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Durham Public Schools PL
Welcome to the Durham Public Schools Professional Learning Schedule of Professional Learning! Here you will find a comprehensive list of PL sessions occurring throughout our district.

If you are looking for on-demand PL, click here to view the DPS Asynchronous PL Course Catalog.
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Monday, August 3
 

8:30am EDT

Pre-Conference Session: Mindfulness in the Montessori Classroom | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Little River Elementary School; Lucas Middle School; Morehead Elementary School; George Watts Elementary School; Lakewood Montessori Middle School | Lucas M
FULL
Monday August 3, 2026 8:30am - 10:30am EDT
Limited Capacity full
Presenters: Rita Rathbone | [email protected] | Facilitator; Kelly Bush | [email protected] | Facilitator; Justin Tosco | [email protected] | Facilitator; Anu Venkat | [email protected] | Facilitator
Location: Lucas Middle School TBA
Description: THIS SESSION IS FOR EMPLOYEES OF A MONTESSORI SCHOOL OR DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF SUPPORTING THOSE SCHOOLS ONLY This session is designed for any staff working in or supporting a Montessori school in an instructional role. Mindfulness is becoming an essential practice in education, helping children develop emotional resilience, focus, and self-awareness. Integrating mindfulness is a natural fit in a Montessori environment, where independence and self-regulation are key. Both Montessori and mindfulness encourage a non-judgmental awareness of the present moment, allowing children to develop inner discipline and emotional control.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Social Emotional, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)
Monday August 3, 2026 8:30am - 10:30am EDT
Lucas Middle School TBA

8:30am EDT

Pre-Conference Session: Building Montessori Materials for Comprehension, Vocabulary, and Writing | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Little River Elementary School; Morehead Elementary School; George Watts Elementary School | Lucas Middle School TBA
FULL
Monday August 3, 2026 8:30am - 10:30am EDT
Limited Capacity full
Presenters: Rita Rathbone | [email protected] | Facilitator; Kelly Bush | [email protected] | Facilitator; Linda Zankowsky | [email protected] | Presenter; Justin Tosco | [email protected] | Facilitator
Location: Lucas Middle School TBA
Description: THIS SESSION IS FOR EMPLOYEES OF A MONTESSORI SCHOOL OR DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF SUPPORTING THOSE SCHOOLS ONLY In this hands-on workshop, participants will design and create meaningful Montessori shelf work that supports comprehension, vocabulary development, and written expression. Grounded in both Montessori principles and research-aligned literacy practices, the session focuses on materials that promote independence, choice, and deep thinking. Educators will leave with ready-to-use materials and clear strategies for integrating them into the work cycle.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Increased Rigor, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Assistants, Teachers
Monday August 3, 2026 8:30am - 10:30am EDT
Lucas Middle School TBA

8:30am EDT

Pre-Conference Session: Outdoor Learning--Sit Spots and Nature Journaling | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Little River Elementary School; Lucas Middle School; Morehead Elementary School; George Watts Elementary School; Lakewood Montessori Middle School
FULL
Monday August 3, 2026 8:30am - 10:30am EDT
Limited Capacity full
Presenters: Rita Rathbone | [email protected] | Facilitator; Kelly Bush | [email protected] | Facilitator; Erin Carroll | [email protected] | Presenter; Justin Tosco | [email protected] | Facilitator
Location: Lucas Middle School TBA
Description: THIS SESSION IS FOR EMPLOYEES OF A MONTESSORI SCHOOL OR DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF SUPPORTING THOSE SCHOOLS ONLY This session is designed for any staff working in or supporting a Montessori school in an instructional role. Sit Spots & Nature Journaling Observation is at the heart of Montessori practice and nature is one of its most powerful teachers. In this two-hour session, you'll explore sit spots: a simple but transformative practice of returning regularly to a quiet outdoor space to observe, notice, and record the natural world. Through nature journaling, you'll experience firsthand how this practice builds children's focus, curiosity, and connection to their environment. You will leave with hands-on ideas for integrating sit spots and nature journals into daily routines - no matter what ages you work with.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Outdoor Learning, Social Emotional, Increased Rigor, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Instructional Assistants, Principals, School Counselors, Teachers
Monday August 3, 2026 8:30am - 10:30am EDT
Lucas Middle School TBA

