Get ready to refresh, refine, and remix your learning at Summer Inspire on May 27-28 from 8:30–4:00! This year, we’re building on what works, exploring new strategies, and amplifying the impact we have on students. Please bring a charged device to all sessions.
Please note: Our main location will be Shepton High School, but some sessions may be at the Plano ISD Sockwell Center.
Shepton High School: 5505 W Plano Pkwy, Plano, TX 75093
Sockwell Center: 6301 Chapel Hill Blvd, Plano, TX 75093
Some tips for navigating Sched:
Filter sessions by type using the menu bar on the right side of Sched (All Levels, Elementary, Secondary, Session Times).
Reserve your spot by clicking the circle icon next to the session name. Be sure to log in with your PISD credentials to secure your spot—sessions fill up fast!
There are 80-minute (earn 1.5 hours of credit), three-hour, and full day (earning 6 hours of credit) session options for each day. Participants are invited to attend as many as they wish each day.
All sessions qualify for 26-27 Trade Hours.
Have additional questions? Contact Kyle Fritsche at [email protected].
Sign up or log in to add sessions to your schedule and sync them to your phone or calendar.
Join our workshop to build confidence using Canva in your classroom. Learn how to navigate the Home screen, find and use templates, create folders, and share activities. You'll get hands-on practice and see just how intuitive Canva is, so you can feel confident getting started. Please bring a charged device to this session.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Come say hi to the new guy! PISD classrooms are seeing an exciting shift to BenQ Boards as the current projectors are removed. This class is a slow-paced introduction to the BenQ Board and is a perfect fit for anyone new to BenQ or would like a refresher. Participants will learn to navigate the platform effectively, ensuring they can utilize this essential hardware to support grade-level digital learning objectives. Please bring a charged device to this session.
Teachers have many tools in their toolbox. One of the best tools is CogAT. Teachers will analyze CogAT to dig into how each student learns best. This powerful tool can be used to adjust instruction to make instruction more effective for each student.
Jennifer Ruth began her career in Plano ISD at Christie Elementary as a teacher and instructional specialist. From this experience she learned that she loved tote trays but hated textbook counts. She now works as an Assessment Specialist supporting teachers in how to use the data... Read More →
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
This session will provide tools and instructional strategies to support Special Education students in both general education and resource classrooms. Transform your instructional approach by integrating sensory-rich manipulatives and high-impact visuals that directly align with student IEP goals. Bridge the gap between abstract concepts and student mastery through hands-on modeling and the intentional use of supplemental aids. Leave with a practical implementation plan to turn standard lessons into engaging, multisensory experiences that meet the needs of every student.
Transform everyday lessons into rich opportunities for expert thinking by applying the Depth & Complexity framework with purpose and clarity. Examine how each icon moves students beyond surface‑level recall and into deeper analysis, reasoning, and conceptual understanding. Practice using the icons to redesign questions, tasks, and discussions across content areas so rigor increases without increasing workload. Participants will leave with practical strategies, templates, and classroom‑ready tools that help all learners move from simple to substantive thinking.
Kyla serves as the GT specialist at Skaggs Elementary School in Plano ISD. Kyla supports gifted learners K-5 through PACE, Plano Academic and Creative Education, a pullout program for identified GT students.
Discover how to transform your planning and ignite student creativity using iPad. From digital command centers for teachers to creative design boards for students, explore the limitless possibilities of Apple’s Freeform app. Please bring a charged device to this session.
Get ready to hit the ground running next school year with confidence, clarity, and a strong PBIS foundation! Our PBIS Ketchup Session is designed for PBIS team members who want a comprehensive, engaging, and practical deep dive into everything PBIS. Whether you’re brand new or looking to sharpen your practice, this summer session will walk you through the essentials—from the PBIS framework and key topics to mastering the continuous improvement cycle that drives real results on your campus. Join us this summer and leave with a clearer understanding of how to collaborate with your campus PBIS team, contribute to PBIS planning, and help ensure consistency across classrooms and common areas.
Transform your teaching with Pear Deck and Pear Start! Discover how Pear Deck helps you create engaging, interactive presentations that transform passive learners into active participants. We’ll explore interactive strategies such as quick checks, exit tickets, and Flashcard Factory. Then, streamline your workflow with Pear Start to make everything from lesson planning to interactive quizzes a snap. Get ready to leverage your ultimate partners for classroom success! Resource site: www.pisd.edu/peardeck Please bring a charged device to this session.
