Breakout #1

Dr. Brad Cartwright 

Yvonne Carranza Rolph   

El Paso History Day is more than a research competition—it's a powerful tool for engaging students in deep, inquiry-based learning that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and civic awareness. This panel will explore how participation in NHD benefits students, teachers, and school communities across West Texas and beyond. Panelists will include experienced educators, a former NHD participant, and coordinators who will share firsthand stories illustrating how NHD aligns with state standards, prepares students for college and careers, and promotes academic excellence. By showcasing the practical and personal benefits of NHD, this panel aims to inspire educators to adopt or expand their involvement with the program—and to help administrators and policy advocates understand its educational value.  

Allan Carey

Ray Hughel

 Predicting the future can be perilous and that is exactly what retirement planning is as part of Personal Financial Literacy. What are the tools needed to minimize risk when planning retirement? In this module we will examine the many aspects of retirement planning. Retirement planning topics covered will be: Social Security Strategies, Taxes, Investment, Health/Medicare, Inflation adjustment, Housing, Incoming planning, Estate formation, Roth accounts, Required Minimum Distributions, Managing Market Risk, AI effect on Retirement, WEP/GPO changes and MORE. So much to consider and so little time to make sound decisions. Explore with us as we dig deep to make the potential quality of life better through financially secure strategies. 

Jan Miller

Dodie Kasper

Children’s literature offers an avenue through which to teach students to be good citizens, understand the basic foundations of government, and explore historical figures. Law-Related Education uses books and complimentary activities to link social studies with reading and language arts. Teachers will receive an LRE created children’s book list aligned to the TEKS, LRE lessons that incorporate the books, and engaging resources to use in the classroom.  

(K-5)  

Justin Yepez

This session will guide you down a new historical trail, using the power of AI and intuitive tech tools to paint a more vibrant, interactive, and inclusive portrait of the past. We will explore practical, classroom-ready strategies for generating dynamic primary source analyses, building immersive timelines, and crafting engaging lessons that empower every student to become a historian. Join me to discover how you can leverage these simple tools to not only meet curriculum goals but also to ignite a genuine passion for history in your learners.  

Martin Lopez

Machelle Wood

Step into the past without leaving your classroom! Discover how the Magoffin Home State Historic Site is transforming the way students experience history through its immersive virtual tour program. This lively session will show you how to turn your classroom into a digital museum, offering students a meaningful connection to local and Texas history, all from their desks. You will also explore the rich Magoffin Home Archives, a treasure trove of original letters, photos, and documents, free and ready to power up student research projects. Join us and discover creative, accessible ways to bring history to life for your students!