Durham Public Schools PL

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:

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

Presenters: CMSTEMP | katie@cmstep.com | Presenter; Rita Rathbone | rita.rathbone@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

Presenters: Rita Rathbone | rita.rathbone@dpsnc.net | Facilitator; Katie McClure | Katelin.McClure@dpsnc.net | Presenter
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, ELA , 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

Presenters: Rita Rathbone | rita.rathbone@dpsnc.net | Facilitator; Ashlie Canipe | ashlie_canipe@dpsnc.net | Presenter
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, ELA , 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

Presenters: CMSTEMP | katie@cmstep.com | Presenter; Rita Rathbone | rita.rathbone@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

Presenters: Rita Rathbone | rita.rathbone@dpsnc.net | Facilitator; Linda Zankowsky | lzankow@udel.edu | Presenter
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

Presenters: Rita Rathbone | rita.rathbone@dpsnc.net | Facilitator; Linda Zankowsky | lzankow@udel.edu | Presenter
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

Presenters: Geoff Sheelen | geofrey_seelen@dpsnc.net | Presenter; Rita Rathbone | rita.rathbone@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 8:30-9:30 Little River 10:00-11:30 Hub Farm (117 Milton Rd, Durham NC 27712) Principles of outdoor learning History of programming at the Hub Farm Vision for the future of the programming at the Hub Farm Guided tour of Durham Public Schools’ unique outdoor learning campus Opportunities for Q&A with Geoff Discussion on the proposed plan for future programming at the Hub Farm
Subject Area(s): CTE, Healthful Living
Topic(s): Social Emotional, Student Wellness and Advocacy, Outdoor Learning, 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, Principals, Teachers

Presenters: Victor Hiraldo | Victor.Hiraldo@dpsnc.ent | Presenter; Rita Rathbone | rita.rathbone@dpsnc.net | Facilitator; Katie McClure | Katelin.McClure@dpsnc.net | Presenter
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

Presenters: Rustina Sharpe | Rustina_Sharpe@dpsnc.net | Teacher
Location: Hillside High School 106
Description: "What if the key to deeper learning wasn’t giving the right answers but asking the right questions? In this engaging session, participants will explore the Question Formulation Technique (QFT)—a simple, powerful strategy that teaches students how to ask their own questions. Grounded in research from A More Beautiful Question and Make Just One Change, this session empowers educators to shift from answer-givers to curiosity guides. Educators will explore integrating QFT into any subject and grade level to increase student ownership, engagement, and critical thinking. They’ll also examine how questioning supports inquiry-based learning and aligns with the strategic goal of developing thinkers and problem-solvers. Participants will leave with ready-to-use strategies, classroom examples, and a plan to implement QFT in their instruction immediately. This session is perfect for educators looking to promote student voice, deepen learning, and cultivate a culture of inquiry, regardless of the curriculum.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA
Topic(s): Reading, Writing, Thinking, Speaking, Listening, Equity
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: Teachers

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, ELA , Healthful Living, *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Communication Skills, Equity, Culture and Climate, Social Emotional Learning, Student Wellness and Advocacy, Culturally Responsive Practices, 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

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, ELA , Healthful Living, *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Communication Skills, Equity, Culture and Climate, Social Emotional Learning, Student Wellness and Advocacy, Culturally Responsive Practices, 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