ENGAGE 2025 Professional Learning Conference: Full Schedule

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

8:30am CDT

The Power of Playing with Poems: How to be More Intentional and Creative with Words

Tuesday July 22, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

Want to play with words? Discover ways poems can powerfully challenge your gifted students to not only love writing, but to become better, more intentional writers. You can use poetry to reinforce your writing lessons, help students become reflective in content areas, promote fun and engagement, and allow for creative self-expression. You'll leave with many poetry lesson ideas and get to try some, too!
(1st-8th grade)

Presenters

Shannon Anderson

Author, Brain Coach, Professor, Motivational Speaker, www.shannonisteaching.com

Shannon Anderson has taught for 25 years, from first grade through college level. She also served as the gifted coordinator for her school district and on the board of directors for the Indiana State Literacy Association. A highlight of her teaching career was being named one of the... Read More →

Tuesday July 22, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AC-208 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Planning

CONTENT AREA ELA
Audience Elementary
TOPIC GT Update

8:30am CDT

Unpacking the Power of Content Imperatives: Elevate Your Depth & Complexity Game

Tuesday July 22, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

BNHS AD-201 Lecture Hall

Ready to kick your Depth and Complexity practice up a notch? In this session, we’re diving deep into the Content Imperatives. We’ll explore those game-changing prompts like Origin, Contribution, and Paradox that push students to think beyond the surface. We’ll explore practical, classroom-ready ways to weave these into your lessons, sparking curiosity and critical thinking like never before. Expect real examples, and a few “aha!” moments to help you transform your teaching and take student understanding to the next level. Let’s make complexity fun and doable!

Presenters

Lisa Van Gemert

Creator, Gifted Guru

Using a combination of neuropsychology, pedagogy, experience, humor, technology and sheer fun, Lisa Van Gemert shares best practices in education with audiences around the world. She is an expert consult to television shows including Lifetime’s "Child Genius," and a writer of award-winning... Read More →

Tuesday July 22, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AD-201 Lecture Hall 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Planning

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

8:30am CDT

Escaping Assumptions: A Gifted vs. High Achieving Challenge

Tuesday July 22, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

BNHS AC-135

Not all high performers are gifted—and not all gifted students perform highly. In this hands-on, puzzle-packed professional development session, participants will work through an engaging Breakout Box challenge to uncover and examine the key differences between gifted and high-achieving students. As you crack codes and solve clues, you'll also dismantle common myths, sharpen your identification skills, and walk away with practical strategies for supporting both types of learners in your classroom.
Get ready to escape the assumptions—and unlock deeper understanding.

Presenters

Stacy Pickett

Gifted and Talented Specialist, Northwest ISD

Tricia Hanson

Gifted and Talented Specialist, Northwest ISD

Tuesday July 22, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AC-135 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Professional Practices & Responsibilities

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience Elementary
TOPIC Differentiation, GT Update

10:15am CDT

Brain-Based Strategies to Boost Engagement

Tuesday July 22, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

BNHS AC-103

Are you looking for ways to boost student focus, engagement, and a a more in-depth understanding of curriculum by applying research-based neuroscience strategies? If so, then this is the session for you! This session will present strategies in a way that makes learning fun for all participants! Be ready to be engaged at Engage!

Presenters

Liz Smith

Gifted and Talented Specialist, Northwest ISD

Kelly Barrett

GT Teacher, Northwest ISD

With 34 years of teaching experience, this year marks Kelly Barrett's 20th year as a GT Specialist, serving elementary students in Northwest ISD. She is a recipient of the TAGT Teacher of the Gifted and was twice awarded the Northwest ISD Campus Exemplar Educator of the Year Award... Read More →

Tuesday July 22, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
BNHS AC-103 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Instruction

