Durham Public Schools PL

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: CMSTEMP | [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 This session uses an unconference/open-spaces format to create a collaborative, participant-driven experience. Rather than a traditional presentation, attendees will help shape the agenda, focusing on both integrating key insights from the Public Montessori Conference and addressing real-time challenges in their work. Structured reflection and discussion protocols will support participants in making meaning of new learning while also engaging in peer-to-peer problem solving. Educators and leaders are encouraged to bring forward current problems of practice, exchange perspectives, and gather actionable strategies. The session is designed to deepen learning, foster meaningful connections, and ensure that conference takeaways translate into practical next steps for participants’ schools and programs.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Culturally Responsive Practices, Increased Rigor, Curriculum and Instruction, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening
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; Sarah Walls | [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 Participants will learn the components of a successful Montessori field study, including pre and post lessons, logistics of running a field study in DPS, and connectedness to curriculum and Montessori goals. Participants will have guided work time to design and create a field study from start to finish to implement in the 2026-2027 school year.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, ELA
Topic(s): Increased Rigor, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: CMSTEMP | [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 This session introduces Alignment, a Montessori-inspired framework developed by Dr. Katie Keller Wood for navigating personal and professional commitments without burnout. Moving beyond the concept of “work-life balance,” Alignment invites participants to consider how their work, relationships, and well-being can function as interconnected and mutually reinforcing parts of a meaningful life. Through guided reflection and interactive activities, participants will explore how their current responsibilities and values align, identify areas of tension or overload, and consider practical ways to create greater coherence and sustainability. Designed especially for educators and leaders, this session offers a thoughtful reframe for managing competing demands while maintaining purpose and well-being. Participants will leave with actionable strategies and a renewed sense of clarity about how to move forward in more aligned, intentional ways. Thanks to a generous donation from the author, all participants will receive a copy of the book. 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, Student Wellness and Advocacy
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: 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)