9:00am EDT

Benchmarks: Tracker Set-up - Cooperative Innovative High Schools Required; All others upon approval | Facilitated by Research and Accountability | Open District-Wide | https://t.ly/5k_4o
LIMITED
Monday August 3, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Michelle Tuck Thomas | [email protected] | Director of Assessments & Accountability
Location: https://t.ly/5k_4o
Description: To provide training for school-based Testing Coordinators (TC) on setting up trackers in Mastery Connect.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Back-up Test Coordinators, Test Coordinators, Benchmark Test Coordinators
Monday August 3, 2026 9:00am - 11:00am EDT
Online

10:00am EDT

Before It's Too Late: How Truancy Mediation Supports Attendance, Achievement, and Belonging | Facilitated by Student Support Services | Open District-Wide | Staff Development Center M5
LIMITED
Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Dr. Melissa Watson | [email protected] | Director of Student Alternatives & Supports; Darlene Hampton | [email protected] | District Family Liaison; Raquel Dominquez | [email protected] | Executive Director, Elna B. Spaulding Conflict Resolution Center
Location: Staff Development Center M5
Description: Educators understand the importance of attendance and the legal requirements surrounding compulsory school attendance. The greater challenge is building schoolwide systems that identify attendance concerns early, engage families as partners, and connect scholars with meaningful supports before absenteeism becomes chronic. This interactive workshop shifts the conversation from responding to absences to preventing them by examining how attendance, belonging, and family engagement intersect. Through collaborative discussions, real-world case studies, peer learning, and practical planning, participants will analyze their current attendance systems, strengthen family engagement practices, and explore how truancy mediation can serve as one component of a comprehensive attendance strategy. Participants will leave with practical tools, a school-specific action plan, and strategies they can implement immediately to strengthen attendance, improve scholar outcomes, and foster a greater sense of belonging for every scholar.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability, Culturally Responsive Practices, English Learner Services, School Counselors, School Social Work, Beginning Teachers, Communication Skills, Equity, Exceptional Children, Leadership, MTSS
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional), Leadership
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific), Social Workers, Assistant Principals, Nurses, Principals, School Counselors, Specialists, Substitute Teachers, Teachers, Translators
Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Staff Development Center M5

10:00am EDT

Workers' Compensation/Risk Management | Facilitated by Chief of Staff | Open District-Wide | Staff Development Center
LIMITED
Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:30pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Stef Rodriguez | [email protected] | Workers' Compensation; Cierra Ojijo | [email protected] | Senior Executive Director
Location: Staff Development Center
Description: This session demystifies workers' compensation (G.S. Chapter 97), student injury, and documentation expectations. Participants will leave with a clear decision map for their first 24 hours after an incident occurs.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Leadership, Operations, Safety, Fiscal Responsibility, Security
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)
Monday August 3, 2026 10:00am - 11:30pm EDT
Staff Development Center

11:00am EDT

DPS Public Montessori Conference: Welcome, Keynote, and Lunch | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Little River Elementary School; Lucas Middle School; Morehead Elementary School; George Watts Elementary School; Lakewood Montessori Middle School | Lucas Mid
FULL
Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity full
Presenters: Rita Rathbone | [email protected] | Facilitator; Katie Keller Wood | [email protected] | Presenter; Kelly Bush | [email protected] | Facilitator; Justin Tosco | [email protected] | Facilitator
Location: Lucas Middle School TBA
Description: THIS SESSION IS FOR EMPLOYEES OF A MONTESSORI SCHOOL OR DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF SUPPORTING THOSE SCHOOLS ONLY
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional), 2nd Grade
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)
Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Lucas Middle School TBA

11:00am EDT

Work Session: EOC Course Codes, 10-20 Day Drop, Credit Recovery, Online- SCS and CIHS Required; Traditional HS upon approval | Facilitated by Research and Accountability | Open District-Wide | https://t.ly/zJF5i
LIMITED
Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Michelle Tuck Thomas | [email protected] | Director of Assessments & Accountability
Location: https://t.ly/zJF5i
Description: To provide training on the processes for ensuring students are enrolled and dropped properly from EOC courses.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Back-up Test Coordinators, Data Managers, School Counselors, Test Coordinators
Monday August 3, 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Online

