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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 17
 

8:00am EDT

District Behavior Support PLC: Reset, Refocus, Reigniting Leaders | Facilitated by Student Support Services | Student Support Services | Bacon Street 54
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 8:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Kendra Suggs-Shealey | [email protected] | Sistrict Intervention & Support Coordinator
Location: Bacon Street 54
Description: Participants will explore evidence-based strategies, analyze real-world scenarios, share resources, and collaborate with colleagues to enhance student outcomes. This session emphasizes practical tools, relationship-centered approaches, and consistent implementation to build positive learning environments across schools.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): PLC Professional Learning Communities, Team Building
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Leads
Monday August 17, 2026 8:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Bacon Street 54

8:00am EDT

Glenn Work Week 26-27 | Facilitated by Glenn Elementary School | Glenn Elementary School | Glenn Elementary School TBD
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 8:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Kate Hanlon | [email protected] | Coach
Location: Glenn Elementary School TBD
Description: Sessions for Glenn Work Week, including MTSS, PLCs, data, Move this World, etc.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Strategy-Based for any content, ELA
Topic(s): PLC Professional Learning Communities, Data Analysis, MTSS
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers
Monday August 17, 2026 8:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Glenn Elementary School TBD

8:30am EDT

Lakeview School: Align, Act, and Achieve: 2026 - 2027 Retreat Kick-Off | Facilitated by Lakeview School | Lakeview School | Lakeview School Gym
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Dr. Theresa McGowan | [email protected] | Principal; Mr. Michael Irving | [email protected] | Assistant Principal; Ms. Evangela Richardson | [email protected] | Assistant Principal; Ms. Sheila Brockers-White | [email protected] | Instructional Coach
Location: Lakeview School Gym
Description: Align, Act, and Achieve is our beginning-of-year professional development retreat designed to bring our school community together around a shared vision, clear expectations, and purposeful action for a successful school year. During this retreat, staff will Align around schoolwide expectations, district and school policies, and the practices that create a consistent, supportive learning environment for all students. We will Act by strengthening our understanding and application of explicit teaching, with a focus on providing students with clear instruction, modeling, guided practice, and meaningful feedback. Finally, we will Achieve by connecting our collective commitments to the daily actions and instructional practices that support student success.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living, *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Coaching and Mentoring, Explicit Teaching, Building Learning System Capacity, Curriculum and Instruction, DPS Adopted Resources, Professional Learning System and Processes, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, *None (Non-Instructional), 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)
Monday August 17, 2026 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Lakeview School Gym

8:45am EDT

Opening Session: Instructional Priorities and Our Why | Facilitated by Jordan High School | Jordan High School | Jordan High School Auditorium
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 8:45am - 11:00am EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Susan Stewart Taylor | [email protected] | Principal; Aiyanna Williams | [email protected] | Assistant Principal; Keaundra Robinson | [email protected] | Equity Leadership and Strategy Coordinator; Sara Huckbody | [email protected] | Assistant Principal of Instruction; Zachary Meredith | [email protected] | Interdepartmental Literacy Team Lead; Dr. Susan Mahlburg | [email protected] | Interdepartmental Literacy Team Member; Lisa Rubenstein | [email protected] | Interdepartmental Literacy Team Member; Emmalea Eaves | [email protected] | Interdepartmental Literacy Team Member
Location: Jordan High School Auditorium
Description: Join us as we launch the 2026-27 school year by reconnecting with the purpose of choosing Jordan High School and our commitment to supporting the whole child and whole teacher so that all students graduate on time and with options. Through our theme of Align, Act, Achieve, faculty and staff will explore our instructional priorities, engage with the Interdepartmental Literacy Team to learn about the Jordan High School Literacy Framework, and strengthen a shared understanding of the instructional practices that will drive student achievement this year. This session is required for all Jordan faculty and staff.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Instructional Assistants, Teachers
Monday August 17, 2026 8:45am - 11:00am EDT
Jordan High School Auditorium

