TAGT Leadership Conference 2025: Full Schedule

Are you ready for G/T Awareness Week? Are you in compliance with the state plan for family/community involvement? Creating an environment where gifted students can thrive depends on an understanding of these individuals’ unique intellectual, emotional, and social needs. Explore and discuss activities to make this happen!

Speakers

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 →

Yvonne Garcia

Gifted Specialist, Lockhart ISD

Yvonne Garcia currently serves as a Gifted Facilitator in Lockhart ISD. She has been teaching for over 25 years in North and Central Texas in grades 3rd-8th, math facilitating, G/T teacher for grades K-5th. She has presented staff development on the campus and district levels, along... Read More →

Monday March 31, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Kalahari Salon F

8:00am CDT

Building Administrative Support for Inclusive Gifted Programs

Monday March 31, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Kalahari Salon H

Embracing and empowering all gifted learners requires integrating their diverse learning needs into existing school structures. Learn practical measures school leaders need to build, support, and maintain inclusive gifted practices within every aspect of the school. Tips and suggestions directed toward administrators, gifted coordinators, and principals will guide participants’ discussions.

Speakers

Dr. Dina Brulles

Academic Associate, MLF Teacher's College, Arizona State University

Dina Brulles, Ph.D., is the Gifted Masters Program Coordinator at Arizona State University and the former Director of Gifted Education at Paradise Valley Unified School District in Arizona. She served as NAGC’s Governance Secretary and NAGC’s School District Representative. Dina... Read More →

Kimberly Lansdowne

Professor, Arizona State University

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 lenG/Thy career in teaching and administration at universities... Read More →

Monday March 31, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Kalahari Salon H

8:00am CDT

It's Me, I Am The Leader, It's Me!

Monday March 31, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Kalahari Salon G

Did you recently come into a leadership position for a districtwide G/T program? Unsure where to start? Come develop a three-year action plan covering topics such as: state plan compliance, paths to improved identification practices, and teacher G/T PD.

Speakers

Brigette Cardenas

G/T Program Coordinator, Mansfield ISD

Brigette, a former G/T student, discovered her passion for learning during G/T PullOut sessions, inspiring her career in gifted education. Beginning as a middle school English teacher in Colombia, then teaching adult ESL in Australia, she has spent the last 18 years in Texas focusing... Read More →

Ashley Kettler

Mansfield ISD

With two master’s degrees and 17 years of gifted education experience, Ashley served as a Library Media Specialist and Gifted and Talented Specialist dedicated to advancing opportunities for gifted learners. She has led program design, data-driven growth initiatives, and professional... Read More →

Monday March 31, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Kalahari Salon G

8:00am CDT

Leading for Lasting Impact: Succession Strategies for Continued G/T Excellence

Monday March 31, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Kalahari Salon I

Explore succession strategies to sustain excellence in gifted education. Learn how to create exit plans, mentor future leaders, and build a resilient team culture through servant and transformative leadership. Gain practical tools to ensure lasting impact and a legacy of empowered leaders ready to continue your program’s success.

Speakers

Kristen N. Vesely, EdD

Director of Advanced Academic Services, Ector County ISD

Dr. Kristen Vesely brings 4 years of experience as a director of Advanced Academic Services and more than 16 years as a teacher and advocate for gifted education. Passionate about supporting gifted students and their unique needs, she has dedicated her career to fostering excellence... Read More →

Monday March 31, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Kalahari Salon I

9:00am CDT

Dedicated Exhibit Time/Break

Monday March 31, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am CDT

Kalahari Ballroom Foyer

Monday March 31, 2025 9:00am - 9:30am CDT
Kalahari Ballroom Foyer

9:30am CDT

Be an EPIC Leader: Create Meaningful Moments and Become Unforgettable

Monday March 31, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CDT

Kalahari Ballroom

This keynote presentation will explore how to elevate your capacity to be an EPIC leader in your organization and in the communities you serve. During this interactive experience we will cover four main areas to hone as an effective and impactful leader. You will also uncover your unique leadership purpose which will empower you to step into your purpose and activate the leader within everywhere you go. Walk away with the confidence to create EPIC experiences and moments wherever you go.

