The 2025 October Central Professional Learning Guide lists the centrallyprovided professional learning opportunities available to all Denver Public Schools educators on October 31st including required learning for each grade/content area, as well as additional development opportunities. Educators may select the dates and times that work best for their schedule. Sessions are listed by grade band and content area. For questions contact professional_learning@dpsk12.org.
October 31st PL FAQ
October 31st ADA Accomodation Request
October 31st Site Guides:
Abraham Lincoln High School
George Washington High School
John F. Kennedy High School
Manual High School
Thomas Jefferson High School
1 | TABLE OF CONTENTS
Elementary Educators Professional Learning
ECE,
K-5 & Montessori
3 | TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dance: Creative Ownership via Purposeful Feedback Arts & PE
Audience: ECE-12 Dance Teachers
Session Description: Educators will explore how to use formative assessment (performance rubrics, peer critique structures, and co-created success criteria) to help students perform with intention, awareness, and artistry� Participants will engage in collaborative performance tasks and respond to peers to see how ongoing feedback can deepen students’ performance practice and elevate their ownership� Emphasis will be placed on strategies that empower students to reflect, refine, and take action in revisions of their work� These sessions center on the performance process, with a focus on authentic engagement and real-time feedback�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Manual Middle/High School
Drama Theatre Arts:Perform - Creative Ownership via Feedback
Audience: ECE-12
Drama/Theatre Teachers
Session Description: Educators will explore how to use formative assessment (performance rubrics, peer critique structures, and co-created success criteria) to help students perform with intention, awareness, and artistry� Participants will engage in collaborative performance tasks and respond to peers to see how ongoing feedback can deepen students’ performance practice and elevate their ownership� Emphasis will be placed on strategies that empower students to reflect, refine, and take action in revisions of their work� These sessions center on the performance process, with a focus on authentic engagement and real-time feedback�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Manual Middle/High School
Film: Perform — Advisories
Audience: ECE-12 Film Teachers
Session Description: This session brings film educators into dialogue with industry professionals through a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Industry Advisory experience. Teachers will engage directly with filmmakers, producers, editors, and other media professionals to explore current trends, workforce expectations, and emerging technologies shaping the film industry. The session will highlight authentic connections between classroom practice and industry pathways, supporting teachers in aligning curriculum with professional standards and employability skills� Together, educators and advisors will examine how formative assessment, project-based learning, and authentic student engagement can prepare students for postsecondary success in film and media careers.
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: North High School
Music: Is It Really Extended Talk?
Audience: ECE-12 Music Teachers
Session Description: Participants will explore and share high-impact sentence stems, structured talking protocols, and practical resources designed to spark meaningful student dialogue without sacrificing rehearsal time. Through collaborative activities and real-time modeling, educators will practice implementing these tools to elevate student engagement and deepen understanding�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Manual Middle/High School
Physical Education: From Skills to Conversations
Audience: ECE-12 PE Teachers
Session Description: In this interactive session, PE teachers will explore how to integrate Accountable Talk structures into physical education activities to promote deeper student discourse and reflection. Participants will experience new skill progression activities while practicing open-ended questioning and peer feedback routines that help students move beyond one-word answers toward meaningful dialogue�
Building on our district SLO work, we will continue connecting assessments, activities, and student progressions to the rubric� By the end of the session, teachers will leave with practical strategies, sample talk structures, and aligned assessments that support both skill growth and student voice in PE�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Manual Middle/High School
Visual Arts: Elevating Peer-to-Peer Feedback
Audience:
ECE-12 Visual Arts Teachers
Session Description: This session invites teachers to reimagine peer-to-peer feedback as a tool for creativity and connection� Together, we’ll experiment with new ways of extending discourse, and model practices inspired by student work and contemporary art—such as intentional listening, visible thinking routines, step two questions, and structured accountability within groups�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Manual Middle/High School
Early Childhood Education (ECE)
ECE: Dialogic Reading with Denver Public Library/ Competency: Professional Practice
Audience: ECE Teachers and paraprofessionals
Session Description: Explore the concept that how we read to children is as important as how frequently we read to them� You’ll develop an understanding of the research-based Dialogic Reading strategy for reading aloud with young children as well as how to use this technique at home or in the classroom�
Time Commitment:
12:30-1:30 - English Instruction 1:45-2:45 - Spanish Instruction
