Durham Public Schools PL

Presenters: Amanda Hoffman | [email protected] | ELS
Location: Staff Development Center M8, M9
Description: Participants will interact with Amplify and Lectura by developing and learning the following: • In-depth analysis of how to interpret the data on the report, • How to use to inform and differentiate instruction • How to use it guide progress monitoring support • Administration fidelity and best practices
Subject Area(s): ELA
Topic(s): Assessment for Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches

Presenters: Seth Webb | [email protected] | Presenter; Rita Rathbone | [email protected] | Facilitator; Kelly Bush | [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 Montessori is more than a curriculum: it is a life-affirming way of relating to children and adolescents that recognizes their innate potential, offers individualized pathways to success, and provides tailored support. In this interactive session participants will reconnect with core Montessori principles and practices, reflect on their own priorities and motivations, and leave energized and inspired to begin the new school year.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Increased Rigor, Social Emotional, Curriculum and Instruction, 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; Kelly Bush | [email protected] | Facilitator; Erin Carroll | [email protected] | Presenter
Location: The Hub Farm TBA
Description: THIS SESSION IS FOR EMPLOYEES OF A MONTESSORI SCHOOL OR DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF SUPPORTING THOSE SCHOOLS ONLY The outdoor environment is a prepared environment, and the DPS Hub Farm is one of the richest classrooms we have access to. Join us for a morning of hands-on exploration rooted in core outdoor learning principles, experienced through a Montessori lens. You'll tour the farm with lesson planning in mind, discovering how outdoor spaces naturally support independence, interdisciplinary inquiry, and child-led investigation. The experience will conclude with the preparation of a shared community meal, offering time to connect and build relationships with colleagues committed to joyful, place-based learning. Participants will be invited to stay through the lunch break and eat this meal. Session is 8:30-12:30 counting lunch but only 3 CEUs will be earned.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Social Emotional, Outdoor Learning, 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: 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
Location: Lucas Middle School TBA
Description: THIS SESSION IS FOR EMPLOYEES OF A MONTESSORI SCHOOL OR DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF SUPPORTING THOSE SCHOOLS ONLY This one-day workshop strengthens Montessori literacy instruction through a coherent approach to comprehension. The morning focuses on interactive repeated read-aloud, showing how purposeful text engagement builds vocabulary, understanding, and key thinking habits. Participants explore how Montessori principles-repetition with variation, independence, and purposeful work-are enacted through read-aloud, aligned purposeful shelf work, and gradual release. The afternoon shifts to Reciprocal Teaching, illustrating how these same thinking moves evolve from teacher modeling to student-led dialogue in older classrooms. By day's end, teachers leave with practical strategies and a clear pathway from guided comprehension to independent thinking across age levels.
Subject Area(s): ELA
Topic(s): Increased Rigor, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Mentors, Assistant Principals, Principals, Teachers

Presenters: Kelly Bush | [email protected] | Facilitator; Teresa Van Acker | [email protected] | Facilitator; Joy Mason | [email protected] | Presenter; Wimena Jackson | [email protected] | Presenter; Cathea Sanders | [email protected] | Presenter; Rachel Sulin | [email protected] | Presenter; India Adams | [email protected] | Presenter
Location: Other... TBD
Description: THIS SESSION IS FOR EMPLOYEES OF A MONTESSORI SCHOOL OR DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF SUPPORTING THOSE SCHOOLS ONLY Practical, hands-on, hard-core, focused time for teachers and IAs with limited Montessori experience or training diving into an Elementary classroom
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
Topic(s): Increased Rigor, Curriculum and Instruction, 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, Instructional Assistants, Teachers

Presenters: Katie Keller Wood | [email protected] | Presenter; Rita Rathbone | [email protected] | Facilitator; Kelly Bush | [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): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Increased Rigor, Social Emotional, Student Wellness and Advocacy, Curriculum and Instruction, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Assistant Principals, Instructional Assistants, School Counselors, Teachers

Presenters: Iwinosa Idahor | [email protected] | Equity Affairs; Melissa Watson | [email protected] | Director of Student Alternatives & Supports
Location: https://t.ly/UwAIb
Description: This interactive session helps educators and school system leaders connect the dots between perception, policy, and place. Participants examine how their own mental models are shaped by broader social norms—and how those patterns influence who teaches, who learns, and who thrives. Using Educators Handbook and Panorama discipline dashboards, participants will surface patterns, question assumptions, and strengthen their ability to lead equity-centered, restorative change.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Culturally Responsive Practices, Social Emotional, Equity, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional), Leadership
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)

Presenters: Seth Webb | [email protected] | Presenter; Rita Rathbone | [email protected] | Facilitator; Kelly Bush | [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 Quality observation is a teacher’s most authentic form of assessment: it helps us to understand our students more deeply, recognize patterns in development and engagement, and make thoughtful decisions about lessons, classroom environments, and support. In this interactive session, participants will explore using a suite of observation tools, practice collecting and analyzing objective data, and leave with concrete strategies that they can immediately apply in their own environments to better support the students in their care.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Increased Rigor, Social Emotional, Curriculum and Instruction, 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; Krystene Kohel | [email protected] | Presenter; Kelly Bush | [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 Solo time is a powerful yet often overlooked practice in the adolescent Montessori classroom. In this interactive session, educators will explore how to teach and implement solo time to support independence, identity development, and emotional regulation. Participants will experience simple, adaptable activities they can bring directly into their classrooms.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Social Emotional, Student Wellness and Advocacy, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Mentors, Assistant Principals, Instructional Assistants, Principals, School Counselors, Teachers