Prosper Connects '26: Full Schedule

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

8:00am CDT

Better Together: Unlocking the Potential of Station-Based Co-Teaching (99)

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT

2207

Unlock how station-based co-teaching empowers educators to work together, differentiate effectively, and provide targeted support for all learners. Learn simple practical ways to partner up, plan efficiently and make stations a powerful tool for student success.

Speakers

Yuri Lara

Hello,
My name is Yuri Lara, and I bring over 10 years of teaching experience across the public and private sectors in New York, New Jersey, and Texas.

I began my career in Special Education, working in an inclusion setting for Universal Pre-K, an experience that profoundly shaped my understanding of what it means to provide meaningful access to not only students with disabilities but to all students. It was there that my purpose... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2207

Special Education, K-2, 3-5

8:00am CDT

Discover Dyslexia Elementary Level (335)

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT

2135

You're invited to view a classroom experience through the lens of a dyslexic student. Participants will learn about the specific characteristics of dyslexia and engage in a dyslexia simulation.

Speakers

Teresa Davis

Dyslexia Therapist, Prosper ISD

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2135

Special Education, K-2, 3-5

8:00am CDT

Get in Touch: A Dive into TouchMath Manipulatives and Online Resources (Elementary SpEd Teachers only) (180)

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT

2209

Unlock the full potential of TouchMath in this fast-paced, 50-minute workshop. Designed specifically for students accessing the PK–2 math standards, we will dive hands-on into the manipulatives that turn abstract numbers into concrete concepts for learners. After exploring tactile strategies, we’ll shift to the online platform, demonstrating how to seamlessly navigate digital lessons, track student progress, and bridge the gap between physical tools and abstract learning.

Speakers

Alexandria Gant

Christina Domingue

Special Education Instructional Coach

Nicole Boynton

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2209

Special Education, K-2, 3-5

8:00am CDT

Intentional Academic Instruction in the BTC/SET Setting (149)

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT

2211

This course focuses on implementing intentional, structured academic instruction within a behavior and social-emotional support classroom based on the Modified Workshop Model. Participants will explore what effective instruction should look like in these settings, including embedding academic learning within behavior supports, maintaining high expectations, and creating predictable, engaging learning environments for students with diverse needs.
The course also emphasizes the importance of collaboration with general education teachers to ensure alignment of curriculum, accommodations, and student goals. Participants will be introduced to strategies for co-planning, communication, and supporting students in accessing grade-level content while addressing social-emotional and behavioral needs.

Speakers

Laura Telesca

SPED Instructional Coach

Heather Steele

Special Education Instructional Coach

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2211

Special Education, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, K-12

8:00am CDT

Ready, Set, Connect: Building a Foundation with Purposeful Layouts and Positive Vibes (210)

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT

2215

This session focuses on designing a purposeful classroom environment that supports meaningful routines and student success, particularly for special education learners. Participants will explore how intentional classroom setup (much like laying a strong foundation for a house) creates the structure needed to build effective procedures, routines, and visual supports over time. Emphasis will be placed on selecting and implementing visuals that are meaningful, functional, and used with clear purpose. Additionally, the session highlights the importance of maintaining a positive, solution-oriented mindset when challenges arise. Educators will leave with practical strategies to establish structured, supportive environments that foster independence, consistency, and engagement for all students.

Speakers

Katherine Johnson

Communications K-2, Spradley Elementary

My name is Katherine Johnson, and I have 22 years of teaching experience across both general and special education settings. My background includes 14 years in Special Education Pre-K through 5th grade, 5 years in 1st grade, 1 year in 3rd grade, and 2 years in Kindergarten.I am highly... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2215

Special Education, K-2, 3-5

8:00am CDT

See the Strength, Shape the Behavior: Empowering Every Learner (332)

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT

1237

This session provides a concise, practical overview of strengths-based approaches to supporting students with Emotional Disability, Autism, and ADHD. The focus is on helping teachers quickly identify and leverage student strengths to improve behavior, engagement, and classroom success. Participants will gain a brief understanding of how these needs may impact behavior and will leave with a small set of high-impact, easy-to-implement strategies that can be embedded into daily routines. Emphasis is placed on proactive supports, positive relationships, and simple tools that can be used immediately to create a more inclusive and supportive classroom environment.

Speakers

Jenna Becker

School Psychologist

I'm a school psychologist who is passionate about advocating for students and systems-level change. I received my bachelor's degree in psychology from Baylor University and my specialist degree in school psychology from Texas State University. The 26-27 school year will be my 13th... Read More →

Kristine Rodriguez

School Psychologist

Dr. Kristine Rodriguez has dedicated 21 years to education, including 14 years as a school psychologist and 7 years as a middle school teacher. Throughout her career, she has served students and families across multiple North Texas school districts, as well as through the Department... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
1237

Special Education, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

9:00am CDT

Discover Dyslexia Elementary Level (400)

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT

2135

You're invited to view a classroom experience through the lens of a dyslexic student. Participants will learn about the specific characteristics of dyslexia and engage in a dyslexia simulation.

Speakers

Teresa Davis

Dyslexia Therapist, Prosper ISD

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
2135

Special Education, K-2, 3-5

9:00am CDT

In Their Shoes: Experiencing Barriers Students Navigate (186)

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT

2212

In this highly interactive session, you’ll rotate through short simulations that mirror the real challenges students experience with academics, executive functioning, attention, and more. You’ll feel the frustration, confusion, and overload and more importantly, learn simple, realistic ways to reduce those barriers.
Walk away with a small set of high-impact strategies, systems, and visuals you can implement immediately to increase independence, reduce repeated prompting, and support a wider range of learners without adding more to your plate.
No jargon. No overwhelm. Just practical strategies that work.

Speakers

Amanda Foster

Special Education Instructional Coach

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
2212

Special Education, K-2, 3-5

9:00am CDT

Partnering for Success - Teamwork in the Centralized Classroom (SPED Paras) (117)

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT

2207

This session will empower paraprofessionals to be active members in the centralized classroom. Roles and responsibilities will be discussed and strategies for working in and out of the classroom will be shared.

Speakers

Lynley Nall

Heather Beeker

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
2207

Special Education, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

9:00am CDT

The Vizzle Vibe: An Introduction to Vizzle Platform Navigation (Elementary SpEd Teachers only) (224)

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT

2217

In this introductory session, we will explore RethinkEd’s Vizzle, a powerful digital platform designed specifically for the diverse needs of elementary special education students. We’ll walk through the basics of the workflow, showing you how to find standards-aligned lessons that match your students' IEP goals or modified curriculum needs. Participants will learn how to navigate the interface, customize reinforcement settings to keep students motivated, and access the automated data reports that make progress monitoring a breeze.

Speakers

Michelle Gonzalez Gerth

Director of Customer Success, Vizzle

Michelle Gonzalez Gerth is an experienced education leader with a background in special education, behavior intervention, and customer success leadership. Prior to transitioning into educational technology, Michelle served as a special education teacher and behavior specialist, where... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
2217

Special Education, K-2, 3-5

9:00am CDT

Unlocking Learning A-Z: Practical Tools for SPED Classrooms (120)

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT

2209

Learning A-Z offers a collection of digital and printable resources that can help special education teachers provide differentiated instruction while targeting individual student needs. In this session, participants will explore key components of the Learning A-Z platform, including resources that support reading, writing, vocabulary, and comprehension. Teachers will learn how to align these tools with IEP goals, scaffold instruction for diverse learners, and integrate the platform into small group, intervention, and independent practice settings. Participants will leave with practical ideas for using Learning A-Z to increase engagement, build independence, and support measurable student progress.

Speakers

Mayra Butler

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
2209

Special Education, K-2, 3-5

10:00am CDT

Benchmarks & Beyond: Data-Driven Decision Making in Vizzle (Elementary SpEd Teachers only) (225)

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

2217

Take your instructional planning to the next level with a deep dive into Vizzle’s new Elementary Benchmark Assessments. While daily lessons provide great practice, the Benchmark feature allows you to capture a clear "snapshot" of student mastery at the beginning, middle, and end of the year. In this session, we will explore how to assign these 30-question, standards-aligned assessments across different subjects and levels. We will focus on how to interpret the resulting data to identify learning gaps and automatically find the exact lessons needed for targeted intervention. Join us to learn how these new tools can simplify your progress monitoring and provide the concrete data you need.

Speakers

Michelle Gonzalez Gerth

Director of Customer Success, Vizzle

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
2217

Special Education, K-2, 3-5

10:00am CDT

Discover Dyslexia Secondary Level (401)

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

2135

You're invited to view a classroom experience through the lens of a dyslexic student. Participants will learn about the specific characteristics of dyslexia and engage in a dyslexia simulation.

Speakers

Teresa Davis

Dyslexia Therapist, Prosper ISD

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
2135

Special Education, K-2, 3-5

10:00am CDT

Goal Writing/PLAAFP Development (162)

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

2211

This session is designed to support teachers of all experience levels in developing effective IEP goals and PLAAFP statements. Together, we will explore how to write clear, measurable goals and create PLAAFPs that align with those goals while accurately reflecting each student’s needs and performance. The session will include practical strategies and examples that you can easily apply in your daily practice.

Speakers

Randa Darroch

Elementary Resource Teacher

Ashley Bonham

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
2211

Special Education, Pre K, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, K-12

10:00am CDT

How to Para (SPED Para) (42)

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

2201

Paraprofessionals play a critical role in student success—yet many are asked to support without clear structure or training. This interactive session is designed specifically for paras working in centralized or self-contained classrooms. Participants will learn how to confidently run an instructional station, apply a systematic prompting hierarchy, use the “5-Second Rule” to build student independence, and collect meaningful data without disrupting instruction. Grounded in the Zoning Model (Dr. Cathy Pratt) and aligned to John Hattie’s research on Teacher Clarity and Collective Efficacy, this session empowers paraprofessionals to move from “helper” to instructional leader. Attendees will leave with practical tools, ready-to-use templates, and a pocket guide to immediately strengthen classroom flow and student independence.

Speakers

Tiffany Layman

Functional Academics

I am an educator with 15 years of experience in education, including 13 years teaching in general education and resource settings, and four years in functional academics. I hold a master’s degree in autism and specialize in supporting students with diverse learning needs. My work... Read More →

Sarah C. Martin

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
2201

Special Education, Pre K, Para Staff, K-2, 3-5

10:00am CDT

Integrating AAC into Everyday Instruction (SPED) (130)

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

2209

This session focuses on integrating AAC into daily instruction to support student access, participation, and communication across classroom activities. This training will also be applicable to both teachers and paraprofessionals! We will be going through examples of strategies, pictures of AAC in action in my own classroom, and providing you with resources to help you enhance your ability to incorporate AAC both in and outside of the classroom.

Speakers

Sydney Smith

Communications Teacher

Hi there! I am currently a Communications Teacher at Hughes Elementary, and I will be starting my third year of teaching this 26-27 school year! I am an advocate for all things AAC and AT, so I am very excited to have been asked to present on these topics at Prosper Connects this... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
2209

Special Education, Pre K, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

10:00am CDT

The Modified Workshop Model - Effective Instruction in Centralized Classrooms (118)

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT

2207

This session will focus on each component of the workshop model and introduce strategies and resources for teachers so that they are equipped to implement the system in their classrooms.

Speakers

Lynley Nall

Heather Beeker

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
2207

Special Education, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

12:00pm CDT

How to Para (SPED Para) (43)

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT

2201

Speakers

Tiffany Layman

Functional Academics

Sarah C. Martin

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
2201

Special Education, Pre K, K-2, 3-5, Para Staff

12:00pm CDT

SPED PARA: In-the-Moment Intervention: Using What’s in My Para Bag for Immediate Student Support (307)

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT

2212

This session equips elementary paraprofessionals with practical, in-the-moment strategies to support students receiving inclusion services in the general education. Participants will learn how to provide quick, discreet support using simple tools while promoting student independence, minimizing disruption, and helping students effectively access their accommodations.

Speakers

Amanda Foster

Special Education Instructional Coach

Thursday July 30, 2026 12:00pm - 12:50pm CDT
2212

Special Education, K-2, 3-5

1:00pm CDT

Benchmark Blueprint: A Guide to ULS Assessments (Centralized Special Education Teachers) (124)

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

2205

Learn how to use Unique Learning System benchmarks strategically to measure student progress and guide instruction. This session will walk teachers through selecting appropriate benchmarks, determining how they should be administered, and ensuring the format aligns with each student’s communication and access needs. Teachers will leave with practical guidance for collecting meaningful data that supports instructional decision-making.

Speakers

Stephanie Cross

Special Education Coach, Prosper ISD

I am Special Education Coach in Prosper ISD. I support teachers and campuses in implementing high-quality specially designed instruction and inclusive practices for students with diverse abilities. I am passionate about building teacher capacity through collaboration, coaching... Read More →

Joy Williams

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
2205

Special Education, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

1:00pm CDT

Better Together: Unlocking the Potential of Station-Based Co-Teaching (100)

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

2207

Speakers

Yuri Lara

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
2207

Special Education, K-2, 3-5

1:00pm CDT

Collaborative Practices in Reverse Inclusion: Bridging Centralized Special Education and General Education Classrooms (188)

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

2212

This course explores innovative strategies for fostering meaningful collaboration between centralized special education classroom teachers and general education teachers through reverse inclusion practices. Participants will examine how structured opportunities for general education students to engage within specialized learning environments can promote social integration, empathy, and differentiated learning experiences for all students. By the end of the course, educators will be equipped to create inclusive learning communities that enhance academic outcomes, social development, and a sense of belonging for all students.

Speakers

Stephanie Smith

Communications teacher, Stuber Elementary

I am a passionate Special Education Teacher who firmly believes that our world becomes bigger and brighter when we value every learner. Having taught in both General Education and Special Education environments, I can offer a unique, dual-perspective approach to modern classrooms... Read More →

Michelle Schoonmaker

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
2212

Special Education, K-2, 3-5

1:00pm CDT

The Air Traffic Control of Learning: Strengthening Executive Functioning in Every Student (138)

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT

2209

Why do some students struggle to start a task even when they know the answer? Why does the "messy folder" persist despite every intervention? Executive functions are the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, and juggle multiple tasks. For many students, these skills are still under construction. Why do some students struggle to start a task even when they know the answer? Why does the "messy folder" persist despite every intervention? Executive functions are the mental processes that enable us to plan, focus attention, and juggle multiple tasks. For many students, these skills are still under construction.

In this interactive session, we will demystify the "EF brain" and move beyond generic organization tips. We will explore how teachers, counselors, and administrators can work together to build "scaffolds" that support student independence. Participants will walk away with a toolkit of strategies to help students manage their time, emotions, and materials, ensuring that executive weakness doesn't stand in the way of academic potential.

Speakers

Kristi Massey

Jonathon Cain

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
2209

Special Education, 6-8, K-2, 3-5

2:00pm CDT

How to Para (SPED Para) (44)

Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

2201

Speakers

Tiffany Layman

Functional Academics

Sarah C. Martin

Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
2201

Special Education, Pre K, K-2, 3-5, Para Staff

2:00pm CDT

The Modified Workshop Model & The Role of the Paraprofessional (SPED Paras) (119)

Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

2207

This session will educate paraprofessionals about the modified workshop model and how they can actively be a part of student instruction. The focus of this session will be on the guided practice and independent work pieces of the model and how paraprofessionals can be effective when they are responsible for these parts of the model.

Speakers

Lynley Nall

Heather Beeker

Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT
2207

Special Education, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

2:00pm CDT

Using Science & Social Studies Scope & Sequence in Special Education Centralized Classrooms (219)

Thursday July 30, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm CDT

2214

Join us for a practical session focused on long-range planning using approved district curriculum resources for core subject areas. During this training, we will explore a ready-to-use scope and sequence designed to support effective instruction across the year.
Participants will leave with a fully developed scope and sequence that can be implemented immediately, helping to streamline planning and reduce the need to build materials from scratch. While this resource is provided as a strong foundation to simplify your work, teachers are encouraged to adapt and adjust it to best meet the needs of their students and classrooms.

Speakers