Durham Public Schools PL

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.

8:30am EDT

Restorative Practices for School Leaders- Day 1 | Facilitated by Student Support Services | Open District-Wide | Staff Development Center M8

Monday August 11, 2025 8:30am - 3:30pm EDT

Staff Development Center M8

Limited Capacity seats available

Presenters: Amy Miller | [email protected] | Director; Laverne Mattocks-Perry | [email protected] | Senior Executive Director
Location: Staff Development Center M8
Description: Join us for a 1.5-day Restorative Practices training that will focus on the specific needs of administrators within Durham Public Schools.Designed to complement the district-wide rollout of Restorative Practices, this training is designed with you in mind to ensure Principals and Assistant Principals have both expertise and strategies for effective implementation.This dynamic and interactive training will include essential frameworks, opportunities for meaningful connection with other school leaders in DPS, modules for schoolwide assessment and implementation, and opportunities to practice. Our training will be led by Peaceful Schools NC, a national school climate initiative based here in Durham, led by educators, for educators. Through intentional collaboration and programming, Peaceful Schools NC provides strategies for building and sustaining positive relationships within school communities so that all members can thrive.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Leadership
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Principals

Monday August 11, 2025 8:30am - 3:30pm EDT
Staff Development Center M8

*None (Non-Instructional), Leadership

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8:30am EDT

Restorative Practices for School Leaders- Day 2 | Facilitated by Student Support Services | Open District-Wide | Staff Development Center M8

Tuesday August 12, 2025 8:30am - 11:30am EDT

Staff Development Center M8

Limited Capacity seats available

Presenters: Amy Miller | [email protected] | Director; Laverne Mattocks-Perry | [email protected] | Senior Executive Director
Location: Staff Development Center M8
Description: Join us for a 1.5-day Restorative Practices training that will focus on the specific needs of administrators within Durham Public Schools.Designed to complement the district-wide rollout of Restorative Practices, this training is designed with you in mind to ensure Principals and Assistant Principals have both expertise and strategies for effective implementation.This dynamic and interactive training will include essential frameworks, opportunities for meaningful connection with other school leaders in DPS, modules for schoolwide assessment and implementation, and opportunities to practice. Our training will be led by Peaceful Schools NC, a national school climate initiative based here in Durham, led by educators, for educators. Through intentional collaboration and programming, Peaceful Schools NC provides strategies for building and sustaining positive relationships within school communities so that all members can thrive.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Leadership
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Principals

Tuesday August 12, 2025 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
Staff Development Center M8

*None (Non-Instructional), Leadership

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10:20am EDT

Culture, Climate, and Connection: The Principal’s SEL Playbook | Facilitated by Student Support Services | Open District-Wide | Staff Development Center M8

Wednesday September 3, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EDT

Staff Development Center M8

Limited Capacity seats available

Presenters: Amy Miller | [email protected] | Director; Gloria Sanchez | [email protected] | Coordinator; Laverne Mattocks-Perry | [email protected] | Senior Executive Director
Location: Staff Development Center M8
Description: Principals and designees will unpack SEL data in order to create plans for effective SEL implementation this school year.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): MTSS, Social Emotional
Targeted Instructional Grades: Leadership
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Principals

Wednesday September 3, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EDT
Staff Development Center M8

*None (Non-Instructional), MTSS, Social Emotional

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2:00pm EDT

Culture, Climate, and Connection: The Principal’s SEL Playbook- Deep Dive | Facilitated by Student Support Services | Open District-Wide | Staff Development Center M8

Wednesday September 3, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm EDT

Staff Development Center M8

Limited Capacity seats available

Presenters: Amy Miller | [email protected] | Director; Gloria Sanchez | [email protected] | Coordinator; Laverne Mattocks-Perry | [email protected] | Senior Executive Director
Location: Staff Development Center M8
Description: Principals and designees will understand the importance of SEL for both staff and student wellness and success. They will map SEL resources and see the connection between Restorative Practices Implementation and SEL.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): MTSS, Social Emotional
Targeted Instructional Grades: Leadership
Targeted Roles: Assistant Principals, Principals

Wednesday September 3, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Staff Development Center M8

*None (Non-Instructional), MTSS, Social Emotional

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9:00am EDT

Community ED Before and Afterschool Staff - SACERS U | Facilitated by Community Education | Community Education | Staff Development Center M8