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
ECE: Supporting Social-Emotional Health in Preschoolers/ Competency: Social Emotional
Audience: ECE Teachers
Session Description: To provide early childhood educators with practical strategies, grounded in interpersonal neurobiology, to support young children’s mental health and emotional well-being� Participants will learn how to plan and provide socialemotional lessons and opportunities throughout the day� The session will also cover techniques for promoting emotional regulation, resilience, and positive social interactions, while emphasizing the importance of self-care for educators�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:30 or 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
7 | TABLE OF CONTENTS
Location: Virtual
ECE: Intentional Language and Literacy Practices in the classroom/ Competency: Professional Practice
Audience: ECE Teachers and paraprofessionals
Session Description: In early childhood education, intentionality transforms everyday classroom moments into powerful learning experiences� This training will explore how educators can make informed, purposeful decisions about classroom materials, teacher language, and learning center design to emphasize and encourage exploration of language and literacy concepts� Participants will also learn how to use TS GOLD data to identify individual and group developmental needs, select and adapt materials that support specific learning objectives, use intentional teacher language to scaffold growth across developmental domains, design and modify learning centers to align with observed strengths and needs� Through handson activities, classroom scenarios, and collaborative discussions, educators will walk away with practical strategies for embedding intentional teaching into their daily routines—ensuring every interaction and environment supports meaningful progress for every child�
Time Commitment: 12:30-2:30
Registration Link
Location: Palmer Elementary
AI 101: An Intro to AI and MagicSchool
Audience: K-5 Teachers
Session Description: Gain a foundational understanding of AI in order to enhance culturally and linguistically sustaining (CLS) planning and instruction and ultimately improve outcomes for all learners� Join this hour-long session to learn the basics of AI terminology, prompt engineering, and navigating MagicSchool tools to ensure equitable, ethical, and inclusive AI integration�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:30
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Capturing the Student Learning Journey in Canva
Audience: ECE-12
Teachers
Session Description: Join this immersive workshop to explore a student’s learning journey with Canva� From goal setting to showcasing their work, discover how students can use Canva to demonstrate what they’ve learned through visually engaging designs� You’ll take a deep dive into transforming traditional assignments into creative, student-led projects�
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Designing in Canva for Educators
Audience: K-5 Teachers
Session Description: Take a deep dive into the Canva editor and explore tips and tricks to level up your designs� In this session, you’ll get hands-on with elements, layering, grouping, and apps, learning how to organize your designs with ease� By the end, you’ll feel equipped to use Canva in your classroom�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:30
Registration Link
Differentiation in Schoology
Audience: K-5 Teachers
Location: Virtual
Session Description: Learn how to make your Schoology courses responsive to every student’s needs� This session will show strategies to personalize learning, provide targeted support, and ensure all students can engage with content at their own pace�
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Just and Inclusive AI Literacy through UX Design
Audience: ECE-12 All Educators
Session Description: This workshop-style session invites participants to explore AI literacy - for teachers and students - through the lens of User Experience (UX) design to work towards a more just and inclusive future for ALL learners to thrive� Together, we will unpack AI literacy, evaluate tools and their implementation using equitable UX frameworks, and practice co-design strategies that elevate students with disabilities, learners of multiple languages, and learners that have been historically marginalized by our educational systems� Participants will engage in hands-on experiential learning to (re)design lessons, audit classroom uses of AI, and prototype new approaches that ensure AI literacy is not only accessible, but also inclusive, just, and designed for ALL learners to thrive�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: JFK High School
Leading with PowerSchool: School Leader Toolkit
Audience: K-12 STLs, Deans and APs
Session Description: Designed specifically for school leaders, participants will explore how to strategically leverage the PowerSchool suite—Schoology, Chalk (Curriculum & Instruction), and Performance Matters—to support data-driven decision-making, instructional planning, and school-wide coherence� Learn how to access and interpret key reports, streamline curriculum alignment, and monitor instructional implementation using the available tools�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
11 | TABLE OF CONTENTS
Location: Virtual
Making Schoology Pretty with Canva
Audience: ECE-12 All Educators
Session Description: Bring your Schoology courses to life with Canva! In this session, you’ll learn quick and creative ways to design banners, buttons, and graphics that make your digital classroom more engaging, organized, and student friendly� No design experience required, just a willingness to have fun and make Schoology pretty!
