Durham Public Schools PL

Presenters: Beth Rhodes | beth_rhodes@dpsnc.net | Teaching and Learning Coach
Location: Riverside High School Room A216
Description: This session will provide a basic background understanding to support the importance of reading fluency for all students in all content areas. Participants will leave with strategies and resources to effectively implement and build student fluency in any content area.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Digital Learning Standards, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living, Occupational Course of Study
Topic(s): Explicit Teaching, Instructional Assistants, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Assistants, Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Teachers

Presenters: Thomas Young | thomas_young@dpsnc.net | CTE Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinator; Alycia Worthy | Alycia_worthy@dpsne.net | CTE Curriculum and Instructional Coordinator
Location: Riverside High School Room B223
Description: This PD session helps educators learn how to effectively group students to maximize collaboration, engagement, and academic success. The session covers research-based grouping strategies, classroom management tips for group work, and tools to assess group dynamics and productivity
Subject Area(s): Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, Healthful Living, Occupational Course of Study
Topic(s): 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: Instructional Assistants, Teachers

Presenters: Beth Rhodes | beth_rhodes@dpsnc.net | Teaching and Learning Coach
Location: Riverside High School Room A216
Description: This session will provide a basic background understanding to support the importance of reading fluency for all students in all content areas. Participants will leave with strategies and resources to effectively implement and build student fluency in any content area.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Digital Learning Standards, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living, Occupational Course of Study
Topic(s): Explicit Teaching, Instructional Assistants, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Assistants, Specialists, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Teachers

Presenters: Mia Morris | mia_morris@dpsnc.net | CTE Lead Coordinator; Rosalind Garmon | rosalind_garmon@dpsnc.net | CTE Equity Specialist
Location: Riverside High School Room D244
Description: Earning an Industry-recognized credential opens doors to internships, college-credit, and aligned careers. This session will focus on teaching educators of all grade levels (CTE and non-CTE) the benefits of students optimizing the integration of core subjects and career-focused learning to enhance career-focused opportunities. By the end of the session, participants will be able to make connections to the acronym "CREAM: Credentials Rule Everything Around Me" through active learning, content alignment, and the potential to earn a transferrable industry-recognized credential.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Digital Learning Standards, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, Healthful Living, Occupational Course of Study
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability, Digital Teaching and Learning, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning, Assessment for Learning, Communication Skills, Curriculum and Instruction, Effective Feedback Strategies, Equity, Information Technology
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: Coordinators, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Assistant Coordinators, Assistant Principals, Facilitators, Instructional Assistants, Itinerant Teachers, Principals, School Counselors, Specialists, Teachers

Presenters: Jameya Jones | Jameya_jones@dpsnc.net | Lead Workforce Development Coordinator
Location: Riverside High School Room C232
Description: In this hands-on professional development session, educators will explore innovative ways to engage high school students in the dynamic world of life sciences. Through interactive lab activities and real-world applications, participants will gain practical strategies to bring biotechnology to life in the classroom. The session will also highlight emerging opportunities for students in the biotech industry, including certification programs and career pathways that can begin in high school. Join us to discover how to inspire the next generation of scientists and problem-solvers by connecting life science education to meaningful futures. This PD will have guest from the NC Biotech Center and local life science companies.
Subject Area(s): CTE
Topic(s): Building Learning System Capacity, Curriculum and Instruction, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Coordinators, Assistant Principals, Principals, School Counselors, Specialists, Assistant Superintendents, Coordinators, Facilitators, Instructional Coaches, Teachers

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: Emily Ericson | emily_ericson@dpsnc.net | High School English Teacher
Location: Riverside High School Room B220
Description: Introduces direct instruction strategies and techniques. Participants will learn the definition of direct instruction, when to use it, and its importance. The session includes practical planning exercises, a template for direct instruction, and strategies for student check-ins and differentiation. Be prepared to design and share a lesson with other attendees, implementing skills from the session.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Explicit Teaching, Increased Rigor (DOK), Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Principals, Instructional Coaches, Teachers

Presenters: Thomas Young | thomas_young@dpsnc.net | CTE Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinator; Alycia Worthy | Alycia_worthy@dpsne.net | CTE Curriculum and Instructional Coordinator
Location: Riverside High School Room A219
Description: This PD session helps educators learn how to effectively group students to maximize collaboration, engagement, and academic success. The session covers research-based grouping strategies, classroom management tips for group work, and tools to assess group dynamics and productivity
Subject Area(s): Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, Healthful Living, Occupational Course of Study
Topic(s): 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: Instructional Assistants, Teachers

Presenters: Mia Morris | mia_morris@dpsnc.net | CTE Lead Coordinator; Rosalind Garmon | rosalind_garmon@dpsnc.net | CTE Equity Specialist
Location: Riverside High School Room D244
Description: Earning an Industry-recognized credential opens doors to internships, college-credit, and aligned careers. This session will focus on teaching educators of all grade levels (CTE and non-CTE) the benefits of students optimizing the integration of core subjects and career-focused learning to enhance career-focused opportunities. By the end of the session, participants will be able to make connections to the acronym "CREAM: Credentials Rule Everything Around Me" through active learning, content alignment, and the potential to earn a transferrable industry-recognized credential.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Digital Learning Standards, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, Healthful Living, Occupational Course of Study
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability, Digital Teaching and Learning, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning, Assessment for Learning, Communication Skills, Curriculum and Instruction, Effective Feedback Strategies, Equity, Information Technology
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: Coordinators, Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Assistant Coordinators, Assistant Principals, Facilitators, Instructional Assistants, Itinerant Teachers, Principals, School Counselors, Specialists, Teachers

