Durham Public Schools PL

Presenters: Jordan Halliday | jordan_halliday@dpsnc.net | Beginning Teacher of the Year; Alec Virgil | alec_virgil@dpsnc.net | Teacher of the Year; Dr. Theresa McGowan | theresa_mcgowan@dpsnc.net | Principal of the Year; Dr. Quincey Farmer | quincey_farmer@dpsnc.net | Assistant Principal of the Year; Jerome Hallan | jermone_hallan@dpsnc.net | School Social Worker of the Year; Terez Qualls | terez_qualls@dpsnc.net | Instructional Assistant of the Year; Crystal Laws | crystal_laws@dpsnc.net | School Counselor of the Year
Location: Riverside High School Room 234
Description: All the premiere educators in Durham Public Schools come together to share insights and inspirations on the importance of Building a Positive School Culture. There will be a mix of "Ted" Talks, panel discussions, and activities to help participants create an action plan for building positive community in their own schools or departments.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Culturally Responsive Practices, Communication Skills
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, *None (Non-Instructional), Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Directors, Assistant Superintendents, Coordinators, Directors, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Mentors, Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, Speech Language Pathologists, Superintendents, Assistant Coordinators, Assistant Principals, Facilitators, Instructional Assistants, Itinerant Teachers, Physical Therapists, Principals, Psychologists, School Counselors, Specialists, Teachers

Presenters: Ericka Boone | ericka_boone@dpsnc.net | New Directions Center Coordinator; Melissa Watson | melissa_watson@dpsnc.net | Director of Student Alternatives and Supports
Location: Riverside High School Room B221
Description: Moving away from “traditional” school discipline and toward restorative practices. This workshop will explore what that kind of shift can look like—in practical terms—inside our classrooms.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Equity, Increased Rigor, Social Emotional
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: Kelly Newsome | kelly_newsome@dpsnc.net | Teaching and Learning Coach
Location: Riverside High School Room A214
Description: for high school teachers to learn how to use choice boards in their classrooms as a way to foster student engagement and improve overall achievement.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, Healthful Living
Topic(s): Increased Rigor, Curriculum and Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: Shaniqua Hood | shaniqua_hood@dpsnc.net | Teaching & Learning Coach; Arthur Hicks | arthur_hicksiii@dpsnc.net | Coach; Lucretia Smith | lucretia_smith@dpsnc.net | Coach;
Location: Riverside High School Room B225
Description: In this session, participants will explore the new Student Information System, Infinite Campus. Using a demo account, educators will have the opportunity to log in, navigate key features, and begin building familiarity with the platform. This hands-on session is designed to help staff feel more confident and prepared as we transition to Infinite Campus.
Subject Area(s): Digital Learning Standards
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Digital Teaching and Learning, PowerSchool-Infinite Campus, Assessment for Learning, Standards Aligned Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: Jewel Barnwell | jewel_barnwell@dpsnc.net | Teaching & Learning Coach
Location: Riverside High School Room C237
Description: In this session, teachers will learn to use mCLASS data to create targeted small groups for improving literacy in K-5 ELA classrooms. Participants will explore how to interpret data, group students, plan effective lessons, and monitor progress to drive student growth.
Subject Area(s): ELA
Topic(s): MTSS, Data Analysis
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: Liz Moffitt | elizabeth_moffitt@dpsnc.net | Director of Math & Science
Location: Riverside High School Room B220
Description: In this session, teachers will dig deeply into an upcoming module. They will preview the learning, investigate the development of learning, and explore the assessment. Participants use the knowledge gained from their study to prepare a plan for instruction.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics
Topic(s): Standards Aligned Instruction, Curriculum and Instruction, DPS Adopted Resources
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade
Targeted Roles: Coaches, Teachers

Presenters: Santana Batten | SBatten@cainc.com | iReady Trainer; Felicia Sledge | Felicia_Sledge@dpsnc.net | MTSS Specialist
Location: Riverside High School Room D241
Description: Educators will reflect on the benefits of engaging students in discussions about their data. They will explore resources to use for student data chats at different times in the school year and plan a data chat using the Student Data Chat Pack on i-Ready Central. Create a plan to monitor and encourage students during personalized instruction. Best practices for intervening during personalized instruction and utilizing personalized instruction to support prerequisite skills from the prerequisite report. Educators will use the Prerequisite Report (demo account) to determine areas for growth based on upcoming grade-level standards in Math. Utilizing a data analysis process, educators uncover new insights and information about student performance to build on strengths and plan instructional scaffolds to maximize access to grade-level content. Explore resources to support all learners above, on and below grade-level to support students meeting and exceeding typical growth/stretch growth expectations.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics
Topic(s): Digital Teaching and Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Teachers

