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

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Wednesday, July 23
 

8:30am CDT

Depth and Complexity Graphic Organizers
Wednesday July 23, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Depth & Complexity Graphic Organizers are flexible, Google Slides-based tools that make it easy to assign high-level thinking across any content area. The organizers help students internalize the iconic concepts of the Framework while providing structure to their thinking. In this session, participants will practice using several organizers and gain confidence using this resource to support meaningful engagement. Making Depth & Complexity a consistent part of instruction has never been easier.
Presenters
avatar for Kim Tredick

Kim Tredick

Lead Consultant, J Taylor Education
Kim Tredick is a former 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... Read More →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AC-205 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Planning

8:30am CDT

Myths and Stereotypes of Gifted Students
Wednesday July 23, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
We often think we know what a GT student should look like but sometimes we need to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.  In this session we will be looking at common myths and stereotypes of gifted students.  
Presenters
JC

Jennifer Casey

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
avatar for Heather Martin

Heather Martin

GT Specialist
I am a 23 year experienced teacher having taught grades K-5. I have been, both, departmentalized (ELA/SS) and self-contained, and have served as a Dyslexia Specialist. I am currently a Gifted and Talented Specialist at Hughes Elementary.
Wednesday July 23, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AC-117 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

8:30am CDT

Gifted or Not?
Wednesday July 23, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
This course will look at the characteristics and behaviors prevalent in gifted learners. We will have discussions on students in our classroom that may have some of these characteristics. This will give teachers in the general education classroom concrete ways to identify and better understand exceptional students.
Presenters
avatar for Lisa Degnan

Lisa Degnan

GT Specialist/5th Grade Teacher, Northwest ISD
Lisa Degnan was a GT Specialist and advocate for gifted students in Northwest ISD.  She is transitioning back to the classroom and is looking forward to using her knowledge of gifted students to help students stay challenged and focused in class.
Wednesday July 23, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AC-210 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

10:15am CDT

A Thinking Odyssey
Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
This out of this world session will focus on adding critical thinking to promote creativity and fluency to grade level lessons.  Buckle in for interactive learning and lots of application ideas.  3...2....1....Blast off!
Presenters
JC

Jennifer Casey

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
BNHS AC-117 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

10:15am CDT

Analyzing Novels through the Lens of Depth and Complexity
Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
This interactive session explores how the Depth & Complexity Framework enriches literary analysis and elevates classroom discussion. Participants will examine several commonly taught novels and apply the Framework to texts they already use with students. Strategies for pairing the Icons with critical and creative thinking will be shared—guiding students to explore character, theme, structure, and other key literary elements in deeper and more expansive ways.
Presenters
avatar for Kim Tredick

Kim Tredick

Lead Consultant, J Taylor Education
Kim Tredick is a former 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... Read More →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
BNHS AC-205 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Planning

10:15am CDT

The Executive Suite: Helping Students Boss Up Their Focus and Organization
Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
Set your students up for success by giving them the tools to "boss up" their executive functioning skills! In this engaging session, you'll explore practical strategies to help students improve focus, time management, and organization. From creative planning techniques to brain-boosting routines, you'll leave with fresh ideas that empower students to take charge of their learning. Whether your students need help prioritizing tasks, remembering deadlines, or staying on track, this session will provide actionable tips to turn scattered minds into strategic thinkers — all while having a little fun along the way!
Presenters
avatar for Caitlin Andrews

Caitlin Andrews

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
Caitlin Andrews is a GT Specialist in Northwest ISD with over 14 years of experience in providing gifted services in both self-contained and pull-out classrooms. She is advocate for twice-exceptional students, a passion that has only grown since her own son was identified as dyslexic... Read More →
avatar for Lindsey Hart

Lindsey Hart

G/T Specialist, Northwest ISD
Lindsey Hart is a GT Specialist in Northwest ISD with over 16 years of experience in providing gifted services in both classroom and pull-out settings. She advocates tirelessly for twice-exceptional students, and works closely with teachers and other specialists to develop curriculum... Read More →
avatar for Catherine Baker

Catherine Baker

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
Cathy Baker is a GT Specialist and advocate for gifted students in Northwest ISD.
Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
BNHS AC-210 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Planning, YES

10:15am CDT

PK Critical and Creative Thinking in Centers
Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
In this session, we will discuss ways to enhance opportunities for your centers. This can count towards your GT update hours!
Presenters
avatar for Kristen Dixon

Kristen Dixon

Early Childhood and Literacy Instructional Coach, Northwest ISD
Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
BNHS AC-107 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Planning  Instruction