Speakers

Marli Williams

Marli Williams is an international speaker, leadership trainer, courage cultivator, joy instigator, and play activist who first fell in love with transformational leadership as a camp counselor. She has a Master’s degree in education along with 20 years of facilitation and leadership... Read More →

Monday March 31, 2025 9:30am - 10:45am CDT
Kalahari Ballroom

11:15am CDT

Essential Yearly Insights for Administrators and Counselors: Navigating Their Key Roles in Gifted Education

Monday March 31, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Kalahari Salon F

This session provides district administrators with effective strategies to keep campus administrators and counselors engaged and accountable in supporting district G/T programming. Participants will explore communication tools, accountability frameworks for yearly updates, collaboration techniques to ensure alignment, and ways to drive success with gifted education.

Speakers

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 →

Monday March 31, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Kalahari Salon F

11:15am CDT

Strengthening Professional Development: Building Capacity for Effective Gifted Education

Monday March 31, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Kalahari Salon I

Explore strategies for strengthening professional development for gifted teachers through collaborative learning, mentorship, and ongoing support. Discover practical tools and resources, such as monthly PD events, intensive conferences, and online materials that enhance teacher engagement and build a culture of continuous growth to meet the needs of gifted learners.

Speakers

Kristen N. Vesely, EdD

Director of Advanced Academic Services, Ector County ISD

Monday March 31, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Kalahari Salon I

11:15am CDT

The Four Cornerstones of Effective Instruction for Gifted Students

Monday March 31, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Kalahari Salon G

Gifted education has many models describing best-practice curriculum but few models describing best-practice instruction. Participants will consider a model containing four interrelated cornerstone skills. Combined, they ensure that teachers of gifted students can make needed adjustments for gifted students regardless of curriculum. A helpful foundation for planning professional learning!

Speakers

Shelagh Gallagher

University of North Texas

Dr. Shelagh Gallagher is the Director of the Office of Gifted and Talented Education at the University of North Texas. She conducts research, writes award-winning curriculum, offers professional development, and contributes to state and national policy. Shelagh has a passion for helping... Read More →

Monday March 31, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Kalahari Salon G

12:15pm CDT

Lunch

Monday March 31, 2025 12:15pm - 1:30pm CDT

Kalahari Ballroom

Monday March 31, 2025 12:15pm - 1:30pm CDT
Kalahari Ballroom

1:30pm CDT

Leveraging Teachers as Peer Mentors

Monday March 31, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Kalahari Salon I

We often ask our G/T teachers to be peer mentors and thought partners for their classroom colleagues. But how are we supporting them? Discover how Richardson ISD is leveraging leadership training to empower its G/T teachers in becoming dynamic peer mentors and teacher leaders.

Speakers

Celeste Sodergren

Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Connecticut

Celeste D.C. Sodergren, Ph.D. is a Postdoctoral Research Associate on Project EAGLE at the University of Connecticut's Renzulli Center. In addition to serving gifted and talented students as a teacher of the gifted and as a district gifted education coordinator, she has taught in... Read More →

Kelsey Karcher

Director, Advanced Learning Programs & Services, Richardson ISD

As Richardson ISD’s Director of Advanced Learning, Kelsey Karcher seeks to increase equity in G/T services and empower gifted learners, teachers, and families. She is a part-time facilitator for Region 10, annual speaker at SMU, Emerging Leaders Program mentor, 2023 TAG/T Advocate... Read More →

Monday March 31, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Kalahari Salon I

1:30pm CDT

Measuring the Impact of G/T Services

Monday March 31, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Kalahari Salon G

If you believe an argument without data is an opinion, this session is for you. Join us as we explore how one district uses data to evaluate the effectiveness of its G/T programming on student growth and CCMR outcomes. Leave with spreadsheets and data dashboards you can use tomorrow.

