avatar for Michael Flusche

Michael Flusche

Comedian & G/T Director, Curtis Needs A Ride
Michael Flusche loves to combine his passion for comedy with his love for gifted education. Beginning as a teacher with a hobby of comedy, Flusche earned an opportunity to work as a coordinator in gifted education. In doing so, Flusche discovered that the foundations of improvisational... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 1:30pm - 2:30pm CST
Memorial

2:30pm CST

TAGT Connect Live
Join your TAGT community for live discussions on a variety of topics of interest to members! Make connections and meet someone new!

Thursday December 1, 2022 2:30pm - 3:15pm CST
Registration Desk

2:45pm CST

Recharge Zone Mini-Session: Dance to the Beat of Your Own Drum
"Who hears music feels his solitude peopled at once." - Robert Browning
Cultures around the globe have long known the benefits of communal rhythms - the first sound we ever hear is our mother's heartbeat! Rhythm improves people’s moods, restores balance, promotes healing, and provides a connection with one another. Music has been scientifically proven to release dopamine and lower cortisol levels, creating positive emotions and even healing our bodies from the effects of stress. Come relax and have fun in this session and add your rhythms to our communal drum circle--you'll leave energized and feel connected and grounded! (Recharge Zone Mini-Sessions held in the Recharge Zone within the TAGT Marketplace)

Thursday December 1, 2022 2:45pm - 3:00pm CST
Texas Foyer

3:15pm CST

Laugh & Learn: Building Self-Efficacy Through Comedy
In this session, participants are challenged to bring their entire school team or new friends at the conference to work on a series of creative, comedic challenges. Enjoy a variety of activities that are not only a fun challenge, but also can be taken back to your campus to build self-efficacy. Build your perseverance and task commitment with your team while having a few laughs on the way with the always entertaining comedic team, Curtis Needs A Ride.

Speakers
avatar for Michael Flusche

Michael Flusche

Comedian & G/T Director, Curtis Needs A Ride
Michael Flusche loves to combine his passion for comedy with his love for gifted education. Beginning as a teacher with a hobby of comedy, Flusche earned an opportunity to work as a coordinator in gifted education. In doing so, Flusche discovered that the foundations of improvisational... Read More →
avatar for Ricky  Anderson

Ricky Anderson

Comedian, Curtis Needs A Ride
Ricky Anderson is an actor, video producer, comedian, and educator all in one. Whether it's teaching improv comedy or film production, Ricky has close to 15 years of experience helping others get creative. He loves education so much, he married another educator!


Thursday December 1, 2022 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST
Texas Salon DE

3:15pm CST

Memory Matters: Enhancing Learning in Gifted Students from Poverty
Many gifted students raised in poverty face memory development delays which can impact their ability to learn. This session focuses on understanding how memory works, memory development, and suggested strategies to help students of any age develop their memory. Leave with several ideas you can implement immediately in your classroom.

Speakers
avatar for Joyce Juntune

Joyce Juntune

Instructional Professor, Texas A&M University
Dr. Joyce Juntune is an Instructional Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. She began her teaching career as a first grade teacher in Minnesota. Her later teaching experiences included migrant students in the San Joaquin... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST
Texas Salon G

3:15pm CST

Differentiating Instruction for High Ability Gifted Students (Differentiation Track)
This panel discussion will highlight practical strategies for differentiating instruction based on your students’ cognitive profiles. Three district leaders across varying roles in Richardson ISD will address the challenges that neurodiverse students present in the GenEd classroom and share how they are providing services to these students in their district.

Speakers
avatar for Monica Simonds

Monica Simonds

Director of Advanced Learning Programs and Services, Richardson ISD
Monica Simonds received her M.Ed., from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, currently the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. After teaching for almost ten years in Louisiana, she moved to Texas where she spent ten years as a high school debate coach and is now in her 12th year... Read More →
avatar for Justin Pata

Justin Pata

GT Teacher, Richardson ISD
Justin is in his 8th year in education and teaches in a program for highly gifted students in Richardson ISD. He has taught science in upper elementary and middle school settings and is passionate about not only science education, but advocating for the academic and social needs of... Read More →
avatar for Blake Bogus

Blake Bogus

Advanced Learning Specialist, Richardson ISD
Blake just stepped out of the classroom at the end of the '20-'21 school year after 26 years. He started his career on the southside of Houston in HISD, then moved to Aldine ISD, and finally Cy-Fair ISD. After moving to North Texas in 2000, he spent one year in Carrollton-Farmers... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST
Texas F Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

3:15pm CST

Expanding Talent Development Opportunities for All Students
Every student should have access to talent development opportunities in and out of school. However, access to such opportunities and to gifted education services is often limited. This session introduces an equity-focused approach to talent development, created to expand access to advanced curriculum and social and emotional learning opportunities for high potential students from underserved populations. Specific examples of strategies that can be used to identify high potential students and support their affective and academic development and will be presented.

Speakers
avatar for Nielsen Pereira

Nielsen Pereira

Associate Professor, Purdue University
Nielsen Pereira (PhD) is an associate professor of Gifted, Creative, and Talented Studies at Purdue University. His research interests include conceptual, contextual, and measurement issues in the identification of gifted and talented populations; design and assessment of learning... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST
Texas Salon A

3:15pm CST

Leading by Example: Being a Culturally Responsive Gifted Leader
A significant topic in education is the need for culturally responsive leaders and teachers who work with diverse student populations. These populations are continuously increasing in US schools. During this session, participants will receive leadership strategies and resources aiding in implementing Culturally Responsive practices in Gifted and Advanced Placement programs.

Speakers
avatar for Javetta Jones Roberson

Javetta Jones Roberson

District Coordinator, Advanced Academics & Gifted, McKinney ISD
Dr. Javetta Jones Roberson serves as the District Coordinator of Secondary Advanced Academics & Gifted and Talented in McKinney ISD. Javetta received her doctorate of education in the Educational Leadership program at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Her research interests include diverse... Read More →
avatar for Erinn Fears Floyd

Erinn Fears Floyd

Founder, CEO/ Director of Training & Partnership Development, E3, LLC/ I-URGGE
Dr. Erinn Fears Floyd, a Gifted Education, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholar, is Director of Training and Partnership Development for The Consortium for Inclusion of Underrepresented Racial Groups in Gifted Education. She is the former Director of Professional Learning for... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST
Texas Salon C

3:15pm CST

The Integrated Acceleration System: Making Whole-Grade Acceleration Decisions (Exhibitor Spotlight)
The Integrated Acceleration System (developed by the Belin-Blank Center) supports decisions about acceleration, including gathering data, talking with student, family, and teachers about acceleration, and conducting team meetings. The online tool guides the process of making informed decisions about early entrance to kindergarten or college, subject acceleration, and whole-grade acceleration.

Speakers
avatar for Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik

Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik

Administrator, Acceleration Institute and Research, University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center
Ann Lupkowski-Shoplik, Ph.D. is Administrator, Acceleration Institute and Research at the University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center. She co-authored Developing Math Talent (2nd ed.), Developing Academic Acceleration Policies, and the Iowa Acceleration Scale. She is also co-developer of... Read More →
RL

Randy Lange

Professional Development and Curriculum Coordinator, University of Iowa Belin-Blank Center
Randy Lange, Ph.D., is the Professional Development & Curriculum Coordinator at the Belin-Blank Center at the University of Iowa. Key areas he supports at the Center are AP Training, The Academy for Twice-Exceptionality, Honors Opportunity Program, and a variety of professional development... Read More →



Thursday December 1, 2022 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST
Montrose Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

3:15pm CST

Understanding “The Performance Cliff:” How to Manage it and Prevent it
The Performance Cliff is a psycho-educational phenomenon that occurs in the gifted population whereas a student will be performing exceptionally well until somewhere between 6th and 9th grade and then suddenly begin to struggle. This presentation will explain why that happens and what can be done to prevent it.

Speakers
avatar for Matthew Zakreski

Matthew Zakreski

Psychologist, The Neurodiversity Collective
Matthew "Dr. Matt" Zakreski, PsyD is a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with neurodivergent (gifted, 2e, ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, etc.) people and has presented over 300 times all over the country and internationally.


Thursday December 1, 2022 3:15pm - 4:15pm CST
Texas Salon H

3:15pm CST

DLINES for Suicide Prevention
The Defensive Line presents a two-hour workshop for teachers and administrators focused on suicide awareness, prevention, and action steps for creating a safe environment for students. The suicide prevention workshop is for adults in middle and high schools, particularly focusing on schools with a majority students of color to hold nuanced conversations of race and mental health with educators who have the greatest opportunities to expand their curiosity and create supportive environments for all of their students. The workshop provides guidance on language, listening, and a focus on implicit bias to help educators understand their own greatest strengths so they can support their students by getting them to the proper resources. This suicide prevention workshop is built around the acronym: D-LINES. This training aims to clarify the adult's role in supporting students’ mental health by helping them find ways to naturally connect with students about their mental health and show them how to be the bridge to the resources that exist for their students in need. The training also walks teachers through a step-by-step plan to identify, intervene, and refer students in crisis or in need. The primary aim is to create better connections between the teacher and the student so that when a crisis arises, systems are in place to find appropriate support. The training seeks to answer the question for educators: What is your defensive line for intervening in suicide and mental health crises with your students?

Speakers
avatar for Martha Thomas

Martha Thomas

CoFounder|Chief Education Officer, The Defensive Line
Martha draws young people like a magnet. She exudes warmth and welcome to everyone she meets. As a teacher and educator for 30 years, Martha brings authenticity and an open heart to her work with students. Nominated by her school district as Teacher of the Year, Martha prioritizes... Read More →
avatar for Chris Thomas

Chris Thomas

CoFounder, The Defensive Line
Chris has yet to meet a stranger. During his 30-plus years in corporate management of consumer goods and products, both domestically and internationally, Chris has literally made thousands of friends through his innate ability to connect with and care for other people.A gifted college... Read More →



Thursday December 1, 2022 3:15pm - 5:15pm CST
Texas Salon B

4:30pm CST

Acronym Alphabet Soup: Turning TPSPs into PBLs for FROs!
Texas GT educators should create future-ready learners, rather than small-groups of Google-driven researchers, calling tri-fold boards, shoebox dioramas, & monotone facts read off notecards as “gifted curriculum”. Fellow educators will learn how using the PBL instructional method with TPSP topics create a higher-level educational journey; bringing state-provided curriculum to life!

Speakers
avatar for Lisa Timmerman

Lisa Timmerman

Elementary GT teacher, Carroll ISD
I have over 20 years of experience in Texas public schools, and have been an elementary GT Specialist for the past 14 years. Currently living mY bEsT LiFe in Southlake, Texas at a Carroll ISD elementary campus. My professional foci include: #realworldlearning, #authentictechnologyuse... Read More →
avatar for Allyson Dickinson

Allyson Dickinson

GT Specialist and Educator, Carroll ISD
I’m an elementary GT teacher in Carroll ISD. My 20 years of experience ranges from GT inclusion/cluster classrooms all the way to the other side of GT service design; a self-contained classroom of highly-gifted learners.  I also have a Master’s degree from Pepperdine University... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Texas C Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

4:30pm CST

Framing Your Curriculum with Depth & Complexity (Differentiation Track)
Learn how a simple structure allows students to demonstrate their understanding of any topic. They easily allow for differentiation in any content area by adjusting what is inside the frame using the icons of Depth & Complexity. You will walk away with examples, ideas, and strategies for instant implementation.

Speakers
KC

Karen Cooper

G/T Facilitator, Katy ISD
Karen Cooper is currently a G/T Facilitator in Katy ISD. She has 20 years of experience as a teacher in grades K-5 with 4 of those in gifted education. She utilizes depth and complexity to differentiate in her classroom and wants to share her passion with others.
avatar for Danielle Peterson

Danielle Peterson

Gifted and Talented Facilitator, Katy ISD
With over 15 years of experience in education, Danielle Peterson currently works as a GT Facilitator in Katy ISD and serves as a member of the TAGT Emerging Leader Program and the TAGT Education Committee. Peterson holds degrees in Educational Leadership and in Visual Art Education... Read More →
SW

Sue Wilson

GT Facilitator, Katy ISD
avatar for Elizabeth Harden

Elizabeth Harden

GT Facilitator, Katy ISD
Liz Harden, M.Ed. is currently a G/T Facilitator in Katy ISD. She has over 20 years of experience in gifted education and 14 years both coaching and training teachers and administrators all over the U.S. Sharing strategies and tools to enhance differentiation, depth, and complexity... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Briargrove Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

4:30pm CST

The 5 levels model for teaching a blended class
We will be taking a dive into a model that is designed to intuitively differentiate for GT students while still serving the needs of the honors students that they are often blended with. The primary focus is on math, but the idea can be extrapolated to other subjects.

Speakers
MW

Michael Wang

Teacher, Coppell ISD
Michael Wang is a teacher who happens to be 2E. He designs and implements curriculum/projects that he wish he had been given while he was in high school.


Thursday December 1, 2022 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Texas Salon G

4:30pm CST

Equity and Access (Identification Track)
This session will review the state enrollment numbers and how to review local data to evaluate your G/T services for how reflective your district or charter G/T population. Then develop an action plan for equitable access to identification and services.

Speakers
avatar for Monica Brewer

Monica Brewer

Gifted/Talented Education Statewide Coordinator, Texas Education Agency
Monica Brewer is a Statewide Coordinator, Gifted/Talented (G/T) Education with the Texas Education Agency. In this role, Monica coordinates all aspects of G/T education and the Commissioner’s Advisory Council for Gifted/Talented Education. Monica is a qualified leader and holds... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Meyerland Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

4:30pm CST

Harnessing the Spiral Model to Understand GT/2e Growth and Learning Patterns
How can cartography, Greenland, and the Solar System help me understand the developmental trajectory and learning patterns of my gifted and twice-exceptional learners or child? Dig in deep with an educator, researcher, and parent of a 2e child on her journey to understand the complexities of GT/2e in public school.

