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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.
Type: Arts clear filter
Friday, May 30
 

4:30pm EDT

AL Academy: May; Session 7 | Facilitated by Beginning Teachers Program | | https://t.ly/kIyB8
Friday May 30, 2025 4:30pm - 5:45pm EDT
Presenters: donna_dodson@dpsnc.net
Location: https://t.ly/kIyB8
Description: Teachers with an Alternative License (Permit to Teach, Emergency License, Residency License, or CTE) are required to receive additional hours of professional learning and licensure support. These sessions will help teachers navigate the licensure process and meet their requirements successfully.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA
Topic(s): Beginning Teachers
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K,Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade,3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade,6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade,9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles:
Friday May 30, 2025 4:30pm - 5:45pm EDT
Online
 
Thursday, June 12
 

4:45pm EDT

Orchestra PLC: Yearly Wrap Up Planning and PD | Facilitated by Arts Education | | Jordan High School
Thursday June 12, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT
Presenters: lester_turner@dpsnc.net
Location: Jordan High School
Description: Teachers will meet to discuss what worked and what didn't
Subject Area(s): Arts
Topic(s): Arts
Targeted Instructional Grades: 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade,6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade,9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles:
Thursday June 12, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm EDT
Jordan High School
 
Friday, June 13
 

8:00am EDT

Arts Ed: Lead Art Teacher | Facilitated by Arts Education | Arts Education | Fuller Building 310
Friday June 13, 2025 8:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Presenters: Les Turner | lester_turner@dpsnc.net | Director of Arts
Location: Fuller Building 310
Description: Lead Art Teacher Retreat for 2025-26 school year planning.
Subject Area(s): Arts
Topic(s): Coaching and Mentoring, Digital Teaching and Learning, Increased Rigor, Operations, Team Building, Beginning Teachers, Communication Skills, Equity, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 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: Leads
Friday June 13, 2025 8:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Fuller Building 310
 
Tuesday, June 17
 

1:00pm EDT

2025 Summer SPLASH | What Every General Education Teacher Needs to Know about Exceptional Children | Facilitated by Exceptional Children | Open District-Wide | Riverside High School Room C233 LIMITED
Tuesday June 17, 2025 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Presenters: Hannah Hribar | Hannah_Hribar@dpsnc.net | Lead EC Facilitator; Ajalyn Baker | Ajalyn_Baker@dpsnc.net | Lead EC Facilitator; Wendy Vavrousek | Wendy_Vavrousek@dpsnc.net | EC Director
Location: Riverside High School Room C233
Description: This session will help general education teachers enhance their knowledge regarding exceptional children policies and practices, effectively collaborate with EC colleagues, and prepare for and engage in your students' IEP meetings.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, ELA
Topic(s): Exceptional Children
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
Tuesday June 17, 2025 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Riverside High School Room C233

1:00pm EDT

2025 Summer SPLASH | Student Centered Classrooms: Increasing Student Voice | Facilitated by Mangum Elementary School | Open District-Wide | Riverside High School Room C236 LIMITED
Tuesday June 17, 2025 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Presenters: Amy Beebe | amy_beebe@dpsnc.net | Instructional Coach
Location: Riverside High School Room C236
Description: Strategies for increasing student voice.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
Topic(s): Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers
Tuesday June 17, 2025 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Riverside High School Room C236
 
Wednesday, June 18
 

8:30am EDT

2025 Summer SPLASH | The Right to Read: The Black Literacy Project | Facilitated by Equity and Professional Learning | Open District-Wide | Riverside High School Room C231 LIMITED
Wednesday June 18, 2025 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Presenters: Dr. Iwinosa Idahor | iwinosa_idahor@dpsnc.net | Equity Affairs; Keaundra Robinson | keaundra_robinson@dpsnc.net | Equity Affairs; Shaneka Bynum | bynum1985@gmail.com | Community Partner; Dr. Brittani Clark | bgflcollective@gmail.com | Community Partner; Malenia Swinton | maleniaswinton13@gmail.com | Community Partner
Location: Riverside High School Room C231
Description: Literacy is the key to understanding the world around us through meaningful engagement with ideas in all forms. This session will focus on mobilizing and empowering teachers to educate and serve students--especially the most vulnerable among us--around reading as a liberatory practice that can connect and transform.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE
Topic(s): Equity, Culture and Climate, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Student Wellness and Advocacy, Culturally Responsive Practices, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 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: Instructional Assistants, Instructional Coaches, Teachers
Wednesday June 18, 2025 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Riverside High School Room C231
 
Monday, July 28
 

8:30am EDT

Introduction to Montessori Philosophy and Practice | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Advanced Academics-AIG; Exceptional Children; George Watts Elementary School; Little River Elementary School; Lucas Middle School; Magnet Programs; Mentors; Principal Su LIMITED
Monday July 28, 2025 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Presenters: CMSTEMP | katie@cmstep.com | Presenter; Rita Rathbone | rita.rathbone@dpsnc.net | Facilitator; Kelly Bush | kelly_bush@dpsnc.net | Facilitator
Location: Little River Elementary 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): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, Healthful Living
Topic(s): Increased Rigor, Social Emotional, Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Assistants, 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: Coordinators, Directors, Instructional Coaches, Mentors, Assistant Principals, Facilitators, Instructional Assistants, Principals, School Counselors, Specialists, Teachers
Monday July 28, 2025 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Little River Elementary School TBA