Saturday September 13, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Staff Development Center M8

Limited Capacity seats available

Presenters: William Palmer | [email protected] | Elementary Specialist
Location: Staff Development Center M8
Description: This training discusses concepts of developmentally appropriate practices supported by the School Age Care Environment Rating Scale – Updated (SACERS-U). It is intended for school age program staff that are interested in learning more about utilizing developmentally appropriate practices in the school age setting. This training will help you understand the basics about how the SACERS-U is used and gain knowledge of developmentally appropriate concepts that support a high-quality environment.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Group Leaders, Managers

Saturday September 13, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Staff Development Center M8

*None (Non-Instructional), Curriculum and Instruction

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9:00am EDT

Community ED Before and Afterschool Staff - SACERS U | Facilitated by Community Education | Community Education | Staff Development Center M8

Wednesday September 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Staff Development Center M8

Limited Capacity seats available

Presenters: William Palmer | [email protected] | Elementary Specialist
Location: Staff Development Center M8
Description: This training discusses concepts of developmentally appropriate practices supported by the School Age Care Environment Rating Scale – Updated (SACERS-U). It is intended for school age program staff that are interested in learning more about utilizing developmentally appropriate practices in the school age setting. This training will help you understand the basics about how the SACERS-U is used and gain knowledge of developmentally appropriate concepts that support a high-quality environment.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Group Leaders, Managers

Wednesday September 24, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Staff Development Center M8

*None (Non-Instructional), Curriculum and Instruction

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12:50pm EDT

ILA Walkthrough session | Facilitated by Academic Services | Open District-Wide | Staff Development Center m8

Friday October 10, 2025 12:50pm - 2:50pm EDT

Staff Development Center M8

Presenters: Chanel Sidbury | [email protected] | Asst. Superintendent
Location: Staff Development Center m8
Description: Examining engagement strategies in walkthrough forms
Subject Area(s): Skill-Based Instruction (OTs‚ PTs‚ etc.)
Topic(s): Effective Feedback Strategies
Targeted Instructional Grades: Leadership
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches

Friday October 10, 2025 12:50pm - 2:50pm EDT
Staff Development Center M8

Skill-Based Instruction (OTs‚ PTs‚ etc.), Leadership

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8:00am EST

EMPOWERING EXPLICIT WRITING INSTRUCTION SERIES | Facilitated by Curriculum and Instruction | Open District-Wide | Staff Development Center M8

Friday November 21, 2025 8:00am - 10:00am EST

Staff Development Center M8

Limited Capacity seats available

Presenters: Alyssia Dais | [email protected] | K-5 Elementary Literacy; Julie Scott | [email protected] | K-5 Elementary Literacy; Katelin McClure | [email protected] | ESL Instructional Faciliator
Location: Staff Development Center M8
Description: This professional learning series equips school leaders with practical strategies to strengthen writing instruction while integrating purposeful language supports for multilingual learners. Participants will explore high-impact practices, examine real classroom models, and learn how to guide teachers in designing lessons that build both academic language and writing proficiency.
Subject Area(s): ELA
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability, Leadership, Assessment for Learning, Reading‚ Writing‚ Thinking‚ Speaking‚ Listening
Targeted Instructional Grades: 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade
Targeted Roles: Instructional Coaches, Principals

Friday November 21, 2025 8:00am - 10:00am EST
Staff Development Center M8

ELA, 1st Grade, 3rd Grade, 5th Grade, Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, 4th Grade

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9:00am EST

Building Positive Relationships Through Culturally Responsive Classroom Management | Facilitated by Beginning Teachers Program | Beginning Teachers | Staff Development Center M8

Friday December 5, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EST

Staff Development Center M8

Limited Capacity filling up

Presenters: Kimberly Wallace | [email protected] | BT Mentor; Dana Clark | [email protected] | BT Mentor; Meghan Wilder | [email protected] | BT Mentor; Paula Kershner | [email protected] | BT Mentor; Jen Petty | [email protected] | BT Mentor; Steven Gupton | [email protected] | BT Mentor
Location: Staff Development Center M8
Description: This interactive session introduces educators to the foundations of culturally responsive classroom management. Participants will explore how relationships, clarity, and cultural awareness shape student behavior and create a positive classroom environment. Through discussion and reflection, educators will examine the “hidden messages” behind student actions and identify practical strategies that make classroom management effective, responsive, and nearly invisible.
Subject Area(s): Strategy-Based for any content
Topic(s): Culturally Responsive Practices, Social Emotional, 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: Teachers

