Durham Public Schools PL

Presenters: Dr. Iwinosa Idahor | iwinosa_idahor@dpsnc.net | Equity Affairs; Keaundra Robinson | keaundra_robinson@dpsnc.net | Equity Affairs; Shaneka Bynum | bynum1985@gmail.com | Community Partner; Dr. Brittani Clark | bgflcollective@gmail.com | Community Partner; Malenia Swinton | maleniaswinton13@gmail.com | Community Partner
Location: Riverside High School Room C231
Description: Literacy is the key to understanding the world around us through meaningful engagement with ideas in all forms. This session will focus on mobilizing and empowering teachers to educate and serve students--especially the most vulnerable among us--around reading as a liberatory practice that can connect and transform.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE
Topic(s): Equity, Culture and Climate, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Student Wellness and Advocacy, Culturally Responsive Practices, 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: Instructional Assistants, Instructional Coaches, Teachers

Presenters: Emily Ericson | emily_ericson@dpsnc.net | High School English Teacher
Location: Riverside High School Room B220
Description: Introduces direct instruction strategies and techniques. Participants will learn the definition of direct instruction, when to use it, and its importance. The session includes practical planning exercises, a template for direct instruction, and strategies for student check-ins and differentiation. Be prepared to design and share a lesson with other attendees, implementing skills from the session.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Explicit Teaching, Increased Rigor (DOK), Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Principals, Instructional Coaches, Teachers

Presenters: Thomas Young | thomas_young@dpsnc.net | CTE Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinator; Alycia Worthy | Alycia_worthy@dpsne.net | CTE Curriculum and Instructional Coordinator
Location: Riverside High School Room A219
Description: This PD session helps educators learn how to effectively group students to maximize collaboration, engagement, and academic success. The session covers research-based grouping strategies, classroom management tips for group work, and tools to assess group dynamics and productivity
Subject Area(s): Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, Healthful Living, Occupational Course of Study
Topic(s): Student-Centered Learning
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: Instructional Assistants, Teachers

Presenters: Malvola Clark | malvola_clark@dpsnc.net | Teaching & Learning Coach
Location: Riverside High School Room A216
Description: Teachers will learn how to design and align formative and summative assessments on SchoolNet and Mastery Connect that accurately measure student mastery of specific North Carolina Learning standards.
Subject Area(s): Digital Learning Standards, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
Topic(s): Digital Teaching and Learning, Assessment for Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Teachers

Presenters: Colleen Robinson | colleen_robinson@dpsnc.net | Instructional Coach
Location: Riverside High School Room C232
Description: Target Audience: K-5 Educators (AI beginner) interested in leveraging AI to enhance classroom instruction and data analysis. K-5 instructional leaders looking to enhance data driven practices. In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an essential tool for enhancing instruction, streamlining tasks, and personalizing learning experiences. Join us for a professional development session where we will explore the power of AI in the classroom and how educators can leverage it to make data-driven decisions, differentiate instruction, and engage students in innovative ways. What to Expect: Understanding AI in Education: A brief overview of AI and its applications in the classroom. Streamlining Administrative Tasks: Discover how AI can assist with grading, generating lesson plans, and providing real-time feedback on student work. Personalizing Learning: Learn how AI tools can adapt content to meet diverse learner needs and provide individualized practice. Data-Driven Instruction: Analyzing student performance data efficiently to identify strengths and areas for growth. Enhancing Student Engagement: Creating interactive and adaptive content, including AI-powered simulations and problem-solving exercises. Hands-On Exploration: Try out AI tools tailored for education and discuss practical applications with peers. By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with practical strategies and resources to seamlessly integrate AI into your teaching practice, making data analysis more efficient and instruction more impactful.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, ELA
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability, Curriculum and Instruction, Digital Teaching and Learning, Data Analysis, Differentiation/Scaffolding, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Principals, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Teachers