8:30am EDT

Aligning Montessori with the Science of Reading | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Advanced Academics-AIG; Exceptional Children; George Watts Elementary School; Little River Elementary School; Magnet Programs; Mentors; Principal Supervisors; Curriculum an LIMITED
Monday July 28, 2025 8:30am - 4:00pm EDT
Presenters: Rita Rathbone | rita.rathbone@dpsnc.net | Facilitator; Linda Zankowsky | lzankow@udel.edu | Presenter; Kelly Bush | kelly_bush@dpsnc.net | Facilitator
Location: Little River Elementary 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): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, Healthful Living
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, Assistant Principals, Principals, Teachers
Monday July 28, 2025 8:30am - 4:00pm EDT
Little River Elementary School TBA

8:30am EDT

The Montessori Cycle of Study | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Advanced Academics-AIG; Exceptional Children; George Watts Elementary School; Little River Elementary School; Lucas Middle School; Magnet Programs; Mentors; Arts Education; Beginning Teacher LIMITED
Monday July 28, 2025 8:30am - 4:00pm EDT
Presenters: Rita Rathbone | rita.rathbone@dpsnc.net | Facilitator; Ashlie Canipe | ashlie_canipe@dpsnc.net | Presenter; Kelly Bush | kelly_bush@dpsnc.net | Facilitator
Location: Little River Elementary School TBA
Description: THIS SESSION IS FOR EMPLOYEES OF A MONTESSORI SCHOOL OR DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF SUPPORTING THOSE SCHOOLS ONLY What is a Montessori "cycle of study"? How does a thematic cycle of study support students' growth in academics, community, and development of self? What are other teachers doing in their Montessori classrooms to facilitate communication with families, group initiatives, projects, seminars, field studies, culminating activities, and building on students' other Montessori experiences? Attend this session to participate in a reflective overview suitable for new and experienced teachers, as well as lengthy planning time for reviewing others' materials and creating your own with as much feedback as you wish! You'll leave with new ideas, new materials, and new perspectives to take into your 2025-2026 school year. This session is led by a Montessori-certified elective teacher (Latin), and activities will be suitable for core teachers, elective teachers, and IAs and EC teachers who want to take a deep dive by drafting their own instructional materials or amending existing materials.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, Healthful Living
Topic(s): Increased Rigor, Curriculum and Instruction, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Standards Aligned Instruction, 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, Teachers
Monday July 28, 2025 8:30am - 4:00pm EDT
Little River Elementary School TBA

1:00pm EDT

Introduction to Montessori Philosophy and Practice | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Advanced Academics-AIG; Exceptional Children; George Watts Elementary School; Little River Elementary School; Lucas Middle School; Magnet Programs; Mentors; Specialized LIMITED
Monday July 28, 2025 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Presenters: CMSTEMP | katie@cmstep.com | Presenter; Rita Rathbone | rita.rathbone@dpsnc.net | Facilitator; Kelly Bush | kelly_bush@dpsnc.net | Facilitator
Location: Little River Elementary 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): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, Healthful Living
Topic(s): Increased Rigor, Social Emotional, Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Assistants, 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: Coordinators, Directors, Instructional Coaches, Mentors, Assistant Principals, Facilitators, Instructional Assistants, Principals, School Counselors, Specialists, Teachers
Monday July 28, 2025 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Little River Elementary School TBA
 
Tuesday, July 29
 

8:30am EDT

The Montessori Cultural Curriculum: The Springboard to Reading and Writing | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Advanced Academics-AIG; Exceptional Children; George Watts Elementary School; Little River Elementary School; Lucas Middle School; Magnet Program LIMITED
Tuesday July 29, 2025 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Presenters: Rita Rathbone | rita.rathbone@dpsnc.net | Facilitator; Linda Zankowsky | lzankow@udel.edu | Presenter; Kelly Bush | kelly_bush@dpsnc.net | Facilitator
Location: Little River Elementary School TBA
Description: THIS SESSION IS FOR EMPLOYEES OF A MONTESSORI SCHOOL OR DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF SUPPORTING THOSE SCHOOLS ONLY This session focuses on how the Montessori cultural curriculum lays the foundation for reading comprehension and vocabulary development. We’ll explore how it provides rich, authentic reading and writing opportunities, from oral composition and read-aloud for young children to reading and writing composition for older students. The session will also cover research supporting this approach, key considerations in selecting texts for the cultural curriculum, and hands-on work with specific books.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Social Studies, CTE, Healthful Living
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, 7th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Mentors, Assistant Principals, Principals, Teachers
Tuesday July 29, 2025 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Little River Elementary School TBA

