There are several opportunities to get your annual 6 Hour GT Update during the summer, both face-to-face and online. Click here to see GT Update opportunities at Engage.
GT Updates for 2025-26 Must Be Completed By March 1, 2026.
There are several opportunities to get your annual 6 Hour GT Update during the summer, both face-to-face and online. Click here to see GT Update opportunities at Engage.
June 12
Differentiating Instruction with Menus with Laurie Westphal
Menus are a way to offer choice for all levels of students. In this session, we will discuss the various formats and considerations when developing menus. Come with units in mind you would like to spice up and leave with at least one menu you have developed for immediate use in your classroom. Register here.
June 13
Differentiation with the CAP Process & Depth and Complexity with Carrie Simpson
Teachers who attend this session will spend time looking at the three thinker types (creative, analytical, and practical) as defined by Robert Sternberg. Through the depth and complexity framework, we will examine approaches to process differentiation that will challenge and engage any gifted learner. Register here.
July 22
Book Study: Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom by Susan Winebrenner
Participants will read Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom by Susan Winebrenner. During the book discussion, teachers will experience different strategies for compacting such as learning contracts and study guides. Registration is limited to the first 20 people. The book will be provided. Register here.
June 10 - July 26
Book Study: Differentiation for Gifted Learners: Going Beyond the Basics by Diane Heacox & Richard Cash
Within a group of advanced learners, the variety of abilities, talents, interests, and learning styles can be formidable. For the first time, this book connects the unique learning differences among gifted students to the specific teaching methods used to tailor their educational experiences. Differentiated instruction for gifted and talented students must go beyond adjusting content levels, task complexity, or product choice. After reading the book, teachers will complete a digital breakout to receive full credit. Register here.
June 10 - July 26
Book Study: Sparking Student Creativity: Practical Ways to Promote Innovative Thinking and Problem Solving by Patti Drapeau
Teaching isn't merely transmitting knowledge to students; it is also about teaching students to approach learning in engaging and unexpected ways. In Sparking Student Creativity: Practical Ways to Promote Innovative Thinking and Problem Solving, the author explores and explains research related to creativity and its relevance in today's standards-based, critical thinking focused classroom. The book vividly and comprehensively shows
How creative lessons can meet and extend the expectations of curriculum standards,
How to incorporate creativity and assessment into daily classroom practices,
How to develop a 'Creativity Road Map' to guide instruction, and
How to design lessons that prompt and support creative thinking.
The book also includes 40 grab and go ideas that infuse lesson plans with a spirit of exploration.
Register here.
July 15
Understanding Profiles of the Gifted
Teachers will consider the six types of gifted learners (based on the research of George Betts & Maureen Neihart) and analyze characters for indicators of these types. Register here.
July 16
Understanding the 2e Learner Part 1
A small percentage of students are twice-exceptional; they need gifted and special education. This session will provide teachers with a foundation of who these students are, as well as strategies and resources that can meet their diverse needs. This is session was offered in 2017 & 2018. Register here.
July 16
Understanding the 2e Learner Part 2
This session is a continuation of Part 1, previously offered in 2018 and 2017. In this session, we will continue to dive deeper into understanding twice-exceptional learners. Teachers will walk away with a variety of resources and strategies that will help this special population experience success in the classroom. Register here.
June 10 - July 26, 2019
Book Study: LAUNCH: Use Design Thinking to Boost Creativity and Bring Out the Maker in Every Student
Problem-solving, critical thinking and imagination are elements that are key to 21st century learning. But how do we make these things a part of the public school classroom? LAUNCH Using Design Thinking to Boost Creativity and Bring Out the Maker in Every Student will explore a process that can be incorporated into your class, whether you're teaching kindergarten or AP Calculus. Written by two educators, this book will give you the skills to empower your students. Register here.
June 10 - July 26, 2019
Book Study: The Underachieving Gifted Child by Del Siegle
Why are some gifted children willing to tackle new challenges whereas others seen insecure or uninterested? Why do some gifted students achieve while others become caught in a cycle of underachievement? Are there strategies teachers and parents can implement that promote an achievement-oriented attitude? The Underachieving Gifted Child: Recognizing, Understanding, and Reversing Underachievement answers these important questions. Although there are many factors that contribute to achievement, achievement-oriented students exhibit four key traits: (1) they believe that they have the skills to perform well, (2) they expect that they can succeed, (3) they believe what they are doing is meaningful, and (4) they set realistic expectations and implement strategies to successfully complete their goals. In this volume, parents and teachers will learn specific strategies to improve student achievement by improving students' attitudes in these four important areas.
Teachers will read The Underachieving Gifted Child: Recognizing, Understanding, and Reversing Underachievement respond via a blog or ePortfolio. Over the course of the study, teachers will participate in one Zoom discussion.
Register here.
June 10
Identification of Gifted Learners in Kindergarten
This session will lead participants through the identification kindergarten process and provide ideas for open-ended high level activities for all students.
Register here.