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Prosper Connects '26
Prosper Connects 26: Your Ultimate Professional Learning Adventure!
Get Ready for the most incredible day of learning in Prosper ISD! July 30th at Walnut Grove High School | Over 300 Sessions Await!

Calling all educators! Prepare for a day packed with inspiration, innovation, and incredible learning opportunities. From the electrifying drumline welcome to the delicious indoor lunch options from the Walnut Grove cafeteria serving up a variety of food, this isn’t just another professional development day – it’s a celebration of education!
✨ Highlights:
  • 👕Attire: Favorite Team Jersey, jeans, and comfortable shoes
  • 🚍Grab the Shuttle from Rock Hill HS (16061 N Coit Rd, Frisco, TX 750) for easy parking (runs every 20 min)
  • 🥁 Epic Drumline Kick-Off
  • ☕Breakfast Options: Union Coffee and Baked Goods & Sonic
  • 🌮 INSIDE Lunch options provided by Aramark and Hardy’s Cafe: Union Coffee, Cane’s, Chick-fil-A, Jimmy John’s, Sonic, Pizza Hut, Greens & Grains, Sushi, Taco Line, & Hardy’s Cafe
  • 🧠 GT Credit Sessions Available (sessions that are orange = GT)
  • 📚 Up to 6 Professional Learning Hours
Type: Instructional clear filter
Thursday, July 30
 

8:00am CDT

DBQ in a Day: Quick Writes, Engagement, and Analysis Strategies for Stronger Student Thinking (166)
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
1114
Looking for ways to incorporate high-quality DBQ materials into your daily lessons without dedicating multiple class periods to the full DBQ process? This session will introduce you to practical, flexible strategies that bring DBQ instruction into any social studies classroom on any given day. Participants will explore quick write techniques, student engagement strategies, and document analysis approaches that make historical thinking both accessible and meaningful. Learn how to leverage DBQ Project resources in time-efficient ways while strengthening students’ CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) writing skills and deepening their ability to analyze and interpret sources.
Walk away with ready-to-use tools that increase student engagement, support critical thinking, and build stronger analytical writing habits—without sacrificing valuable instructional time.
Speakers
avatar for Shelby Mooney

Shelby Mooney

7th Texas History Teacher, Reynolds
Secondary Social Studies Teacher 
avatar for Katie Lumpkin

Katie Lumpkin

8th grade US History Teacher, Reynolds Middle School
Secondary Social Studies Teacher leading sessions related to responsive instruction and social studies instructional strategies.  
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
1114
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

8:00am CDT

Feedback that Sticks (123)
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2228
Stop leaving students in a "feedback vacuum" and start building a roadmap for their success. This session moves beyond the traditional red pen, showing you how to leverage tech-infused strategies to provide feedback that actually sticks by diving into a menu of digital tools that allow you to provide impactful coaching in real-time. Learn how to bridge the gap between assessment and learning by creating a reflection-rich environment where feedback is not the end of the conversation, but the start of student growth.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Maple

Michelle Maple

ITC, Prosper ISD
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2228
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

8:00am CDT

Making Thinking Visible: Using Discourse to Strengthen Student Problem-Solving (263)
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
1116
Students don’t truly learn by watching answers happen—they learn by talking through their thinking. This session explores how structured discourse helps students explain reasoning, challenge ideas, and build deeper understanding. Using the lens of computational thinking, we’ll share practical strategies that make student thinking visible and move learning from answer-getting to real sense-making.
Speakers
avatar for Mitch Schneider

Mitch Schneider

Hi, I'm Mitch!

