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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

Building Thinking Classrooms in Pre-K: Growing Little Thinkers Through Talk, Questions, and Visible Learning (56)
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2225
This professional learning session focuses on practical ways Pre-K teachers can cultivate strong thinking skills in young learners by intentionally using open-ended questioning, problem-solving opportunities, and visible learning strategies. Inspired by the work of Peter Liljedahl and the principles of Building Thinking Classrooms, the session explores how these ideas can be adapted for developmentally appropriate early childhood classrooms. Participants will learn how simple teacher moves such as asking thoughtful questions, encouraging student-to-student talk, and capturing children’s ideas, can transform everyday classroom moments into opportunities for deeper thinking. Through modeling, discussion, and hands-on exploration with manipulatives, teachers will experience strategies that help students explain their thinking, test ideas, and learn collaboratively. By the end of the session, educators will leave with practical tools and strategies to create learning environments where curiosity, exploration, and student voice are central to instruction.
Speakers
avatar for Zakeia Kennedy

Zakeia Kennedy

Instructional Coach, Prosper ISD
avatar for Liz Mejia

Liz Mejia

Dual Language Facilitator


Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2225
  Instructional, Pre K

8:00am CDT

Small Moves, Big Gains: 1% Tweaks for 100% Engagement (376)
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
1101
Excellence isn't always about the "Grand Gesture"—it's about the small, consistent habits that transform a classroom. Join us to discover how shifting your posture, your questioning, and your feedback loops can save you hours of frustration.
Speakers
avatar for Allison Hand

Allison Hand

Education Consultant, Seidlitz Education

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
1101
  Instructional, K-12, Pre K

8:00am CDT

Tap, Talk, Learn! Using Technology to Spark Play, Creativity, and Thinking in Pre-K (121)
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2221
Technology can be a powerful learning tool in Pre-K when it is used intentionally and developmentally appropriately. In this session, educators will explore how to integrate technology and classroom applications to enhance play, creativity, language development, and student thinking. Participants will learn practical ways to use tablets, interactive boards, and simple classroom apps to document learning, encourage collaboration, and deepen engagement without replacing hands-on experiences. Teachers will leave with ready-to-use strategies and app ideas that support exploration, communication, and meaningful learning in early childhood classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Derek Haney

Derek Haney

Instructional Technology, Prosper ISD
With 14 years in education and six as an Instructional Technology Coach for Prosper ISD, I am passionate about empowering elementary educators to seamlessly integrate technology into their classrooms. My focus is on providing practical, effective strategies to enhance student learning... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2221
  Instructional, Pre K

8:00am CDT

The Ian Malcolm Method: Scientific Theories of Jurassic Park applied to the Early Childhood Classroom (135)
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2220
From Chaos Theory to The Butterfly Effect, Dr. Ian Malcolm demonstrates that complex systems cannot be contained by rigid fences. The same is true for the early childhood classroom. In this session, we will explore how letting go of the "control room" allows for a classroom where imagination and learning truly "finds a way."
Speakers
avatar for Heather Brown

Heather Brown

Teacher, Prosper ISD
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2220
  Instructional, Pre K

8:00am CDT

The Power of Partnership: Sparking Success Together (410)
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2224
Great teaching starts with great teamwork! In this session, participants will explore strategies to build positive, collaborative relationships with co-teachers, paraprofessionals, and teaching assistants. Through interactive discussions and practical scenarios, attendees will gain strategies to support mutual respect, communicate effectively, and align on goals to create a cohesive classroom environment. By igniting the spark of collaboration, you’ll unlock the full potential of your teaching team and set the stage for student success.
Speakers
avatar for Christine A. Collins

Christine A. Collins

Consultant, Region 10 ESC
Christine A. Collins is in her fifth year as an Early Childhood Consultant with Region 10. She is originally from Detroit Michigan, where for many years she taught children in Kindergarten through 4th grade. Upon coming to Texas, Christine provided instruction to Dallas ISD students... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2224
  Instructional, Pre K