I am thrilled to be a part of the Digital Learning Team! As part of the DLT, I support the curricular areas of Advanced Academics/PACE, Computer Science & Robotics, Fine Arts, ROTC, and Science K-12. My favorite aspect of my job is supporting and building connections with the... Read More →
“The Learning Pit” may sound intimidating, but it’s the space where students grow as critical thinkers and problem-solvers. In this discussion-based session, participants will explore the concept of the learning pit and collaboratively develop strategies for designing learning experiences that promote productive struggle and deeper student engagement.
[All attendees will receive a copy of the author's book, Fifty AI Prompts for Teachers.] Planning lessons without AI in 2026 is a bit like grading papers without a pen—it’s possible, but why make it harder on yourself? In this session, you’ll learn how to use Gemini as a reliable “thinking partner” to help you brainstorm ideas, strengthen your content knowledge, and build engaging instructional materials. Through hands-on examples and simple prompting strategies, you’ll see how AI can save time while actually improving your teaching. We’ll also dig into why these tools matter right now—and how to use them in ways that truly support learning.Please bring a charged device to this session.
SWIRL breaks the ELPS into visible, repeatable instructional routines from the Plano ISD Instructional Model. Experience this language cycle in action with your Plano ISD community as we SWIRL our way into summer!
(for Elementary) Discover how your librarian can be a collaborative partner in building curious and confident young learners. This session explores databases, digital tools, eBooks, and multimedia resources that support literacy, inquiry, and content-area learning. Elementary educators will see practical examples of how library resources can enhance read‑alouds, research projects, and classroom lessons while saving planning time. You’ll leave with ready-to-use ideas and a clear picture of how the library can support you and your students.
Join us for a high-level overview of our new elementary math resource. We will walk through the anatomy of a standard lesson, preview the student experience, and explore the library of supplemental resources available to you. This is your dedicated time to navigate the new materials and get a head start on visualizing your math instruction for the fall.
This session offers a guided introduction to the McGraw Hill Math 6–8 instructional materials teachers will use in the upcoming school year. Led by representatives from McGraw Hill, the session will walk participants through essential components, including lesson structure, assessments, and digital supports. Teachers will leave with a clear picture of how the resources fit together and where to begin as they prepare for implementation. The focus is on awareness and readiness rather than deep training.Please bring a charged device to this session.
This hands-on session will guide you through the *NEW* technical interface of Khan Academy Reimagined, from account activation to mastering the new Teacher Dashboard's main navigational components. Learn to strategically create and assign four distinct learning types—including Unit Missions and Khanmigo Activities—while utilizing preview links to visualize the student experience. Please bring a charged device to this session.
Educators have multiple resources they are expected to internalize and implement with integrity. And classrooms are increasingly diverse places, full of students with a variety of strengths and needs. What if we could find better ways to incorporate that diversity into the lesson internalization process and remove barriers to achievement for ALL learners? Participants will: examine principles of universally designed instruction and how they connect with the instructional cycle, enhance the lesson internalization process to ensure that rigorous learning experiences meet the needs of ALL learners, explore options for engagement, representation, and expression that reduce barriers for diverse learners across content areas, and practice teaching strategies that support effective classroom behavior management. [Please note: This session is at the Sockwell Center.]
How can we promote engaging, dynamic, differentiated instruction with minimal teacher preparation and maximum results? With lead4ward’s low-prep/high-yield instructional resources! Move from teacher-centered instruction with passive, bored students to exciting, engaging instruction where students move, do the talking, comprehend content, correct mistakes, and deepen connections. Get ready to move, interact, and have lots of fun as we rehearse activities that engage students to learn academic vocabulary, analyze complex visuals, comprehend difficult text, and THINK! TALK! WRITE! You’ll be able to use the strategies we practice in the session with students the very next day! [Please note: This session is at the Sockwell Center.]
The training teaches your to use strategies aligned to each component of a math lesson demonstrate how educators can incorporate academic reading, writing, and conversations with a math-specific focus through student-led activities. Other topics include developing language-rich warm-ups, building background, and promoting differentiation with linguistic support. [Please note: This session is at the Sockwell Center.]
Examine why students often appear to learn during instruction but struggle to retain and apply skills over time. Identify how common classroom practices can create an illusion of learning, particularly for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other learning disabilities. Apply research-based strategies from cognitive science—including retrieval practice, spacing, and productive struggle—to strengthen retention and independence. Redesign instructional routines across structured literacy, writing, and content areas to move from performance in the moment to learning that lasts. Leave with practical tools and a clear framework to become a more responsive teacher, not just a deliverer of curriculum.