I believe learning is fundamentally an act of making thinking visible — not just arriving at answers, but slowing down to examine the process of how we get there. When students can see their own thinking, name it, question it, and reshape it — that's where genuine growth lives. Content is the vehicle, not the destination. Come talk to me if you're... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
1116
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

8:00am CDT

Smarter Grading with CodeHS: Leveraging the Autograder to Save Time and Boost Student Feedback (314)
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
1128
Grading student code shouldn't mean copying and pasting submissions or digging through dozens of files by hand. In this session, led by CodeHS, participants will explore how the CodeHS Autograder can transform the grading workflow in CS and IT courses. Teachers will learn how to use built-in autograders, customize test cases for their own assignments, configure feedback visibility for students, and decide when to combine automated and manual grading for the best results. Whether you're new to CodeHS or looking to get more out of the platform, this session offers practical strategies you can implement immediately.
Speakers
avatar for Dabney Eiland

Dabney Eiland

CTE Curriculum Coordinator, Prosper ISD
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
1128
  Instructional, 9-12, 6-8

8:00am CDT

Teaching That Clicks: When Strategies, Tools, and Outcomes Align (65)
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
1112
Great lessons do more than include engaging activities—they align strategies and tools with clear student learning outcomes. Educators will analyze how strategies and resources function together to promote student growth, while refining existing lessons to strengthen instruction.
Speakers
avatar for Cathy Natale
avatar for Kelly Penn

Kelly Penn

Secondary ELAR Instructional Coach
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
1112
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

8:00am CDT

The AI Co-Pilot: Efficiency for the Modern Educator (116)
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2235
Free up valuable prep time and reduce planning stress with your new AI co-pilot. This hands-on session will demonstrate how to leverage PISD-approved tools, including Gemini and NotebookLM, to automate some of the demanding teaching tasks. Discover how AI can streamline your work—from drafting communications and generating engaging inquiry questions to developing customized study aids for students—allowing you to dedicate more time to essential student connections and personalized instruction.
Speakers
avatar for Kirsten Nelson

Kirsten Nelson

Instructional Technology Coach (ITC), Prosper ISD
I am a fifteenth year educator, starting my third year in instructional technology. I have taught a variety of science courses and levels of instruction including all levels of chemistry (on-level, honors, AP, and inclusion/co-teach), 7th grade science, forensic science, academic... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2235
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

8:00am CDT

The Power of Connection: Advanced Padlet Strategies (111)
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2222
Elevate student engagement by integrating high-quality instructional strategies into your Padlet practice. This session explores how to use Padlet to facilitate Hexagonal Thinking and other collaborative strategies that challenge students to find and justify relationships between concepts. Join us to build a toolkit of advanced strategies that turn your digital space into a dynamic hub for student-led learning.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Leggat

Amy Leggat

Princess, Padlet
Texas education isn't just my job, it's my story.  Both degrees are from SHSU and I spent years teaching ELA/SS/ESL in Conroe ISD.  Now instead of bringing lesson plans to students, I get to bring tools to teachers.

Outside of Padlet, I'm probably chasing live music, wandering a... Read More →
MD
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2222
  Instructional, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

8:00am CDT

The Power of Picture Books in All Content Areas (51)
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
1111
Picture books are not just for elementary classrooms. In secondary settings, they can be powerful tools for building background knowledge, strengthening critical thinking, and supporting content mastery across all subject areas. This session highlights practical strategies for integrating picture books into middle and high school classrooms to introduce complex concepts, spark discussion, reinforce vocabulary, and deepen comprehension. Participants will leave with ready-to-use ideas that support literacy while enhancing instruction in every content area.
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Surratt

Melissa Surratt

Reynolds Middle School Librarian
avatar for Rachel Calhoun
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
1111
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

9:00am CDT

Discourse by Design in Secondary Math (85)
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
1117
Rather than relying on questioning alone to prompt discussion, this session focuses on discourse-by-design—examining secondary math instructional strategies that intentionally create the need for student-to-student communication so all learners engage in mathematical sense-making through structured collaboration and shared problem-solving.
Speakers
avatar for Jordan Benton

Jordan Benton

Secondary Math Instructional Coach
This will be my 4th year in Prosper ISD as a Secondary Math Instructional coach and my 16th year in education. 
avatar for Erin Fitzgerald

Erin Fitzgerald

Secondary Math Instructional Coach
This will be my 10th year in Prosper ISD and my 14th year in education.
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
1117
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