Friday December 5, 2025 9:00am - 12:00pm EST
Staff Development Center M8

Strategy-Based for any content, 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

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10:00am EST

Community ED Before and Afterschool Staff - SEL: It's Not Just for the Kids! | Facilitated by Community Education | Community Education | Staff Development Center M8

Thursday December 11, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am EST

Staff Development Center M8

Limited Capacity seats available

Presenters: Tameka Bridges | [email protected] | Afterschool Site Manager; Gaile Sledge | [email protected] | Afterschool Site Manager
Location: Staff Development Center M8
Description: This workshop will show how incorporating health and well-being (wellness) into a workshop or a staff meeting provides an opportunity for employees to connect, feel more appreciated, move their body and engage their mind resulting in a healthier and more productive team.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Communication Skills, Curriculum and Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Group Leaders, Managers

Thursday December 11, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am EST
Staff Development Center M8

*None (Non-Instructional), Communication Skills, Curriculum and Instruction

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10:00am EST

Community ED Before and Afterschool Staff - Cultivating the Greatness IN YOU! | Facilitated by Community Education | Community Education | Staff Development Center M8

Wednesday January 21, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm EST

Staff Development Center M8

Limited Capacity seats available

Presenters: Lisa Brooks | [email protected] | Aterschool Site Manager
Location: Staff Development Center M8
Description: This workshop will help staff with teaching children how to appreciate and see greatness in themselves.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Coaching and Mentoring
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Group Leaders, Managers

Wednesday January 21, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm EST
Staff Development Center M8

*None (Non-Instructional), Coaching and Mentoring

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9:00am EST

The ACT Training | Facilitated by Research and Accountability | Open District-Wide | Staff Development Center M8

Monday February 9, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EST

Staff Development Center M8

Limited Capacity seats available

Presenters: Dr. Michelle Tuck Thomas | [email protected] | Director of Assessments & Accountability
Location: Staff Development Center M8
Description: To provide training for school-based Testing Coordinators (TC) on the administration of The ACT.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability
Targeted Instructional Grades: 11th Grade
Targeted Roles: Back-up Test Coordinators, Test Coordinators

Monday February 9, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EST
Staff Development Center M8

*None (Non-Instructional), Assessments-Data-Accountability

SESSION MATERIALS https://t.ly/r0J1h
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1:00pm EST

Spring WorkKeys Training | Facilitated by Research and Accountability | Open District-Wide | Staff Development Center M8

Monday February 9, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EST

Staff Development Center M8

Limited Capacity seats available

Presenters: Dr. Michelle Tuck Thomas | [email protected] | Director of Assessments & Accountability; Latelle Williams | [email protected] | Testing & Accountability Specialist
Location: Staff Development Center M8
Description: This training is to provide training for school-based testing coordinators (STCs) and/or back-up testing coordinators (BTCs) on the administration of the ACT WorkKeys assessment.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional), 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Back-up Test Coordinators, Test Coordinators

Monday February 9, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EST
Staff Development Center M8

*None (Non-Instructional), Assessments-Data-Accountability

SESSION MATERIALS https://t.ly/6xw9K
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2:30pm EST

CCRAA-11 Training | Facilitated by Research and Accountability | Open District-Wide | Staff Development Center M8

Monday February 9, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST

Staff Development Center M8

Limited Capacity seats available

Presenters: Dr. Michelle Tuck Thomas | [email protected] | Director of Assessments & Accountability; Latelle Williams | [email protected] | Testing & Accountability Specialist
Location: Staff Development Center M8
Description: To provide training for school-based Testing Coordinators (TC) on the administration of CCRAA-11.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability
Targeted Instructional Grades: 11th Grade
Targeted Roles: Back-up Test Coordinators, Test Coordinators

Monday February 9, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EST
Staff Development Center M8

*None (Non-Instructional), Assessments-Data-Accountability

SESSION MATERIALS https://t.ly/iAavz
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3:30pm EST

NCEXTEND 1- Grade 11 | Facilitated by Research and Accountability | Open District-Wide | Staff Development Center M8