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

10:15am CDT

Mindset Matters for Success: Helping Students Help Themselves to Succeed

Tuesday July 22, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

BNHS AC-208

Our fantastic, elastic brains were designed to help us learn. We can empower our students to overcome challenging life situations by teaching them how to bounce back and fall forward. A student's ability to tolerate tension determines their growth potential. Learn how we can help our kids become strong, self-aware, and unstoppable students.
(5th-12th grades)

Presenters

Shannon Anderson

Author, Brain Coach, Professor, Motivational Speaker, www.shannonisteaching.com

Tuesday July 22, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
BNHS AC-208 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Learning Environment

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience Secondary
TOPIC GT Update

10:15am CDT

Universal Themes & Disciplinarianism: Big Ideas, Bold Connections

Tuesday July 22, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

BNHS AD-201 Lecture Hall

Want to help your students see the bigger picture and connect the dots across subjects? Ready to move on from training on the basics of Depth and Complexity? This session is all about using Universal Themes and Disciplinarianism in your Depth and Complexity practice. We’ll unpack how to use timeless concepts like Change or Power to anchor your lessons, then we’ll layer in disciplinary lenses (think historian, scientist, artist) to stretch students’ thinking in exciting new ways. You’ll leave with fresh strategies, collaborative ideas, and a renewed sense of how to make learning stick. Come ready to rethink your approach and inspire some serious “wow” moments in your classroom!

Presenters

Lisa Van Gemert

Creator, Gifted Guru

Tuesday July 22, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
BNHS AD-201 Lecture Hall 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Planning

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

1:00pm CDT

Mind Games: Turning Play into Powerful Learning

Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

BNHS AC-135

Ready to make learning feel like play? In this hands-on professional development session, discover how classic and contemporary board games can be powerful tools to enhance verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning in elementary students. Learn how to strategically select and adapt games to meet learning goals, foster critical thinking, and engage students of all abilities. Walk away with game-based strategies you can use in your classroom tomorrow—because deep thinking starts with a good game plan.

Presenters

Stacy Pickett

Gifted and Talented Specialist, Northwest ISD

Tricia Hanson

Gifted and Talented Specialist, Northwest ISD

Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AC-135 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Instruction

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience Elementary
TOPIC Differentiation, GT Update

1:00pm CDT

B is for Belonging: How to Create Positive, Inclusive Classrooms

Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

BNHS AC-208

Creating a sense of belonging starts with building strong, meaningful foundations through connection. When kids feel accepted as they form their identities, there are positive mental health effects. When kids feel like they don't belong, they feel isolated, less capable, and unworthy of various opportunities. In this session, many ideas will be shared to create a classroom atmosphere where kids see themselves reflected and respected.
(K-5th grades)

Presenters

Shannon Anderson

Author, Brain Coach, Professor, Motivational Speaker, www.shannonisteaching.com

Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AC-208 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Learning Environment

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience Elementary
TOPIC GT Update

1:00pm CDT

Unlocking Tiering and Compacting: Practical Tools for Every Classroom

Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

BNHS AD-201 Lecture Hall

Discover how tiering and compacting can transform your classroom by meeting students where they are without the stress you might expect. This session breaks down these powerful differentiation techniques into practical, manageable steps that any teacher can use. Learn how to adjust tasks for diverse learners and streamline instruction for those ready to move ahead, all while keeping your workload in check. Walk away with clear, actionable ideas that are easier to implement than you think!

Presenters

Lisa Van Gemert

Creator, Gifted Guru

Tuesday July 22, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AD-201 Lecture Hall 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Planning

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

2:45pm CDT

Creating Safe & Productive Learning Environments

Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

BNHS AC-115

A safe and productive learning environment is the foundation for students’ emotional and intellectual development. In this interactive session, participants will explore real-world classroom scenarios that highlight how thoughtful learning environments can foster cultural understanding, emotional safety and well-being, positive peer relationships, and active student engagement. Educators will leave with practical strategies to create inclusive spaces where all learners feel seen, supported, and motivated to thrive.

