Durham Public Schools PL

Presenters: Dr. Jessica Perry | [email protected] | Principal
Location: Parkwood Elementary School Main Office Conference Room
Description: This introductory session provides an overview of IMPACT Teams and how they build on the foundation of traditional Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Participants will explore the purpose, structure, and key components of IMPACT Teams, and understand how these collaborative, data-driven teams can drive student growth and instructional improvement
Subject Area(s): Arts, Digital Learning Standards, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Strategy-Based for any content, ELA , Healthful Living
Topic(s): Advanced Academics-AIG, Assessments-Data-Accountability, English Learner Services, Exceptional Children, Increased Rigor, MTSS, Assessment for Learning, Building Learning System Capacity, Communication Skills, Curriculum and Instruction, Data Analysis, DPS Adopted Resources, Effective Feedback Strategies, Equity, Instructional Assistants, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, *None (Non-Instructional), Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, Leadership
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)

Presenters: Julie Haase | [email protected] | EC Facilitator; Cynthia Nnaemeka | [email protected] | AIG K-2 Specialist; Bradley Jordan | [email protected] | AIG 3-5 Specialist; I-Chun Lee | [email protected] | ESL Specialist
Location: Parkwood Elementary School Media Center
Description: This session provides teachers and staff with strategies and best practices for effectively supporting Exceptional Children (EC), Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG), and English Learner (EL) students at Parkwood Elementary. Participants will explore differentiated instruction techniques, targeted interventions, and collaborative approaches to meet the diverse learning needs of all students. The session will also highlight resources, tools, and school-wide supports available to ensure academic growth, engagement, and success for every learner.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Strategy-Based for any content, ELA , Healthful Living, Skill-Based Instruction (OTs‚ PTs‚ etc.), *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Advanced Academics-AIG, Culturally Responsive Practices, English Learner Services, Exceptional Children, DPS Adopted Resources, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening, Standards Aligned Instruction, Student-Centered Learning
Targeted Instructional Grades: Pre-K, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, *None (Non-Instructional), Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade, Leadership
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)

Presenters: Heidi Perez | [email protected] | Literacy Specialist
Location: Lakeview School Cafetorium
Description: In this PD on Explicit Teaching and DOK Layering, participants will learn how to design and deliver lessons that move students from surface understanding to deeper levels of thinking. Teachers will apply these skills by intentionally planning each phase of the Explicit Teaching Model and aligning tasks with increasing DOK levels to build rigor. Mastery will be evident through lesson artifacts, classroom application, reflective feedback, and evidence of improved student engagement and higher-order thinking.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living
Topic(s): Increased Rigor, Curriculum and Instruction, Standards Aligned Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade, Leadership
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Assistant Coordinators, Principals, Teachers

Presenters: Kate Hanlon | [email protected] | Coach
Location: Glenn Elementary School G34
Description: Team of K-2 teachers, interventionists, and admin working together to identify root causes for reading challenges and potential supports.
Subject Area(s): ELA
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Data Analysis
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, Leadership
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)

Presenters: Amanda Hoffman | [email protected] | ELS; Jessica Vaughn | [email protected] | Early Literacy Consultant
Location: Northern High School Old Northern High School, room 7
Description: This foundational series is recommended as a first step for school and district leaders to deepen understanding of the five components of reading; build an understanding of what evidence-based literacy practice should “look like” in the classroom; practice utilizing self-reflection tools connected to each of the five components in order to build the collective capacity of staff.
Subject Area(s): ELA
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening
Targeted Instructional Grades: Leadership
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Principals

Presenters: Evangela Richardson | [email protected] | AP; Dr. Theresa McGowan | [email protected] | Principal
Location: Lakeview School Cafetorium
Description: This faculty meeting will focus on three essential areas that directly support student learning, school culture, and instructional alignment: Purple Hearts Military Training/Curriculum, District Assessments Updates, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Participants will deepen their understanding of how each initiative connects to their daily practice and contributes to a safe, supportive, and academically aligned learning environment.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Strategy-Based for any content, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living, *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): MTSS, Social Emotional, Student Wellness and Advocacy, Curriculum and Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, *None (Non-Instructional), 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade, Leadership
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)

Presenters: Sheila Brockers-White | [email protected] | Instructional Facilitator
Location: Lakeview School Cafetorium
Description: This professional development session will provide teachers with hands-on experience using MasteryConnect to monitor student progress and inform instructional decisions. Participants will create a subject-specific tracker and add a Common District Assessment (CDA) to the tracker. Teachers will learn how to organize standards-based data, analyze student performance, and use assessment results to guide instruction, intervention, and enrichment.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability, Curriculum and Instruction, Data Analysis
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade, Leadership
Targeted Roles: Teachers

Presenters: Ms. Evangela Richardson | [email protected] | MS Assistant Principal; Dr. Theresa McGowan | [email protected] | Principal; Mr. Michael Irving | [email protected] | HS Assistant Principal
Location: Lakeview School Cafetorium
Description: This faculty meeting will provide staff with updates and collaborative discussion around key areas impacting student success and school climate. Topics will include analysis of PBIS behavioral and attendance trends, planning and awareness for SEL Week, updates on academic benchmark data, and important health guidance related to measles prevention and response. Staff will review current data, reflect on trends affecting students, and discuss strategies to strengthen classroom practices, student engagement, and school-wide supports. The goal is to ensure staff are informed, aligned, and equipped with actionable steps to support both the academic and social-emotional well-being of all students.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Strategy-Based for any content, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living, *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Health and Safety, Social Emotional, Student Wellness and Advocacy
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, *None (Non-Instructional), 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade, Leadership
Targeted Roles: All Roles (Non-Specific)

Presenters: Al Royster | [email protected] | Executive Director - R&A; Kristi Orange | [email protected] | Teach & Learning - Panorama
Location: https://t.ly/10sQ7
Description: Participants will be introduced to Solara, an AI tool within the Panorama platform that helps educators analyze trends across academics, attendance, behavior, and student survey data to identify student needs. The session will demonstrate how Solara can summarize student data, draft communications, and support instructional and intervention planning by allowing staff to upload specific students and class rosters. Participants will also explore Solara’s Tools Library, which integrates district resources. Solara operates within Panorama with district-controlled access and strong student data privacy protections.
Subject Area(s): Arts, Global Languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Strategy-Based for any content, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability, English Learner Services, Increased Rigor, Information Technology, MTSS, Assessment for Learning, Curriculum and Instruction, Data Analysis
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, Leadership
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Principals, Teachers

Presenters: Liz Moffitt | [email protected] | Director of K-12 Curriculum & Instruction
Location: https://t.ly/zyqg_
Description: In this session, school administrators will learn to navigate the MasteryConnect platform and answer key data questions using dashboards and reports in the system.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, ELA
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability, Leadership, Assessment for Learning, Curriculum and Instruction, Data Analysis
Targeted Instructional Grades: 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 4th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade, Leadership
Targeted Roles: Assistant Superintendents, Assistant Principals, Principals

Presenters: Sheila Brockers White | [email protected] | Instructional Facilitator
Location: Lakeview School Cafetorium
Description: Building and Improving Your Course Canvas Page is a hands-on professional development session focused on helping educators design clear, engaging, and student-friendly Canvas courses. Participants will explore best practices for organizing content, enhancing navigation, and creating a visually appealing and accessible learning environment that supports student success.
Subject Area(s): Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, CTE, ELA , Healthful Living
Topic(s): Digital Teaching and Learning, Information Technology
Targeted Instructional Grades: 7th Grade, 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 6th Grade, 8th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade, Leadership
Targeted Roles: Teachers