9:00am CDT

A Day in the Life of Pre-K: Understanding Early Learning Through Play (62)
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
2225
This session is designed for new Pre-K teachers and kindergarten teachers who would benefit from understanding the structure of a blended Pre-K classroom. Participants will explore how play-based learning drives instruction while teachers differentiate instruction, collect observational data, assess student growth, utilize flexible grouping, and collaborate to support the development of young learners. This professional learning session provides educators with a window into what a typical day looks like in a high-quality Pre-K classroom. Participants will explore how early childhood learning is intentionally designed through play-based experiences, hands-on exploration, and language-rich interactions. The session highlights the essential Pre-K standards, the blended Pre-K classroom model, and developmentally appropriate instructional practices that support young learners. Participants will gain insight into how foundational skills in literacy, math, language, and social development are nurtured through structured routines, learning centers, and purposeful teacher interactions. Through hands-on activities and real classroom examples, teachers will learn how play serves as a powerful tool for developing problem-solving, communication, and independence in young children. By the end of the session, educators will leave with a deeper understanding of the Pre-K learning environment and how it prepares students for future academic success.
Speakers
PM

Penny Morgan

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, Prosper ISD
Hello!

I currently teach Pre-K with Prosper ISD and this is my 4th year attending this workshop! I absolutely love it and cannot wait to learn new and innovative ways to help my students learn and grow! This is my 15th year in early childhood special education and my 5th year with ECSE in... Read More →
avatar for Laura Boyett
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
2225
  Instructional, Pre K, K-2

9:00am CDT

Not Just a Story: Turning Read Alouds into Powerful Shared Reading Moments (159)
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
1219
In early childhood classrooms, reading happens every day—but not all reading experiences are created equal. This session helps Pre-K teachers clearly understand the difference between read aloud and shared reading, and why both are essential for developing strong, confident early readers.
Participants will explore how to move beyond simply reading to students and instead engage them as active participants in the reading process. Through modeling, discussion, and hands-on planning, teachers will learn how to design and deliver intentional shared reading experiences that build foundational literacy skills such as print awareness, vocabulary, and comprehension.
By the end of the session, teachers will walk away with practical strategies, clear “look-fors,” and a simple structure they can immediately implement to make shared reading a powerful and consistent part of their daily instruction.
Speakers
avatar for Ashley Thoren
avatar for Samantha Diemer

Samantha Diemer

Blended Pre-K Teacher
Hi! I am Samantha and this will be my 7th year teaching. 
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
1219
  Instructional, Pre K

9:00am CDT

Small Moves, Big Gains: 1% Tweaks for 100% Engagement (377)
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
1101
Excellence isn't always about the "Grand Gesture"—it's about the small, consistent habits that transform a classroom. Join us to discover how shifting your posture, your questioning, and your feedback loops can save you hours of frustration.
Speakers
avatar for Allison Hand

Allison Hand

Education Consultant, Seidlitz Education

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
1101
  Instructional, K-12, Pre K

9:00am CDT

The Power of Partnership: Sparking Success Together (416)
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
2224
Great teaching starts with great teamwork! In this session, participants will explore strategies to build positive, collaborative relationships with co-teachers, paraprofessionals, and teaching assistants. Through interactive discussions and practical scenarios, attendees will gain strategies to support mutual respect, communicate effectively, and align on goals to create a cohesive classroom environment. By igniting the spark of collaboration, you’ll unlock the full potential of your teaching team and set the stage for student success.
Speakers
avatar for Christine A. Collins

Christine A. Collins

Consultant, Region 10 ESC
Christine A. Collins is in her fifth year as an Early Childhood Consultant with Region 10. She is originally from Detroit Michigan, where for many years she taught children in Kindergarten through 4th grade. Upon coming to Texas, Christine provided instruction to Dallas ISD students... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
2224
  Instructional, Pre K

10:00am CDT

Heggerty PK - 1st (94)
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1217
Fast, fun, and effective! Heggerty is a 10-minute daily lesson that delivers explicit instruction in critical phonemic awareness and early literacy skills, fitting seamlessly into your existing literacy instruction.
Speakers
avatar for Kellis Webb

Kellis Webb

Literacy Coach
My name is Kellis Webb and I have dedicated 23 years to education, spending 21 of those years in the kindergarten classroom.  For the past two years, I have stepped into the role of literacy coach, focusing on Reading Academy and supporting the diverse literacy needs of both students... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1217
  Instructional, Pre K, K-2