Presenters: Pascalle V. Adams | pascalle_adams@dpsnc.net | Teaching and Learning Coach
Location: Riverside High School Room C238
Description: What if every student had a structure to clarify, communicate, and build on their thinking—every day, in every subject? This interactive session introduces powerful thinking routines that promote deeper learning and academic discourse across K–12 classrooms. Participants will explore routines like See-Think-Wonder, Claim-Support-Question, and Connect-Extend-Challenge, and learn how to embed them into existing lessons. Through modeling, practice, and planning time, teachers will leave with ready-to-use strategies and a clear implementation plan tailored to their content area. Whether you're new to thinking routines or looking to refine your practice, this session will equip you with tools to make student thinking visible, accessible, and meaningful.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
Topic(s): Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: Amy Miller | amy_miller@dpsnc.net | Director; Angelo DelliSanti | angelo.dellisanti@capturingkidshearts.org | Vendor; Felicia Sledge | felicia_sledge@dpsnc.net | Specialist; Sonya West | sonya_west@dpsnc.net | specialist
Location: Riverside High School Room 242
Description: This is the 2 day session on Capturing Kids Hearts for untrained staff members at the following schools: Lowes Grove, Eastway, Burton, Lakewood Elem, Carrington, Murray-Massenburg, Oak Grove, YE Smith and CC Spaulding. If you are not on staff at these schools, your registration will be removed.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): MTSS
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: Coordinators, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Assistant Coordinators, Assistant Principals, Facilitators, Instructional Assistants, Principals, School Counselors, Specialists, Teachers

Presenters: Renee Ancora | renee_ancora@dpsnc.net | Presenter; Krista Saunders | krista_saunders@dpsnc.net | Presenter; Elaina Bradley | elaina_bradley@dpsnc.net | Presenter
Location: Other... Old Northern High School (117 Wilkinson Road, Durham)
Description: Staff will learn strategies to prevent problem behaviors, verbal deescalation skills, disengagement and holding skills, as a last resort.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Exceptional Children
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)

Presenters: Alina Castillo | alina_castillo@dpsnc.net | 6-12 Math Specialist; Kenya Lawrence | kenya_lawrence@dpsnc.net | 6-12 Math Specialist
Location: Riverside High School Room A213
Description: In this seminar, we will explore transformative instructional models and practices designed to foster access, equity, and excellence in every math classroom. Participants will engage in deep reflection on how to honor the diverse strengths of all learners while unlocking their full potential. Central to our work will be an in-depth study of the Five Practices for Orchestrating Productive Mathematical Discussions—a powerful framework that positions students as authors of their own mathematical understanding. Join us to elevate your instructional approach and cultivate a learning environment where every student thrives.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Increased Rigor, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Culturally Responsive Practices, DPS Adopted Resources, Effective Feedback Strategies, Equity, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Assistants, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Teachers

Presenters: Matt Hickson | matthew.hickson@modernclassrooms.org | Director
Location: Riverside High School Media Center
Description: This session is ONLY for elementary grades 3-5 math teachers who have signed up for the year-long Modern Classrooms/Eureka2 Partnership. During this 2 day summer training, educators will receive access to a full year of adapted Eureka2 Math​​ materials and will learn practical methods to use ​the Modern Classrooms approach with E​M2 to meet every learner’s needs.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics
Topic(s): DPS Adopted Resources
Targeted Instructional Grades: 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: Carla Joyner | carla_joyner@dpsnc.net | Teaching & Learning Math Coach; Tiffany Byrd | tiffany_byrd@dpsnc.net | Teaching & Learning Coach
Location: Riverside High School Room A212
Description: Participants will be able to analyze DPS curriculum maps and resources to design engaging, interactive, and relevant learning experiences that explicitly integrate 21st-century skills and incorporate differentiation strategies.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics
Topic(s): Increased Rigor, Assessment for Learning, Curriculum and Instruction, DPS Adopted Resources, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: Amy Miller | amy_miller@dpsnc.net | Director; Felicia Sledge | felicia_sledge@dpsnc.net | Specialist; Sonya West | sonya_west@dpsnc.net | Specialist
Location: Riverside High School Room B221
Description: This session will guide school teams through the use of a Restorative Practices Framework to systematically build community and relationships within a building. Community building circles, impromptu conversations and affective language will be taught for use with students, families and staff.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Health and Safety, MTSS
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Directors, Assistant Superintendents, Coordinators, Directors, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Mentors, Social Workers, Superintendents, Assistant Coordinators, Assistant Principals, Coaches, Facilitators, Instructional Assistants, Itinerant Teachers, Principals, Psychologists, School Counselors, Specialists, Teachers