Presenters: Pascalle V. Adams | pascalle_adams@dpsnc.net | Teaching and Learning Coach
Location: Riverside High School Room C235
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): Increased Rigor (DOK), 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: Krystle Bradley | krystle_bradley@dpsnc.net | Teaching and Learning Coach; Rhonda Bradley | rhonda_bradley@dpsnc.net | Assistant Principal
Location: Riverside High School Room D241
Description: Unlock the power of data to uncover the hidden clues behind student achievement! In this engaging and hands-on professional development session, educators will step into the role of “Data Detectives” to explore how to effectively collect, interpret, and act on student data. Participants will analyze real-world scenarios, collaborate to identify patterns and root causes, and develop actionable strategies to support all learners. Whether you're new to data analysis or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will equip you with the tools to transform raw numbers into meaningful insights that drive student growth and success.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, ELA
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Assessment for Learning, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Teachers

Presenters: Stacie Warner | stacie_warner@dpsnc.net | Teaching & Learning Coach
Location: Riverside High School Room A211
Description: A variety of reading strategies for all teachers to implement within their own content to support literacy among all learners.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Healthful Living
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Increased Rigor, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Assistants, Specialists, Interventionists, Teachers

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 D242
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, ELA
Topic(s): Building Learning System Capacity, Communication Skills, Curriculum and Instruction, Digital Teaching and Learning, Effective Feedback Strategies, Explicit Teaching, Beginning Teacher Support, Coaching and Mentoring, Information Technology
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Coordinators, Assistant Principals, Directors, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Mentors, Teachers

Presenters: Mia Morris | mia_morris@dpsnc.net | CTE Lead Coordinator; Rosalind Garmon | rosalind_garmon@dpsnc.net | CTE Equity Specialist
Location: Riverside High School Room D244
Description: Earning an Industry-recognized credential opens doors to internships, college-credit, and aligned careers. This session will focus on teaching educators of all grade levels (CTE and non-CTE) the benefits of students optimizing the integration of core subjects and career-focused learning to enhance career-focused opportunities. By the end of the session, participants will be able to make connections to the acronym "CREAM: Credentials Rule Everything Around Me" through active learning, content alignment, and the potential to earn a transferrable industry-recognized credential.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Digital Learning Standards, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, Healthful Living, Occupational Course of Study
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability, Digital Teaching and Learning, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning, Assessment for Learning, Communication Skills, Curriculum and Instruction, Effective Feedback Strategies, Equity, Information Technology
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: Coordinators, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Assistant Coordinators, Assistant Principals, Facilitators, Instructional Assistants, Itinerant Teachers, Principals, School Counselors, Specialists, Teachers

Presenters: Dr. Temperance Tobe | temperance.tobe@dpsnc.net | CIMC; Dr. Vimbainashe Chanakira | vimbainashe.chanakira@dpsnc.net | teacher
Location: Riverside High School Room C234
Description: Veteran teachers mentoring and supporting beginner teachers. Why veteran teachers are vital to the retention and success of new teachers.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA
Topic(s): Communication Skills, Curriculum and Instruction, Explicit Teaching, Social Emotional Learning, Beginning Teacher Support, Coaching and Mentoring, Leadership
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Directors, Assistant Directors, Coordinators, Instructional Coaches, Mentors, Teachers

Presenters: Emily Ericson | emily_ericson@dpsnc.net | High School English Teacher
Location: Riverside High School Room B220
Description: Introduces direct instruction strategies and techniques. Participants will learn the definition of direct instruction, when to use it, and its importance. The session includes practical planning exercises, a template for direct instruction, and strategies for student check-ins and differentiation. Be prepared to design and share a lesson with other attendees, implementing skills from the session.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Explicit Teaching, Increased Rigor (DOK), Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Principals, Instructional Coaches, Teachers

Presenters: Justine Daniel | justine_daniel@dpsnc.net | Teaching & Learning Coach
Location: Riverside High School Room B223
Description: In this session strategies and classroom activities to build classroom culture, trust and a sense of belonging will be shared and modeled. Activities range from Week 1 activities to build a positive learning environment to strategies on how to engage learners through reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, ELA
Topic(s): Communication Skills, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Beginning Teachers
Targeted Instructional Grades: 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Assistants, Teachers

