giftED22: Full Schedule

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

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Campfire Conversation

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

Dr. Michelle Frazier Trotman Scott

Director Of Graduate Affairs and Professor of Special Education, University of West Georgia

Michelle Frazier Trotman Scott, Ph.D., affectionately known as Dr. Shelli, is a driving force in gifted and special education at the University of West Georgia.With her boundless energy and expertise, this NAGC Board Member and visionary CEO of The Octopus Agency, LLC isn’t just... Read More →

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Presentation

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

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 →

Andi McNair

GT Guru, Region 12 Esc

Andi is a renowned speaker and GT expert. She works for Region 12 and presents nationally about gifted learners.

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Learning Lab/Workshop

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

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 →

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.

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted

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

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 →

Annual Report pdf

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Keynote

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

Kamilah Holmes

GT Academy Coordinator, Ft. Bend ISD

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 →

Collaborate to Educate Serving 2E learners TAGT giftED2022 pdf

Level 1 Resource Handbook 4th ed 1 17 17 pdf

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Presentation

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

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Campfire Conversation

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

Brigette Cardenas

G/T Program Coordinator, 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 a GT Program Coordinator she helps... Read More →

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Learning Lab/Workshop

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

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Panel Conversation With Q&A

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

Blake Haygood

Coordinator of Gifted Education, Austin ISD

Blake Haygood is Austin ISD’s GT Coordinator. He was originally brought on as one of three GT Specialists funded through a federal Javits grant. Before that, he managed curriculum design, enrichment, advanced academics, and all-things-GT in New Braunfels ISD. Blake is a graduate... Read More →

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 →

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 →

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Keynote

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

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 →

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 →

TAGT participant slides pdf

stick figures KOI pdf

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Deep Dive

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

Matt Fugate

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Campfire Conversation

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

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 →

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Learning Lab/Workshop

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

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Presentation

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

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 →

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 →

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 →

TAGT 2022 Mattingly Wells Meyer Risks pdf

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Learning Lab/Workshop

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

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 →

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Learning Lab/Workshop

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

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 →

Kelsey Karcher

Manager, Advanced Academic Services, Dallas ISD

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Learning Lab/Workshop

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

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Deep Dive

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

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

Nature and Needs of the Gifted, Learning Lab/Workshop