Monday February 9, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

Staff Development Center M8

Limited Capacity seats available

Presenters: Dr. Michelle Tuck Thomas | [email protected] | Director of Assessments & Accountability; Latelle Williams | [email protected] | Testing & Accountability Specialist
Location: Staff Development Center M8
Description: To provide training for school-based Testing Coordinators (TC) on the administration of the NCEXTEND 1- Grade 11 assessment.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability
Targeted Instructional Grades: 11th Grade, *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Back-up Test Coordinators, Test Coordinators

Monday February 9, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
Staff Development Center M8

*None (Non-Instructional), Assessments-Data-Accountability

SESSION MATERIALS https://t.ly/VxT40
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4:30pm EST

Benchmark Refresher Training: MOY/EOY-Semester 2 | Facilitated by Research and Accountability | Open District-Wide | Staff Development Center M8

Monday February 9, 2026 4:30pm - 5:00pm EST

Staff Development Center M8

Limited Capacity seats available

Presenters: Dr. Michelle Tuck Thomas | [email protected] | Director of Assessments & Accountability; Latelle Williams | [email protected] | Testing & Accountability Specialist
Location: Staff Development Center M8
Description: To provide a refresher session for any school-based Testing Coordinators (TC) on the administration of Local Benchmark Assessments through Mastery Connect. This is an optional training and is not required for benchmark TCs that have received previous training. It is required for any school-based TCs that were not trained during the first semester.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Assessments-Data-Accountability
Targeted Instructional Grades: 9th Grade, 11th Grade, 10th Grade, 12th Grade
Targeted Roles: Back-up Test Coordinators, Test Coordinators, Benchmark Test Coordinators

Monday February 9, 2026 4:30pm - 5:00pm EST
Staff Development Center M8

*None (Non-Instructional), Assessments-Data-Accountability

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10:30am EST

Community ED Before and Afterschool Staff – Next Gen Afterschool: AI Integration | Facilitated by Community Education | Community Education | Staff Development Center M8

Tuesday February 10, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm EST

Staff Development Center M8

Limited Capacity filling up

Presenters: Sasha Dorsey | [email protected] | Afterschool Site Manager
Location: Staff Development Center M8
Description: This workshop will teach managers and group leaders how artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize afterschool planning and engagement. Participants will learn practical strategies for incorporating AI tools into daily activities such as circle time, squad activities, weekly planning, and the digital integration of arts and academic support.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Digital Teaching and Learning, Curriculum and Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Group Leaders, Managers

Tuesday February 10, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm EST
Staff Development Center M8

*None (Non-Instructional), Digital Teaching and Learning, Curriculum and Instruction

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10:00am EDT

Community ED Before and Afterschool Staff - What is STEAM | Facilitated by Community Education | Community Education | Staff Development Center M8

Monday March 9, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Staff Development Center M8

Limited Capacity filling up

Presenters: Bridget James | [email protected] | Afterschool Site Manager; Roxie Moore | [email protected] | Afterschool Site Manager
Location: Staff Development Center M8
Description: This workshop will help staff understand what S.T.E.A.M is and how we can connect it to centers in afterschool. It will inspire personal, intellectual, and creative growth in children by means of hands-on engineering projects and promote resourcefulness, troubleshooting, and a practical understanding of physics.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Building Learning System Capacity, Communication Skills, Curriculum and Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Group Leaders, Managers

Monday March 9, 2026 10:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Staff Development Center M8

*None (Non-Instructional), Building Learning System Capacity, Communication Skills, Curriculum and Instruction

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9:00am EDT

Community ED Before and Afterschool Staff - SACERS U | Facilitated by Community Education | Community Education | Staff Development Center M8

Thursday March 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Staff Development Center M8

Limited Capacity seats available

Presenters: William Palmer | [email protected] | Elementary Specialist
Location: Staff Development Center M8
Description: This training discusses concepts of developmentally appropriate practices supported by the School Age Care Environment Rating Scale – Updated (SACERS-U). It is intended for school age program staff that are interested in learning more about utilizing developmentally appropriate practices in the school age setting. This training will help you understand the basics about how the SACERS-U is used and gain knowledge of developmentally appropriate concepts that support a high-quality environment.
Subject Area(s): *None (Non-Instructional)
Topic(s): Curriculum and Instruction
Targeted Instructional Grades: *None (Non-Instructional)
Targeted Roles: Group Leaders, Managers

Thursday March 12, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Staff Development Center M8

*None (Non-Instructional), Curriculum and Instruction

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