Durham Public Schools PL

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)

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

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

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

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

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

Presenters: Julie Scott | [email protected] | SSS
Location: W.G. Pearson Elementary School Media Center
Description: Teachers and/or Instructional Assistants will learn the structure and organization of HMH Structured Literacy and learn how to teach each element to provide Core Phonics Instruction using district approved HQIM.
Subject Area(s): ELA
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Assistants, Teachers

Presenters: Julie Ann Scott | [email protected] | School Support Specialist
Location: Eastway Elementary School
Description: In this session, K-2 teachers will learn how to use the HMH resources to plan, facilitate, and assess components of structured literacy.
Subject Area(s): ELA
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, DPS Adopted Resources
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

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

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

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

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)

Presenters: Ken Hill | [email protected] | Secondary EC Director
Location: City of Medicine Academy 210
Description: Teachers will be provided with state and district policy and procedure updates that address the development of IEP and the delivery of specially designed instruction.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Exceptional Children
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

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

Presenters: Gloria Sanchez | [email protected] | SEL & MH Coordinator; Kendra Suggs-Shealey | [email protected] | District Intervention & Support Coordinator
Location: City of Medicine Academy 303
Description: Supporting teachers with strategies for classroom behavior
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Coaching and Mentoring, Student Wellness and Advocacy
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: All Roles (Non-Specific)

Presenters: Ron Wahlen | [email protected] | Director of Digital Teaching and Learning; Kim Gugino | [email protected] | Media Lead and Media Coordinator
Location: City of Medicine Academy 209
Description: Participants will explore district guidelines for staff, students, and families; examine leading AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, etc., and learn how AI can support productivity, communication, instructional planning, and personalized learning.
Subject Area(s): Digital Learning Standards, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
Topic(s): Digital Teaching and Learning, Media Coordinators, Curriculum and Instruction, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening
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, Leadership
Targeted Roles: Coordinators, Instructional Coaches, Leads, Assistant Coordinators, Assistant Principals, Principals, Teachers

Presenters: Kenya Lawrence | [email protected] | School Support Specialist (HS Math Content)
Location: City of Medicine Academy 203
Description: Students may be able to solve the problem—but can they clearly explain how they know? In this hands-on session, teachers will use high-leverage strategies from the Hochman Method to turn mathematical thinking into clear, precise writing. We will move between student mode and teacher mode to strengthen explanations, justifications, and error analysis, then build ready-to-use prompts, sentence structures, and writing routines that can be embedded into upcoming lessons. Teachers will leave with practical classroom products designed to help students communicate their reasoning without turning math class into English class.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics
Topic(s): Culturally Responsive Practices, English Learner Services, Explicit Teaching, Assessment for Learning, Communication Skills, DPS Adopted Resources, Effective Feedback Strategies, Increased Rigor, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: Nelson Surles | [email protected] | Director
Location: City of Medicine Academy 206
Description: Learn to use DPS's data dashboard, Panorama.
Subject Area(s): Skill-Based Instruction (OTs‚ PTs‚ etc.)
Topic(s): Data Analysis
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: Laura Parrott | [email protected] | Director
Location: City of Medicine Academy 305
Description: Student engagement: cognitive or enertaining? Participants will explore elevating cognitive student engagement through higher depth of knowledge questions and activities.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Increased Rigor
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: Heidi Perez | [email protected] | Director of Instructional Systems
Location: City of Medicine Academy 214
Description: Discover how to use small-group instruction as a clear, manageable move within the DPS Explicit Teaching Model. Participants will explore how learning intentions, success criteria, and DOK guide flexible grouping, targeted support, and feedback without lowering grade-level expectations. The session also introduces the simple GEM feedback protocol: Goal, Evidence, Move. Leave with practical strategies, classroom-ready examples, and confidence about what effective secondary small-group instruction is—and is not.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Explicit Teaching, MTSS, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade, Leadership
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Assistant Principals, Principals, Teachers