Speakers
avatar for Karen Arnstein

Karen Arnstein

Professor, Bridges Graduate School
Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Denver. She is a consultant, speaker, and author dedicated to helping teachers and school districts understand how to identify and service twice-exceptional learners. Dr. Arnstein presents at state, national, and international conferences... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Texas Salon A

4:30pm CST

Starting From Scratch: Building a Program from the Start (Coordinator Track)
Do you feel like you don't know where to begin when planning gifted services? This session details how one district revamped their entire program from scratch from creating curriculum to processes and procedures. Learn about our successes and failures in organizing and navigating the first years in a new program.

Speakers
ET

Elise Tate

Advanced Academics Director, Victoria ISD
Elise Tate has been the Advanced Academics Director in Victoria ISD for the past 3 years. 
SH

Samantha Herbold

G/T Coordinator, Victoria ISD
Samantha Herbold has been the G/T Coordinator in Victoria ISD for the past 4 years.


Thursday December 1, 2022 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
River Oaks Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

4:30pm CST

TPSP: Your Step by Step Guide to Success
This session will guide you through planning, implementation and presentation of Texas Performance Standards Projects (TPSP). Participants will be introduced to the steps to develop the year-long project: teaching the research process, creating timelines, involving parents, reinforcing group dynamics, developing product rubrics, and planning a showcase.

Speakers
avatar for Stacy Mueller

Stacy Mueller

GT Academy Specialist, Pearland ISD
Stacy Mueller has worked with gifted students and teachers for twenty years. She is currently the GT Academy Specialist in Pearland ISD, and was previously a GT Specialist in Friendswood ISD and Alvin ISD. She is proud to serve on the TAGT Education Committee and is a TAGT scholarship... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Texas Salon H

4:30pm CST

"U" and "I" : The Most Important Components of Equity
This session will focus on the building of positive and meaningful relationships between student (“U”) and educator (“I”). Participants will learn strategies to embrace the social and emotional needs of students in order to provide equity for all students.

Speakers
avatar for Shontel Newsome

Shontel Newsome

District Level G/T Specialist, Spring ISD
Shontel Newsome is an Advanced Academics Specialist in the Spring Independent School District. Mrs. Newsome is an educator with over 13 years of experience in public school education (PK-12) and has served as a gifted and talented teacher, campus instructional specialist, teacher... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Montrose Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

4:30pm CST

Gifted and GenZ: From Running to Thriving to Flying (Secondary Track)
From falling off the wave of wonderfulness, living intensities, and feeling “othered,” we explore social and emotional aspects of thriving. How do we guide gifted learners, feeling like they walk through life with their shoes on the wrong feet, not only to run and thrive, but learn how to fly?

Speakers
avatar for Mark Hess

Mark Hess

President, Colorado Association for Gifted Students, Portable Gifted and Talented
Mark Hess is President of the Colorado Association for Gifted Students, editor of the SENG Library, and is the Gifted Programs Specialist in an urban school district in Colorado Springs. Mark has published nine books including I Used to Be Gifted, formerly a #1 New Top Seller in Gifted... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Kingwood Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

4:30pm CST

Know Thyself, Express Thyself, Apply Thyself: Purposeful Empowerment in Goal-Setting for Gifted Learners
How do social-emotional awareness and self-regulation impact effective goal-setting, motivation, and academic achievement in gifted learners? This session provides a successful approach to personalized goal-setting through a reflective focus on intrapersonal awareness, interpersonal skills, and application to the learning process. Handouts, helpful hints, and examples of practice are provided._x000D_

Speakers
avatar for Karah Lewis

Karah Lewis

Lead Consulting Teacher for Gifted Education, Sumner County Schools
Karah Lewis is the Lead Consulting Teacher for Gifted Education and the county-wide Gifted Consultant for high school students in Sumner County, Tennessee. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (K-8) and a Master of Arts in Special Education (K-12). Karah has been... Read More →
avatar for Vicki Phelps Ed.D.

Vicki Phelps Ed.D.

Assistant Professor of Education, Milligan University
Dr. Vicki Phelps is an Assistant Professor of Education at Milligan University. She has been involved in gifted education for 25+ years and enjoys providing professional learning and consultation services to districts seeking to improve gifted practice. Dr. Phelps is the recipient... Read More →


Thursday December 1, 2022 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Texas Salon F

4:30pm CST

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Access Network Meet-Up (Equity Track)
Connect with fellow educators and learn more about the new TAGT Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access Network at this opportunity to network and build coalitions with leaders eager to increase diversity in the ranks of G/T educators. Sponsored by thinkLaw

Thursday December 1, 2022 4:30pm - 5:30pm CST
Hunters Creek Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
 
Friday, December 2
 

7:30am CST

Info Desk and Explore TAGT
Swing by the registration area to explore your TAGT membership benefits and connect with TAGT members from across the state. Join us for short discussions with your peers, dive into TEMPO+ resources, and make the most of your online benefits. From usernames and passwords to volunteer opportunities, we’ve got you covered.

Friday December 2, 2022 7:30am - 12:30pm CST
Registration Desk

7:30am CST

Registration Open
Friday December 2, 2022 7:30am - 12:30pm CST
Registration Desk

8:00am CST

Ditching Gamification: Using Tabletop Game Design to Build Collaboration, Creativity, & Empathy
In this hands-on session, secondary educators will learn about and how to implement tabletop role-playing game design to build an engaging, collaborative, and fun product created by their students. Utilizing game design focuses student attention on the end product while balancing their understanding of the content.

Speakers
avatar for Travis Hill

Travis Hill

PhD Student, University of North Texas
Travis D. Hill (he/him) is pursuing his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in gifted education. His research interests are in the student experience, creativity, and how secondary preparedness impacts gifted students’ post-secondary decisions. He is the Director... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Texas Salon H

8:00am CST

Mathematical Modeling: Developing Talent & Elevating Equity
Mathematical modeling allows students to answer reality-based questions, quantify real-world phenomena, and analyze behaviors. This problem-solving process can promote equitable teaching practices and can assist teachers in talent development. Participants of this session will explore math modeling situations and learn how to implement this process in their classrooms.

Speakers
avatar for Shirley Fortenbaugh

Shirley Fortenbaugh

Gifted Specialist, Loudoun County Public Schools
Shirley Fortenbaugh is a Gifted Specialist in Loudoun County, Virginia. She has been teaching for 23 years in public schools. She has a Masters in Gifted Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and a Masters in Math Education Leadership from George Mason University. Shirley... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Montrose Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

Amplifying the Middle School G/T Student Experience through Enrichment and Community Service (Secondary Track)
Come see how to maximize learning experiences that promote the development of social/emotional and critical thinking skills during the instructional day for middle school G/T students. Explore the cultivation of advanced learners through the Interdisciplinary Studies Course, including curriculum designed to enhance leadership, research skills, creativity, and community involvement._x000D_

Speakers
avatar for Christopher Sosa

Christopher Sosa

G/T Specialist, SpringISD
Christopher Sosa is a Secondary Gifted/Talented Specialist in the Spring Independent School District. He graduated from the University of Houston Downtown where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education and Southern New Hampshire University where he earned his Master of Education... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Kingwood Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

Identifying Science Giftedness (Identification Track)
Science giftedness is a sparsely researched area of giftedness that is usually identified through content areas other than science. A tool is presented for use with middle school-aged students in science classrooms. The tool includes a Science Giftedness Framework with distinct, discernable characteristics based on input from teachers and researchers.