Vanessa is currently the Coordinator for Dyslexia Services for Plano ISD. As a previous ESL Instructional Specialist for Plano ISD, she now has the pleasure of merging these two worlds to help identify bilingual students with dyslexia with the same tenacity as monolingual students... Read More →
(for Elementary) Looking to refresh and strengthen your classroom management without losing your sanity (or your sense of humor)? Join the Student Management Team for Connection, Correction, and Consistency—a fun, practical session packed with real-life strategies that actually work, plus built-in work time to help you start prepping systems and supports for next year. We’ll share simple ways to build strong relationships with students (yes, even that one), deliver effective corrections without power struggles, and create consistent systems that keep behavior on track. Expect expert tips you can use immediately, a few laughs, and maybe even some “why didn’t I think of that?” moments. Your future self (and classroom) will thank you!
Elementary Science: Turn your word wall into a tool for real scientific thinking. Learn how interactive word walls can strengthen science talk, improve writing, and help grades 3–5 students make sense of complex vocabulary and concepts. Spend three high-energy, engaging hours with Dr. Julie Jackson—you’ll leave with practical strategies you can implement immediately.
(For K-2 Dual Language Teachers and Staff) Welcome to the "Perfectly Paired" approach to 50/50 instruction! This interactive workshop helps teachers explore the PISD Dual Language Allocation Plan, transforming a 50/50 split into a seamless educational experience. We will outline the Language of Instruction (LOI) for core subjects, giving teachers a clear understanding of the "who, what, and when" for their daily schedule. Participants will walk away with a toolkit of engaging strategies for Emergent Bilinguals, with a focus on scaffolds that foster confidence and academic success in both languages. Join us to discover how perfectly pairing your instruction can foster remarkable student growth! [Please note: This session is at the Sockwell Center.]
Laura Soto is a Language Acquisition Specialist that works for Multilingual Academic Services. She has been in education for 20 years and began her educational journey as a bilingual classroom teacher. Laura is passionate about language acquisition and creating fun learning opportunities... Read More →
Wednesday May 27, 2026 8:30am - 11:20am CDT Sockwell Center6301 Chapel Hill Blvd, Plano, TX 75093
Get a sneak peek at what’s new for Fall 2026 in ELA 6—and take some time to explore, collaborate, and “play in the sandbox” with your colleagues. In this session, you’ll dig into the year-long scope and sequence, preview pacing across all six units, and try out strategies for honors differentiation in a low-stakes, hands-on setting. We’ll also take a closer look at the ELA Lab 6 course and its role in supporting student growth and targeted remediation. Bring your ELA 6 partner and come ready to explore what’s ahead, collaborate with your PLC, and build a shared understanding that supports strong, intentional planning for every learner. Please bring a charged device to this session.
This session provides an overview of what PLCs are and the process for collaborative inquiry. Participants will explore the key characteristics a PLC and how teams can make the shift to becoming true learning communities.
This training introduces the updated English Language Proficiency Standards (ELPS) and Proficiency Level Descriptors (PLDs) set to take effect in 2026. Participants will explore key changes and learn strategies to effectively support emergent bilingual (EB) students in developing language proficiency. Through engaging discussions and practical applications, participants will discover how to integrate language support into content-area instruction.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Come say hi to the new guy! PISD classrooms are seeing an exciting shift to BenQ Boards as the current projectors are removed. This class is a slow-paced introduction to the BenQ Board and is a perfect fit for anyone new to BenQ or would like a refresher. Participants will learn to navigate the platform effectively, ensuring they can utilize this essential hardware to support grade-level digital learning objectives. Please bring a charged device to this session.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
This session will provide tools and instructional strategies to support Special Education students in both general education and resource classrooms. Transform your instructional approach by integrating sensory-rich manipulatives and high-impact visuals that directly align with student IEP goals. Bridge the gap between abstract concepts and student mastery through hands-on modeling and the intentional use of supplemental aids. Leave with a practical implementation plan to turn standard lessons into engaging, multisensory experiences that meet the needs of every student.
Teachers have many tools in their toolbox. One of the best tools is CogAT. Teachers will analyze CogAT to dig into how each student learns best. This powerful tool can be used to adjust instruction to make instruction more effective for each student.
Jennifer Ruth began her career in Plano ISD at Christie Elementary as a teacher and instructional specialist. From this experience she learned that she loved tote trays but hated textbook counts. She now works as an Assessment Specialist supporting teachers in how to use the data... Read More →
Join this immersive workshop to explore a student’s learning journey with Canva. From goal setting to showcasing their work, discover how students can use Canva to demonstrate what they’ve learned through visually engaging designs. You’ll take a deep dive into transforming traditional assignments into creative, student-led projects. Please bring a charged device to this session.