Presenters

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 →

Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AC-115 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Learning Environment

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

2:45pm CDT

Train Your Brain to Ramp up Resilience

Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

BNHS AC-208

Help students discover what they were meant to do, set goals, and start taking action steps toward their goals. Participants will learn about our amazing brain and how it can optimize our chances for success. Strategies for conquering fears and doubts will be shared. You will also learn ways to guide students in discovering more about themselves and how to maximize their time and energy with an amazing mindset and set of habits. You may be inspired to go after some of your dreams too!
(K-8th grades)

Presenters

Shannon Anderson

Author, Brain Coach, Professor, Motivational Speaker, www.shannonisteaching.com

Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AC-208 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Learning Environment

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience Elementary
TOPIC GT Update

2:45pm CDT

Effortless Differentiation: AI’s Three-Step Advantage

Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

BNHS AD-201 Lecture Hall

Meet your new teaching ally: AI that’s fast, free, and ready to lighten your load. In this session, explore how to harness AI to differentiate with ease, no tech expertise required. We’ll cover three game-changing steps: crafting simple prompts to get exactly what you need, unlocking tailored differentiation strategies for every student, and discovering time-saving tricks that free you up to focus on what matters most. Walk away with practical, powerful ways to make AI your classroom co-star, easier and more effective than you’d ever imagine!

Presenters

Lisa Van Gemert

Creator, Gifted Guru

Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AD-201 Lecture Hall 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Planning

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

8:30am CDT

Depth and Complexity Graphic Organizers

Wednesday July 23, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

BNHS AC-205

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

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

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

8:30am CDT

Myths and Stereotypes of Gifted Students

Wednesday July 23, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

BNHS AC-117

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

Jennifer Casey

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD

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

Planning

CONTENT AREA All Content
Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update, Differentiation

8:30am CDT

Gifted or Not?

Wednesday July 23, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

BNHS AC-210

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

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.

Halle Smith

Wednesday July 23, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AC-210 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Professional Practices & Responsibilities

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience Elementary
TOPIC GT Update

10:15am CDT

A Thinking Odyssey

Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

BNHS AC-117

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

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

Planning

CONTENT AREA All Content
Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update, Differentiation

10:15am CDT

Analyzing Novels through the Lens of Depth and Complexity

Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

BNHS AC-205

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

Kim Tredick

Lead Consultant, J Taylor Education

Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
BNHS AC-205 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Planning

CONTENT AREA ELA, Library
Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

10:15am CDT

The Executive Suite: Helping Students Boss Up Their Focus and Organization

Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

BNHS AC-210

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

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 →

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 →

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

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience Elementary
TOPIC GT Update

10:15am CDT

PK Critical and Creative Thinking in Centers

Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

BNHS AC-107

In this session, we will discuss ways to enhance opportunities for your centers. This can count towards your GT update hours!

Presenters

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

CONTENT AREA PreK
Audience Elementary
TOPIC GT Update

1:00pm CDT

Talking the Talk: Verbal Reasoning in the K-2 Classroom

Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

BNHS AC-210

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

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

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience Elementary
TOPIC GT Update

1:00pm CDT

At the Movies: Queen of Katwe

Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

BNHS AC-201

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

Audra Rowell

Advanced Academics Coordinator, Northwest ISD

Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AC-201 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Learning Environment

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

1:00pm CDT

What do middle school GTs love to do?

Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

BNHS AC-102

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.