Speakers

Luke Hurst

Richardson ISD

Luke Hurst currently serves as the Executive Director of Advanced Learning Services for Richardson ISD and President-Elect for TAG/T. His key interests in gifted and talented research are appropriate measurements for G/T programming and service options for middle school students... Read More →

Monday March 31, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Kalahari Salon G

1:30pm CDT

Recruitment and Retention of Black Students in Advanced Placement Courses: Critical Issues and Culturally Responsive Leadership Solutions

Monday March 31, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Kalahari Salon H

Voices of administrators with expertise and training in culturally responsive leadership practices coupled with voices of Black Advanced Placement students provide a cornucopia of solutions for recruitment and retention of Black students. Culminating with research supported discussion and question/answer, attendees depart the session ready to implement program-enhancing approaches.

Speakers

Cheryl Beard

Gifted/Talented Education Administrator, Garland ISD

The TAG/T Administrator of the Gifted is Cheryl Beard, Gifted and Talented Education Administrator, Garland Independent School District. Cheryl Beard has served as a student-centered educator for 32 years in Garland ISD as a classroom teacher and campus and district administrator... Read More →

Joyce Miller

Professor, East Texas A&M University

Dr. Miller holds the Bachelor’s degree in English and Spanish, the Master’s degree in Secondary Education and the PhD in Supervision, Curriculum, and Instruction from the University of North Texas. She has completed post-doctoral studies in Gifted Education at the University of... Read More →

Monday March 31, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Kalahari Salon H

1:30pm CDT

Strengthening Accountability and Collaboration: Advancing G/T Programming With the School Board

Monday March 31, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Kalahari Salon F

This session is designed to strengthen partnerships between the school board and G/T education programs. Participants will receive a comprehensive template to effectively update the board on current initiatives. We’ll also explore strategies for building lasting relationships and ensuring accountability, paving the way for sustained success in G/T programming.

Speakers

Amanda Smith

Director of Advanced Academics, Alvin ISD

Monday March 31, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Kalahari Salon F

2:30pm CDT

Dedicated Exhibit Time

Monday March 31, 2025 2:30pm - 3:00pm CDT

Kalahari Ballroom Foyer

Monday March 31, 2025 2:30pm - 3:00pm CDT
Kalahari Ballroom Foyer

3:00pm CDT

Navigating Annual Program Evaluations

Monday March 31, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

Kalahari Salon F

Dive deep into the requirements of the Texas state plan regarding annual evaluations. Together, we will discuss the details of this responsibility and review the necessary tools to confidently conduct and present your evaluations to the school board.

Speakers

Amber Reinecke

GT Specialist, ESC Region 13

Amber Reinecke is the Cross-Curricular Systems Program Manager and Gifted and Talented (G/T) Specialist at ESC Region 13. She has experience as an elementary classroom G/T teacher, as well as experience as a Gifted and Talented Pull-out Teacher and Instructional Coach. She has a passion... Read More →

Monday March 31, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Kalahari Salon F

3:00pm CDT

Support From the Inside: Implementing a G/T Coaching Model

Monday March 31, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT

Kalahari Salon H

We've heard of instructional coaching, where teachers work with coaches to improve student outcomes. What about a coaching model for teachers who support G/T students? Introducing CELES: Coaching Educators and Leaders of Exceptional Students. Attend this session to learn more about how this student-centered model will help elevate G/T programming.

Speakers

Nneka McGee

Muon Global

Nneka has served in public schools for over 15 years. She taught middle school mathematics for six years and was recognized as a district finalist for teacher of the year. Nneka has also served as District Gifted and Talented Coordinator, Director of G/T and Advanced Academics, Executive... Read More →

Tina Moore

Le Butterfly EFX

Tina Moore is a fierce leader who has dedicated her life work as an educator. After 30 years in the most noble yet purposeful career that exists, Mrs. Moore is seeking next level opportunities. Her span of work includes her recently retired position as the Executive Director of Gifted... Read More →

Monday March 31, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Kalahari Salon H

3:00pm CDT

Designing for Depth: An Intentional Approach to Meeting the Needs of Gifted and Advanced Learners

Monday March 31, 2025 3:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Kalahari Salon I

Discover how to design ongoing and intentional professional learning that fosters depth in gifted and advanced programs. Apply tools like the Depth and Complexity Icons that deepen instruction and empower educators to cultivate critical thinking through focusing on the direction of depth as a meaningful way to differentiate.