Transform everyday lessons into rich opportunities for expert thinking by applying the Depth & Complexity framework with purpose and clarity. Examine how each icon moves students beyond surface‑level recall and into deeper analysis, reasoning, and conceptual understanding. Practice using the icons to redesign questions, tasks, and discussions across content areas so rigor increases without increasing workload. Participants will leave with practical strategies, templates, and classroom‑ready tools that help all learners move from simple to substantive thinking.
Kyla serves as the GT specialist at Skaggs Elementary School in Plano ISD. Kyla supports gifted learners K-5 through PACE, Plano Academic and Creative Education, a pullout program for identified GT students.
Discover how to transform your planning and ignite student creativity using iPad. From digital command centers for teachers to creative design boards for students, explore the limitless possibilities of Apple’s Freeform app. Please bring a charged device to this session.
This TEKS-aligned session equips educators with tools and resources to explore Jewish American experiences and antisemitism through literature, history, and contemporary school contexts. Participants will gain practical strategies for recognizing and responding to antisemitism and fostering respectful learning environments. Designed for counselors, librarians, upper-elementary and middle-school educators, ELAR teachers, and campus leaders, the session highlights connections to the updated TEA reading requirements. Participants will engage with state-approved resources, instructional strategies, and discussion frameworks to support age-appropriate classroom conversation and help schools create safe, supportive spaces for all students.
Get ready to hit the ground running next school year with confidence, clarity, and a strong PBIS foundation! Our PBIS Ketchup Session is designed for PBIS team members who want a comprehensive, engaging, and practical deep dive into everything PBIS. Whether you’re brand new or looking to sharpen your practice, this summer session will walk you through the essentials—from the PBIS framework and key topics to mastering the continuous improvement cycle that drives real results on your campus. Join us this summer and leave with a clearer understanding of how to collaborate with your campus PBIS team, contribute to PBIS planning, and help ensure consistency across classrooms and common areas.
“The Learning Pit” may sound intimidating, but it’s the space where students grow as critical thinkers and problem-solvers. In this discussion-based session, participants will explore the concept of the learning pit and collaboratively develop strategies for designing learning experiences that promote productive struggle and deeper student engagement.
[All attendees will receive a copy of the author's book, Fifty AI Prompts for Teachers.] Planning lessons without AI in 2026 is a bit like grading papers without a pen—it’s possible, but why make it harder on yourself? In this session, you’ll learn how to use Gemini as a reliable “thinking partner” to help you brainstorm ideas, strengthen your content knowledge, and build engaging instructional materials. Through hands-on examples and simple prompting strategies, you’ll see how AI can save time while actually improving your teaching. We’ll also dig into why these tools matter right now—and how to use them in ways that truly support learning. Please bring a charged device to this session.
Empower students to showcase their understanding through original, creative work using Adobe Express and Canva. This session explores how students can design multimedia products - including videos, animations and graphic designs - by leveraging copyright-free assets and built-in AI tools, to amplify creativity, voice, and authentic learning. Please bring a charged device to this session.
I am thrilled to be a part of the Digital Learning Team! As part of the DLT, I support the curricular areas of Advanced Academics/PACE, Computer Science & Robotics, Fine Arts, ROTC, and Science K-12. My favorite aspect of my job is supporting and building connections with the... Read More →
SWIRL breaks the ELPS into visible, repeatable instructional routines from the Plano ISD Instructional Model. Experience this language cycle in action with your Plano ISD community as we SWIRL our way into summer!
(for Elementary) Discover how your librarian can be a collaborative partner in building curious and confident young learners. This session explores databases, digital tools, eBooks, and multimedia resources that support literacy, inquiry, and content-area learning. Elementary educators will see practical examples of how library resources can enhance read‑alouds, research projects, and classroom lessons while saving planning time. You’ll leave with ready-to-use ideas and a clear picture of how the library can support you and your students.
Join us for a high-level overview of our new elementary math resource. We will walk through the anatomy of a standard lesson, preview the student experience, and explore the library of supplemental resources available to you. This is your dedicated time to navigate the new materials and get a head start on visualizing your math instruction for the fall.
This session offers a guided introduction to the McGraw Hill Math 6–8 instructional materials teachers will use in the upcoming school year. Led by representatives from McGraw Hill, the session will walk participants through essential components, including lesson structure, assessments, and digital supports. Teachers will leave with a clear picture of how the resources fit together and where to begin as they prepare for implementation. The focus is on awareness and readiness rather than deep training. Please bring a charged device to this session.
