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

Partnering For Success: Effective Teamwork in the Centralized SPED Classroom (21)

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

2201

This session will explore the benefits and challenges of working in a centralized classroom with a team. Whether its creating a master schedule for students and paraprofessionals, utilizing the modified workshop model to deliver instruction or trying out a new student activity, in Special Education its all teamwork. This course will share tips, resources and ideas that can help promote a harmonious environment in the classroom.

Speakers

Lynley Nall

Heather Beeker

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2201

Special Education, K-12

9:00am CDT

Using Vizzle to Enhance Whole Group Instruction (Special Education Teachers Only) (40)

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

2201

Participants will develop an understanding of how to effectively utilize the authoring features within Vizzle to design customized activities aligned with each available page template. Emphasis will be placed on creating interactive and engaging content that supports active student participation and enhances learning outcomes during whole group instruction.

Speakers

Teresa Smith

Special Education Teacher - Communications, Dan Christie Elementary

The 26/27 school year will be my 26th year in public education. I taught one year of first grade, with the remaining time in Special Education. I was also a Transition Specialist for 2 years. I am always working to improve my craft, and feel so grateful to be in Prosper where they... Read More →

Emily Jondron

Special Education Teacher - Communications, Dan Christie Elementary

This will be my third year in special education but sixth year overall. I have previously taught 2nd and 3rd grade before transitioning into special education. I am passionate about supporting diverse learners and take pride in researching and implementing a variety of strategies... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
2201

Special Education, 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 →