Speakers
avatar for Shari Hiltbrand

Shari Hiltbrand

SOAR (GT STEM) Teacher & STEM Innovation Specialist, St. John Paul II Catholic School
Dr. Shari Hiltbrand is a career middle school science and STEM classroom teacher who is dedicated to producing engaged and enthusiastic learners who have the ability to create, collaborate, communicate, think critically, and problem-solve. In her third decade of teaching science... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Meyerland Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

Averting Potential Risks of High Achievement
When considering general child wellness, a little addressed high-risk category is students exposed to high-achievement pressures. This session will explore some psychological (e.g., anxiety), developmental, and social costs for high-achieving students as well as methods to address these concerns, placing the well-being and development of the child at the forefront. 

Speakers
avatar for Chris Wells

Chris Wells

President & CEO, Dabrowski Center
Chris Wells, PhD, LSW is President & CEO of the Dabrowski Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of Dabrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration through advocacy, education, and innovation. The Dabrowski Center hosts an archive, provides consulting and educational... Read More →
avatar for Melanie Meyer

Melanie Meyer

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, John Hopkins University
Melanie S. Meyer is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Johns Hopkins University. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Gifted and Talented Education from the University of North Texas. She has been a classroom teacher in Texas for over 20 years, with experience... Read More →
avatar for Nicole Mattingly

Nicole Mattingly

Doctoral Candidate, University of North Texas
Nicole Mattingly, M.A. is a  Doctoral Candidate in Educational Psychology at the University of North Texas (focus in gifted), SENG Doctoral Fellow and Parent Group Facilitator. Nicole’s research and interests at UNT regard parent practitioners, gifted parent formal support groups... Read More →



Friday December 2, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Texas Salon G

8:00am CST

Gifted in Mayberry, Texas – Rural Gifted Considerations (Equity Track)
Rural gifted services are as unique as each community. Understanding identification and services for rural gifted students is essential to meeting this unique population’s needs. This session explores the intersection of gifted characteristics and rural culture as well as the challenges of providing gifted services in rural settings. 

Speakers
avatar for Cecelia Boswell Ed.D.

Cecelia Boswell Ed.D.

Educational Consultant, Austin Creek Education Systems
Cecelia Boswell is an educator, consultant, and author. She taught migrant and gifted students, was Advanced Academics Consultant and Executive Director of Advanced Academics in an urban school where she created a middle school gifted academy. She led research projects, professional... Read More →
avatar for Greg Reeves

Greg Reeves

Education Specialist Gifted and Talented/HS RLA, Region 17 Education Service Center
Gregory Reeves is a Gifted Education, Advanced Academics, and English Language Arts Specialist at the Region 17 Education Service Center in Lubbock, Texas. He has spent 29 years in education relishing the opportunity, the pleasure, and the challenge of teaching and studying some of... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Hunters Creek Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

Intervention-Extension: Utilizing Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) to Support the Gifted Learner (Differentiation Track)
Dallas ISD’s Advanced Academic Services department, in collaboration with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) department, has designed strategies to support gifted/talented learners. Dallas ISD promotes targeted, intensive supports and interventions for gifted/talented students struggling to meet their achievement goals and/or advance across grade levels.

Speakers
avatar for Marelenise Phillips-Roberts

Marelenise Phillips-Roberts

MTSS Coordinator, Dallas ISD
Marelenise Phillips-Roberts is committed to being an advocate for students and teachers. She has served Is an educator in Dallas Independent School District for more than 20 years in a variety of district roles including math and science teacher, district-wide Campus Instructional... Read More →
KK

Kelsey Karcher

Manager, Advanced Academic Services, Dallas ISD
Kelsey Karcher, M.Ed., is a Manager on Dallas ISD's Advanced Academic Services team. Throughout her career, her goal has been to ensure all gifted students have equitable access to an education that challenges and supports them. Kelsey values the work TAGT does and is an active member... Read More →
XO

Xochitl Ortiz

Coordinator, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Dallas ISD


Friday December 2, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Briargrove Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

Leading with Intention - How to Grow Successful Team Leads & Campus PLCs (Coordinator Track)
Delivery of simple and practical ideas and solutions to build strong leadership and representation from instructional teams and collaboration strategies are discussed. Recommendations for effectively guiding and managing meetings, keeping the focus on instruction, and how to build schoolwide PLC commitment are enhanced through practice activities and suggested strategies.

Speakers
avatar for Irene Sosa

Irene Sosa

Educator & Team Lead, Irving ISD
Irene Sosa, M.A., is an educator for Irving ISD and a Team Lead for the district's Top Model Campus.  She has been impactful as a leader with her grade-level team, vertical team leaders, administrators, and students while balancing family life as a wife and a mother of two elementary... Read More →
avatar for Grizelle Larriviel

Grizelle Larriviel

UNT & IISD, Brandenburg Elementary
Grizelle Larriviel, M.A., is a Doctoral Student in Educational Psychology at the University of North Texas (GT) and an educator in Irving ISD. Interests include Sociocultural Theory and its impact on underrepresented special populations going through the gifted and talented process... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
River Oaks Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

Lessons from a Bean: Tales of Raising Gifted Black Boys
This session is will use delightful personal stories to highlight the special qualities of gifted black boys and the lessons learned when parenting them. Strategies designed to guide them from joyful free play to developing self-agency in young adulthood will be discussed. All parents and educators welcomed!

Speakers
avatar for Kamilah Holmes

Kamilah Holmes

GT Academy Coordinator, Ft. Bend ISD
Kamilah Holmes leads the Gifted and Talented Middle School Academy in Fort Bend ISD. Her 22-year educational career began as a mathematics teacher, followed by leadership roles as a middle school assistant principal and the District’s Gifted and Talented Coordinator. Kamilah is... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Clearlake Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

8:00am CST

TAGT Podcast Recording: Vicki Phelps
Watch your favorite speakers and TAGT Podcast host Michael Flusche in engaging conversation as they record episodes of TAGT’s upcoming podcast series live at giftED22. Speakers and schedule listed below.
  • Wednesday, November 30, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Christine Fonseca
  • Wednesday, November 30, 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.: Matt Wells
  • Wednesday, November 30, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.: Joyce Juntune
  • Thursday, December 1, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Thomas P. Hébert 
  • Thursday, December 1, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Nielsen Pereira
  • Thursday, December 1, 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Bruce Ellis
  • Friday, December 2, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Vicki Phelps
  • Friday, December 2, 9:00 a.m.-9:45 a.m.: Javetta Jones-Roberson
Want to listen to episodes from Seasons 1 and 2 of the TAGT Podcast? Check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GK8K08gKd5k8MjWAWFexG

Speakers
avatar for Michael Flusche

Michael Flusche

Comedian & G/T Director, Curtis Needs A Ride
Michael Flusche loves to combine his passion for comedy with his love for gifted education. Beginning as a teacher with a hobby of comedy, Flusche earned an opportunity to work as a coordinator in gifted education. In doing so, Flusche discovered that the foundations of improvisational... Read More →
avatar for Vicki Phelps Ed.D.

Vicki Phelps Ed.D.

