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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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Tuesday, August 4
 

8:30am 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
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am 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)
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Lucas Middle School TBA

8:30am EDT

Supporting Multilingual Learners in a Montessori Environment | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Little River Elementary School; Lucas Middle School; Morehead Elementary School; George Watts Elementary School; Lakewood Montessori Middle School | Lucas Midd
FULL
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Limited Capacity full
Presenters: Rita Rathbone | [email protected] | Facilitator; Katie McClure | [email protected] | Presenter; Kelly Bush | [email protected] | Facilitator; Wendi Love | [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 Participants will learn about the experience of being an English Learner, the language acquisition process, and its relationship to the Montessori model. They will explore culturally relevant teaching practices and learn instructional strategies that teach academic language in the content. There will also be time allotted to plan and create works to use for English Learners in the Montessori classroom.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): English Learner Services, 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: Instructional Coaches, Mentors, Assistant Principals, Instructional Assistants, Principals, School Counselors, Teachers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Lucas Middle School TBA

8:30am EDT

Project WET: Climate, Water, and Resilience | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Little River Elementary School; Lucas Middle School; Morehead Elementary School; George Watts Elementary School; Lakewood Montessori Middle School | Other... 1600 Mist Lake Dr
LIMITED
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:30am - 4:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Erin Carroll | [email protected] | Presenter; Rita Rathbone | [email protected] | Facilitator; Kelly Bush | [email protected] | Facilitator; Justin Tosco | [email protected] | Facilitator
Location: Other... 1600 Mist Lake Dr (City of Durham Water Management)
Description: THIS SESSION IS FOR EMPLOYEES OF A MONTESSORI SCHOOL OR DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF SUPPORTING THOSE SCHOOLS ONLY Discover how Project WET’s lessons on water, climate, and environmental resilience align naturally with Montessori principles and practices. In this full day of hands-on professional development, you'll explore inquiry-based activities that connect water, climate, and environmental resilience to the curiosity and systems thinking your students are already developing. Every activity you experience is designed to be adapted and used directly in your Montessori setting - building on the same principles of independence, investigation, and purposeful work that already drive your classroom. You'll leave with resources you can put on your shelf and lessons you can teach with confidence from day one of the school year. Come ready for a full day of active, hands-on exploration. Please note we will be located at 1600 Mist Lake Dr, the City of Durham's Water Management Facility. There will be light breakfast provided starting at 8:30 before starting by 9:00, lunch will also be provided!
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Outdoor Learning, Curriculum and Instruction, Increased Rigor, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Assistants, Teachers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:30am - 4:00pm EDT
Other... 1600 Mist Lake Dr (City of Durham Water Management)

8:30am EDT

Consistency, Continuity, and Coherence: The Science of Reading in Montessori Classroom | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Curriculum and Instruction; Little River Elementary School; Mentors; Morehead Elementary School; George Watts Elementary School | Luc
FULL
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:30am - 4:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity full
Presenters: Rita Rathbone | [email protected] | Facilitator; Linda Zankowsky | [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 This full day session will offer an extensive framework for comprehensive reading instruction in child-centered Montessori classrooms. Participants will leave with a series of questions that they can use in their schools to evaluate their school wide approach to teaching reading and develop plans for filling in identified gaps.
Subject Area(s): ELA
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: Instructional Coaches, Mentors, Assistant Principals, Principals, Teachers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 8:30am - 4:00pm EDT
Lucas Middle School TBA

9:00am EDT

The Prepared Environment for Every Child: Montessori Principles for Inclusive Classrooms | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Little River Elementary School; Morehead Elementary School; George Watts Elementary School | Other... MINC 405 W Franklin St, Chape
FULL
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity full
Presenters: Beth Duffy | [email protected] | Presenter; Rita Rathbone | [email protected] | Facilitator; Kelly Bush | [email protected] | Facilitator; Justin Tosco | [email protected] | Facilitator; Lisa Anderson | [email protected] | Presenter
Location: Other... MINC 405 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516)
Description: THIS SESSION IS FOR EMPLOYEES OF A MONTESSORI SCHOOL OR DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF SUPPORTING THOSE SCHOOLS ONLY This workshop will take place at MINC--The Montessori Institute of NC (405 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516). The workshop will be from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm with a one hour lunch break. Participants are encouraged to carpool. Parking information will be provided by email to those that register. How can we create Montessori classrooms where every child experiences belonging? Grounded in Montessori philosophy and informed by the work of current researchers, this interactive workshop explores how the prepared environment supports regulation, independence, and meaningful participation. Participants will leave with practical strategies, classroom design ideas, and observation tools to create more inclusive learning environments for all children.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Culturally Responsive Practices, Social Emotional, Student Wellness and Advocacy, Building Learning System Capacity, Equity, Exceptional Children, MTSS, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Leads, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Assistant Principals, Instructional Assistants, Principals, School Counselors, Specialists, Teachers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Other... MINC 405 W Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516)

9:30am EDT

Goal Setting for Schools | Facilitated by CISS: Continuous Improvement and School Support | Open District-Wide | https://t.ly/rU7Z2
LIMITED
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Jennifer Hall | [email protected] | Director of School Innovation; Nelson Surles | [email protected] | Director of Data Integration
Location: https://t.ly/rU7Z2
Description: In this session, we will review our systems for goal setting for the 2026-2027 school year.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Data Analysis
Targeted Instructional Grades: Leadership
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Principals
Tuesday August 4, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Online

1:00pm EDT

Goal Setting for Schools | Facilitated by CISS: Continuous Improvement and School Support | Open District-Wide | https://t.ly/rU7Z2
LIMITED
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Jennifer Hall | [email protected] | Director of School Innovation; Nelson Surles | [email protected] | Director of Data Integration
Location: https://t.ly/rU7Z2
Description: In this session, we will review our systems for goal setting for the 2026-2027 school year.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Data Analysis
Targeted Instructional Grades: Leadership
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Principals
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Online

1:00pm EDT

Personalized Learning: Work Plans & Shelf Work – Adolescent | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Lucas Middle School; Lakewood Montessori Middle School | Lucas Middle School TBA
FULL
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity full
Presenters: Rita Rathbone | [email protected] | Facilitator; Julia Champion | [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): Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
Topic(s): Increased Rigor, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Lucas Middle School TBA

1:00pm EDT

Personalized Learning: Work Plans & Shelf Work – Elementary | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Little River Elementary School; Morehead Elementary School | Lucas Middle School TBA
FULL
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity full
Presenters: Rita Rathbone | [email protected] | Facilitator; India French-Adams | [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): Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
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 Coaches, Mentors, Assistant Principals, Instructional Assistants, Principals, Teachers
Tuesday August 4, 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
Tuesday August 4, 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)
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Lucas Middle School TBA

1:45pm EDT

KO26 Getting the Most Out of Google Sheets | Facilitated by Curriculum and Instruction | Open District-Wide | City of Medicine Academy 205
LIMITED
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:45pm - 3:15pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Emma Refvem | [email protected] | School Support Specialist
Location: City of Medicine Academy 205
Description: In this differentiated session, participants will learn how to best utilize Google Sheets to organize student data. Topics range from the basics of spreadsheet design to how to combine data sources using functions like COUNTIF and VLOOKUP.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Data Analysis, Information Technology
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers
Tuesday August 4, 2026 1:45pm - 3:15pm EDT
City of Medicine Academy 205
 


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