10:00am CDT

Small Moves, Big Gains: 1% Tweaks for 100% Engagement (378)
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1101
Excellence isn't always about the "Grand Gesture"—it's about the small, consistent habits that transform a classroom. Join us to discover how shifting your posture, your questioning, and your feedback loops can save you hours of frustration.
Speakers
avatar for Allison Hand

Allison Hand

Education Consultant, Seidlitz Education

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1101
  Instructional, Pre K, K-12

10:00am CDT

The Art of the Pivot: Small Instructional Shifts for Big Results Focus: Enhancing student engagement through low-preparation, high-impact "small moves" in the Pre-K classroom. (64)
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
2225
Excellence in early childhood education is often about accruing small improvements over time rather than radical change. This session provides Pre-K educators with a toolkit of "small moves"—practical, immediate teacher habits designed to help students talk more, think more, and achieve more. Participants will explore strategies to support the core foundations of listening, speaking, reading, and writing
Speakers
avatar for Michaela Geiter

Michaela Geiter

Elementary Instructional Coach, Prosper ISD
avatar for Zakeia Kennedy

Zakeia Kennedy

Instructional Coach, Prosper ISD
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
2225
  Instructional, Pre K

10:00am CDT

The Power of Partnership: Sparking Success Together (421)
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
2224
Great teaching starts with great teamwork! In this session, participants will explore strategies to build positive, collaborative relationships with co-teachers, paraprofessionals, and teaching assistants. Through interactive discussions and practical scenarios, attendees will gain strategies to support mutual respect, communicate effectively, and align on goals to create a cohesive classroom environment. By igniting the spark of collaboration, you’ll unlock the full potential of your teaching team and set the stage for student success.
Speakers
avatar for Christine A. Collins

Christine A. Collins

Consultant, Region 10 ESC
Christine A. Collins is in her fifth year as an Early Childhood Consultant with Region 10. She is originally from Detroit Michigan, where for many years she taught children in Kindergarten through 4th grade. Upon coming to Texas, Christine provided instruction to Dallas ISD students... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
2224
  Instructional, Pre K

11:00am CDT

The Power of Partnership: Sparking Success Together (426)
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
2224
Great teaching starts with great teamwork! In this session, participants will explore strategies to build positive, collaborative relationships with co-teachers, paraprofessionals, and teaching assistants. Through interactive discussions and practical scenarios, attendees will gain strategies to support mutual respect, communicate effectively, and align on goals to create a cohesive classroom environment. By igniting the spark of collaboration, you’ll unlock the full potential of your teaching team and set the stage for student success.
Speakers
avatar for Christine A. Collins

Christine A. Collins

Consultant, Region 10 ESC
Christine A. Collins is in her fifth year as an Early Childhood Consultant with Region 10. She is originally from Detroit Michigan, where for many years she taught children in Kindergarten through 4th grade. Upon coming to Texas, Christine provided instruction to Dallas ISD students... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am CDT
2224
  Instructional, Pre K

12:00pm CDT

A Day in the Life of Pre-K: Understanding Early Learning Through Play (63)
Thursday July 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
2225
This session is designed for new Pre-K teachers and kindergarten teachers who would benefit from understanding the structure of a blended Pre-K classroom. Participants will explore how play-based learning drives instruction while teachers differentiate instruction, collect observational data, assess student growth, utilize flexible grouping, and collaborate to support the development of young learners. This professional learning session provides educators with a window into what a typical day looks like in a high-quality Pre-K classroom. Participants will explore how early childhood learning is intentionally designed through play-based experiences, hands-on exploration, and language-rich interactions. The session highlights the essential Pre-K standards, the blended Pre-K classroom model, and developmentally appropriate instructional practices that support young learners. Participants will gain insight into how foundational skills in literacy, math, language, and social development are nurtured through structured routines, learning centers, and purposeful teacher interactions. Through hands-on activities and real classroom examples, teachers will learn how play serves as a powerful tool for developing problem-solving, communication, and independence in young children. By the end of the session, educators will leave with a deeper understanding of the Pre-K learning environment and how it prepares students for future academic success.
Speakers
PM

Penny Morgan

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, Prosper ISD
Hello!