Presenters: Diana Franklin | Diana_franklin@dpsnc.net | TLC
Location: Riverside High School Room A216
Description: We speak about rigor frequently but do all educators completely understand what this means or how we can help all students think at higher levels? In this session we will synthesize a workable definition of what rigor is based on several sources as well as our own background knowledge. We will analyze the level of thinking required for different activities based on both Bloom's Taxonomy and Webb's Depth of Knowledge. We will also discuss how to provide the appropriate scaffolding to guide academically diverse students to be able to complete higher level tasks and questions. We will then explore how to use different AI tools to easily increase the DOK level in different tasks and questions. Finally, teachers will have time to create a learning activity to implement their new understanding. We will use different higher thinking level activities and strategies throughout the workshop as exemplars for the participants.
Subject Area(s): Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living
Topic(s): Advanced Academics-AIG, Increased Rigor
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: Colleen Robinson | colleen_robinson@dpsnc.net | Instructional Coach
Location: Riverside High School Room C232
Description: Target Audience: K-5 Educators (AI beginner) interested in leveraging AI to enhance classroom instruction and data analysis. K-5 instructional leaders looking to enhance data driven practices. In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an essential tool for enhancing instruction, streamlining tasks, and personalizing learning experiences. Join us for a professional development session where we will explore the power of AI in the classroom and how educators can leverage it to make data-driven decisions, differentiate instruction, and engage students in innovative ways. What to Expect: Understanding AI in Education: A brief overview of AI and its applications in the classroom. Streamlining Administrative Tasks: Discover how AI can assist with grading, generating lesson plans, and providing real-time feedback on student work. Personalizing Learning: Learn how AI tools can adapt content to meet diverse learner needs and provide individualized practice. Data-Driven Instruction: Analyzing student performance data efficiently to identify strengths and areas for growth. Enhancing Student Engagement: Creating interactive and adaptive content, including AI-powered simulations and problem-solving exercises. Hands-On Exploration: Try out AI tools tailored for education and discuss practical applications with peers. By the end of this session, you’ll walk away with practical strategies and resources to seamlessly integrate AI into your teaching practice, making data analysis more efficient and instruction more impactful.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, ELA
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability, Curriculum and Instruction, Digital Teaching and Learning, Data Analysis, Differentiation/Scaffolding, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Principals, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Teachers

Presenters: Krystle Bradley | krystle_bradley@dpsnc.net | Teaching and Learning Coach; Rhonda Bradley | rhonda_bradley@dpsnc.net | Assistant Principal
Location: Riverside High School Room A210
Description: Unlock the power of data to uncover the hidden clues behind student achievement! In this engaging and hands-on professional development session, educators will step into the role of “Data Detectives” to explore how to effectively collect, interpret, and act on student data. Participants will analyze real-world scenarios, collaborate to identify patterns and root causes, and develop actionable strategies to support all learners. Whether you're new to data analysis or looking to sharpen your skills, this session will equip you with the tools to transform raw numbers into meaningful insights that drive student growth and success.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, ELA
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Assessment for Learning, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Teachers

Presenters: Stacie Warner | stacie_warner@dpsnc.net | Teaching & Learning Coach
Location: Riverside High School Room A211
Description: A variety of reading strategies for all teachers to implement within their own content to support literacy among all learners.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Healthful Living
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Increased Rigor, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Assistants, Specialists, Interventionists, Teachers

Presenters: Emma Refvem | emma_refvem@dpsnc.net | 6-12 Science Specialist
Location: Riverside High School Room A215
Description: After a full year of implementing North Carolina’s new science standards, this session offers science educators a space to reflect on their teaching experiences, analyze instructional alignment, and collaborate to refine their practice. Through structured reflection, analysis of curriculum resources, and hands-on design time, participants will identify successes and challenges from the past year and co-create materials to better support rigorous, equitable, and student-centered science instruction. This session builds teacher capacity to use Durham Public Schools curriculum resources to plan and deliver differentiated, standards-aligned instruction while fostering curiosity, professional collaboration, and sustained impact into the next school year.
Subject Area(s): Science
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers