Durham Public Schools PL

Presenters: Cherice Artis | [email protected] | K-12 School Counseling Coordinator; Tomeka Ward-Satterfield | [email protected] | Student Wellness and Advocacy Director; Kourtney Royster | [email protected] | Whole Child Wellbeing Specialist; Ebony Ross | [email protected] | McKinney Vento Coordinator
Location: Staff Development Center M1
Description: Participants will be empowered to design and implement a comprehensive school counseling program that effectively addresses the academic, career, and social/emotional development needs of students for the upcoming school year.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): School Counselors
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 9th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: School Counselors

Presenters: Dr. Michelle Tuck Thomas | [email protected] | Director of Assessments & Accountability
Location: Hamlin Road 110
Description: To provide training for school-based Testing Coordinators (TC) on the administration of Local Benchmark Assessments through Mastery Connect.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Back-up Test Coordinators, Test Coordinators, Benchmark Test Coordinators

Presenters: Brian Whyte | [email protected] | TLC
Location: Lucas Middle School
Description: Introduction to the Gradual Release Model of teaching with Montessori Elements.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Increased Rigor, Curriculum and Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: Kelly Newsome | [email protected] | TLC
Location: Riverside High School Makers Space
Description: Review IC
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living
Topic(s): Infinite Campus
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)

Presenters: Ron Wahlen | [email protected] | Director of Digital Teaching and Learning
Location: https://t.ly/NNWV0
Description: This session will provide step-by-step guidance on implementing the ACT Prep program using Edmentum’s Courseware and Flex Assignments. Participants will learn how to access ACT courses, create sections, build and manage Flex Classes, assign content, and monitor student progress. The training is open to all high schools.
Subject Area(s): Digital Learning Standards, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, ELA
Topic(s): Digital Teaching and Learning, Curriculum and Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Directors, Assistant Superintendents, Coordinators, Directors, Instructional Coaches, Leads, Managers, Assistant Coordinators, Assistant Principals, Facilitators, Instructional Assistants, Principals, Specialists, Substitute Teachers, Teachers

Presenters: Justine Daniel | [email protected] | T & L Coach; Jennifer Wayson | [email protected] | Testing Coordinator
Location: Githens Middle School Media Center
Description: In this session participants will learn how to effectively manage, facilitate, conference and grade students' progress in the Dreambox Reading platform.
Subject Area(s): ELA
Topic(s): Digital Teaching and Learning, Assessment for Learning, Data Analysis, Effective Feedback Strategies
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: Dr. Michelle Tuck Thomas | [email protected] | Director of Assessments & Accountability
Location: Hamlin Road 110
Description: To provide training for school-based Testing Coordinators (TC) on the administration of PreACT.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability
Targeted Instructional Grades: 10th Grade
Targeted Roles: Back-up Test Coordinators, Test Coordinators

Presenters: Madison Ambrose | [email protected] | Grades 6-12 Advanced Academics/AIG Specialist
Location:
Description: This PD is designed to provide an overview of Advanced Academics and AIG at Ignite Online Academy for the 2025–2026 school year.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA
Topic(s): Advanced Academics-AIG
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Assistant Principals, Principals, Specialists, Teachers

Presenters: Shantil Turner | [email protected] | TBI Team Coordinator
Location:
Description: This meeting is for School Psychologists who are TBI Approved Providers and participants in TBI supervision. This meeting will provide training and support for team members.
Subject Area(s): Skill-Based Instruction (OTs‚ PTs‚ etc.)
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: Psychologists

Presenters: Kelly Bush | [email protected] | Presenter; Rita Rathbone | [email protected] | Presenter; Kengie Bass | [email protected] | Presenter
Location: Staff Development Center
Description: Monthly PD for those tasked with marketing, recruitment, and lottery work
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Leadership, Communication Skills
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional), Leadership
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)

Presenters: Darian Harris | [email protected] | CTE Director; Rosalind Garmon | [email protected] | CTE Equity Specialist; Cherice Artis | [email protected] | K-12 School Counselor Coordinator; Tomeka Ward-Satterfield | [email protected] | Student Wellness and Advocacy Director
Location: Staff Development Center
Description: This workshop explores the vital role school counselors play in supporting students’ career development and readiness. Participants will learn strategies for integrating career counseling into individual, small-group, and classroom settings, and will examine ways to collaborate effectively with the Career and Technical Education department. The session will also provide practical guidance for helping students complete meaningful Career Development Plans, ensuring they set achievable goals and take actionable steps toward their postsecondary aspirations. Through discussion and hands-on activities, counselors will leave equipped to enhance career guidance and support every student in planning for future success.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): School Counselors
Targeted Instructional Grades: 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: School Counselors

Presenters: Dr. Michelle Tuck Thomas | [email protected] | Director of Assessments & Accountability
Location: Hamlin Road 110
Description: To provide training for school-based Testing Coordinators (TC) on the administration of CCRAA-10, the alternate assessment for PreACT.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability
Targeted Instructional Grades: 10th Grade
Targeted Roles: Back-up Test Coordinators, Test Coordinators

Presenters: Krista Saunders | [email protected] | Director; Lori Platko | [email protected] | Adapted Curriculum Specialist; Kelly Roberts | [email protected] | Adapted Curriculum Specialist; Monique Bonner | [email protected] | Adapted Curriculum Specialist
Location: Y.E. Smith Elementary School
Description: Participants will learn how to prevent problem behavior and teach new behaviors using positive reinforcement. Participants will also learn how to decrease problem behaviors with research-based interventions.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Exceptional Children
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistants, Teachers

Presenters: Michelle Meade | [email protected] | Pre-K Instructional Coach; April Washington | [email protected] | EC Pre-K Director; Karen Thompson | [email protected] | OEE Director; Tina Clayton | [email protected] | Interim Director
Location: Whitted School
Description: Introduction to the Preschool Pyramid Model, a framework of evidence-based practices for promoting young children’s healthy social and emotional development. Participants will review Tier 1 universal supports for all children through nurturing and responsive relationships and high-quality environments. The universal level includes the practices needed to ensure the promotion of the social development of all children. Teachers will determine whether or not the practice is demonstrated in the photos.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Social Emotional
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K
Targeted Roles: Teachers