Assistant Professor of Education, Milligan University
Dr. Vicki Phelps is an Assistant Professor of Education at Milligan University. She has been involved in gifted education for 25+ years and enjoys providing professional learning and consultation services to districts seeking to improve gifted practice. Dr. Phelps is the recipient... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 8:00am - 8:45am CST
Memorial

9:00am CST

Demystifying SAT Prep for Gifted Learners & Teachers (Secondary Track)
Are even your top students intimidated by the SAT? Do they agonize over their answer choices? Do they plead for more time? Let's debunk some SAT myths, clarify the process, and walk away with tips and strategies for teachers and students that will boost their confidence AND their scores.

Speakers
avatar for Amy Ellingson M.Ed.

Amy Ellingson M.Ed.

GT Facilitator, Spring Branch ISD
Amy Ellingson has worked as a facilitator in Advanced Academics Studies in Spring Branch ISD in Houston, Texas for the past 10 years. She previously taught Spanish 16 years. She is the president of the Houston Cooperative on the Gifted which provides training for teachers in the Houston... Read More →
avatar for Sheila Griffith Ph.D.

Sheila Griffith Ph.D.

President, Knowsys Educational Services, LLC
Dr. Sheila Griffith is the author of the Knowsys College Readiness Program and the Knowsys Vocabulary Builder Program and the co-author of the Knowsys That's Genius Math Program. Dr. Griffith is the co-owner and co-founder of Knowsys Educational Services and a recognized expert in... Read More →
avatar for Tracy Scholz

Tracy Scholz

Director Of Advanced Academic Studies, Spring Branch ISD
Dr. Tracy Scholz has been an educator for over 25 years. She has experience as a classroom teacher, department specialist, district interventionist, district coordinator, and served as the Associate Director for the Teacher Education Program at Rice University. She is a contributor... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am CST
Kingwood Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

9:00am CST

Literary Journey through DC Towards Social Awareness and Equity (Differentiation Track)
Travel with us to explore social issues through the lenses of Depth & Complexity. We will work together to layer D & C with children's books and other literary works to assist students in developing a greater understanding of themselves, others, and the world in which we live.

Speakers
KC

Karen Cooper

G/T Facilitator, Katy ISD
Karen Cooper is currently a G/T Facilitator in Katy ISD. She has 20 years of experience as a teacher in grades K-5 with 4 of those in gifted education. She utilizes depth and complexity to differentiate in her classroom and wants to share her passion with others.
avatar for Danielle Peterson

Danielle Peterson

Gifted and Talented Facilitator, Katy ISD
With over 15 years of experience in education, Danielle Peterson currently works as a GT Facilitator in Katy ISD and serves as a member of the TAGT Emerging Leader Program and the TAGT Education Committee. Peterson holds degrees in Educational Leadership and in Visual Art Education... Read More →
avatar for Elizabeth Harden

Elizabeth Harden

GT Facilitator, Katy ISD
Liz Harden, M.Ed. is currently a G/T Facilitator in Katy ISD. She has over 20 years of experience in gifted education and 14 years both coaching and training teachers and administrators all over the U.S. Sharing strategies and tools to enhance differentiation, depth, and complexity... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am CST
Briargrove Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

9:00am CST

One World, Many Stories: Internationalizing Your Curriculum to Include Glocalism Pedagogy in Gifted Education
This session will detail the importance of internationalizing the secondary curriculum within gifted education to center glocalism pedagogy, the interconnection of local and global social concerns, to promote student engagement and diversity of thought. The presenter offers key recommendations to foster intercultural learning within gifted education in Texas schools.

Speakers
ST

Stephanie Tilley

Program Coordinator, Prairie View A & M University
Stephanie Tilley is a PhD scholar in the Educational Leadership program with a focus in Higher Education at Prairie View A & M University. She has worked in the field of international education domestically and overseas in Greece and South Africa. Her extensive experience in global... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am CST
Texas Salon H

9:00am CST

CANCELLED: Misconceptions of Giftedness: Improving Teacher Referrals (Identification Track)
Providing gifted services to diverse student groups has been an important in gifted education. However, these students are often not referred for gifted services due to commonly held misconceptions. This presentation seeks to address these misconceptions of giftedness and provide a framework for educators to identify often overlooked gifted individuals.

Speakers
avatar for Tedd Flemister

Tedd Flemister

GT Researcher, University of North Texas
Tedd Flemister is currently a doctoral student at the University of North Texas with their concertation in Gifted and Talented Education. They have Masters in education and a teaching certification in secondary social studies. They're primary research focus is how to improve gifted... Read More →
avatar for Jade Skidmore

Jade Skidmore

PhD Student and GT Researcher, University of North Texas
Jade Skidmore is a school counselor and licensed professional counselor (LPC) and has worked in K-12 education for over 10 years. Jade is currently a doctoral student at the University of North Texas studying School Psychology with a concentration in Gifted and Talented Education... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am CST
Texas B Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

9:00am CST

Interpreting Different Types of Local Norm Scores
This presentation focuses on how tests are used at the report generation stage– including selecting local reference samples and interpreting local norm reports. An interactive case study working with real data from a Texas school district examining the reported scores for multiple measures will demonstrate how to examine Representation Indices.

Speakers
avatar for Mikkel Maharaj

Mikkel Maharaj

Research Scientist, Multi-Health Systems (MHS)
Mikkel Maharaj is a Research Scientist at Multi-Health Systems (MHS). She completed her MA in Child Study and Education at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto, with a focus on cross-curricular literacy instruction and reading disabilities in... Read More →
avatar for Koby Stringer

Koby Stringer

Gifted & Talented Services Administrator, Lewisville ISD
Koby Stringer is the Elementary Gifted & Talented Services Administrator for Lewisville Independent School District. This is his 25th year in public education. Past roles include teacher of gifted students, campus administrator, and district curriculum supervisor.


Friday December 2, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am CST
Texas Salon C

9:00am CST

TEA and CAC Update (Coordinator Track)
The Texas Education Agency and Commissioner's Advisory Council on G/T Education (CAC) will provide program updates. Topics included equity in identification, program options, student growth, and parental involvement.

Speakers
avatar for Monica Brewer

Monica Brewer

Gifted/Talented Education Statewide Coordinator, Texas Education Agency
Monica Brewer is a Statewide Coordinator, Gifted/Talented (G/T) Education with the Texas Education Agency. In this role, Monica coordinates all aspects of G/T education and the Commissioner’s Advisory Council for Gifted/Talented Education. Monica is a qualified leader and holds... Read More →
avatar for Meredith Austin

Meredith Austin

Coordinator of Gifted & Talented, Humble ISD
Meredith Austin is the Coordinator of Gifted and Talented programs in Humble ISD. Additionally, she serves at the chair of the TEA Commissioner's Advisory Council for G/T Education.


Friday December 2, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am CST
River Oaks Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

9:00am CST

The Eye of the Beholder: Exploring Policymaker Perceptions of Gifted Education
Whoever holds power, makes the decisions. This session will host a discussion surrounding policymakers' public perceptions of gifted education and share research exploring wide-ranging perspectives of gifted education that influence policy-making. Participants will have a greater understanding of the dynamic between administrators, educators, and legislative perspectives of gifted education.

