The "August Slipped Away Like a Moment in Time" Edition

Hi, I’m Brian! 

Here we are.
The end of August.
Back to school.
Back to busy.
And (hopefully) back to brilliance. 

Before we get completely overwhelmed by 🎃 ALL THINGS PUMPKIN SPICED 🎃 let’s take a quick look back at what summer held and peek forward to what’s still to come.

☀️ Summer Wrap-Up

This summer was a whirlwind of travel, teaching, and learning. I had the chance to connect with educators across the country at Confratute in Connecticut, and work in person with educators from districts in Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, and Utah. Virtually, I presented to groups in Alabama, North Carolina, Pennsylvania as well as hosted the Gripes to Grapes Summer Self-Care Series and SPARK & SPLASH! With The Secret Sauce Society. 

Each stop (whether in-person or virtual) reminded me how deeply gifted educators need connection, affirmation, and a safe space to explore bold ideas.

📅 What’s Ahead in 2025

I am spending the month of September at home launching The Great Teacher Alliance Season 3 and producing a whole bunch of BRAND NEW content. STAY TUNED! 

Then I hit the road at the end of the month.

Mark your calendars! Here’s where I’ll be showing up IN PERSON in 2025

September 29-30, 2025 - South Carolina Consortium for Gifted Education Conference in Columbia, SC

October 7, 2025 - CMS AIG Professional Learning Experience in Charlotte, NC

October 17, 2025 - UNCW AIG South East Alliance Conference in Wilmington, NC

October 27-28, 2025 - Illinois Association for Gifted Children 30th Annual Conference in Naperville, IL

November 13-16, 2025 - NAGC Annual Convention in Pittsburgh, PA

December 3-5, 2025 - TAGT giftED25 Conference in Grapevine, TX

If you’re going to be at one of these events, please come say hello. Nothing beats those in-person hallway conversations. Also, if you are planning an event I hope that you will consider inviting me. 

I will also be doing several VIRTUAL things. 

September 3, 2025 - The Great Teacher Alliance Season 3 Episode 1

October 1, 2025 - The Great Teacher Alliance Season 3 Episode 2

October 15, 2025 - Gallia-Vinton ESC Virtual Follow Up PLC

October 22, 2025 - A Taste of Confratute

October 23, 2025 - The Secret Sauce Society Spark & Splash Follow Up 

November 5, 2025 - The Great Teacher Alliance Season 3 Episode 3 

December 3, 2025 - The Great Teacher Alliance Season 3 Episode 4

🚀 GTA Season 3: The Arc of Becoming

Andi McNair and I are beyond excited to launch Season 3 of the Great Teacher Alliance next week!

Here’s the scoop:

• 10 monthly live + recorded sessions (September through June)

• A nationwide community of gifted educators who “get it”

• Fresh ideas, encouragement, and practical strategies each month

• Only $100 for the whole year

👉 Register at brianhousand.com/gta

This year’s theme is The Arc of Becoming. From BEYOND to LEGACY, each episode is crafted to remind you that teaching isn’t just a job. Teaching is an art, and you are the artist. 

🔍 Curiosity + Courage

Two words keep circling my brain lately: Curiosity and Courage.

• Curiosity is that spark. It is the urge to peek behind the curtain, tumble down a rabbit hole, and connect dots that others miss.

• Courage is the muscle that lets us act on that spark, even when the outcome is uncertain.

For our gifted learners, these two work hand-in-hand. Curiosity asks the question. Courage dares to answer it. Together, they push us beyond what’s comfortable and into the realm of possibility.

This year, my challenge to you (and to myself) is to cultivate both. Ask one more question than feels safe. Try one more idea than feels ready. That’s where growth lives.

🎁 A Ready-to-Use Activity: Curiosity Compass

Here’s something you can take straight to your classroom this week:

Curiosity Compass

1. Give students a blank sheet of paper with a compass rose (N, S, E, W) drawn on it.

2. Prompt them with these directions:

• North: Something I know and want to teach others.

• South: Something I struggle with or want help on.

• East: Something that excites me and sparks curiosity.

• West: Something I wonder or a question I can’t stop thinking about.

3. Have them share with a partner or post their compass points on a class board.

This simple reflection frames curiosity as multi-directional and highlights how courage is needed to admit struggles, share wonderings, and chase excitement.

💡 Final Thought

As we head into the school year, remember that your curiosity is contagious, and your courage is catalytic. The students you teach don’t just need answers. Our learners need models of what it looks like to ask bold questions and step bravely into the unknown.

Here’s to a year of going beyond.

With curiosity + courage,

Brian