10:00am EDT

EC Dept. - The Science of Behavior | Facilitated by Exceptional Children | E.K. Powe Elementary School | E.K. Powe Elementary School TBD
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Krista Saunders | [email protected] | Director; Lori Platko | [email protected] | Adapted Curriculum Specialist
Location: E.K. Powe Elementary School TBD
Description: Participants will learn how to prevent problem behavior and teach new behaviors using positive reinforcement. Participants will also learn how to decrease problem behaviors with research-based interventions.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Exceptional Children
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistants, Teachers
Monday August 17, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
E.K. Powe Elementary School TBD

11:15am EDT

504s, IEPs, and EL Plans; Student Services Update | Facilitated by Jordan High School | Jordan High School | Jordan High School Auditorium
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Carmen Ramos | [email protected] | School Counselor; Jennifer Painter | [email protected] | ESL Department Leader; Briana Howard | [email protected] | Lead School Counselor; Christopher Norwood | [email protected] | EC Facilitator
Location: Jordan High School Auditorium
Description: This session will review teachers' roles and responsibilities in implementing 504 Plans, IEPs, and English Learner (EL) Plans. Participants will learn where to access student plans, understand expectations for implementing accommodations and participating in required meetings, and receive important Student Services updates for the 2026-27 school year. All certified staff are required to attend one of the two sessions.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): English Learner Services, Social Emotional, Exceptional Children
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Teachers
Monday August 17, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
Jordan High School Auditorium

11:15am EDT

Instructional Walkthrough Tool | Facilitated by Jordan High School | Jordan High School | Jordan High School Room 152
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Dr. Adonis Blue | [email protected] | Assistant Principal
Location: Jordan High School Room 152
Description: Instructional walkthroughs provide valuable insight into schoolwide instructional trends and support continuous improvement. Participants will learn about the Durham Public Schools Instructional Walkthrough Tool, review the instructional look-fors, understand the purpose and process of walkthroughs, and explore how walkthrough data is used to inform coaching, professional learning, and school improvement efforts.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Teachers
Monday August 17, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
Jordan High School Room 152

11:15am EDT

TalkingPoints: Strengthening Family Engagement Through Multilingual Two-Way Communication | Facilitated by Jordan High School | Jordan High School | Jordan High School Room 124
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Rebecca Stacy | [email protected] | Librarian
Location: Jordan High School Room 124
Description: Learn how to leverage TalkingPoints, a multilingual two-way messaging platform, to build stronger partnerships with families, support the whole child, and increase meaningful family engagement.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Social Emotional, Operations
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Social Workers, Coaches (Athletic), School Counselors, Teachers
Monday August 17, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
Jordan High School Room 124

11:15am EDT

SPG PLCs (English II, Biology, Math 1, Math 3) - Goal Setting and Aligning Practices | Facilitated by Jordan High School | Jordan High School | Jordan High School Media Center
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Aiyanna Williams | [email protected] | Assistant Principal; Shante Nelson | [email protected] | Assistant Principal; Sara Huckbody | [email protected] | Assistant Principal of Instruction
Location: Jordan High School Media Center
Description: Reflect on the successes of the previous school year while aligning expectations for the 2026-27 school year. SPG PLCs will define performance goals, strengthen data analysis practices, align the use of core instructional resources, and develop strategies for monitoring student progress and recognizing growth throughout the year. This session is required for English II, Biology, Math 1, and Math 3 teachers.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, ELA
Topic(s): PLC Professional Learning Communities
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Teachers
Monday August 17, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
Jordan High School Media Center

11:15am EDT

CharacterStrong | Facilitated by Jordan High School | Jordan High School | Jordan High School Room 114
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Dr. Jose Cardoza | [email protected] | Assistant Principal; Bianca Hunter | [email protected] | Principal Intern
Location: Jordan High School Room 114
Description: Each Durham Public Schools campus implements a social-emotional learning curriculum to support student success. At Jordan, CharacterStrong is our curriculum.This session will provide an overview of CharacterStrong and practical strategies for integrating the curriculum into daily instruction and classroom routines. All Healthful Living teachers are required to attend one of the two CharacterStrong sessions.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Social Emotional
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers
Monday August 17, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
Jordan High School Room 114