Presenters

Ashley Dacus

Baylie Salazar

Beca Perryman

Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AC-102

Learning Environment, YES

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience Secondary
TOPIC Differentiation, GT Update

1:00pm CDT

Lesson Planning with Ease

Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

BNHS AC-205

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

Kim Tredick

Lead Consultant, J Taylor Education

Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT
BNHS AC-205 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Planning

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

1:00pm CDT

Birding 101

Wednesday July 23, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CDT

BNHS AC-117

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

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

Professional Practices and Responsibilities, SEL

CONTENT AREA All Content
Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update, Leadership

2:45pm CDT

Games to ignite the 4C's

Wednesday July 23, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

BNHS AC-201

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

Heather Martin

GT Specialist

Wednesday July 23, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AC-201 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Instruction

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

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

BNHS AC-210

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

Kelli Mitchell

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD

Caitlin Andrews

GT Specialist, Northwest ISD

Lindsey Hart

G/T Specialist, Northwest ISD

Wednesday July 23, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AC-210 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Instruction

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience Elementary
TOPIC GT Update

2:45pm CDT

Thinking Like a Disciplinarian

Wednesday July 23, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

BNHS AC-205

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

Kim Tredick

Lead Consultant, J Taylor Education

Wednesday July 23, 2025 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
BNHS AC-205 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Planning

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

8:30am CDT

Building Thinking Classrooms in Math and ELA

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

BNHS AC-106

Building Thinking Classrooms by Peter Liljedahl is a research-based teaching framework designed to foster deep thinking, collaboration, and engagement in students. It shifts traditional, passive learning to an active, inquiry-based approach where students work together to solve problems. By using vertical non-permanent surfaces (like whiteboards) and randomized groupings, it increases student participation and encourages critical thinking. This strategy transforms boring lessons into interactive experiences, getting kids up and moving while promoting discussion, problem-solving, and deeper understanding. Applicable to all content areas, Building Thinking Classrooms provides educators with practical strategies to create dynamic, student-centered learning environments.

Presenters

Lindsey Davis

8th Grade ELA Teacher

I have been teaching in the ELA department in Northwest ISD for 14 years. I have had the privilege of teaching both 6th and 8th grade, on level, preAP, and GT students. My passions are advocating for GT students and writing curriculum.

Jennifer Covert

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AC-106 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Instruction

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience Secondary
TOPIC Instructional Strategies, GT Update

8:30am CDT

Disciplinary Literacy: Integrating Writing Across Subjects

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

BNHS AC-111

Join us for an engaging session on disciplinary literacy and the power of writing across all subjects!

Together, we'll explore what disciplinary literacy looks like in practice, align with district expectations, and hear directly from students about their experiences. We'll also celebrate the great work already happening in our classrooms and discover new ways to deepen student engagement through questioning and writing opportunities using Depth & Complexity icons.

This session is designed for educators across all grade levels and content areas—everyone is welcome! Let’s learn, collaborate, and grow together. We can’t wait to see you there!

Presenters

Nancy Krueger

3rd Grade Math and Science, Justin Elementary

Sandra Dougherty

Northwest ISD

Jennifer Bantell

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AC-111 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Instruction

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience All Levels
TOPIC Literacy, GT Update

8:30am CDT

At the Movies: Big Hero Six

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT

BNHS AC-201

Presenters

Audra Rowell

Advanced Academics Coordinator, Northwest ISD

Thursday July 24, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
BNHS AC-201 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Learning Environment

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience All Levels
TOPIC GT Update

10:15am CDT

From Chaos to Curiosity: Engaging Activities for Indoor Recess

Thursday July 24, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT

BNHS AC-107

When the weather keeps students inside, recess can quickly turn from a break to a battleground. This session will equip you with creative, purposeful activities that transform indoor recess from chaotic energy to focused curiosity. Discover engaging games, hands-on challenges, and movement-based strategies that foster social-emotional growth, teamwork, and critical thinking — all while giving students the brain break they need. Walk away with ready-to-use ideas that will keep kids active, engaged, and eager for their next indoor adventure!

Presenters

Thursday July 24, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am CDT
BNHS AC-107 2775 Bobcat Blvd, Trophy Club, TX 76262, USA

Learning Environment

CONTENT AREA All Contents
Audience Elementary
TOPIC Instructional Strategies, GT Update