Upcoming ITAG Professional Development
Webinar Series: 2e with Julie Skolnick
Executive Functions: Why Gifted and 2e Learners Struggle and How Strength-Based Instruction Helps
Join ITAG for an hour of learning and connecting as we learn from Julie Skolnick, M.A., J.D., to dive into how executive functioning difficulties manifest in 2e learners, why gifted characteristics actually increase executive functioning struggles, and how a strength-based, compassionate approach can foster success.
About Julie:
Julie F. Rosenbaum Skolnick, M.A., J.D., is the Founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, LLC, and author of the award-winning book Gifted and Distractible. An internationally recognized expert on twice exceptionality (2e), Julie consults with parents of gifted and distractible children, mentors 2e adults, trains educators, and advises clinicians and organizations seeking strength-based, research-informed approaches to complex neurodivergent profiles.
Gifted and Distractible: A 3- week book study
Gifted and Distractible: Educator Book Study
Engage teams of educators in a guided exploration of Julie’s book, Gifted and Distractible, through discussion and utilizing a personalized Reflection Journal to deepen understanding and to foster best-practices in the classroom for 2e learners.
Book and Workbook are free for ITAG Members
One Credit available for purchase
About the Author: Julie F. Rosenbaum Skolnick, M.A., J.D., is the Founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, LLC, and author of the award-winning book Gifted and Distractible. An internationally recognized expert on twice exceptionality (2e), Julie consults with parents of gifted and distractible children, mentors 2e adults, trains educators, and advises clinicians and organizations seeking strength-based, research-informed approaches to complex neurodivergent profiles.
With over a decade of experience supporting families and adults worldwide, Julie is known for translating nuanced theory into practical tools that reduce shame, increase clarity, and elevate self-confidence. Her work integrates gifted education, ADHD research, emotional regulation science, and positive psychology.
Audiences consistently describe her presentations as validating, rigorous, and actionable — often sharing, “I finally feel seen.”
https://www.withunderstandingcomescalm.com/
Webinar Series: Creativity In the Classroom with Brian Housand
Join ITAG for an hour of learning and connecting as we learn with Dr. Brian Housand, to dive into using his book, SEED, to help educators identify and nurture the talents of 3rd-8th graders through story-based activities that develop by thinking and feeling skills across Convergent, Divergent, Cooperative, and Reflective domains. All attendees will receive a copy of the book, SEED: Silverquicken Episodes for Enrichment and Diagnosis to to use with students right away!
About the Presenter: Hello, my name is Brian, and I am a GEEK.
Today, this once derogatory term often serves as a badge of honor for myself and for many of our gifted kids. Growing up in gifted programs during the 1970s and 1980s, I was provided with opportunities to develop my creativity, interests, and talents. As an adolescent in the 1980s terms like geek or nerd were hardly a symbol to be celebrated, but it was growing up in gifted programs that helped me to find solace, understanding, and ultimately empowerment. As a result of these experiences, I have devoted my life to advocating for gifted education.
Webinar Series: Project-Based-Learning for GT students in the Classroom
Project-Based-Learning in the Classroom
Join ITAG for an hour of learning and connecting as we learn from Dr. John Spencer to dive into project-based-learning in the classroom. We will explore ways to embed PBL in classrooms and within the curriculum to create authentic learning opportunities for gifted learners
About the Presenter: Hi, I'm John Spencer. I’m a former middle school teacher and a current full-time professor who is passionate about seeing teachers transform their classrooms into bastions of creativity and wonder. Over the last twenty years, I have written articles, recorded podcast episodes, crafted sketch videos, and designed free resources to help teachers empower students with voice and choice. I’m excited to share what I have learned through my journey of deeper learning!
Parenting Bright Complex Kids- A Virtual Book Study
Wednesdays from May 27th-June 24th from 6:30-7:30pm MST/ 5:30-6:30pm PST. on Zoom
Cost: FREE
ITAG welcomes parents across Idaho to participate in a collaborative book study focused on characteristics of their gifted child(ren). Together we will dive into topics including recognizing, understanding and supporting the unique needs of bright complex children. This is a free book study with the books provided by ITAG for all participants.
Book: Bright Complex Kids: Supporting Their Social and Emotional Development
Many bright and gifted kids do not feel understood or supported. For adults wanting to change that, Bright, Complex Kids provides guidance for gaining entrance to their internal world. This practical and easy-to-use field guide includes ideas for how and why to:
listen and respond
self-monitor adult biases
avoid communicating awe of high ability because of the potential impact on trust and openness
apply knowledge of learning disabilities
help high-ability children and teens make sense of themselves
Well-known gifted experts Jean Sunde Peterson, Ph.D., and Daniel B. Peters, Ph.D., wrote Bright, Complex Kids to be an accessible short course for adults wanting to build a base of knowledge for understanding and supporting the social and emotional needs of highly able children and teens. From how adults can be involved to insights on the social and emotional development of bright kids, each chapter has a section with “points to ponder.”