Speakers
avatar for Lindsey Lee

Lindsey Lee

Research Assistant Professor, East Tennessee State University
Lindsay Ellis Lee, Ph.D. is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at East Tennessee State University. She graduated from the University of North Texas (UNT) with a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Gifted and Talented Education. Lindsay’s... Read More →
avatar for Melanie Meyer

Melanie Meyer

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, John Hopkins University
Melanie S. Meyer is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Johns Hopkins University. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with a concentration in Gifted and Talented Education from the University of North Texas. She has been a classroom teacher in Texas for over 20 years, with experience... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am CST
Clearlake Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

9:00am CST

CANCELLED: Advanced Learning While Gifted and Black: Bridging the relationship gap to support success in advanced academics among learners of color
Of the over 290,000 Texas 9-12 graders in Advanced Placement classes, only 6% of students are African American. This session explores characteristics in teacher relationships that impact the representation of students of color in advanced level courses.

Speakers
avatar for Monea Beene

Monea Beene

Assistant Principal/Doctoral Student, Spring ISD/PVAMU
Monea Beene currently serves as an Assistant Principal full-time, is an Educational Consultant and public speaker part-time, and is in pursuit of her PhD in Educational Leadership. Monea is an innovative, forward-thinking leader with a relentless drive to achieve the vision of any... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am CST
Montrose Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

9:00am CST

Student Driven Parent Teacher Conferences
This session will guide you through the process of involving students in planning for effective parent teacher conferences. Using data from the classroom, students set goals and identify their own areas of strengths that can be shared with families. A guiding sheet will be provided.

Speakers
avatar for Kayman McIver

Kayman McIver

Professional School Counselor, Spring Branch ISD
Kayman McIver has been a part of the gifted world both professionally and personally for many years. She has taught gifted children science and math and now works as a counselor, exclusively with highly gifted students. She also has the privilege of parenting a gifted child which... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am CST
Texas Salon G

9:00am CST

There’s a Hole in the Bucket . . . Closing The Gap with Families & Community (Equity Track)
Increasing parent and community representation requires purposeful planning. Using theory & lead presenter’s 20+ years of experience, along with Parent Education & Community Engagement Liaison for 10 years, we distinguish approaches that will effectively empower educators and administrators to improve campus culture through social capital involvement to enhance student achievement.

Speakers
avatar for Grizelle Larriviel

Grizelle Larriviel

UNT & IISD, Brandenburg Elementary
Grizelle Larriviel, M.A., is a Doctoral Student in Educational Psychology at the University of North Texas (GT) and an educator in Irving ISD. Interests include Sociocultural Theory and its impact on underrepresented special populations going through the gifted and talented process... Read More →
avatar for Soledad Guerrero

Soledad Guerrero

Parent Liaison, Irving ISD
Soledad Guerrero is a parent liaison for Irving ISD and LIFE activist, devoting over 10 years combined to IISD. Her position is about creating a bond through communication and collaboration with the community, teachers, parents, and students. Based on her experience abroad as a student... Read More →



Friday December 2, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am CST
Hunters Creek Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

9:00am CST

Mentorship is key: Parent, Mentee, Researcher and Educator collaboration perspectives
Gifted outliers are least likely to be adequately serviced in public education designed for the middle. Formal and information mentorship plays a critical role for such learners. Watch documentary excerpts of different mentor-mentee relationships, and engage in discussions on key ingredients to successful mentor-mentee relationships directly from various educational stakeholders.

Speakers
avatar for Dr. Lin Lim

Dr. Lin Lim

Dean of Students, Bridges Graduate School (BGS) of Cognitive Diversity in Education
Lin Lim is the Dean of Students and Communications at Bridges Graduate School with a doctorate in human development psychology. Her current interests include interdisciplinary embodied complex dynamic systems thinking and applications around positive parenting, education, workplace... Read More →
avatar for Harri O'Kelley

Harri O'Kelley

Filmmaker, The O Kelley Lab
Harri is an actress, a script supervisor, a storyteller, and a writer-director.  Out of her passion for gifted and special needs education, Harri has created The O’Kelley Lab with her family - a grassroots effort to lend support and create new therapies for 2e and gifted individuals... Read More →
JO

Jordan O Kelley

Research Professor, University of Virginia
Jordan was diagnosed with autism at four, identified as gifted at ten, enrolled in college at age 14. He has become a 2e and neurodiversity advocate. In fourth grade, Jordan wrote a short stories book called “O’Kelley Legendary Legends of Legend.” later adapted into a series... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am CST
Texas Salon F

9:00am CST

TAGT Podcast Recording: Javetta Jones-Roberson
Watch your favorite speakers and TAGT Podcast host Michael Flusche in engaging conversation as they record episodes of TAGT’s upcoming podcast series live at giftED22. Speakers and schedule listed below.
  • Wednesday, November 30, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Christine Fonseca
  • Wednesday, November 30, 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m.: Matt Wells
  • Wednesday, November 30, 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.: Joyce Juntune
  • Thursday, December 1, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Thomas P. Hébert 
  • Thursday, December 1, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Nielsen Pereira
  • Thursday, December 1, 1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Bruce Ellis
  • Friday, December 2, 8:00 a.m.-8:45 a.m.: Vicki Phelps
  • Friday, December 2, 9:00 a.m.-9:45 a.m.: Javetta Jones-Roberson
Want to listen to episodes from Seasons 1 and 2 of the TAGT Podcast? Check it out here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GK8K08gKd5k8MjWAWFexG

Speakers
avatar for Javetta Jones Roberson

Javetta Jones Roberson

District Coordinator, Advanced Academics & Gifted, McKinney ISD
Dr. Javetta Jones Roberson serves as the District Coordinator of Secondary Advanced Academics & Gifted and Talented in McKinney ISD. Javetta received her doctorate of education in the Educational Leadership program at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Her research interests include diverse... Read More →
avatar for Michael Flusche

Michael Flusche

Comedian & G/T Director, Curtis Needs A Ride
Michael Flusche loves to combine his passion for comedy with his love for gifted education. Beginning as a teacher with a hobby of comedy, Flusche earned an opportunity to work as a coordinator in gifted education. In doing so, Flusche discovered that the foundations of improvisational... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 9:00am - 9:45am CST
Memorial

10:15am CST

MasterMind Session: Why Students’ Mental Health Matters: Live Podcast Interview
How can adults connect with students facing emotional trauma and understand their needs in times of crisis? What can we do to help high-achieving students feel safe enough to be vulnerable and honest with the adult educators? Join Emily Kircher-Morris, host of the Neurodiversity Podcast, for a live, guest-hosted podcast interview with Heather Lambert, a former G/T educator and counselor specializing in student trauma, and Martha and Chris Thomas, co-founders of The Defensive Line organization, which focuses on suicide prevention in young people of color. Walk away with a deeper understanding of how neurodiversity and achievement impact students’ mental health and how educators can provide resources and support for students in their schools and classrooms.

You can learn more about The Defensive Line by viewing this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZYjQVIQSX8

You can learn more about Clearhope Counseling's work by downloading the files attached to this session.