Presenters: Emily Ericson | emily_ericson@dpsnc.net | High School English Teacher
Location: Riverside High School Room B220
Description: Introduces direct instruction strategies and techniques. Participants will learn the definition of direct instruction, when to use it, and its importance. The session includes practical planning exercises, a template for direct instruction, and strategies for student check-ins and differentiation. Be prepared to design and share a lesson with other attendees, implementing skills from the session.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Explicit Teaching, Increased Rigor (DOK), Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Principals, Instructional Coaches, Teachers

Presenters: Diana Franklin | Diana_franklin@dpsnc.net | TLC
Location: Riverside High School Room A216
Description: We speak about rigor frequently but do all educators completely understand what this means or how we can help all students think at higher levels? In this session we will synthesize a workable definition of what rigor is based on several sources as well as our own background knowledge. We will analyze the level of thinking required for different activities based on both Bloom's Taxonomy and Webb's Depth of Knowledge. We will also discuss how to provide the appropriate scaffolding to guide academically diverse students to be able to complete higher level tasks and questions. We will then explore how to use different AI tools to easily increase the DOK level in different tasks and questions. Finally, teachers will have time to create a learning activity to implement their new understanding. We will use different higher thinking level activities and strategies throughout the workshop as exemplars for the participants.
Subject Area(s): Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living
Topic(s): Advanced Academics-AIG, Increased Rigor
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: India C. Williams | indiac_williams@dpsnc.net | Teaching and Learning Coach
Location: Hillside High School Room 109
Description: We will explore the Science of Reading to learn how decoding X language comprehension = reading comprehension. This session is tailored to all core and elective contents.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Explicit Teaching, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Differentiation/Scaffolding
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Teachers

Presenters: Priscilla Graves | priscilla_graves@dpsnc.net | Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinator; Malika Becton | malika_becton@dpsnc.net | Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinator
Location: Hillside High School Room 206
Description: This interactive workshop will explore proven, research-based strategies to increase student engagement across content areas and grade levels. Participants will examine practical tools and techniques—such as active learning, student voice and choice, and technology integration—to foster a more inclusive and energized learning environment.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Digital Teaching and Learning, Assessment for Learning, Beginning Teacher Support, Coaching and Mentoring, Culturally Responsive Practices, Differentiation/Scaffolding, English Learner Services
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Coordinators, Assistant Principals, Instructional Coaches, Mentors, Teachers

Presenters: Priscilla Graves | priscilla_graves@dpsnc.net | Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinator; Malika Becton | malika_becton@dpsnc.net | Curriculum and Instructional Management Coordinator
Location: Hillside High School Room 206
Description: This interactive workshop will explore proven, research-based strategies to increase student engagement across content areas and grade levels. Participants will examine practical tools and techniques—such as active learning, student voice and choice, and technology integration—to foster a more inclusive and energized learning environment.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Digital Teaching and Learning, Assessment for Learning, Beginning Teacher Support, Coaching and Mentoring, Culturally Responsive Practices, Differentiation/Scaffolding, English Learner Services
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Coordinators, Assistant Principals, Instructional Coaches, Mentors, 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: India C. Williams | indiac_williams@dpsnc.net | Teaching and Learning Coach
Location: Hillside High School Room 111
Description: We will explore the Science of Reading to learn how decoding X language comprehension = reading comprehension. This session is tailored to all core and elective contents.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Explicit Teaching, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Differentiation/Scaffolding
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Interventionists, Teachers

Presenters: Jameya Jones | Jameya_jones@dpsnc.net | Lead Workforce Development Coordinator
Location: Hillside High School Room 209
Description: In this hands-on professional development session, educators will explore innovative ways to engage high school students in the dynamic world of life sciences. Through interactive lab activities and real-world applications, participants will gain practical strategies to bring biotechnology to life in the classroom. The session will also highlight emerging opportunities for students in the biotech industry, including certification programs and career pathways that can begin in high school. Join us to discover how to inspire the next generation of scientists and problem-solvers by connecting life science education to meaningful futures. This PD will have guest from the NC Biotech Center and local life science companies.
Subject Area(s): CTE
Topic(s): Building Learning System Capacity, Curriculum and Instruction, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Assistant Coordinators, Assistant Principals, Principals, School Counselors, Specialists, Assistant Superintendents, Coordinators, Facilitators, Instructional Coaches, Teachers

Presenters: Diana Franklin | Diana_franklin@dpsnc.net | TLC
Location: Hillside High School Room 108
Description: We speak about rigor frequently but do all educators completely understand what this means or how we can help all students think at higher levels? In this session we will synthesize a workable definition of what rigor is based on several sources as well as our own background knowledge. We will analyze the level of thinking required for different activities based on both Bloom's Taxonomy and Webb's Depth of Knowledge. We will also discuss how to provide the appropriate scaffolding to guide academically diverse students to be able to complete higher level tasks and questions. We will then explore how to use different AI tools to easily increase the DOK level in different tasks and questions. Finally, teachers will have time to create a learning activity to implement their new understanding. We will use different higher thinking level activities and strategies throughout the workshop as exemplars for the participants.
Subject Area(s): Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living
Topic(s): Advanced Academics-AIG, Increased Rigor
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th 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