11:15am EDT

High Expectations for Students and Lesson Planning | Facilitated by Jordan High School | Jordan High School | Jordan High School Room 142
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: BreAnna Clinkscales | [email protected] | Science Teacher; Noell Egeland | [email protected] | Science Teacher
Location: Jordan High School Room 142
Description: Ms. Clinkscales and Ms. Egeland, science teachers, consistently communicate high expectations for students through intentional lesson planning and purposeful classroom practices. This session will explore strategies for designing lessons that establish clear academic and behavioral expectations while creating a learning environment where all students are engaged and challenged. Participants will learn best practices for maintaining a culture of high expectations focused on student learning.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers
Monday August 17, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
Jordan High School Room 142

11:15am EDT

Planning Field Trips and Field Experiences | Facilitated by Jordan High School | Jordan High School | Jordan High School Room 006
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Tyler D'Angelo | [email protected] | Teacher
Location: Jordan High School Room 006
Description: Explore best practices for planning field trips and authentic learning experiences that enhance curriculum and deepen student learning. Mr. D'Angelo, CTE Agriscience teacher and the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NCCAT North Carolina CTE Teacher of the Year, will share how he strategically integrates community partnerships, guest speakers, and experiential learning opportunities into his instructional program to maximize student engagement and achievement.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Operations, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Social Workers, School Counselors, Teachers
Monday August 17, 2026 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
Jordan High School Room 006

1:45pm EDT

504s, IEPs, and EL Plans; Student Services Update | Facilitated by Jordan High School | Jordan High School | Jordan High School Auditorium
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Briana Howard | [email protected] | Lead School Counselor; Carmen Ramos | [email protected] | School Counselor; Jennifer Painter | [email protected] | ESL Department Leader; Christopher Norwood | [email protected] | EC Facilitator
Location: Jordan High School Auditorium
Description: This session will review teachers' roles and responsibilities in implementing 504 Plans, IEPs, and English Learner (EL) Plans. Participants will learn where to access student plans, understand expectations for implementing accommodations and participating in required meetings, and receive important Student Services updates for the 2026-27 school year. All certified staff are required to attend one of the two sessions.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): English Learner Services, Social Emotional, Exceptional Children
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Teachers
Monday August 17, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Jordan High School Auditorium

1:45pm EDT

Instructional Walkthrough Tool | Facilitated by Jordan High School | Jordan High School | Jordan High School Room 152
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Dr. Adonis Blue | [email protected] | Assistant Principal
Location: Jordan High School Room 152
Description: Instructional walkthroughs provide valuable insight into schoolwide instructional trends and support continuous improvement. Participants will learn about the Durham Public Schools Instructional Walkthrough Tool, review the instructional look-fors, understand the purpose and process of walkthroughs, and explore how walkthrough data is used to inform coaching, professional learning, and school improvement efforts.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Teachers
Monday August 17, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Jordan High School Room 152

1:45pm EDT

Re-Entry Meetings and School Accountability | Facilitated by Jordan High School | Jordan High School | Jordan High School Media Center Conference Room
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Susan Stewart Taylor | [email protected] | Principal; Sara Huckbody | [email protected] | Assistant Principal of Instruction; Aiyanna Williams | [email protected] | Assistant Principal
Location: Jordan High School Media Center Conference Room
Description: This session will prepare school counselors, the restorative practices coordinator, and the school social worker for the 2026–27 school year by establishing consistent expectations and procedures for student re-entry meetings. Participants will review the purpose, structure, documentation, and collaborative responsibilities associated with supporting students returning from disciplinary removals or extended absences. The workshop will then focus on the school accountability model, emphasizing the counselor's role in improving key performance indicators, including WorkKeys participation and performance, math course rigor, cohort graduation, and strategic student scheduling. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how their daily work contributes to both student success and school accountability outcomes. This session is required for school counselors, the restorative practices coordinator, and the school social worker.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): School Counselors, School Social Work, Social Emotional, Student Wellness and Advocacy
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Social Workers, School Counselors
Monday August 17, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Jordan High School Media Center Conference Room

1:45pm EDT

TalkingPoints: Strengthening Family Engagement Through Multilingual Two-Way Communication | Facilitated by Jordan High School | Jordan High School | Jordan High School Room 124
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Rebecca Stacy | [email protected] | Librarian
Location: Jordan High School Room 124
Description: Learn how to leverage TalkingPoints, a multilingual two-way messaging platform, to build stronger partnerships with families, support the whole child, and increase meaningful family engagement.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Social Emotional, Operations
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Social Workers, School Counselors, Teachers
Monday August 17, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Jordan High School Room 124