9:00am CDT

Formative 101: Dynamic, Data-Driven Learning Experiences (105)
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
2228
This introductory session will explore Formative, a platform designed to transform traditional checks for understanding into interactive and insightful learning experiences. Teachers will gain proficiency in navigating the platform, building tasks that are aligned with TEKS, and utilizing live response data. Learn how to leverage this real-time data to provide immediate and constructive feedback to students.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Maple

Michelle Maple

ITC, Prosper ISD
avatar for Dessence Grant

Dessence Grant

Professional Learning Manager, Newslea
D’Essence Grant joined Newsela in 2025 as a Professional Learning Manager, bringing nearly a decade of experience from KIPP Texas. During her tenure, she served as an educator, mentor teacher, instructional coach, and Program Manager, specializing in bridging the gap between curriculum... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
2228
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

9:00am CDT

Padlet 101: From Basics to Brilliance (109)
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
2222
Capture every student's voice with the power of Padlet. This session is designed for educators new to the platform who want to master the essentials of digital collaboration. You will explore the various post types—from text and images to video and drawings—and learn how to facilitate a secure, interactive environment for all learners.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Leggat

Amy Leggat

Princess, Padlet
Texas education isn't just my job, it's my story.  Both degrees are from SHSU and I spent years teaching ELA/SS/ESL in Conroe ISD.  Now instead of bringing lesson plans to students, I get to bring tools to teachers.

Outside of Padlet, I'm probably chasing live music, wandering a... Read More →
MD
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
2222
  Instructional, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

9:00am CDT

Purpose Before Pages: Designing Reading That Matters (151)
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
1115
This session helps secondary teachers create reading experiences that feel relevant, intentional, and cognitively engaging. Participants will explore how to establish a strong purpose for reading, align tasks to that purpose, and use strategies that encourage students to read closely, think critically, and stay engaged.
Speakers
avatar for Rosalyn Govan
avatar for Victoria Powers
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
1115
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

9:00am CDT

The Natural Learner: Aligning Instruction with Human Instinct (248)
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
1113
Discover how to leverage the innate human drive for motion in your classroom to engage the "natural learner." This session dives into the science of thinking and movement. You will walk away with a toolkit of practical, evidence-based strategies to increase the integration of movement into your daily lessons.
Speakers
avatar for Courtney White
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
1113
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

9:00am CDT

The Payne and Perkins Show: Notebook LM for the layman and the technological illiterate. (22)
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
1110
During the session we will discuss how to use the AI tool Notebook LM to create resources for your students. Tips, tricks, and common pitfalls.
Speakers
avatar for Nathan Payne
avatar for David Perkins
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
1110
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

9:00am CDT

Thinking on Your Feet: Improv Strategies for Engaging Teaching (373)
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
1234
Lecturing is an important part of teaching... but it's also BORING (and your students agree)! In this session, we will stand up and use techniques from the comedy world to learn to think on our feet. Improv is everywhere in teaching! From lecturing, to asking probing questions, to getting to know your students- teachers are constantly improvising in the classroom. By harnessing these skills and working these muscles, you can give a lecture that students look forward to! Be prepared to stand up, move your body, say silly things, and think on your feet!
Speakers
avatar for Hallie Mcculloch

Hallie Mcculloch

Certified Culinary Arts instructor, B.S. Family and Consumer Sciences Education, amateur improviser!
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
1234
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

9:00am CDT

Using CodeHS Academic Integrity Tools to Promote Authentic Student Learning (315)
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
1128
As AI-generated code and peer copying become increasingly easy, maintaining academic integrity in CS and IT classrooms requires more than an honor policy — it requires smart, proactive systems. In this session led by CodeHS, participants will explore the full suite of tools available in the CodeHS Academic Integrity Center. Teachers will learn how to deter dishonesty before it happens and investigate suspected violations with confidence when it does. From plagiarism reports and code replay to time tracking, copy/paste prevention, and alternate exercises, this session equips teachers with practical strategies to build a classroom culture grounded in authentic learning and honest work.
Speakers
avatar for Dabney Eiland

Dabney Eiland

CTE Curriculum Coordinator, Prosper ISD
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
1128
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