Presenters: Gloria Sanchez | gloria_sanchez@dpsnc.net | SEL/Mental Health Coordinator; Dr. Cherice Artis | cherice_artis@dpsnc.net | School Counseling Coordinator; Kafi Hill | kafi_hill@dpsnc.net | Lead School Social Worker; Kourt Royster | Kourtney_royster@dpsnc.net | Mental Health Specialist; Tomeka Ward-Satterfield | tomeka_wardsatter@dpsnc.net | Director of Student Wellness & Advocacy
Location: Riverside High School Room B220
Description: This session is designed for professional school counselors and school social workers who serve as field supervisors and mentees for interns and early-career professionals in student support services. Effective supervision is more than oversight—it’s a dynamic, reflective, and intentional process that shapes the professional identities of future practitioners. This session is REQUIRED for all staff who want to supervise an intern.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Leadership, School Counselors, School Social Work, Student Wellness and Advocacy
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Social Workers, School Counselors

Presenters: Dr. Temperance Tobe | temperance.tobe@dpsnc.net | CIMC; Lucretia Smith | lucretial_smith@dpsnc.net | CIMC; Jennifer Watson | jennifer_watson@dpsnc.net | CIMC
Location: Riverside High School Room A219
Description: Supporting beginner teachers through creative lesson planning, and utilizing technology and resources.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Digital Learning Standards, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE
Topic(s): Coaching and Mentoring, Digital Teaching and Learning, Information Technology, Building Learning System Capacity, Communication Skills, Curriculum and Instruction, Effective Feedback Strategies
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Directors, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Mentors, Assistant Coordinators, Assistant Principals, Teachers

Presenters: Hannah Hribar | Hannah_Hribar@dpsnc.net | Lead EC Facilitator; Ajalyn Baker | Ajalyn_Baker@dpsnc.net | Lead EC Facilitator; Wendy Vavrousek | Wendy_Vavrousek@dpsnc.net | EC Director
Location: Riverside High School Room C233
Description: This session will help general education teachers enhance their knowledge regarding exceptional children policies and practices, effectively collaborate with EC colleagues, and prepare for and engage in your students' IEP meetings.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, ELA
Topic(s): Exceptional Children
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: Amy Beebe | amy_beebe@dpsnc.net | Instructional Coach
Location: Riverside High School Room C236
Description: Strategies for increasing student voice.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
Topic(s): Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: Jasmine | jasmine_holloway@dpsnc.net | Instructional Coach
Location: Riverside High School Room B223
Description: This session is designed to help teachers confidently access and implement ARC lessons by deepening their understanding of how Common Core Standards are embedded throughout each unit. Participants will explore how ARC aligns instructional tasks with grade-level expectations, unpack key standards, and learn how to navigate ARC resources effectively. Through hands-on planning and discussion, teachers will gain clarity on the instructional purpose behind each lesson and leave better equipped to deliver standards-based literacy instruction with fidelity and confidence.
Subject Area(s): ELA
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: Sparkle | sparkle_howard@dpsnc.net | Presenter
Location: Riverside High School Room C237
Description: This session will redirect teachers to pour into themselves before they can help someone else and consider how to recenter and refocus. What atmosphere are you creating for yourself and your students?
Subject Area(s): Healthful Living, *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Social Emotional Learning, Culturally Responsive Practices, Leadership
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Coordinators, Facilitators, Instructional Coaches, Teachers

Presenters: Liz Moffitt | elizabeth_moffitt@dpsnc.net | Director of Math & Science
Location: Riverside High School Room A217
Description: In this session, teachers will dig deeply into an upcoming module. They will preview the learning, investigate the development of learning, and explore the assessment. Participants use the knowledge gained from their study to prepare a plan for instruction.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, DPS Adopted Resources, Standards Aligned Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Coaches, Teachers

Presenters: Chrlene Martin-Klein | charlene_martinklein@dpsnc.net | K-12 Social Studies Curriculum Specialist
Location: Riverside High School Room B222
Description: Discover how the life and work of Pauli Murray can enrich your classroom and inspire your students. This immersive session includes a guided tour of the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice, a powerful keynote by Rosita Stevens-Holsey—author, educator, and Pauli Murray’s niece—and a hands-on curriculum workshop. Participants will explore curated primary and secondary sources to design meaningful lesson plans that illuminate Murray’s legacy in civil rights, gender equity, and American history. Open to all K–12 educators, this session offers the tools and inspiration to bring Pauli Murray’s voice into your classroom. Space is limited. Participants must pre-register by emailing charlene_martinklein@dpsnc.net before June 10th. THIS SESSION WILL BE HELD AT THE PAULI MURRAY CENTER, 906 Carroll St.
Subject Area(s): Social Studies
Topic(s): Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers