Anna ISD Launch Week: Back to School 2026: Full Schedule

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

9:00am CDT

Raising the Ceiling: Critical Thinking for Advanced Learners

Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT

Limited Capacity filling up

How do we create learning experiences that are accessible, engaging, and still challenging enough for advanced learners? In this 45-minute session, participants will explore “low floor, high ceiling” strategies designed to support high-achieving students, GT learners, and enrichment groups. Teachers will learn practical ways to increase critical thinking, add depth and complexity, and design tasks that move students beyond completion and into analysis, creativity, and problem-solving. Participants will leave with ready-to-use ideas for raising the ceiling in any classroom.

Speakers

Leslie Diaz

GT Specialist, Harlow Elementary

This year marks my 16th year in education, and I continue to love the opportunity to help students grow and succeed. Over the course of my career, I have spent 7 years in the classroom, 7 years as an interventionist, and I am beginning my second year as a GT Specialist. My journey... Read More →

Tuesday July 28, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am CDT
AHS B109 Anna High School, 1107 West Rosamond Parkway, Anna, TX 75409

Gifted and Talented

11:00am CDT

Future-Ready Gifted Education Leveraging Project-Based Learning, AI, and Real-World Connections (Secondary GT)

OPEN1.00 PD

Tuesday July 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT

AHS B109

Limited Capacity seats available

Participants will identify ways to use Project-Based Learning (PBL), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cross-curricular connections to increase engagement and rigor for gifted learners without creating significantly more work for teachers.

Speakers

Julie Kistler

AHS CTE Department Head, GT Coordinator, Campus Key Communicator, Webmaster, Anna High School

I lead Anna High School’s marketing, communications, and digital engagement strategy while serving as the GT Coordinator, key campus communicator, and Certified Marketing Educator. I manage the school’s brand presence, oversee social media and content strategy, strengthen stakeholder... Read More →

Tuesday July 28, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am CDT
AHS B109 Anna High School, 1107 West Rosamond Parkway, Anna, TX 75409

Gifted and Talented

3:15pm CDT

AP Classroom Teachers: Starting the year off planning for a 5!

OPEN

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm CDT

AHS B112

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Trey Maddux

Secondary Math Instructional Coordinator, Anna ISD

I have over 20 years of experience in education. I have instructed students in every subject in mathematics from Algebra 1 to AP Calculus and AP Statistics.

Wednesday July 29, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm CDT
AHS B112

Gifted and Talented

Anna ISD Launch Week: Back to School 2026

9:00am CDT

Leslie Diaz

11:00am CDT

Julie Kistler

3:15pm CDT

Trey Maddux

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