Speakers
avatar for Emily Kircher-Morris

Emily Kircher-Morris

Licensed Professional Counselor, The Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, is the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast. Emily is a mental health counselor and taught in several gifted education programs. She is the author of several books for parents and educators related to the development of children and teens who are neurodivergent... Read More →
avatar for Heather Lambert

Heather Lambert

LPC, Founding Director, Clearhope Counseling and Wellness Center, PC
In the summer of 2017, in response to the urgent need for mental health services in her community, Heather Lambert left her 17-year career in education and founded Clearhope Counseling. Clearhope began with the simple mission to remove access barriers to high-quality mental health... Read More →
avatar for Martha Thomas

Martha Thomas

CoFounder|Chief Education Officer, The Defensive Line
Martha draws young people like a magnet. She exudes warmth and welcome to everyone she meets. As a teacher and educator for 30 years, Martha brings authenticity and an open heart to her work with students. Nominated by her school district as Teacher of the Year, Martha prioritizes... Read More →
avatar for Chris Thomas

Chris Thomas

CoFounder, The Defensive Line
Chris has yet to meet a stranger. During his 30-plus years in corporate management of consumer goods and products, both domestically and internationally, Chris has literally made thousands of friends through his innate ability to connect with and care for other people.A gifted college... Read More →



Friday December 2, 2022 10:15am - 11:15am CST
Texas Salon DE

11:30am CST

giftED Exchange
Get ready to fill your bucket with tons of strategies for serving G/T students in this fun, fast-paced giftED Exchange session! The giftED Exchange allows attendees to experience a variety of creative teaching techniques that can be applied immediately in the gifted classroom. Each presentation will be repeated speed-teaching style for a full hour. Come prepared to walk away with resources, tips, tools, and lesson plans you can immediately use in your classroom. Sponsored by National Inventors Hall of Fame.


 
Table #1: The Power of Innovation: Let's have a conversation about how this connects to your classroom inspiring your students to become the next generation problem seekers and solutions finders. Participants will be provided with an Innovation poster connecting attributes for hands-on implementation. Presented by Barbara Hinton

Table #2: Teaching SEL Skills Through Exploration of Award-Winning Children’s Books about Gifted Racially and Culturally Diverse Mathematicians: Explore 12 award-winning children’s books with storylines about gifted girls, boys, African American, Asian, International, Nerdy, and Bullied mathematicians that can be used to teach social and emotional skills. Apply knowledge and create engaging research-based SEL lesson plans. Presented by Shaunise Robinson & Joyce Miller

Table #3: Bubbly About Blockly: Looking for an easy way to begin coding with your students? Jump in to easy, free resources and get started with Blockly! Fun and challenging for all ages, and great resources for projects and stations! Presented by Vanessa Brower.
 
Table #4: Captivating Curiosities: Students will be drawn in by these captivating images that can be used as discussion starters, lesson springboards, or independent study ticklers. Come and grab our shared slideshow with intriguing images and associated links to use with your students. Presented by Sheila Mulbry and Yvonne Garcia
 
Table #5: Dollar Store DIY Creativity: With a few inexpensive everyday items you can get from the dollar store, you can unlock your students' imagination. These low-prep, highly engaging 15-minute challenges will connect dendrites, build teamwork, and foster creativity. Students create castles, fortresses, bridges, catapults, and even innovative kitchen utensils! Presented by Annie Mitchell
 
Table #6: Pain Free Way to Take Math Notes for Gifted Students With Dysgraphia: A gifted/2e student with dysgraphia. demonstrates his easy and pain-free way to take math notes using an IPad, Apple Pencil and the “Good Notes” App. His strategy is a game changer for students struggling with note-taking and writing out of math problems. Presented by Jordan O’Kelley.
 
Table #7: Creativity in the Classroom: Proven Techniques That Work: Participants will receive engaging strategies and lesson ideas they can use immediately with their students. This session will discuss the benefits of incorporating creativity into the classroom while using higher order thinking skills and fluency, flexibility, originality and elaboration. Presented by Johnna Rosson.
 
Table #8: Serving Gifted Students and Their Teachers With Curriculum Kits: Participants will leave with an idea of how to create and implement curriculum kits that can be utilized in the classroom to meet the needs of gifted learners while simultaneously allowing teachers to earn their 6-hour update. Presented by Christine Williamson and Mirinda Coleman.
 
Table #9: Using Choice Boards for Differentiation of Learners: Teachers will learn how to build choice boards that will allow students to take ownership of their learning and choice when they finish early, allowing them to stay engaged in learning. Presented by David Cupp.
 
Table #10: Playful Learning With Mats: Keeping students engaged in the learning process takes imagination and careful planning. Learning Mats activities allow students to work independently, take risk without fear of failure, and develop self-discipline by exploring in their own way. Presented by Joy Sloan.
 
Table #11: When I Grow Up I Want to Be an Engineer!--Spoon Game: Participants will play the Engineer Spoon Game where they match what the engineer does with the definition along with 2 pictures that correlate with a job he/she might perform. Each person will obtain a copy of the game and template they can use to make their own. Presented by Doris Tomas.
 
Table #12: Choice Boards: Tic-Tac-Toe Boards: In this session, teachers will learn what a Tic-Tac-Toe Choice Board is, its benefits to all students, and how to create their own board for their content area. All participants will walk away with a product they can use confidently Monday morning. Presented by Lindsey Cameron.
 
Table #13: Walk. Listen. And Learn. We will talk about a Walking Classroom podcast and the associated lesson plan, and the curated resources that support the podcast. Participants will get a sample lesson plan and access to the free podcast. Presented by Debra Ives.
 
Table #14: Problem Solving Through Play: Participants will learn about using games to teach and improve problem-solving skills while also incorporating social-emotional lessons into play time. We will explore various games that can be used in the G/T classroom to improve logic, reasoning, cooperation, perseverance, and most importantly problem solving. Presented by Amanda Coatney.
 
Table #15: There’s a Book for That!: Often, our G/T students are at a loss in how to navigate social situations. Using books is a great way to show students how a character reacts in similar scenarios! Links to the books (videos/purchase options) provided! Presented by Amanda Zeigler.
 
Table #16: G/T Commercial Breaks: Use the idea of commercial breaks to keep your G/T students on their toes. Quick activities that stretch the problem solving and creativity of G/T students can easily be incorporated anytime the class seems "off." Presented by Mel Harlan.
 
Table #17: Team Titans: Discover engaging and innovative ways to place your students into teams for collaboration using music, motion, and relevance. Participants will collect new methods for randomizing groups and learn to remove the stress and stigmatism that comes with telling students to find a partner. Presented by Misty Lewin.
 
Table #18: Gifts of the Gifted: Engage our gifted and twice-exceptional students through connection with their hearts. Capture their curiosity digitally and create unique opportunities for whole child learning. Walk away with strategies and digital resources guaranteed to set the stage for purposeful, meaningful learning at all capacities. Presented by Patricia Castano.

Friday December 2, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Texas Salon G

11:30am CST

Depth and Complexity In Action (Differentiation Track)
Depth and Complexity in Action is a workshop session for educators to engage in learning how to integrate the D&C icons and framework into existing lesson strategies or creating new lesson strategies with a focus on unlocking student potential with critical thinking opportunities and higher order questioning.