1:00pm EDT

The Montessori Cultural Curriculum: The Springboard to Reading and Writing | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Advanced Academics-AIG; Exceptional Children; George Watts Elementary School; Little River Elementary School; Lucas Middle School; Magnet Program FILLING
Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Presenters: Rita Rathbone | rita.rathbone@dpsnc.net | Facilitator; Linda Zankowsky | lzankow@udel.edu | Presenter; Kelly Bush | kelly_bush@dpsnc.net | Facilitator
Location: Little River Elementary School TBA
Description: THIS SESSION IS FOR EMPLOYEES OF A MONTESSORI SCHOOL OR DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF SUPPORTING THOSE SCHOOLS ONLY This session focuses on how the Montessori cultural curriculum lays the foundation for reading comprehension and vocabulary development. We’ll explore how it provides rich, authentic reading and writing opportunities, from oral composition and read-aloud for young children to reading and writing composition for older students. The session will also cover research supporting this approach, key considerations in selecting texts for the cultural curriculum, and hands-on work with specific books.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Social Studies, CTE, Healthful Living
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, 7th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Mentors, Assistant Principals, Principals, Teachers
Tuesday July 29, 2025 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Little River Elementary School TBA
 
Wednesday, July 30
 

8:30am EDT

Seminars in the Montessori Classroom | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Advanced Academics-AIG; George Watts Elementary School; Little River Elementary School; Lucas Middle School; Mentors; Arts Education; Beginning Teachers Program; Curriculum and Instru LIMITED
Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Presenters: Holly Hardin | holly_hardin@dpsnc.net | Presenter; Rita Rathbone | rita.rathbone@dpsnc.net | Facilitator; Rebecca Chafatelli | rebecca_chafatelli@dpsnc.net | Presenter; Kelly Bush | Kelly_Bush@dpsnc.net | Facilitator
Location: Little River Elementary School TBA
Description: THIS SESSION IS FOR EMPLOYEES OF A MONTESSORI SCHOOL OR DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF SUPPORTING THOSE SCHOOLS ONLY Socratic seminars are an integral part of any secondary Montessori classroom- science, math, humanities, elective courses, or just general classroom spaces- but aspects can be introduced into the upper El setting as well. Seminars encourage discussion amongst students and deeper thinking on a topic and can look a variety of ways- you can have a seminar after reading a shared text, a poem, music or video, or even a picture! We will also share about what a silent seminar is and how you might incorporate it into your class. You will participate in a silent seminar, a Socratic seminar, and have time to plan and write your own seminar piece for your own classroom during this session. 
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living
Topic(s): Increased Rigor, Communication Skills, Curriculum and Instruction, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Mentors, School Counselors, Teachers
Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Little River Elementary School TBA

8:30am EDT

Supporting Multilingual Learners in a Montessori Environment | Facilitated by Magnet Programs | Advanced Academics-AIG; Exceptional Children; George Watts Elementary School; Little River Elementary School; Lucas Middle School; Magnet Programs; Mentors; Pr LIMITED
Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:30am - 4:00pm EDT
Presenters: Victor Hiraldo | Victor.Hiraldo@dpsnc.ent | Presenter; Rita Rathbone | rita.rathbone@dpsnc.net | Facilitator; Katie McClure | Katelin.McClure@dpsnc.net | Presenter; Kelly Bush | kelly_bush@dpsnc.net | Facilitator
Location: Little River Elementary 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): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, Healthful Living
Topic(s): Increased Rigor, Social Emotional, Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Assistants, 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: Coordinators, Directors, Instructional Coaches, Mentors, Assistant Principals, Facilitators, Instructional Assistants, Principals, School Counselors, Specialists, Teachers
Wednesday July 30, 2025 8:30am - 4:00pm EDT
Little River Elementary School TBA
 
Thursday, August 7
 

8:30am EDT

2025 Summer SPLASH | Sing A Rhythm, Dance A Blues: Liberation Education for Girls of Color (based on the book by Dr. Monique Morris-Couvson) | Facilitated by Equity | Open District-Wide | Hillside High School Room 214 LIMITED
Thursday August 7, 2025 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Presenters: Iwinosa Idahor | iwinosa_idahor@dpsnc.net | Office of Equity Affairs; Keaundra Robinson | keaundra_robinson@dpsnc.net | Office of Equity Affairs; Kamia Norman | kamia_norman@dpsnc.net | Southwest ES; Angelia Ball Smith | Angelia_BallSmith@dpsnc.net | Y.E. Smith ES; Rita Rakestraw | Rita_Rakestraw@dpsnc.net | Ignite! Online Academy/Lakewood MMS
Location: Hillside High School Room 214
Description: Objective: To create a space where educators will learn from and with each other about how to support, affirm, empower, and impact young girls of color, in and out of the classroom.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, Healthful Living, *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Culturally Responsive Practices, Student Wellness and Advocacy, Communication Skills, Equity, Student-Centered Learning
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: Assistant Principals, Principals, School Counselors, Teachers
Thursday August 7, 2025 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Hillside High School Room 214
 


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