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:30
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Mastery Tracker and Using Rubrics for Grading
Audience: ECE-12 Teachers
Session Description: This course is designed to support teachers in the implementation of the Schoology Mastery Tracker in support of the SLO process� Teachers will explore adding state standards, Common Core content objectives, District created content language objectives, District created Student Learning Objectives, and custom objectives to assignments and rubrics to be used with Schoology assignments and assessments�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:30 or 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Schoology 101: Getting Started with Schoology
Audience: ECE-12 All Educators
Session Description: This course is designed to provide you with the foundational skills needed to navigate and utilize Schoology effectively in your classroom. You’ll experience Schoology through the lens of a student while learning how to organize your course, personalize content, and engage your learners�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:30 or 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Schoology 104: Getting Started with Lesson Planner
Audience: ECE-12 All Educators
Session Description: This course provides a hands-on introduction to using PowerSchool’s Lesson Planner within Schoology� Participants will learn how to set up their planner, build and organize daily lesson plans, align instruction to curriculum maps and standards, and share plans with students and colleagues� Designed for educators ready to move beyond the basics, this course supports efficient planning, collaborative instruction, and transparent feedback practices�
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Literacy
K-2 CKLA/Caminos Skills Routine Enhancements 201
Audience: K-2 ELA-E/S Literacy Teachers
Session Description: Building on the August Skills Routine Enhancement session, participants will ground in the components of an effective phonics lesson and determine alignment with CKLA/Caminos Skills� Participants will learn, practice, and plan for the Decodable Text Routine Enhancement within a CKLA/Caminos Skills lesson using BOY DIBELS 8 / Lectura data�
Note: Attendance at the August session is not required to sign up for this session.
Time Commitment: 12:30-2:00 or 2:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Thomas Jefferson High School
3-5 CKLA/Caminos Morphology and Multisyllabic Word Routines
Audience: 3-5 ELA-E/S Literacy Teachers
Session Description: Building on the August Language Component session, participants will deepen their understanding of the morphology portion of CKLA/ Caminos lessons� Participants will learn and practice instructional routines to teach morphology and support students in reading multisyllabic words� Participants will then apply this knowledge to an upcoming CKLA/Caminos lesson to plan for the morphology portion of the Language component using elements of explicit instruction�
Note: Attendance at the August session is not required to sign up for this session.
Time Commitment: 12:30-2:00 or 2:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Thomas Jefferson High School
TABLE OF CONTENTS | 14
Enhancing Formal Writing Instruction within CKLA/Caminos 201
Audience: K-5 Literacy Teachers
Session Description: Building on the August Enhancing Formal Writing session, participants will plan for an upcoming formal writing task within CKLA/Caminos� The session will explore using elements of Explicit Instruction and ThinkSRSD routines within the writing process to support student success, focusing specifically on how to effectively plan and model the thinking students need to organize their ideas and draft their writing�
Note: Attendance at the August session is not required to sign up for this session.
Time Commitment: 12:30-2:00 or 2:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Thomas Jefferson High School
Lesson Level Biliteracy Planning within Caminos/CKLA
Audience: K-5 Literacy Teachers
Session Description: Building on the August Biliteracy session, this session will guide ELA-S educators through a comprehensive approach to lesson internalization, specifically designed for those utilizing Caminos/CKLA. The session will support participants to apply a biliteracy lens to lesson planning, considering how to support students through leveraging their funds of knowledge and providing strategic scaffolds to address potential linguistic complexities. Participants will plan for an upcoming Caminos/CKLA lesson, intentionally considering how to foster students’ ability to make connections between their English and Spanish language development�
Note: Attendance at the August session is not required to sign up for this session.