I currently teach Pre-K with Prosper ISD and this is my 4th year attending this workshop! I absolutely love it and cannot wait to learn new and innovative ways to help my students learn and grow! This is my 15th year in early childhood special education and my 5th year with ECSE in... Read More →
avatar for Laura Boyett
Thursday July 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
2225
  Instructional, Pre K, K-2

12:00pm CDT

Small Moves, Big Gains: 1% Tweaks for 100% Engagement (380)
Thursday July 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
1101
Excellence isn't always about the "Grand Gesture"—it's about the small, consistent habits that transform a classroom. Join us to discover how shifting your posture, your questioning, and your feedback loops can save you hours of frustration.
Speakers
avatar for Allison Hand

Allison Hand

Education Consultant, Seidlitz Education

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
1101
  Instructional, Pre K, K-12

1:00pm CDT

Beyond Mastery: Meaningful Extensions for Pre-K’s Most Ready Learners (103)
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
2225
In every Pre-K classroom, some students quickly demonstrate mastery of key skills and standards. The challenge then becomes: What’s next? This professional learning session helps teachers design meaningful extension opportunities that deepen thinking rather than simply adding more work. Participants will explore how to intentionally plan extensions for students who have already mastered learning targets (Q4 students in the PLC model) by increasing complexity, creativity, language, and problem solving within play-based learning environments. Teachers will leave with practical strategies, planning tools, and examples that support continued growth for advanced learners while maintaining developmentally appropriate, engaging experiences.
Speakers
avatar for Eddy Rodriguez
avatar for Paola Bayo Rodriguez

Paola Bayo Rodriguez

Blended Pre-K Teacher
Hello! My name is Paola Bayo, and I am excited to be entering my 5th year teaching in Prosper Independent School District. I have had the opportunity to teach students from Pre-K through 2nd grade around the world, including in Spain, Japan, Germany, and now here in Texas.Teaching... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
2225
  Instructional, Pre K

1:00pm CDT

Play, Learn, Grow: Small Group Success (174)
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
2224
Join us for a session all about how to provide intentional push-in small group instruction during purposeful play centers to maximize student learning without disrupting play. Participants will explore strategies for embedding targeted skills, scaffold learning, and differentiate instruction while children are actively engaged in meaningful, hands-on activities.
Speakers
avatar for Kaitlyn Schoppe
avatar for Jennifer Thorpe

Jennifer Thorpe

Blended PreK Teacher, Prosper ISD
Jenn is a Blended PreK teacher in Prosper ISD and has spent 17 years in the Early Childhood classroom. She is the mother of two young boys and has been married for 16 years. Jenn has a Bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas Woman's University and is currently working... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
2224
  Instructional, Pre K

1:00pm CDT

Small Moves, Big Gains: 1% Tweaks for 100% Engagement (379)
Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
1101
Excellence isn't always about the "Grand Gesture"—it's about the small, consistent habits that transform a classroom. Join us to discover how shifting your posture, your questioning, and your feedback loops can save you hours of frustration.
Speakers
avatar for Allison Hand

Allison Hand

Education Consultant, Seidlitz Education

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
1101
  Instructional, Pre K, K-12

2:00pm CDT

Foster Creativity in Pre-K (Emphasizing Process over Product) (306)
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
1235
This training session explores the concept of process art and its role in early childhood classrooms. Emphasis is placed on shifting the focus from producing a perfect final product to valuing the creative process itself. Educators will gain practical strategies to support student exploration, choice, and individuality, while recognizing the importance of the learning, thinking, and problem-solving that occur during art experiences.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Ceron
avatar for Sindhuja Muthukumar

Sindhuja Muthukumar

Hello! I am Sindhu and I am an Instructional Assistant at Calhoun Early Childhood School.
I have been in early childhood education for 6 years with children ranging from 3 to 6 years old.
I believe school for all ages is meant to be magical, playful, and fun. My passion is to light a fire in children, showing them there is wonder all around just waiting to be discovered. I am passionate about process art because it helps me connect with the children while they crea... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
1235
  Instructional, Pre K, K-2

2:00pm CDT

Playdough Power in Pre-K! (275)
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
2225
Strategies for using Playdough as a learning tool to help build fine motor skills, writing skills, vocabulary and social emotional skills in centers and small groups for our PreK students.
Speakers
avatar for Susan Caver
avatar for Jeanine Eagan
Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
2225
  Instructional, Pre K
 
Prosper Connects '26
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