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

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

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

9:00am CDT

Who Needs a Gym Membership? Master Content Vocabulary through Total Physical Response (TPR) (218)

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

1116

Discover how Total Physical Response (TPR) can transform static lessons into dynamic learning experiences. This session explores movement-based strategies that get students out of their seats and physically connected to content vocabulary. Whether you teach Kindergarten or AP Physics, you'll leave with a toolkit of versatile activities designed to deepen retention and spark active participation across all grade levels and disciplines.

Speakers

Shawn Strachan

ESL Facilitator, Prosper Independent School District

My educational passion is streamlining processes so I'll have more time to help my students. I like utilizing programs that are engaging, intuitive, and time-saving. My background in language acquisition gives me unique insight to all subject content at all grade levels.

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
1116

Emergent Bilingual, K-12

10:00am CDT

Stepping Stones: Navigating Complex Texts with Emergent Bilinguals (284)

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

1116

Learn how to scaffold texts using tools, AI, and your expertise.

Speakers

Karla Reyes

Teacher, Prosper Independent School District

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
1116

Emergent Bilingual, 6-8, 9-12

1:00pm CDT

Bringing Text to Life: Reading Strategies for Emergent Bilingual Students in Social Studies (274)

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

1116

This session provides educators with practical, ready-to-use strategies to help Emergent Bilingual students make sense of complex social studies texts, including primary sources. Participants will learn targeted reading strategies, scaffolding methods, and intentional language supports. Because each strategy is adaptable and reusable across multiple lessons, teachers can rely on a consistent toolkit throughout the year rather than needing to design new approaches for every text.

Speakers

Jessica McDowell

Teacher, Prosper ISD

Hi, amazing Prosper Teachers!

I’ve been in Prosper ISD for the past 8 years and have had the opportunity to open two new middle schools and teach at three different campuses along the way. During my time in Prosper, I’ve taught Inclusion, Honors, EB, and AP courses, which has given me experience working with... Read More →

Christy Pool

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
1116

Emergent Bilingual, 6-8, 9-12

2:00pm CDT

Teaching Up using Tools - A focus on Emergent Bilingual Students (283)

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

1116

Discover many resources and tools to help you fine-tune your lessons, incorporate scaffolds, and make language accessible to your emergent bilingual students. These tools are available for all students, but especially helpful for students acquiring English.

Speakers