We would like to list events and networking opportunities that will help connect gifted families in Texas. Is your local GT parent support group hosting a public event or virtual meetup? Or … are you feeling like the only GT family in town, and would like to find others nearby?
Use the form at the bottom of this page to request your event, meetup, and connection request to be added to this page. We prefer to post events expressly designed for parents and events that are low-cost or free.
Conferences/Meetings
“How To Foster Our Students’ Sense of Purpose”
Our students are always asking questions–wanting to know more. Usually we revel in this natural curiosity, until they begin to question why… “Why do I have to learn this?”
From Plato and Kierkegaard to Steven Kolter’s work at the Flow Research Collective, we know that when curiosity and passion align with our purpose, we achieve and succeed. Resilience, perseverance, emotional fortitude, and even physical well-being improve when our purpose is clear.
In this parent talk, we will share simple strategies that help you meet your student’s needs by uncovering their PKT — their unique alignment between Passion, Knowledge, and Talent. “So what?”
With a clearly defined purpose, we face the hard tasks. With a balanced locus of control, we face adversity and foster lifelong success. Help your student connect schooling to their sense of self.
Our speakers for this event will be Justin Vawter and Marissa Randolph from NuMinds Enrichment.
Justin Vawter, M.Ed., Co-founder & CEO, NuMinds Enrichment
After a decade in the traditional classroom, Justin and his business partner, Ben Koch, formed NuMinds Enrichment, an education company focused on creating real, inspired programs and empowering teachers across the globe to construct meaningful, 21st century learning. Justin serves on the 2023 GEFN Legislative Committee and is the proud father of both an advanced learner and a twice-exceptional child. He holds a Masters degree in Curriculum Design & Instruction from the University of North Texas which he uses to oversee curriculum development and instructional design.
Marissa Randolph, Experience Manager, NuMinds Enrichment
Marissa Randolph is a recently retired teacher and Gifted/Talented specialist with 29 years of experience in public education. From teaching in a 1A district in rural Texas, where she was essentially “the English Department,” to working in a fast-growing urban 5/6A district and servicing students at multiple campuses and grade levels, she has been involved in just about any educational setting and situation you can imagine. She holds certifications in Gifted/Talented services, English, Reading Specialist services, and Theater Arts.
“Reimagining Socializing for Twice Exceptional Students”
Socializing has changed and continues to do so as a result of the pandemic. While there are many confounding struggles that our students are facing daily, we must also recognize that socializing itself is transforming.
This presentation walks participants through a strength-based, talent-focused approach to supporting twice-exceptional students on their journey to connect with others in ways they feel happiest.
The overall aim is to:
1. Empower our kiddos to socialize successfully and sustainably
2. Encourage parents and educators to inventory and challenge preconceived ideas around socializing
The presentation takes participants on a journey through ten research-based strategies to accomplish the two aforementioned goals.
Additionally, those who stay until the end will receive FREE BONUS resources to further student and parent growth at home!
Our speaker for this event will be Sam Young from the Young Scholars Academy.
Mr. Sam, M.Ed., is the founder and director of Young Scholars Academy, a two-time Fulbright Scholar, a former Bridges Academy teacher of nearly 10 years, and a Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity graduate. He is a neurodivergent educator himself, and he has committed his life to supporting twice-exceptional/neurodivergent students by helping them discover, develop, and lead with their strengths, talents, and unique interests.
- Event with Dr. Po-Shen Loh –Invention & MathGEFN members are invited to a FREE live family event with Dr. Po-Shen Loh. Dr. Loh is a Math Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, serves as the National USA International Math Olympiad Team Coach, and was awarded the USA Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers in 2019. He is passionate about sharing his love ofContinue reading “Event with Dr. Po-Shen Loh –Invention & Math”
- April 17, 2021: GT Parent Conference at Baylor UBaylor’s Center for Gifted Education and Talent Development will host its 2nd annual parent conference on April 17, 2021 (new date!). This is an event designed to provide parents of gifted and talented students with resources, information, and opportunities to network with other parents and find needed support.