This hands-on session will guide you through the *NEW* technical interface of Khan Academy Reimagined, from account activation to mastering the new Teacher Dashboard's main navigational components. Learn to strategically create and assign four distinct learning types—including Unit Missions and Khanmigo Activities—while utilizing preview links to visualize the student experience. Please bring a charged device to this session.
Teachers have many tools in their toolbox. One of the best tools is CogAT. Teachers will analyze CogAT to dig into how each student learns best. This powerful tool can be used to adjust instruction to make instruction more effective for each student.
Jennifer Ruth began her career in Plano ISD at Christie Elementary as a teacher and instructional specialist. From this experience she learned that she loved tote trays but hated textbook counts. She now works as an Assessment Specialist supporting teachers in how to use the data... Read More →
Transform everyday lessons into rich opportunities for expert thinking by applying the Depth & Complexity framework with purpose and clarity. Examine how each icon moves students beyond surface‑level recall and into deeper analysis, reasoning, and conceptual understanding. Practice using the icons to redesign questions, tasks, and discussions across content areas so rigor increases without increasing workload. Participants will leave with practical strategies, templates, and classroom‑ready tools that help all learners move from simple to substantive thinking.
Kyla serves as the GT specialist at Skaggs Elementary School in Plano ISD. Kyla supports gifted learners K-5 through PACE, Plano Academic and Creative Education, a pullout program for identified GT students.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
This interactive session invites participants to explore ways to design authentic, student-centered learning experiences using Plano ISD-approved AI tools. We will learn how Pear Start and Gemini can assist educators to create opportunities for students to develop their creativity and strengthen their collaboration and communication skills. This session will also practice how to craft AI prompts to generate ideas for supporting personalization and differentiation to meet diverse learner needs. Additionally, this session will emphasize teaching responsible AI use by embedding digital citizenship skills that empower students to contribute positively and ethically with digital tools. Please bring a charged device to this session.
Hi! I am your nerdy BFF who is addicted to learning and passionate about educational technology. I have been a Digital Learning Specialist in Plano ISD since 2002 and I also serve as an Undergraduate Lecturer at the University of Texas at Dallas. I previously served as a classroom... Read More →
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
This session is for any member of the ARD committee that has experienced challenging ARDs with parents, advocates, or attorneys. We will give practical facilitation strategies as well as tips for adjusting the environment and tools to reach consensus, or actions to take if you don't.
Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring Canva’s AI tools for the classroom. Learn how to integrate tools like Magic Write, Magic Design, Magic Studio, Magic Activities, and Canva Code into your teaching practice. You’ll explore real classroom use cases and walk away with ideas you can start using right away. Please bring a charged device to this session.
*Participants in this session should be familiar with using tools within Canva prior to attending the session.
Discover how to transform your planning and ignite student creativity using iPad. From digital command centers for teachers to creative design boards for students, explore the limitless possibilities of Apple’s Freeform app.
Get ready to hit the ground running next school year with confidence, clarity, and a strong PBIS foundation! Our PBIS Ketchup Session is designed for PBIS team members who want a comprehensive, engaging, and practical deep dive into everything PBIS. Whether you’re brand new or looking to sharpen your practice, this summer session will walk you through the essentials—from the PBIS framework and key topics to mastering the continuous improvement cycle that drives real results on your campus. Join us this summer and leave with a clearer understanding of how to collaborate with your campus PBIS team, contribute to PBIS planning, and help ensure consistency across classrooms and common areas.
Build on your first-year experience by focusing on high-impact instructional practices. Explore strategies that improve clarity, engagement, and student ownership. Leave with ready-to-use tools to elevate your teaching from day one. This session is applicable to teachers in their first 2 years of teaching.
Nakenya Sneed possesses more than 15 years of educational experience as a teacher, instructional coach, curriculum specialist, and academic facilitator. She is passionate about helping teachers achieve their full potential. As a former English teacher, she championed student engagement... Read More →
[All attendees will receive a copy of the author's book, Fifty AI Prompts for Teachers.] Planning lessons without AI in 2026 is a bit like grading papers without a pen—it’s possible, but why make it harder on yourself? In this session, you’ll learn how to use Gemini as a reliable “thinking partner” to help you brainstorm ideas, strengthen your content knowledge, and build engaging instructional materials. Through hands-on examples and simple prompting strategies, you’ll see how AI can save time while actually improving your teaching. We’ll also dig into why these tools matter right now—and how to use them in ways that truly support learning. Please bring a charged device to this session.
