4th Annual BISD LEAD Conference: Full Schedule

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9:00am PDT

Friday August 7, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am PDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Understanding Behaviors, Traits, and Needs of Gifted Learners

Gifted students are not always the easiest students to recognize. Some appear highly successful and compliant, while others may seem distracted, emotional, perfectionistic, disorganized, or even challenging in the classroom.

This interactive session will help educators explore the often misunderstood characteristics of gifted learners and examine how gifted traits can sometimes be mistaken for behavior problems, lack of motivation, or inattentiveness. Participants will gain practical strategies for supporting gifted students in mixed-ability classrooms while fostering engagement, challenge, creativity, and growth.

Through real-world scenarios, discussion, and classroom-ready strategies, teachers will leave with a deeper understanding of how to recognize and respond to the unique needs of gifted learners.

Participants Will:

* Identify common misunderstood traits of gifted learners
* Explore how giftedness may present differently across students
* Examine classroom scenarios and teacher perceptions
* Learn practical differentiation and engagement strategies
* Reflect on ways to better support gifted students in everyday instruction

Best suited for: K–5 classroom teachers, interventionists, specialists, and instructional support staff.

Speakers

Pat Goodwin

Gifted & Talented Coordinator - Pull-Out Teacher K-6, Bonham ISD

"I hear, and I forget, I see, and I remember, I do, and I understand." Confucius

I have two children; Lee & Courtney
I have four grandchildren: Clint, Emmalynn, Hadley, and Oliver

Currently, I am the Gifted & Talented Coordinator - Pull-Out Teacher K-6 at Bonham ISD
I. W... Read More →

Friday August 7, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am PDT
224

Elementary Instructional Staff

10:00am PDT

From Pixels to Plastic

LIMITED

Friday August 7, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am PDT

224

Limited Capacity seats available

Interested in bringing 3D printing into your classroom but not sure where to start? Already have a 3D printer and want to feel more confident using it with students? This hands-on beginner course is designed for educators at all experience levels — from teachers who are just exploring 3D printing to those who already have a printer in their classroom and want practical strategies, troubleshooting skills, and classroom-ready ideas.

Participants will learn the fundamentals of 3D printing, including how printers work, basic terminology, materials and safety, printer setup, slicing software, and successful printing practices. The course will also explore ways to integrate 3D printing into STEM and cross-curricular classroom activities.

Speakers

Caroline Morrow

Teacher, Bonham ISD

Friday August 7, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am PDT
224

All Instructional Staff

11:00am PDT

Independent Reading: Structures for Success

LIMITED

Friday August 7, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am PDT

224

Limited Capacity seats available

Independent reading can enhance literacy and comprehension skills, including
exposing readers to new vocabulary, enhancing comprehension skills, and fostering a love for reading. Learn structures to ensure you and your students get the most out of independent reading time.

Speakers

Susan Kelly

Friday August 7, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am PDT
224

Elementary Instructional Staff

1:30pm PDT

The Essentials of Writing Instruction

LIMITED

Friday August 7, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm PDT

224

Limited Capacity seats available

Writing needs to be taught like any other basic skill, with explicit instruction and ample opportunity for practice. Children need instruction in spelling and conventions as well as in the qualities and strategies of good writing. Learn: the writing process, how to set up a writing workshop, how to teach writing mini-lessons, and more. This session is appropriate for grades 1-2.

Speakers