Speakers
avatar for Amanda Smith

Amanda Smith

Director of Advanced Academics, Alvin ISD
Fostering rich, authentic learning experiences and cultivating life-long learners are my passions as an educator. Currently, I am working as the Director of Advanced Academics in Alvin ISD; furthermore, I have worked with gifted students for the past 15 years in the southeastern region... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Briargrove Marriott Marquis Houston, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010

11:30am CST

The Gifted Learner and Mental Health Challenges
This session will evaluate current perspectives and issues of mental health specific to gifted and talented students. This session will highlight the achieving, underachieving, and selective consuming students and their psychological well-being. Guidelines for engaging the gifted learner in mental health conversations will be included.

Speakers
avatar for Priti Avantsa

Priti Avantsa

Clearhope Wellness & Counseling
Priti Avantsa is a Licensed Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in school social work.  She started her career as a Community Youth Service Specialist with Harris County. She continued her work with students in Spring ISD, Spring Branch ISD, and Fort Bend ISD where she... Read More →
avatar for Heather Lambert

Heather Lambert

LPC, Founding Director, Clearhope Counseling and Wellness Center, PC
In the summer of 2017, in response to the urgent need for mental health services in her community, Heather Lambert left her 17-year career in education and founded Clearhope Counseling. Clearhope began with the simple mission to remove access barriers to high-quality mental health... Read More →
avatar for Claudia Gonzalez-Harmon

Claudia Gonzalez-Harmon

Director of School-Based services, Clearhope Counseling
Dr. Claudia Gonzalez-Harmon has 20 years of educational experience in multiple school districts. She was a bilingual elementary teacher, high school guidance counselor, early college, and lead counselor. During her leadership position, she saw a need to focus on mental health and... Read More →
avatar for Ana Valenzuela

Ana Valenzuela

Executive Director, Clearhope Counseling & Wellness
Ana Valenzuela has 15 years of experience as a Behavioral Health Clinician, including four years as the Clinician Training Department Supervisor for the Harris County Mental Health Authority Crisis Division. In addition, she is an experienced Team Leader, program developer, and community... Read More →



Friday December 2, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Texas Salon B

11:30am CST

The Power of Healthy Belonging
Not all belonging is healthy. In reality, there is such a thing as unhealthy belonging that perpetuates negative generational cycles, which further impacts future generations. In this session, explore the difference between "Healthy Belonging" and "Unhealthy Belonging" and learn how to leverage belonging to increase student achievement and morale.

Speakers
avatar for Tristan Love

Tristan Love

Director of Learning and Engagement, Wayfinder
Tristan Love is passionate about making school a safe and supportive place to learn, grow and develop. This passion is rooted in Tristan's experience as an "at-risk" student and his experiences in a nurturing school while he experienced several traumatic events. Tristan Love is a... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Texas Salon C

11:30am CST

Unpacking the Complexity of Underachievement: Perspective, Practice, and Possibilities
Underachievement is a concept that is as complex as its perceived solutions. The presenters offer recommendations from their work, and provide an opportunity for educators and other stakeholders to examine the concept of underachievement from different perspectives.

Speakers
avatar for Kristina Collins

Kristina Collins

Texas State University
Kristina Henry Collins, Ph.D. is the core Talent Development Program faculty and co-PI for NASA STEM Engagement & Educator professional Development Collaborative at Texas State University, San Marcos. Dr. Collins earned her Ph.D. in educational psychology and Ed.S. in gifted and creative... Read More →
avatar for Javetta Jones Roberson

Javetta Jones Roberson

District Coordinator, Advanced Academics & Gifted, McKinney ISD
Dr. Javetta Jones Roberson serves as the District Coordinator of Secondary Advanced Academics & Gifted and Talented in McKinney ISD. Javetta received her doctorate of education in the Educational Leadership program at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Her research interests include diverse... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Texas Salon H

11:30am CST

Using the Metacognitive Cycle to Build Executive Function Skills in Gifted and 2e Learners
Gifted students may struggle with executive functioning skills like time management, prioritizing, or sustaining focus due to being twice-exceptional or experiencing asynchronous development. Learn how to leverage their metacognitive skills in order to build executive functioning for success at school and home.

Speakers
avatar for Emily Kircher-Morris

Emily Kircher-Morris

Licensed Professional Counselor, The Neurodiversity Podcast
Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, is the host of The Neurodiversity Podcast. Emily is a mental health counselor and taught in several gifted education programs. She is the author of several books for parents and educators related to the development of children and teens who are neurodivergent... Read More →


Friday December 2, 2022 11:30am - 12:30pm CST
Texas Salon A

11:30am CST

Secondary Summit (Separate Registration Required)
How do you meet the needs of your gifted and advanced secondary students? What do you need in your secondary programs and how can you create differentiated, specialized curriculum for these students? Join fellow secondary educators and leaders in exploring how you can address the specific social-emotional, mental health, and academic needs of secondary students in this year’s Secondary Summit. Participants will network, identify needs specific to secondary G/T classrooms, hear from a panel of students, and begin to solve the challenges around meeting these students’ unique needs. Sponsored by Knowsys. Separate registration required; see registration desk for extra tickets.

11:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m.: Chat & Chew Lunch
11:45 a.m.-11:55 a.m: Welcome From TAGT and Knowsys
11:55 a.m.-12:55 p.m.: Keynote: Gifted and Navigating Middle and High School: Developing Student Agency through Purposeful Empowerment in Goal Setting (PEGS)
Gifted secondary students often have high academic and social expectations placed upon them while still discovering who they are as individuals. This session will address how student agency and self-advocacy can be further developed through personalized goal-setting focused on intrapersonal awareness, interpersonal skills, and application to the learning process. 
Vicki Phelps, Milligan University, & Karah Lewis, Sumner County Schools

12:55 p.m.-1:05 p.m.: Break
1:05 p.m.-1:45 p.m.: Student Panel: What Students Want From Secondary Teachers and Programs 
1:45 p.m.-2:25 p.m.: Mini-Breakouts
2:25 p.m.-2:30 p.m.: Closing Announcements

Speakers
avatar for Matt Wells

Matt Wells

Science Dept. Chair, CFISD
Matt is an award-winning teacher, Science department chair, GT trainer and AP consultant based in Houston, TX. A regular presenter at giftED, CAST and other conferences, Matt is a Past-President of STAT and TABT, and winner of numerous teaching awards, including NABT's "Outstanding... Read More →
avatar for Elizabeth Walls

Elizabeth Walls

Teacher, Katy ISD
Elizabeth Walls has degrees in English, Music, and Gifted and Talented Education. She began her career teaching sixth grade English and quickly discovered a passion for gifted education. As an advocate for gifted learners, she has presented workshops for her school and district to... Read More →
avatar for Karah Lewis

Karah Lewis

Lead Consulting Teacher for Gifted Education, Sumner County Schools
Karah Lewis is the Lead Consulting Teacher for Gifted Education and the county-wide Gifted Consultant for high school students in Sumner County, Tennessee. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (K-8) and a Master of Arts in Special Education (K-12). Karah has been... Read More →
avatar for Vicki Phelps Ed.D.

Vicki Phelps Ed.D.

Assistant Professor of Education, Milligan University
Dr. Vicki Phelps is an Assistant Professor of Education at Milligan University. She has been involved in gifted education for 25+ years and enjoys providing professional learning and consultation services to districts seeking to improve gifted practice. Dr. Phelps is the recipient... Read More →



Friday December 2, 2022 11:30am - 2:30pm CST
Texas Salon F
 
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