For those of us who work in support of education systems, September can stir up a mix of emotions – excitement and uncertainly about the start of a new school year, joy and concern for the communities we serve, enthusiasm and overwhelm about the new courses and colleagues we’ll find, and pride and anxiety about the monumental responsibility of educating our state’s future leaders.
It’s a big job. No one can do it alone – and you don’t have to.
At LONESTARP3 we have a year-long calendar of events, open to all who seek a statewide community to consume ideas, contribute expertise, and connect with colleagues. Our LONESTARP3 CONNECT Virtual Sessions and LONESTARP3 LIVE! series are more than just events—these sessions offer a front-row seat to critical issues shaping Texas education, work, and prosperity, and a welcoming space for information, collaboration, and inspiration.
During our monthly CONNECT Virtual Sessions, you engage directly with the evolving work of LONESTARP3—from updates on our research enterprise, to emerging efforts to access and improve data systems, to exploring the intersections of policy and practice. Designed to be interactive and relevant, each session begins with timely network updates and then breaks into groups to allow for focused discussions that reflect current needs and interests. Participants gain insights into current LONESTARP3 activities, our future efforts, and shared by their feedback and suggestions.
While many sessions are already scheduled, there are still openings throughout the year for those interested in offering a breakout session which invites discussion and collaboration from the LONESTARP3 community. The schedule – and a path to submit a session request – can be found on our Events Page.
LONESTARP3 LIVE! events bring you access to leaders who sit at the intersection of data, policy, and practice. These quarterly livestream interviews – shaped by audience-submitted questions – go beyond surface updates, offering honest, unscripted dialogue on the complex issues that shape the experiences and outcomes of Texas students and communities. This year’s lineup will explore the dynamic Texas labor markets, the unique context of rural communities, and shifts in education finance policy. Whether you’re tuning in live or watching on-demand, you’ll walk away with a deeper sense of how statewide trends connect to your local work. Last year’s interviews are archived with our Past Events; details on the speakers and topics for this year are on our Events Page.
Grow Our Community
Our LONESTARP3 CONNECT Virtual Sessions and LONESTARP3 LIVE! series often attract 100-150 attendees, while still feeling close, connected, and inclusive. We invite you to attend—and ask you to welcome others from your community and professional network to join us. The more perspectives we bring into the conversation, the more powerful our collective action becomes.
Know someone who’s curious about how data, research, practice and policy intersect to drive real change? LONESTARP3 events are the place for them. Forward them our event information, encourage them to attend, and welcome them into our community – because we’re all in this together.
See you on September 18 for our first CONNECT Virtual session of the year!
