CT ProStart Educator Leads at National Event

This summer, Connecticut’s own ProStart educator Gianna Gurga - formerly of Simsbury High School - had the unique opportunity to not only attend but also teach at the National ProStart Professional Development event in New Orleans, Louisiana. Gianna wrote about her experience, reflecting on the sessions she attended, the colleagues she met, and the workshop she led. Below, she shares her firsthand perspective on why this event is so valuable for ProStart teachers across the country.

This summer, I had the privilege of attending the ProStart Professional Development in New Orleans, Louisiana. This was my second year attending the conference and I can confidently say that it is one of the most valuable experiences I have had as a culinary educator. Whether you’re brand new to ProStart or you’ve been teaching it for years, this PD offers something for everyone.

Why You Should Go Next Summer

ProStart PD is more than just a set of training sessions — it’s a community. It’s where you can connect with like-minded educators from across the country who share your passion for preparing students for the foodservice and hospitality industry. The sessions are engaging, hands-on, and immediately applicable to the classroom. By the end of the week, you don’t just come home with ideas; you come home with resources, connections, and a renewed sense of purpose.One of the best sessions I attended was called “Show Me The Money” which was all about how to secure funding for your program through creative and innovative ways. It touched upon so many big and small ​ideas that I am planning on using in my program this school year!

Tailored for Every Teacher – New and Veteran

One of the greatest things about ProStart is that each educator has a different background. For me, I am entering my 15th year teaching and my 3rd year teaching ProStart. I am a tried-and-true educator who has never worked in industry before. On the other hand, some of my ProStart colleagues have graduated from culinary school and have had plenty of industry experience, but this is their first time teaching. 

The ProStart PD did a great job tailoring sessions to different experience levels. For new teachers, there were foundational workshops that walked through the ProStart curriculum, classroom management strategies, and tips for implementing industry-level skills with high school students.

For seasoned ProStart veterans, the sessions went deeper — covering advanced culinary techniques, innovative lesson ideas, and ways to take your program to the next level. And yes, there were plenty of veteran ProStart teachers in attendance! Many of them were happy to share years’ worth of advice, stories, and even troubleshooting tips for common challenges we all face.

My Favorite Part

While the sessions themselves were fantastic, my favorite part was the networking. There’s something powerful about being surrounded by educators who “get it” — people who understand the demands, the creativity, and the heart that go into running a ProStart program. Sharing stories over lunch or swapping lesson ideas between sessions was just as valuable as the formal workshops. The colleagues I met from across the country have now become great friends, and we continue to support and inspire each other even after the conference ended.  

Leading My Own Session

This year, I also had the opportunity to lead my own session at the PD. My workshop, Café 101: Tips and Tricks for Running a Successful Student-Based Enterprise, focused on helping teachers launch or improve their school cafés and student-run businesses. I shared practical strategies for organization, marketing, and daily operations – along with lessons learned from my own experience. Attendees left with ready-to-use tips, templates, and creative ideas to make their student enterprises more profitable, educational and fun. 

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been on the fence about attending ProStart PD, let this be your sign to make it happen next summer. It’s professional development that truly understands our field — and it’s worth every moment. Whether you’re looking for new teaching strategies, fresh inspiration, or simply a community of educators who share your passion, ProStart PD delivers.