Cool Idaho Project-Based Opportunities
Tuesday, May 12th, 2026
4:30-5:30pm MST
Join us for our second annual PBL forum. Come learn (or share!) about various Project Based opportunities for our GT students throughout Idaho.
Coloring outside the lines- the magic is in the mess with Stephanie Higgs
Tuesday, January 6th, 2026
4:30-5:30pm MST
Let’s shake things up and make learning unforgettable! Join Little Miss Gifted, Stephanie Higgs, for a hands-on, action-packed session where you’ll discover bite-sized, super-simple ways to sprinkle creativity into your gifted lessons. Whether you’re looking for warm-ups, brain breaks, or ways to energize your teaching with arts integration, this session is bursting with ideas you can’t wait to try with your learners! These creativity-infused strategies are research-based, teacher-tested, student-approved, and sure to be a hit. Get ready to spark, create, and shine as you learn to level up gifted lessons with FUN! Don’t miss out—this is one of Little Miss Gifted’s most-loved workshops for a reason!
Stephanie’s Bio: Stephanie Higgs, @littlemissgifted on Instagram, is an award-winning, Nashville-living gifted educator and differentiation coach. Stephanie is a quick thinking, fast talking, passionate international presenter, featuring sessions with immediate, easily implemented, FUN takeaways that will leave you racing back to your classroom! With a decade of previous experience teaching Pre K, 2nd grade, and 4th grade, Stephanie is your #1 hype girl, here to love and serve YOU. You’ll leave her session energized, equipped, and empowered to work smarter, not harder, as she buys back time for not only your learners, but for YOU! She shares daily, bite-sized ideas and takeaways for teachers on Instagram, most of which are FREE! Be sure to follow her there to connect and continue the conversation! Learn more about all she has to offer by visiting stephaniehiggs.net!
Attendees will receive materials to implement the creativity ideas right away!
Supporting the Whole Gifted Child
Tuesday, September 9th
4:30-5:30 pm MST
Understanding how to help gifted kids from hard places begins with understanding the specifics of how trauma and stress affect and change the developing brain. In this workshop, we will discuss brain development and how trauma impacts the brain, memory, emotional development, behavior, and readiness to learn – and explore some high-impact strategies for effective interventions to serve gifted students affected by trauma.
Keith’s bio: With decades of experience supporting the people and systems that care for our most vulnerable children, Keith Orchard brings insight, heart, and real-world solutions to every training, keynote, and coaching session. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker and current Mental Health Coordinator for Coeur d’Alene Public Schools, Keith’s background spans the classroom, wilderness therapy, nonprofit leadership, and international service in the Peace Corps. His diverse experience allows him to connect with audiences from every corner of education, mental health, and youth services.
Keith’s presentations are engaging, inspiring and most importantly, practical. Whether delivering a high-energy keynote, leading an experiential workshop, or offering one-on-one coaching, Keith is known for his warmth, patience, and deep understanding of the challenges facing today’s educators and caregivers. His trainings are grounded in real-world application, offering strategies that educators can implement immediately to increase confidence, reduce burnout, and build resilience—both in themselves and in the students they serve. Learn more about Keith.
Attendees will receive a copy of Keith’s book: Fostering Resilient Learners Workbook Pre-Order Available Here
ITAG Professional Development Webinar Series
Monday, September 9th 7:00-8:00 pm MST-Affective Needs
Saturday, January 25th 11:00am-12:00pm MST- Cultivating Creative Learners
Tuesday, May 20th 6:00-7:00pm MST (5:00-6:00 pm Pacific)- Cool Idaho Project-Based Opportunities
EduFest Info Session
Join us for an informational session via Zoom about EduFest coming July 21-24 2025 at Boise State University.
EduFest is the Northwest’s premier conference for advanced learning.
Internationally Recognized Experts
Variety of Disciplines and Topics
Clock/PD Hours Available
University Credits Offered
Post Conference Access
Attend In-person or Virtually
Grants for Edufest Available
ITAG Professional Development Webinar Series
Sign up for the series!
Saturday, January 25th 11:00am-12:00pm MST- Cultivating Creative Learners
Tuesday, May 20th 7:00-8:00pm MST- Cool Idaho Project-Based Opportunities