10:00am CDT

"See the Student, Not the Deficit: A PLC Framework for Asset-Based Decision Making" (288)
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1104
This professional development session will equip general and special education teachers with practical, asset-based strategies for student growth. Participants will engage in self-reflection, collaborative dialogue, scenario-based learning, and role-play to explore the impact of their language and thinking on student outcomes. The core focus is differentiating between asset-based and deficit-based mindsets. Participants will leave with tools to ensure their Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) consistently center on student strengths, possibilities, and development.
Together, we will explore three core ideas:
1. Your achievement lens shapes their ceiling.
2. Language is a lever for change.
3. Bias-checking is a team habit, not a one-time event.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Andrea Pickens

Dr. Andrea Pickens

7th Science Teacher & Team Lead
Dr. Andrea Pickens has served in various education and instructional leadership roles such as educator, math and science instructional coach, and director of professional learning since accepting the call to education over a decade ago. She currently serves as the 7th grade science... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1104
  Instructional, 9-12, 6-8

10:00am CDT

Assessment, Collaboration & Challenge: The Power of Digital Escape Rooms (16)
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1103
Looking for a way to boost engagement while maintaining academic rigor? Digital escape rooms combine critical thinking, collaboration, and purposeful assessment into one immersive learning experience. In this session, we’ll explore how secondary teachers can design and implement curriculum-aligned digital escape rooms that reinforce key concepts, promote problem-solving, and provide meaningful formative assessment opportunities. By the end of the session, you will leave with ready-to-use design strategies that work in real classrooms — without requiring advanced technical skills. Whether you’re new to gamification or looking to refine your practice, this session will equip you with tools to challenge students while making learning memorable.
Speakers
avatar for Kerri Connelly

Kerri Connelly

science teacher, Rock Hill HS
This coming year will be my 15th year of teaching. Currently, I teach honors biology and AP Environmental science. 
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1103
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

10:00am CDT

Building a Culture of Excellence: Aligning Athletics with Campus Academic Mission. (132)
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
2065
Come hear about how athletics is an extension of the classroom rather than separate from it
1. GPA/Eligibility Systems
2. Character Development Frameworks
3. Coach as a mentor culture
4. Wrapping all together with Data/Celebrations of Success
Speakers
JS
avatar for Kyle Lintelman
avatar for Kristyn Shelton

Kristyn Shelton

Assistant Athletic Director, Prosper ISD Athletics
I have finished my 15th year in education and 15 years spent in Prosper ISD. My passion for education and athletics is unmatched. I enjoy discussing the ins and outs and x's and o's of any sport. I love to learn new techniques and pass my learning on to others anytime I can. What... Read More →
avatar for Terrenee Knight

Terrenee Knight

Assistant Athletic Coordinator, Prosper Walnut Grove HS
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
2065
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

10:00am CDT

Building Connection Before Content: High Impact First Week Strategies (241)
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1117
The first few days of school are a high-stakes window for capturing student buy-in and setting the tone for the entire year. This session helps you intentionally design a classroom culture rooted in mutual respect and student voice. We will model secondary-friendly activities that help you quickly learn who your students are while practicing collaborative methods for establishing classroom norms.
Speakers
avatar for Jordan Benton

Jordan Benton

Secondary Math Instructional Coach
This will be my 4th year in Prosper ISD as a Secondary Math Instructional coach and my 16th year in education. 
NE
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1117
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

10:00am CDT

Formative 101: Dynamic, Data-Driven Learning Experiences (106)
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
2228
This introductory session will explore Formative, a platform designed to transform traditional checks for understanding into interactive and insightful learning experiences. Teachers will gain proficiency in navigating the platform, building tasks that are aligned with TEKS, and utilizing live response data. Learn how to leverage this real-time data to provide immediate and constructive feedback to students.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Maple

Michelle Maple

ITC, Prosper ISD
avatar for Dessence Grant

Dessence Grant

Professional Learning Manager, Newslea
D’Essence Grant joined Newsela in 2025 as a Professional Learning Manager, bringing nearly a decade of experience from KIPP Texas. During her tenure, she served as an educator, mentor teacher, instructional coach, and Program Manager, specializing in bridging the gap between curriculum... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
2228
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