SWIRL breaks the ELPS into visible, repeatable instructional routines from the Plano ISD Instructional Model. Experience this language cycle in action with your Plano ISD community as we SWIRL our way into summer!
This session will equip educators with a practical, structured approach to understanding and addressing student behavior through the Teacher’s Encyclopedia of Behavior Management. Participants will learn how to apply the STOIC framework to create proactive classroom systems while using function-based thinking to identify the root causes of student behavior. Through guided practice and collaborative problem-solving, teachers will explore how to select and implement targeted intervention plans aligned to specific behaviors. This training is designed to move beyond reactive discipline and empower educators with tools that promote consistency, clarity, and positive student outcomes. Educators will leave with actionable strategies and resources that can be immediately applied in their classrooms.
Behavior Instructional Intervention Specialist, Plano ISD
The Plano ISD Student Management Team handles Tier 1 Classroom Management, Tier 2/3 Campus Behavior Support, Campus and District Behavior/Classroom Management Trainings, PISD Leveled Guide of Discipline Training and Support, Review360 Training and Support, PBIS (Foundations Training... Read More →
Ready to move beyond the teacher’s desk? Untethered teaching embraces flexibility through the use of digital tools, mobile technologies, and innovative pedagogies, allowing teachers to interact with students in a more dynamic, real-time, and adaptable manner. This session focuses on using the iPad, Apple TV, and BenQ boards to make student thinking visible in real-time. By unbinding yourself from the podium, you will learn to provide immediate differentiation and personalized instruction at the student’s side. Exactly where it’s needed most. We will explore how to integrate the Pear Suite, Explain Everything, and GoGuardian to maintain high engagement and instructional oversight while navigating a fluid, modern classroom. Please bring a charged device to this session.
I'm currently a Digital Learning Specialist in Plano ISD and a former math teacher and technology auditor. My formal education includes an M.Ed. in Learning and Technology and BS in Accounting. Teacher certs: EC - 8 Generalist; EC-12 Special Education; 4-8 Math; and EC-12 ESL I can... Read More →
Join us for a high-level overview of our new elementary math resource. We will walk through the anatomy of a standard lesson, preview the student experience, and explore the library of supplemental resources available to you. This is your dedicated time to navigate the new materials and get a head start on visualizing your math instruction for the fall.
This session offers a guided introduction to the McGraw Hill Math 6–8 instructional materials teachers will use in the upcoming school year. Led by representatives from McGraw Hill, the session will walk participants through essential components, including lesson structure, assessments, and digital supports. Teachers will leave with a clear picture of how the resources fit together and where to begin as they prepare for implementation. The focus is on awareness and readiness rather than deep training. Please bring a charged device to this session.
(for Secondary) Learn how collaboration with your librarian can strengthen research, critical thinking, and content mastery in MS, HS, and SH classrooms. This session highlights powerful databases, digital collections, and tools that support authentic research, inquiry-based learning, and curriculum-specific needs. Educators will explore ways to embed library resources into projects and interdisciplinary units. Walk away with concrete strategies for partnering with your librarian to elevate instruction and better prepare students for college, career, and life.
This hands-on session will guide you through the *NEW* technical interface of Khan Academy Reimagined, from account activation to mastering the new Teacher Dashboard's main navigational components. Learn to strategically create and assign four distinct learning types—including Unit Missions and Khanmigo Activities—while utilizing preview links to visualize the student experience.Please bring a charged device to this session.
Educators have multiple resources they are expected to internalize and implement with integrity. And classrooms are increasingly diverse places, full of students with a variety of strengths and needs. What if we could find better ways to incorporate that diversity into the lesson internalization process and remove barriers to achievement for ALL learners? Participants will: examine principles of universally designed instruction and how they connect with the instructional cycle, enhance the lesson internalization process to ensure that rigorous learning experiences meet the needs of ALL learners, explore options for engagement, representation, and expression that reduce barriers for diverse learners across content areas, and practice teaching strategies that support effective classroom behavior management. [Please note: This session is at the Sockwell Center.]
How can we promote engaging, dynamic, differentiated instruction with minimal teacher preparation and maximum results? With lead4ward’s low-prep/high-yield instructional resources! Move from teacher-centered instruction with passive, bored students to exciting, engaging instruction where students move, do the talking, comprehend content, correct mistakes, and deepen connections. Get ready to move, interact, and have lots of fun as we rehearse activities that engage students to learn academic vocabulary, analyze complex visuals, comprehend difficult text, and THINK! TALK! WRITE! You’ll be able to use the strategies we practice in the session with students the very next day! [Please note: This session is at the Sockwell Center.]