1:45pm EDT

Advanced Placement STEM Courses - Aligning Practices | Facilitated by Jordan High School | Jordan High School | Jordan High School Room 302
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Justin Finger | [email protected] | Science Department Leader
Location: Jordan High School Room 302
Description: Advanced Placement STEM teachers will begin the year by aligning instructional and grading practices to help ensure students experience rigorous, supportive, and consistent instruction across courses. This session will review expectations, best practices, and grading policies to support high-quality implementation. Attendance is required for all Advanced Placement STEM teachers.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, CTE
Topic(s): Advanced Academics-AIG, Effective Feedback Strategies, Increased Rigor
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers
Monday August 17, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Jordan High School Room 302

1:45pm EDT

CharacterStrong | Facilitated by Jordan High School | Jordan High School | Jordan High School Room 114
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Dr. Jose Cardoza | [email protected] | Assistant Principal; Bianca Hunter | [email protected] | Principal Intern
Location: Jordan High School Room 114
Description: Each Durham Public Schools campus implements a social-emotional learning curriculum to support student success. At Jordan, CharacterStrong is our curriculum.This session will provide an overview of CharacterStrong and practical strategies for integrating the curriculum into daily instruction and classroom routines. All Healthful Living teachers are required to attend one of the two CharacterStrong sessions.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Social Emotional
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers
Monday August 17, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Jordan High School Room 114

1:45pm EDT

Differentiating Instruction with a Focus on Depths of Knowledge | Facilitated by Jordan High School | Jordan High School | Jordan High School Room 118
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Phoebe Suarez | [email protected] | AIG Specialist
Location: Jordan High School Room 118
Description: This professional learning session, facilitated by AIG Specialist Ms. Phoebe Suarez, will explore practical strategies for differentiating instruction while increasing the cognitive rigor of classroom learning experiences. Participants will deepen their understanding of Webb's Depth of Knowledge (DOK) framework and examine how to design learning tasks that move students beyond recall to strategic thinking and extended application. Teachers will leave with actionable approaches for planning instruction that meets the diverse needs of learners while maintaining high expectations and providing appropriate levels of challenge for all students.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Advanced Academics-AIG, Curriculum and Instruction, Increased Rigor
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers
Monday August 17, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Jordan High School Room 118

1:45pm EDT

High Expectations for Students and Lesson Planning | Facilitated by Jordan High School | Jordan High School | Jordan High School Room 142
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: BreAnna Clinkscales | [email protected] | Science Teacher; Noell Egeland | [email protected] | Science Teacher
Location: Jordan High School Room 142
Description: Ms. Clinkscales and Ms. Egeland, science teachers, consistently communicate high expectations for students through intentional lesson planning and purposeful classroom practices. This session will explore strategies for designing lessons that establish clear academic and behavioral expectations while creating a learning environment where all students are engaged and challenged. Participants will learn best practices for maintaining a culture of high expectations focused on student learning.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers
Monday August 17, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Jordan High School Room 142

1:45pm EDT

Planning Field Trips and Field Experiences | Facilitated by Jordan High School | Jordan High School | Jordan High School Room 006
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Tyler D'Angelo | [email protected] | Teacher
Location: Jordan High School Room 006
Description: Explore best practices for planning field trips and authentic learning experiences that enhance curriculum and deepen student learning. Mr. D'Angelo, CTE Agriscience teacher and the 2025 Burroughs Wellcome Fund NCCAT North Carolina CTE Teacher of the Year, will share how he strategically integrates community partnerships, guest speakers, and experiential learning opportunities into his instructional program to maximize student engagement and achievement.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Operations, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Social Workers, School Counselors, Teachers
Monday August 17, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
Jordan High School Room 006

2:00pm EDT

Creekside crisis training | Facilitated by Creekside Elementary | Creekside Elementary | Creekside Elementary media center
LIMITED
Monday August 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Limited Capacity seats available
Presenters: Victoria Creamer | [email protected] | principal
Location: Creekside Elementary media center
Description: Staff will review crisis procedures.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Safety
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)
Monday August 17, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Creekside Elementary Media Center
 


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