10:00am CDT

Helping Each Other - Building a Community of Extra-Curricular Support (28)
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1204
Many extra-curricular and co-curricular events overlap with others. Come meet with a variety of Academic and CTE coaches to discuss how we can help each other. For example, in CTE there are events for speaking and we have a robust speech program to support.
Speakers
avatar for Hunter Parrish
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1204
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

10:00am CDT

Hook Them In Before They Tune Out (331)
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1126
Motivation is critical to successful language learning, yet many educators face increasing student apathy. This session explores purposeful lesson hooks that spark curiosity, build confidence, and engage all learners from the start. Participants will analyze sample hooks, apply a checklist, and design an engaging hook for their own classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Amariz Acosta

Amariz Acosta

World Language Instructional Coach
With 22 years in education, I have dedicated my career to supporting student learning and growth. For 21 years, I taught a variety of courses including all levels of Spanish, Accounting, and BIM. This year, I transitioned into a new role as an Instructional Coach for World Languages... Read More →
avatar for Andy Myers
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1126
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

10:00am CDT

Notes As a Process, Not a Product (128)
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1110
Explore how effective note-taking supports student sense-making when it is treated as an ongoing process rather than a finished product. Using research-based strategies, we will examine how pausing instruction, scaffolding notes, and intentionally supporting revision and collaboration help students deepen understanding of scientific concepts. Teachers will leave with practical, classroom-ready approaches for designing note-taking routines that promote thinking, discussion, and learning.
Speakers
avatar for Kathleen Zellers
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1110
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

10:00am CDT

The Power of Connection: Advanced Padlet Strategies (110)
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
2222
Elevate student engagement by integrating high-quality instructional strategies into your Padlet practice. This session explores how to use Padlet to facilitate Hexagonal Thinking and other collaborative strategies that challenge students to find and justify relationships between concepts. Join us to build a toolkit of advanced strategies that turn your digital space into a dynamic hub for student-led learning.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Leggat

Amy Leggat

Princess, Padlet
Texas education isn't just my job, it's my story.  Both degrees are from SHSU and I spent years teaching ELA/SS/ESL in Conroe ISD.  Now instead of bringing lesson plans to students, I get to bring tools to teachers.

Outside of Padlet, I'm probably chasing live music, wandering a... Read More →
MD
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
2222
  Instructional, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

10:00am CDT

The Truth about Direct Instruction (183)
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1115
This professional development session examines the research-based framework of Direct Instruction and its application in the modern classroom. While grounded in the foundational work of Siegfried Engelmann, the presentation focuses primarily on the instructional principles identified by Barak Rosenshine. The content addresses the technical distinctions between common perceptions of the methodology and its actual implementation as a structured, evidence-based approach to managing cognitive load. Participants will analyze how to transition students from initial instruction to high levels of accuracy through systematic scaffolding and targeted feedback.
Speakers
avatar for Devon Mize

Devon Mize

Instructional Coach, Prosper ISD
Secondary Instructional Coach in Prosper ISD
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1115
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

10:00am CDT

Your Course, Your Way: Content Pacing and Customization in CodeHS (316)
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1128
No two classrooms move at exactly the same pace — and no two teachers have exactly the same instructional goals. In this session led by CodeHS, participants will learn how to take control of their course structure and delivery using CodeHS's robust pacing and customization tools. Teachers will explore how to sequence and schedule content visibility, set due dates and milestones, add or remove assignments, build custom modules, and differentiate access for individual students or entire sections. Whether you're adapting a CodeHS course to fit your campus pacing guide, supplementing with your own materials, or building a course from scratch, this session gives you the hands-on skills to make the platform truly work for your classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Dabney Eiland

Dabney Eiland

CTE Curriculum Coordinator, Prosper ISD
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1128
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

