Buckle up for an exciting journey in professional learning at Summer Inspire: Destination Excellence on May 28-29 from 8:30 to 4:00! This summer, we’re hitting the road toward innovation, impact, and instructional excellence. 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
Here are some helpful tips for navigating Sched:
You can filter for session types by using the menu bar on the right side of the screen (Elementary, GT Credit, Full-day, etc.)
(For elementary) This high-energy professional development session equips educators with practical, student-centered strategies that drive active learning and deep engagement. Participants will explore the essential components of an engaged classroom, gaining hands-on experience with techniques that get students actively involved in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The session focuses on increasing critical thinking, fostering student ownership of learning, and integrating higher-order thinking into daily instruction. Educators will leave with ready-to-use tools and strategies to create a language-rich, interactive environment where students thrive. This session provides an engaging and immersive learning experience, ensuring that teachers walk away with actionable strategies to transform instruction and maximize student success. [Please note: This session is at the Sockwell Center.]
Ready to take student engagement to the next level? In this interactive session, participants will explore Discovery Education’s Spotlight on Strategies—simple, high-impact instructional practices designed to spark curiosity, deepen thinking, and boost participation. Educators will learn how to effectively implement these strategies to enhance questioning, support summarizing, and keep students actively involved in their learning. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with ready-to-use techniques and a refreshed toolkit of resources to transform your classroom into a hub of discovery and excitement.
(For elementary) This engaging professional development session explores the power of formative assessment as a tool to drive student achievement and instructional decision-making. Educators will examine how assessments shape learning, impact instructional choices, and support students in reaching their full potential. Through hands-on experiences and actionable strategies, participants will learn how to assess for learning rather than just of learning, incorporate student self-assessment as a powerful learning tool, and develop a collaborative classroom culture where assessment fuels growth. This session equips teachers with practical, ready-to-use methods to make assessment a meaningful and integral part of the learning process. [Please note: This session is at the Sockwell Center.]
(For elementary) Strengthen literacy skills by unlocking the powerful connection between reading and writing! This engaging professional development session provides educators with learner-centered, active strategies to enhance student comprehension, writing fluency, and content mastery. Participants will uncover how reading fuels better writing, and gather practical tools to lessen writing anxiety while building student confidence. Through hands-on experiences, educators will leave with a ready-to-use toolkit of dynamic strategies designed to boost engagement, deepen understanding, and empower students to thrive as both readers and writers. [Please note: This session is at the Sockwell Center.]
Jumpstart your Seesaw journey by mastering the platform’s essential tools for instruction and engagement. Design purposeful learning tasks, manage student work with ease, and elevate student ownership in the classroom. Participants will also complete the steps to become an official Seesaw Pioneer!
In this session, Title I Coaches will have the opportunity to preview, analyze, and reflect on our new competency sets for the 25/26 school year including our Teacher Best Practices and new Plano ISD Coach competencies. This is specific for Title I Instructional Coaches, however others are welcome to join if they want to learn more! Target Audience: Title I Instructional Coaches, Elementary Bilingual Coaches
(For Elementary) This interactive training walks participants through the lessons and tools from the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum’s Upstander Education Database that can be used in the classroom to build positive communication and mutual respect. Participants will examine two TEKS-aligned lessons that provide students with tips on how to have respectful conversations and practice good listening skills. Learning Goals: Understand the skills and techniques used to build responsible and respectful conversations and provide hands-on resources to immediately implement in your classroom.
(For elementary) This interactive professional development session empowers educators with strategic questioning techniques designed to deepen student understanding, foster inquiry, and enhance critical thinking. Participants will explore how to craft purposeful questions, encourage student-generated questions, and shift from content coverage to true comprehension. Through fast-paced, hands-on experiences, educators will analyze question types, refine questioning strategies, and practice techniques that promote higher-order thinking and meaningful student interactions. This session provides practical, immediately applicable methods to create a dynamic, inquiry-driven classroom environment where students take an active role in their learning. [Please note: This session is at the Sockwell Center.]
Jumpstart your Seesaw journey by mastering the platform’s essential tools for instruction and engagement. Design purposeful learning tasks, manage student work with ease, and elevate student ownership in the classroom. Participants will also complete the steps to become an official Seesaw Pioneer!
(For elementary) A positive classroom culture is the foundation for student success. This engaging professional development session equips educators with practical strategies to build strong relationships, lower student anxiety, and foster an inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued. Participants will explore techniques to create an “I can!” culture, ensuring students have the comfort and confidence to tackle challenging content. Educators will gain actionable ideas to celebrate diversity, honor multiple intelligences, and create a culture of second chances where learning thrives. Through hands-on experiences, this session provides ready-to-use strategies to enhance student engagement and build a connected, supportive classroom community. [Please note: This session is at the Sockwell Center.]
New to Discovery Education or just looking for a refresher? This fast-paced, informative session will walk you through the Top 5 must-know features of Discovery Education Experience that can transform your classroom. From finding high-quality digital content to integrating interactive tools that support instruction, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to navigate the platform and apply it to your daily teaching. Whether you're planning a lesson, differentiating for students, or looking to boost engagement, this session will equip you with practical tips to make the most of Discovery Education.
In this session, Title I Coaches will have the opportunity to preview, analyze, and reflect on our new competency sets for the 25/26 school year including our Teacher Best Practices and new Plano ISD Coach competencies. This is specific for Title I Instructional Coaches, however others are welcome to join if they want to learn more! Target Audience: Title I Instructional Coaches, Elementary Bilingual Coaches
(For Elementary) This interactive training walks participants through the lessons and tools from the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum’s Upstander Education Database that can be used in the classroom to build positive communication and mutual respect. Participants will examine two TEKS-aligned lessons that provide students with tips on how to have respectful conversations and practice good listening skills. Learning Goals: Understand the skills and techniques used to build responsible and respectful conversations and provide hands-on resources to immediately implement in your classroom.
