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

Understanding the IEP: A Paraprofessional’s Role in Supporting Student Success (SPED Paras) (197)

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

2214

This professional development session is designed to help special education paraprofessionals build a clear and practical understanding of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and their critical role in supporting it. Participants will explore key components of an IEP—including goals, accommodations, modifications, and service delivery—and learn how these elements translate into daily classroom practices. The session will emphasize how paraprofessionals can effectively support student learning, collaborate with teachers and service providers, and maintain compliance while fostering student independence. Through real-life examples and interactive discussion, paraprofessionals will leave with actionable strategies to confidently implement IEP supports and better advocate for student needs.

Speakers

Ashley Bonham

Randa Darroch

Elementary Resource Teacher

Thursday July 30, 2026 8:00am - 8:50am CDT
2214

Special Education, K-12

9:00am CDT

Stories You Can Hold: A Sensory Approach to Reading (211)

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

2214

Discover how to transform traditional read-alouds into interactive learning experiences. This session will guide teachers and paraprofessionals through the process of creating story boxes that incorporate real objects, textures, and sensory elements to support understanding for students with significant cognitive disabilities. Practical examples and ready-to-use ideas will be shared.

Speakers

Karen Allen

Life Skills & Active Learning Teacher

Kim Vaught

ALC teacher, Hays Middle School

I am lucky enough to teach our middle school Active Learning students at Hays Middle School. I came to PISD in 2024 from McKinney ISD where I taught Active Learning/ Life Skills for 8 years. I have been in education since graduating Florida State University MANY ago:-) I began... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 9:00am - 9:50am CDT
2214

Special Education, K-12

10:00am CDT

IEP 101: How to read an IEP (221)

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

2214

General education teachers implement 70% of student IEP goals. This session will give the General Education Teacher an understanding of SPED talk (basic acronyms) and the major components and functions of the IEP. This knowlege will improve collaboration with special ed teamsand better outcomes for students with disabilities

Speakers

Jennifer Hoelker

Jennifer Hoelker is a Resource and Inclusion English teacher, and case manager at Richland High School in Prosper ISD. After 25 years in the corporate world, she found her true calling in special education. Jen recently completed a Master of Education in Special Education, where her... Read More →

Michelle Hilton

With 21 years of experience spanning general and special education across Texas, California, and Washington, I bring a diverse, multi-state perspective to elementary education. Currently serving as the Resource Lead at Hughes, I am deeply passionate about creating inclusive, high-support... Read More →

Thursday July 30, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am CDT
2214

Special Education, 9-12, 6-8

1:00pm CDT

Manifestation and Determination Review (222)

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

2214

A Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) is required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) when a student with a disability faces more than 10 days of removal. The team determines if the behavior was caused by the student’s disability or a failure to implement the IEP.
This decision guides next steps—either increasing supports like an FBA or BIP, or moving forward with discipline while still ensuring access to education. MDRs help ensure decisions are both legally compliant and student-centered.

Speakers

Jessica Justus

Thursday July 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm CDT
2214

Special Education, K-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