11:00am CDT

Ask the Experts: Open Q&A and Troubleshooting for CodeHS Teachers (317)
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
1128
Sometimes the most valuable professional development is having an expert in the room when you finally get to ask the question that's been slowing you down. In this session led by CodeHS, participants bring their real classroom challenges, platform questions, and workflow frustrations to the table. Whether you're stuck on a grading setting, unsure how to configure something for your specific course, trying to figure out why a student's submission isn't behaving as expected, or just want to know if CodeHS has a feature you haven't discovered yet — this is your time. Get experienced support and peer learning in a low-stakes, collaborative environment.
Speakers
avatar for Dabney Eiland

Dabney Eiland

CTE Curriculum Coordinator, Prosper ISD
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
1128
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

12:00pm CDT

Building a Team - Strategies on the Culture of building ACADEMIC UIL teams (26)
Thursday July 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
1204
Experienced coaches known for having large and committed teams share their tips and tricks for getting students involved and keeping them involved in the extra-curricular activities. When the draw of competition isn't enough, these strategies will help you keep students coming back year after year.
Speakers
avatar for Rachael Cummings
HR

Hannah Rodriguez

Speech & Debate Coach
Thursday July 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
1204
  Instructional, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

12:00pm CDT

Formative: More Than a Check for Understanding (107)
Thursday July 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
2228
Participants will learn to design engaging, interactive lessons that prioritize student voice and make thinking visible, focusing on effective Tier 1 instruction. This session focuses on integrating constructive, immediate feedback and using real-time student data to drive instruction. Attendees will leave with a completed, TEKS-aligned lesson ready for immediate use, along with a strategy for utilizing data to plan their subsequent instructional steps.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Maple

Michelle Maple

ITC, Prosper ISD
avatar for Dessence Grant

Dessence Grant

Professional Learning Manager, Newslea
D’Essence Grant joined Newsela in 2025 as a Professional Learning Manager, bringing nearly a decade of experience from KIPP Texas. During her tenure, she served as an educator, mentor teacher, instructional coach, and Program Manager, specializing in bridging the gap between curriculum... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
2228
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

12:00pm CDT

Tech that Supports: Supporting Diverse Learners in GenEd and Resource Classrooms (381)
Thursday July 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
1100
Less theory, more "I can actually use this." Discover how technology can open doors for diverse learners in both general education and resource settings, with hands-on tools and real classroom strategies you can implement right away.
Speakers
avatar for Hailey Geiser
avatar for Tracey Heusinkveld
Thursday July 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
1100
  Instructional, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

1:00pm CDT

DBQ in a Day: Quick Writes, Engagement, and Analysis Strategies for Stronger Student Thinking (167)
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
1104
Looking for ways to incorporate high-quality DBQ materials into your daily lessons without dedicating multiple class periods to the full DBQ process? This session will introduce you to practical, flexible strategies that bring DBQ instruction into any social studies classroom on any given day. Participants will explore quick write techniques, student engagement strategies, and document analysis approaches that make historical thinking both accessible and meaningful. Learn how to leverage DBQ Project resources in time-efficient ways while strengthening students’ CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) writing skills and deepening their ability to analyze and interpret sources.
Walk away with ready-to-use tools that increase student engagement, support critical thinking, and build stronger analytical writing habits—without sacrificing valuable instructional time.
Speakers
avatar for John Smetzer

John Smetzer

8th Grade U.S. History, Reynolds
Secondary Social Studies Teacher leading sessions related to responsive instruction and social studies instructional strategies.
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
1104
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

1:00pm CDT

Formative: More Than a Check for Understanding (108)
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
2228
Participants will learn to design engaging, interactive lessons that prioritize student voice and make thinking visible, focusing on effective Tier 1 instruction. This session focuses on integrating constructive, immediate feedback and using real-time student data to drive instruction. Attendees will leave with a completed, TEKS-aligned lesson ready for immediate use, along with a strategy for utilizing data to plan their subsequent instructional steps.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Maple

Michelle Maple

ITC, Prosper ISD
avatar for Dessence Grant

Dessence Grant

Professional Learning Manager, Newslea
D’Essence Grant joined Newsela in 2025 as a Professional Learning Manager, bringing nearly a decade of experience from KIPP Texas. During her tenure, she served as an educator, mentor teacher, instructional coach, and Program Manager, specializing in bridging the gap between curriculum... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
2228
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