1:00pm EDT

Waseca Biomes: Integrating Social Studies, Science, and Literacy | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Little River Elementary School; Morehead Elementary School; George Watts Elementary School | Lucas Middle School TBA
FULL
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity full
Presenters: Teresa Van Acker | [email protected] | Presenter; Rita Rathbone | [email protected] | Facilitator; Kelly Bush | [email protected] | Facilitator; Justin Tosco | [email protected] | Facilitator
Location: Lucas Middle School TBA
Description: THIS SESSION IS FOR EMPLOYEES OF A MONTESSORI SCHOOL OR DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF SUPPORTING THOSE SCHOOLS ONLY Outcomes: To understand how to integrate science, social studies and literacy in a meaningful way that supports phonic, fluency, sentence structure, sequencing and comprehension. To include Cosmic Education in a meaningful way. Waseca instructional materials will be provided for the session and one lucky winner will take home the full set!
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Increased Rigor, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Lucas Middle School TBA

1:00pm EDT

Bridging MTSS and Montessori: A Coherent Framework for Responsive Instruction | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Little River Elementary School; Lucas Middle School; Morehead Elementary School; George Watts Elementary School; Lakewood Montessori Middle Sc
FULL
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity full
Presenters: Linda Zankowsky | [email protected] | Presenter; Rita Rathbone | [email protected] | Facilitator; Kelly Bush | [email protected] | Facilitator; Justin Tosco | [email protected] | Facilitator
Location: Lucas Middle School TBA
Description: THIS SESSION IS FOR EMPLOYEES OF A MONTESSORI SCHOOL OR DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF SUPPORTING THOSE SCHOOLS ONLY This session explores how Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) principles can be meaningfully aligned within Montessori classrooms without compromising core practices. Participants will examine how observation, flexible grouping, and targeted support can function as natural extensions of Montessori environments. The session emphasizes practical structures for integrating tiered supports into the work cycle, using data to inform instruction while preserving independence and child-led learning. Educators will leave with a clearer framework for supporting all learners through a cohesive, Montessori-aligned MTSS approach.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
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: Instructional Coaches, Mentors, Social Workers, Assistant Principals, Instructional Assistants, Principals, School Counselors, Teachers
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Lucas Middle School TBA

1:00pm EDT

Introduction to Montessori Philosophy and Practice | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Little River Elementary School; Lucas Middle School; Morehead Elementary School; George Watts Elementary School; Lakewood Montessori Middle School | Lucas Middle School
FULL
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity full
Presenters: CMSTEMP | [email protected] | Presenter; Rita Rathbone | [email protected] | Facilitator; Kelly Bush | [email protected] | Facilitator; Justin Tosco | [email protected] | Facilitator
Location: Lucas Middle School TBA
Description: THIS SESSION IS FOR EMPLOYEES OF A MONTESSORI SCHOOL OR DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF SUPPORTING THOSE SCHOOLS ONLY This session is designed for any staff working in or supporting a Montessori school in an instructional role. It provides a broad understanding of the principles that guide Montessori Instruction
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Social Emotional, Curriculum and Instruction, Increased Rigor, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Lucas Middle School TBA

1:00pm EDT

LUCAS Building Community in Your Adolescent Montessori Classroom | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Lucas Middle School | Lucas Middle School TBA
FULL
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity full
Presenters: George Ward | [email protected] | Presenter; Rita Rathbone | [email protected] | Facilitator; Kelly Bush | [email protected] | Facilitator; Justin Tosco | [email protected] | Facilitator
Location: Lucas Middle School TBA
Description: THIS SESSION IS FOR EMPLOYEES OF LUCAS MONTESSORI SCHOOL ONLY
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Culturally Responsive Practices, Social Emotional, Team Building, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)
Monday August 3, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Lucas Middle School TBA

2:00pm EDT

PLCs: Moving from Meetings to Meeting Student Needs | Facilitated by Professional Learning | Open District-Wide | Staff Development Center M7
Monday August 3, 2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Presenters: Lori McNulty | [email protected] | Coaches and Directors
Location: Staff Development Center M7
Description: Leaders will gather to review the new PLC Framework and rubric, then consider the structures to best support PLCs at the beginning of the year.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, Healthful Living, Occupational Course of Study
Topic(s): PLC Professional Learning Communities
Targeted Instructional Grades: Leadership
Targeted Roles: Directors, Principals
Monday August 3, 2026 2:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Staff Development Center M7
 


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