1:00pm CDT

Talking the Talk: Verbal Reasoning in the K-2 Classroom
Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
In this session, we will explore effective strategies and practical approaches to foster verbal thinking skills in our youngest learners. We will delve into the foundational elements of verbal reasoning and provide insights into how educators can foster and develop these skills in the most manageable way. This session will be geared toward K-2 teachers.
Presenters
avatar for Kelli Mitchell

Kelli Mitchell

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AC-210 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Instruction

1:00pm CDT

At the Movies: Queen of Katwe
Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
These session will explore gifted learners through popular culture. Teachers will watch one of the movie options on their own, complete a short task, and then come together to discuss giftedness through the lens of Hollywood. Visit the GT Update site for directions.
Presenters
avatar for Audra Rowell

Audra Rowell

Advanced Academics Coordinator, Northwest ISD
Audra has been involved with gifted education for the majority of her career. Having taught 5th GT, she was involved in curriculum writing and professional development. Upon leaving the classroom, she became a GT coordinator for elementary services in Irving for 9 years. For the past... Read More →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AC-201 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

1:00pm CDT

What do middle school GTs love to do?
Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
we will facilitate a conversation about what GTs are super excited about in Middle school, what works and what doesn't. not content specific, just great practices that they love.
Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AC-102

1:00pm CDT

Lesson Planning with Ease
Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Planning rigorous, differentiated lessons doesn’t have to be time-consuming. In this practical, hands-on session, you’ll break lesson design into five key steps that make on-the-fly planning both simple and powerful. Using your own content, you’ll build lessons infused with the Depth & Complexity Framework—ensuring every student is appropriately challenged and engaged. Walk away with real examples, practical strategies, and a planning approach you can put to work immediately.
Presenters
avatar for Kim Tredick

Kim Tredick

Lead Consultant, J Taylor Education
Kim Tredick is a former 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... Read More →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AC-205 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Planning

1:00pm CDT

Birding 101
Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
Get to know birding history and birding basics in the comfort of the indoors!  Bring a your phone to download free apps to start your bird adventure!
Presenters
JC

Jennifer Casey

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AC-117 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

2:45pm CDT

Games to ignite the 4C's
Wednesday July 23, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Do you want to ignite your student's thinking before your lessons even begin? What about student engagement and teamwork during a break or transition time? Come learn and play some games that incorporate the 4C's - creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication! With these games student engagement will increase, and their brains will be ready to learn!
Presenters
avatar for Heather Martin

Heather Martin

GT Specialist
I am a 23 year experienced teacher having taught grades K-5. I have been, both, departmentalized (ELA/SS) and self-contained, and have served as a Dyslexia Specialist. I am currently a Gifted and Talented Specialist at Hughes Elementary.
Wednesday July 23, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AC-201 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Instruction

2:45pm CDT

So you have your 30 hours, now what? Ideas for meeting the needs of your gifted learners in the classroom
Wednesday July 23, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
This session is designed to support educators in k-5 who have completed the required 30 hours of gifted education training. It will focus on practical, classroom-ready strategies to differentiate instruction, foster creativity and critical thinking, and provide appropriate challenges for gifted students. Participants will explore innovative lesson ideas, tools for enrichment and acceleration, and ways to create a supportive learning environment that nurtures the unique needs of gifted learners across content areas.
Presenters
avatar for Kelli Mitchell

Kelli Mitchell

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
avatar for Caitlin Andrews

Caitlin Andrews

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD
Caitlin Andrews is a GT Specialist in Northwest ISD with over 14 years of experience in providing gifted services in both self-contained and pull-out classrooms. She is advocate for twice-exceptional students, a passion that has only grown since her own son was identified as dyslexic... Read More →
avatar for Lindsey Hart

Lindsey Hart

G/T Specialist, Northwest ISD
Lindsey Hart is a GT Specialist in Northwest ISD with over 16 years of experience in providing gifted services in both classroom and pull-out settings. She advocates tirelessly for twice-exceptional students, and works closely with teachers and other specialists to develop curriculum... Read More →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AC-210 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Instruction

2:45pm CDT

Thinking Like a Disciplinarian
Wednesday July 23, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
Thinking Like a Disciplinarian (TLAD) is a core component of the Depth & Complexity Framework—and a powerful way to enrich and expand student thinking. This session explores how students can approach content through the lens of real-world experts: examining like historians, questioning like philosophers, or problem-solving like engineers. By stepping into these roles, students don’t just think like experts—they become them. They approach content with greater purpose, make stronger cross-curricular connections, and gain a deeper understanding of how disciplinarians use perspective
Presenters
avatar for Kim Tredick

Kim Tredick

Lead Consultant, J Taylor Education
Kim Tredick is a former 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... Read More →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AC-205 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA
  Planning
 
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