Develop effective collaboration routines that clearly define roles and responsibilities between teachers and paraprofessionals. Strengthen communication practices that promote consistency and trust within the classroom team. Apply practical strategies for planning, feedback, and shared accountability. Empower paraprofessionals to actively support student learning and independence.
The training teaches your to use strategies aligned to each component of a math lesson demonstrate how educators can incorporate academic reading, writing, and conversations with a math-specific focus through student-led activities. Other topics include developing language-rich warm-ups, building background, and promoting differentiation with linguistic support. [Please note: This session is at the Sockwell Center.]
Examine why students often appear to learn during instruction but struggle to retain and apply skills over time. Identify how common classroom practices can create an illusion of learning, particularly for students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and other learning disabilities. Apply research-based strategies from cognitive science—including retrieval practice, spacing, and productive struggle—to strengthen retention and independence. Redesign instructional routines across structured literacy, writing, and content areas to move from performance in the moment to learning that lasts. Leave with practical tools and a clear framework to become a more responsive teacher, not just a deliverer of curriculum.
Vanessa is currently the Coordinator for Dyslexia Services for Plano ISD. As a previous ESL Instructional Specialist for Plano ISD, she now has the pleasure of merging these two worlds to help identify bilingual students with dyslexia with the same tenacity as monolingual students... Read More →
(For 3-5 Dual Language Teachers and Staff) Welcome to the "Perfectly Paired" approach to 50/50 instruction! This interactive workshop helps teachers explore the PISD Dual Language Allocation Plan, transforming a 50/50 split into a seamless educational experience. We will outline the Language of Instruction (LOI) for core subjects, giving teachers a clear understanding of the "who, what, and when" for their daily schedule. Participants will walk away with a toolkit of engaging strategies for Emergent Bilinguals, with a focus on scaffolds that foster confidence and academic success in both languages. Join us to discover how perfectly pairing your instruction can foster remarkable student growth! [Please note: This session is at the Sockwell Center.]
Laura Soto is a Language Acquisition Specialist that works for Multilingual Academic Services. She has been in education for 20 years and began her educational journey as a bilingual classroom teacher. Laura is passionate about language acquisition and creating fun learning opportunities... Read More →
Wednesday May 27, 2026 1:00pm - 3:50pm CDT Sockwell Center6301 Chapel Hill Blvd, Plano, TX 75093
Elementary Science: IWW Level 2 - Take your interactive word walls to the next level. This session is designed for grades 3–5 science teachers who are ready to move beyond setup and into impact. Learn how to use word walls to drive deeper thinking, support complex science writing, and assess student understanding in real time. Explore strategies for increasing student ownership, connecting vocabulary to TEKS-based concepts, and embedding word walls into daily instruction—not just display. Spend three engaging, high-energy hours with Dr. Julie Jackson as you refine your practice, analyze student work, and leave with advanced, ready-to-implement strategies.
This session builds on the principles introduced in PLC Foundation and explores the logistics of establishing and managing effective PLCs. Participants will learn about structures and practices that are an integral part of high-functioning PLCs such as team norms, navigating common team challenges, setting SMART goals and more.
THIS SESSION IS ONLY FOR SECONDARY CURRICULUM WRITERS. This session will provide secondary curriculum writers with a comprehensive framework for developing high-quality, student-centered learning experiences. Participants will explore the core tenets of the Plano ISD curriculum, focusing on "Backwards Design" to shift the instructional focus from teaching to student learning. This session guides educators through the creation and use of essential documents, such as Unit Plans, Pacing Calendars, and Learning Guides, to ensure a guaranteed and viable curriculum for all students. Attendees will also learn to identify "Essential Standards" using criteria like leverage, readiness, and endurance to prioritize the most impactful knowledge for long-term success.
Teachers have many tools in their toolbox. One of the best tools is CogAT. Teachers will analyze CogAT to dig into how each student learns best. This powerful tool can be used to adjust instruction to make instruction more effective for each student.
Jennifer Ruth began her career in Plano ISD at Christie Elementary as a teacher and instructional specialist. From this experience she learned that she loved tote trays but hated textbook counts. She now works as an Assessment Specialist supporting teachers in how to use the data... Read More →
Transform everyday lessons into rich opportunities for expert thinking by applying the Depth & Complexity framework with purpose and clarity. Examine how each icon moves students beyond surface‑level recall and into deeper analysis, reasoning, and conceptual understanding. Practice using the icons to redesign questions, tasks, and discussions across content areas so rigor increases without increasing workload. Participants will leave with practical strategies, templates, and classroom‑ready tools that help all learners move from simple to substantive thinking.