Speakers

Jill Hackney

Director of Advanced Academics, Northside ISD

Jill is the Advanced Academics Director of Northside ISD. She has a great deal of experience designing and implementing meaningful professional learning for both gifted and advanced educators.

Monday March 31, 2025 3:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Kalahari Salon I

4:00pm CDT

Dedicated Exhibit Time

Monday March 31, 2025 4:00pm - 4:15pm CDT

Kalahari Ballroom Foyer

Monday March 31, 2025 4:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
Kalahari Ballroom Foyer

4:15pm CDT

An Innovative Approach Toward Gifted Identification: Purpose, Practice & Results

Monday March 31, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm CDT

Kalahari Salon H

School administrators recognize the inequities in serving diverse gifted learners and those in poverty. Identification procedures typically require English proficiency and advanced achievement, which impact who gets identified. Obstacles are well established. What’s the solution? In this interactive session, attendees learn about an innovative approach toward equitable identification with research-based evidence.

Speakers

Kimberly Lansdowne

Professor, Arizona State University

Monday March 31, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm CDT
Kalahari Salon H

4:15pm CDT

Embedding A G/T SEL Curriculum

Monday March 31, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm CDT

Kalahari Salon F

Finding time for SEL can seem like a daunting task, and educators often struggle with how SEL for G/T can be different and necessary. In this session, we'll look at easy ways to embed G/T SEL opportunities in warm ups, activities, advisories, and projects that can benefit all learners.

Speakers

Blake Haygood, M.Ed.

GT Coordinator, Austin ISD

Blake Haygood works with gifted learners as G/T Coordinator in Austin ISD. He is also the parent of a PG student and the current Parent Representative on the Board for the Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented. For his work with G/T learners, he was named the TAG/T Advocate... Read More →

Monday March 31, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm CDT
Kalahari Salon F

4:15pm CDT

Think Again! - An Exploration of the October 2024 Fordham Report

Monday March 31, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm CDT

Kalahari Salon G

Explore the four arguments presented in Brandon Wright's Fordham publication, "Think Again: Are Education Programs for High Achievers Inherently Inequitable?" Gain clarity on each argument and the recommendations to address them. Engage in Socratic dialogue with peers following a brief introduction of the paper's key points and associated works.

Speakers

Michelle Swain

Round Rock ISD

Michelle Swain serves Round Rock ISD as Director of Gifted and Advanced Academic Services, overseeing G/T programming, college credit bearing coursework, and college readiness assessments. She has held positions on the NAGC Board and TAG/T Board, including as TAG/T 2011 President... Read More →

Monday March 31, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm CDT
Kalahari Salon G

5:00pm CDT

Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) Interest Meeting

Monday March 31, 2025 5:00pm - 5:30pm CDT

Kalahari Salon F

Monday March 31, 2025 5:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Kalahari Salon F

7:30am CDT

Coffee With Exhibitors

Tuesday April 1, 2025 7:30am - 8:00am CDT

Kalahari Ballroom Foyer

Tuesday April 1, 2025 7:30am - 8:00am CDT
Kalahari Ballroom Foyer

7:30am CDT

TAGT Marketplace Open

Tuesday April 1, 2025 7:30am - 10:45am CDT

Kalahari Ballroom Foyer

Tuesday April 1, 2025 7:30am - 10:45am CDT
Kalahari Ballroom Foyer

7:30am CDT

Registration/TAGT HQ Open

Tuesday April 1, 2025 7:30am - 11:00am CDT

Registration F

Tuesday April 1, 2025 7:30am - 11:00am CDT
Registration F

8:00am CDT

From Gaps to Growth: Strengths-Based Strategies for Every Learner

Tuesday April 1, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Kalahari Salon I

Learn how a strengths-based approach helps educators differentiate instruction efficiently without adding extra planning time. By focusing on students’ abilities—such as problem-solving and critical thinking—teachers can improve engagement, address learning challenges, and foster academic growth. This session provides practical strategies to support all learners through meaningful, strengths-based instruction.