1:00pm CDT

From Chaos to Clarity: AI for Special Education Teachers (382)
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
1126
Special education teachers in self-contained and resource settings face the daily challenge of balancing complex instruction, intensive behavior support, data collection, and family communication—often with limited planning time. This session explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can serve as a powerful partner in reducing cognitive overload and streamlining professional responsibilities.
Using the High-Leverage Practices (HLPs) framework as a guide, presenters will demonstrate practical, evidence-based applications for AI across four essential domains: Collaboration, Data-Driven Planning, Instruction, and Behavior, with an emphasis on instruction and behavior. Participants will learn how to move beyond generic tools to create highly individualized student supports—from drafting family-friendly progress summaries and visual schedules to analyzing behavior patterns and generating multi-level academic materials.
Through real-world examples and sample prompts, this session highlights how early-career teachers are currently using AI to enhance instructional precision while maintaining the human-centered, ethical, and relational heart of special education.
Speakers
avatar for Anna Ballard

Anna Ballard

Secondary Inclusion Teacher
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
1126
  Instructional, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

1:00pm CDT

PISD Student Councils Unite! (249)
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
1115
Get ready to connect, collaborate, and create! This session brings together student councils, from Elementary to High School, from across the district to share exciting ideas, showcase successful projects, and plan for upcoming events. It’s a chance to learn from each other, spark new inspiration, and build a stronger, more united student leadership community.
Speakers
avatar for Francisco Salas
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
1115
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

1:00pm CDT

Pop Into Engagement! (326)
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
1118
Are your students tuned out and just going through the motions? It's time to flip the script! In this hands-on session, you won't just hear about engagement strategies — you'll experience them. Step into your students' shoes through role-play, demonstrations, and simulations, and walk away with a ready-to-use toolkit you can implement tomorrow. Come ready to move, think, and have a little fun. Your students will thank you.
Speakers
avatar for Kelley Henderson

Kelley Henderson

CTE Coordinator, Prosper ISD
Kelley Henderson brings over two decades of dedicated service to education, with 22 years of experience shaping career and technical education pathways for students. Currently serving as a CTE Coordinator, she has spent 16 years with Prosper ISD, where she spent 12 years as a CTE... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
1118
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

1:00pm CDT

The Power of Picture Books in All Content Areas (52)
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
1111
Picture books are not just for elementary classrooms. In secondary settings, they can be powerful tools for building background knowledge, strengthening critical thinking, and supporting content mastery across all subject areas. This session highlights practical strategies for integrating picture books into middle and high school classrooms to introduce complex concepts, spark discussion, reinforce vocabulary, and deepen comprehension. Participants will leave with ready-to-use ideas that support literacy while enhancing instruction in every content area.
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Surratt

Melissa Surratt

Reynolds Middle School Librarian
avatar for Rachel Calhoun
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
1111
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

2:00pm CDT

Being a Middle School or High School UIL Academic Campus Coordinator (31)
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
1204
Attendees will learn the resources provided to them and strategies for handling the position of UIL Academic Campus Coordinator smoothly. All Coordinators are encouraged to attend to get prepared for the upcoming school year.
Speakers
avatar for Racy Kane

Racy Kane

Director of Academic Competition, Prosper ISD
Racy Kane serves as Director of Academic Competition for Prosper ISD where she supports Speech and Debate throughout the district, Spelling Bee, Mock Trial, Robotics, and UIL Academics at the district's 30 campuses.
Prior to moving to the district office, Racy was the Associate Principal at Prosper HS where she served in campus administration for 6 years. She runs multiple UIL District contests in the North Texas area and is the UIL Regional Director for Region 2-5A and 1-6A. For the past 13... Read More →
HR

Hannah Rodriguez

Speech & Debate Coach
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
1204
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