Kyla serves as the GT specialist at Skaggs Elementary School in Plano ISD. Kyla supports gifted learners K-5 through PACE, Plano Academic and Creative Education, a pullout program for identified GT students.
This session is for any member of the ARD committee that has experienced challenging ARDs with parents, advocates, or attorneys. We will give practical facilitation strategies as well as tips for adjusting the environment and tools to reach consensus, or actions to take if you don't.
Explore the magic of Canva for Education in this collaborative workshop that helps prepare you to lead professional learning on Canva (think Train-the-Trainer model). Dive into the basics of design and Canva’s workflow, so you can confidently support others in your district. You’ll learn how Canva helps students, staff, and educators create, communicate, and collaborate in ways that make learning more impactful and engaging. Please bring a charged device to this session.
Discover how to transform your planning and ignite student creativity using iPad. From digital command centers for teachers to creative design boards for students, explore the limitless possibilities of Apple’s Freeform app.Please bring a charged device to this session.
Feeling like classroom behaviors are running the show? It’s time for a reset. In this 80-minute session, you’ll dive into the STOIC framework and uncover the strategies that make TEACH, INTERACT, and CORRECT truly effective in classrooms with medium to high behavioral needs. Through hands-on practice, guided reflection, and real-world examples, you’ll pinpoint where your systems are breaking down and walk away with ready-to-use correction scripts, engagement strategies, and a personalized action plan. Leave reactive responses behind and gain the confidence, clarity, and tools to create a calm, proactive, and sustainable learning environment. This session is perfect for educators ready to take control and make behavior management work for them.
Behavior Instructional Intervention Specialist, Plano ISD
The Plano ISD Student Management Team handles Tier 1 Classroom Management, Tier 2/3 Campus Behavior Support, Campus and District Behavior/Classroom Management Trainings, PISD Leveled Guide of Discipline Training and Support, Review360 Training and Support, PBIS (Foundations Training... Read More →
[All attendees will receive a copy of the author's book, Fifty AI Prompts for Teachers.] Planning lessons without AI in 2026 is a bit like grading papers without a pen—it’s possible, but why make it harder on yourself? In this session, you’ll learn how to use Gemini as a reliable “thinking partner” to help you brainstorm ideas, strengthen your content knowledge, and build engaging instructional materials. Through hands-on examples and simple prompting strategies, you’ll see how AI can save time while actually improving your teaching. We’ll also dig into why these tools matter right now—and how to use them in ways that truly support learning. Please bring a charged device to this session.
Introduce AI to students not as a "magic button," but as a learning partner. Every student project that involves AI follows a three-phase blueprint to ensure academic integrity and safety: The Human Spark (Ideation): Before touching AI, students must produce a "Brainstorm Artifact" (a mind map, a hand-drawn sketch, or a written outline). The AI Augmentation (Creation): Students use specific, approved tools to iterate on their idea. Adobe Express: For generative fill and precise visual layering. Canva Magic Studio: For layout automation and multimedia transformation. Google Labs: For research synthesis and rapid prototyping. The Human Polish (Refinement): Students must manually edit, critique, and document the changes they made to the AI output to make it "theirs." Please bring a charged device to this session.
I'm currently a Digital Learning Specialist in Plano ISD and a former math teacher and technology auditor. My formal education includes an M.Ed. in Learning and Technology and BS in Accounting. Teacher certs: EC - 8 Generalist; EC-12 Special Education; 4-8 Math; and EC-12 ESL I can... Read More →
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Every student carries something into the classroom—but for some, that load is heavier and unseen. In this session, we’ll unpack the “invisible backpack” of trauma and explore how toxic stress shapes behavior, relationships, and the ability to learn.
This session offers a guided introduction to the McGraw Hill Math 6–8 instructional materials teachers will use in the upcoming school year. Led by representatives from McGraw Hill, the session will walk participants through essential components, including lesson structure, assessments, and digital supports. Teachers will leave with a clear picture of how the resources fit together and where to begin as they prepare for implementation. The focus is on awareness and readiness rather than deep training. Please bring a charged device to this session.
This hands-on session will guide you through the *NEW* technical interface of Khan Academy Reimagined, from account activation to mastering the new Teacher Dashboard's main navigational components. Learn to strategically create and assign four distinct learning types—including Unit Missions and Khanmigo Activities—while utilizing preview links to visualize the student experience. Please bring a charged device to this session.