- Through April 17, 2021: GEFN Cardboard Challenge – FREE! Sponsored by NuMinds EnrichmentDo you have or know a student who loves problem-solving and creative thinking? Do you know a “maker” in search of a unique challenge? Register your student(s) for a free, virtual, asynchronous challenge culminating in a live showcase event for students on Saturday, April 17, during the annual GT Parent Conference!
- Worldwide facilitated SENG Model Parent Group for 2E ParentsFacilitated by:Lin Lim, Ph.D.,Susan Chun, M.A., P.P.S.,Cherin Escher, M.A. Meet the Facilitators With up to 20 parents participating, the weekly virtual meeting will focus on topics from the book A Parent’s Guide to Gifted Children, such as communication, motivation, discipline, stress management, and relationships. In addition, 2e specific additional resources will be provided weekly. Register now! TheContinue reading “Worldwide facilitated SENG Model Parent Group for 2E Parents”
- January-March 2021: Eight-week Virtual SENG Model Parent Group – hosted by McKinney Gifted & Talented AllianceGT Families across Texas are invited to participate in a virtual SENG model parent group hosted by McKinney Gifted & Talented Alliance. Their first meeting is January 12th. The format is a guided discussion for caregivers of the gifted. Click here to register. Details are in the flyer below. Thank you to Letha Williams, SENGContinue reading “January-March 2021: Eight-week Virtual SENG Model Parent Group – hosted by McKinney Gifted & Talented Alliance”
- past / Dec. 16, 2020: Virtual Event – “What Does Giftedness Look Like?” – Dr. Kristina Henry CollinsHow can parents go about supporting the social and emotional needs of their gifted children? Our speaker, Dr. Kristina Henry Collins, is a NAGC Board Member, President of SENG, faculty at Texas State University, and a Professional Advisor for the Gifted Education Family Network. Reserve your spot today for this free virtual event on Wednesday,Continue reading “past / Dec. 16, 2020: Virtual Event – “What Does Giftedness Look Like?” – Dr. Kristina Henry Collins”
- past / Nov. 18, 2020: Advocating for Marginalized Gifted Students of Color ~ Dr. Kristina Henry CollinsFree event from the Mirman School: Advocating for Marginalized Gifted Students of Color with Dr. Kristina Henry Collins, Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 6:00pm! Details and registration below: “Due to social and historical inequities, bright Black and Latinx students are often not identified as gifted. Even those who are, often don’t have access to the rigorContinue reading “past / Nov. 18, 2020: Advocating for Marginalized Gifted Students of Color ~ Dr. Kristina Henry Collins”
- past / October 2, 2020: PACE Fort Bend invites you to virtual meeting on “The Social-Emotional Health of Our Children During COVID-19”PACE, the Fort Bend Association of Parents for Academic Excellence — and a member of the Gifted Education Family Network’s Parent Advisory Council — is inviting the Gifted Education Family Network to attend their virtual event called “The Social-Emotional Health of Our Children During COVID-19.” This parent learning event will be held virtually via Zoom onContinue reading “past / October 2, 2020: PACE Fort Bend invites you to virtual meeting on “The Social-Emotional Health of Our Children During COVID-19””
- past / August 19, 2020: Denton Association for Gifted — ExpoDenton Association for Gifted, a member of the Gifted Education Family Network’s Parent Advisory Council, is hosting an event for parents to meet their child’s Expo Specialist on 19 August, 2020:
- past / Sept. 15, 2020: Free virtual event: Racial Battle Fatigue in Faculty – MACH-III CenterWe invite the Gifted Education Family Network to a free virtual event, “Masterclass: Racial Battle Fatigue in Faculty,” hosted by the Network’s GT Professional Advisor Dr. Fred A. Bonner II and the MACH-III Center. Register today at: https://bit.ly/3a7kTCV
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