Tuesday April 1, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Kalahari Salon I

8:00am CDT

Ready... Set... Redesign: Transforming Your Elementary Gifted Service Model

Tuesday April 1, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Kalahari Salon G

Ready for a new G/T service model? This is “Year C” of our restructured elementary QUEST program. Explore the steps taken in our redesign from initial planning through the development of standards and curriculum, family involvement, specialist training, and more. Leave with some redesign plans of your own!

Speakers

Cheryl Harris

Coordinator of Advanced Academics, Hurst Euless Bedford ISD

Emily Biggers

District Advanced Academics Teacher Facilitator, Hurst Euless Bedford ISD

Emily Biggers is passionate about gifted education. During her 30+ years in public education, she has served as a classroom teacher and a gifted specialist as well as in her current role as Elementary Advanced Academics Facilitator.

Tuesday April 1, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Kalahari Salon G

8:00am CDT

Small Team, Big Wins

Tuesday April 1, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Kalahari Salon H

Make a big impact with limited resources. Explore high-yield strategies for keeping teachers engaged in your G/T program. Discover how to use collaborative meetings, teacher tips, and an annual conference to foster sustained involvement, leveraging a small team to maximize impact without requiring significant departmental resources.

Speakers

Heather Block

Coordinator of Advanced, International, and Innovative Programs, Pearland ISD

Heather Block is the Coordinator of Advanced, International, and Innovative Programs at Pearland ISD, where she leads the development and implementation of district programs, including G/T identification systems and professional development. With over 20 years of educational experience... Read More →

Jessica Collins

Pearland ISD

Dr. Collins is an Advanced Academic Specialist in Pearland ISD, specializing in 5th-8th grade ELAR and Social Studies. With a Doctorate in Education from the University of Houston, she has extensive experience in gifted education, curriculum design, and e-learning. Dr. Collins has... Read More →

Tuesday April 1, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Kalahari Salon H

9:00am CDT

Dedicated Exhibit Time/Break

Tuesday April 1, 2025 9:00am - 9:15am CDT

Kalahari Ballroom Foyer

Tuesday April 1, 2025 9:00am - 9:15am CDT
Kalahari Ballroom Foyer

9:15am CDT

A Vision for Excellent Gifted Education

Tuesday April 1, 2025 9:15am - 10:30am CDT

Kalahari Ballroom

How big is the vision for gifted education at your school? Would you describe it as a little tweak here, and a touch of differentiation over there? A celebration or two, a spring product fair, and an emotional support club. Better yet, perhaps your vision is grandiose, life changing, transformational. What does that even look like? Whether you are newer to the field or have been rethinking your approach to giftedness and talent development for more than a decade, the common goal is exceptional performance and student flourishing. Join with your peers in this time of challenging assumptions about gifted education and imagining programs that are just a little audacious in scope and outcomes.

Speakers

Todd Kettler

Executive Director, Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development, Baylor University

Todd Kettler, Ph.D., is Executive Director of the Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development at Baylor University. With more than three decades of experience in gifted education, he has been a teacher of gifted students at middle school and high school, a service-center specialist... Read More →

Tuesday April 1, 2025 9:15am - 10:30am CDT
Kalahari Ballroom

10:45am CDT

State Plan Updates and Work Session

Tuesday April 1, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT

Kalahari Ballroom

This closing session will include updates to the State Plan and what they mean for your district as well as a review of policy related to G/T, such as Texas Administrative Code to make sure everyone has a thorough understanding of what guides your identification processes, programs, and services. Structured working groups will be available to determine what your next steps are as you head back to your office and where you can locate the resources you need.

Speakers

Meredith Austin

Associate Director; TEA CAC Chair, Rice University

Dr. Meredith Austin is the Associate Director of the Master of Arts in Teaching program and a faculty member at Rice University. She is an experienced educator and district administrator with a vibrant passion and deep commitment to developing educators. As a teacher and administrator... Read More →

Tuesday April 1, 2025 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
Kalahari Ballroom