2:00pm CDT

Feedback Forensics (98)
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
1102
Turn your students into Feedback detectives to increase metacognition and deeper learning for student growth. This session will cover the research behind different types of feedback, how to increase student ownership of feedback, and practical feedback processes to implement with your students.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Flores
avatar for Kara Noah
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
1102
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

2:00pm CDT

Measure What Matters: Using Data to Drive CTE Success (328)
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
1118
You're already collecting data — but is it telling you anything useful? In this session, you'll move beyond gradebooks and test scores to uncover the qualitative data already happening in your classroom every day. Learn how to define mastery, track student progress with simple systems, and turn evidence into confident instructional decisions.
Speakers
avatar for Kelley Henderson

Kelley Henderson

CTE Coordinator, Prosper ISD
Kelley Henderson brings over two decades of dedicated service to education, with 22 years of experience shaping career and technical education pathways for students. Currently serving as a CTE Coordinator, she has spent 16 years with Prosper ISD, where she spent 12 years as a CTE... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
1118
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

2:00pm CDT

Neurodiversity‑Affirming Classrooms: Small Shifts, Big Impact (139)
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
2211
What if "challenging behaviors" were actually "unmet needs"? In this hands-on session, we shift the lens from a compliance-based model to a neurodiversity-affirming approach. Rather than focusing on "fixing" the student, we explore how to "fix" the environment to support diverse brains. Participants will move beyond theory to practice, conducting a 360-degree sensory audit of a classroom and testing a "toolkit" of low-cost, high-impact strategies. You will leave with a concrete "one-inch shift" plan. a single, immediate change you can implement tomorrow to reduce cognitive load, honor sensory needs, and foster a culture of belonging for every learner in your building.
Speakers
avatar for Kristi Massey
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
2211
  Instructional, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

2:00pm CDT

Responsive Instruction in Action: Using Data to Drive Flexible Grouping (187)
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
1104
This session will guide teachers through a practical process for turning common formative assessment data into targeted, responsive instruction. Participants will learn how to break down data by learning target, identify specific student needs, and create flexible groups for both intervention and extension. The session will also highlight how teams can collaborate by sharing students and leveraging teacher strengths to maximize impact and ensure all learners receive the support they need.
Speakers
avatar for Katie Lumpkin

Katie Lumpkin

8th grade US History Teacher, Reynolds Middle School
Secondary Social Studies Teacher leading sessions related to responsive instruction and social studies instructional strategies.  
avatar for John Smetzer

John Smetzer

8th Grade U.S. History, Reynolds
Secondary Social Studies Teacher leading sessions related to responsive instruction and social studies instructional strategies.
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
1104
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

2:00pm CDT

Teaching That Clicks: When Strategies, Tools, and Outcomes Align (67)
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
1112
Great lessons do more than include engaging activities—they align strategies and tools with clear student learning outcomes. Educators will analyze how strategies and resources function together to promote student growth, while refining existing lessons to strengthen instruction.
Speakers
avatar for Becky Covington

Becky Covington

Instructional Coach, Prosper-ISD
I have had the privilege to be an educator for over 30 years and have taught all grades PK-7, with extensive experience in ESL, bilingual and dual language.  I have always had a love for curriculum development, which has led me to my current role as an instructional coach.
avatar for Shelli Brown

Shelli Brown

Secondary World Language Instructional Coach

Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
1112
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12

2:00pm CDT

The Management Masterclass: Building Success through Intentional Routines (84)
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
1113
Classroom management is the foundation upon which all learning is built. This session is designed for any educator looking to refine the daily routines that drive student success. Participants will explore high-leverage routines that ensure consistency, smoother transitions, and increased student engagement. Whether you are a new teacher or a veteran, this session provides the practical tools and troubleshooting scenarios needed to finish the year strong.
Speakers
avatar for Erin Fitzgerald

Erin Fitzgerald

Secondary Math Instructional Coach
This will be my 10th year in Prosper ISD and my 14th year in education.
avatar for Rebekah Smith

Rebekah Smith

Secondary Social Studies Instructional Coach, Prosper ISD
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
1113
  Instructional, 6-8, 9-12
 
Prosper Connects '26
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