Time Commitment: 12:30-2:00 or 2:30-4:00
Registration Link
| TABLE OF CONTENTS
Location: Thomas Jefferson High School
Student-Centered Planning for CR-S CKLA/ Caminos
Instruction
Audience: K-5 Literacy Teachers
Session Description: In this session, participants will continue to refine their identities as culturally responsive teachers by collaboratively reflecting on the student-teacher-content relationship of the instructional core in their classrooms� Participants will analyze artifacts from their first few CKLA/Caminos units for evidence of Gholdy Muhammed’s five pursuits for culturally responsive teaching. The session will then guide participants to apply information learned about their students’ funds of knowledge to plan for an upcoming CKLA/Caminos unit and set goals for each of the five pursuits for the remainder of the school year.
Session Description: Building on the August Launching the Year: Literacy
Intervention Systems session, participants will ground in the components of an effective progress monitoring system, in order to both evaluate the impact of the literacy intervention and adjust instruction and/or student groupings� Participants will also dive deeper into the purpose of progress monitoring to assess a student’s growth towards grade-level benchmarks, as well as to determine the effectiveness of the instruction�
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Thomas Jefferson High School
Imagine IM Year 1: Surfacing Student Thinking
Audience: K-5 Math Teachers (IM Year 1)
Session Description: This session will deepen teachers’ understanding and application of student-centered learning strategies to surface and monitor student voice and thinking� Participants will practice using student thinking and formative assessment to intentionally guide instructional decisions�
Note: This session is happening at two different sites- please register for the site that works best for you
Time Commitment: 12:30-3:30
Registration Link
Location: Abe Lincoln High School or George Washington High School
Imagine IM Year 2: Strategies for Students with Diverse Abilities
Audience: K-5 Math Teachers (IM Year 2)
Session Description: This session will provide an opportunity to meaningfully practice using the accessibility features of Imagine IM to support all learners� Participants will explore embedded resources using print and digital resources�
Note: This session is happening at two different sites- please register for the site that works best for you
Time Commitment: 12:30-2:00 or 2:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Abe Lincoln High School or George Washington High School
MLE
MLE: Supporting Off-Track MLLs in Elementary ELD (K-2)
Audience: K-2 ELD Teachers
Session Description: This session will support teachers to identify off-track MLLs, monitor progress through curricular assessments, and plan for specific instructional needs through curricular materials�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:30
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
MLE: Supporting Off-Track MLLs in Elementary ELD (3-5)
Audience: 3-5 ELD Teachers
Session Description: This session will support teachers to identify off-track MLLs, monitor progress, and plan for specific instructional needs. This session will split between Language Launch Volume 1 and Course A + Language Launch Volume 2�
Session Description: Participants will explore instructional strategies and resources to support recently arrived MLLs in maintaining on track status�
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
World Languages: Strategies for Building Proficiency
Audience: ECE-12 World Languages Teachers
Session Description: This session will explore research-based approaches for fostering steady proficiency growth in world language classes.
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: JFK High School
Montessori
Montessori Math Year 1: Surfacing Student Thinking
Audience: Primary and Elementary Montessori Teachers
Session Description: This session will explore multiple ways to surface student thinking to enhance student engagement and ownership while utilizing the Montessori Math scope and sequence�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Denison Montessori
Science
Gd K-2 Unit and Lesson Internalization and Assessment
Audience:
K-2 Science Teachers
Session Description: Teachers in the session, designed specifically for grades K-2, will learn a protocol for lesson and unit internalization which focuses on the integration of the Power School suite tools� Teachers will also learn about the formative and summative assessment embedded in the curriculum, including strategies for implementing unit assessments in the early grades�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:30
Registration Link
Location: Thomas Jefferson High School
Gd 3-5 Unit and Lesson Internalization and Assessment
Audience: 3-5 Science Teachers
Session Description: Teachers in the session, designed specifically for grades 3-5, will learn a protocol for lesson and unit internalization which focuses on the integration of the Power School suite tools, including Schoology Template Courses� Teachers will also learn about the formative and summative assessment embedded in the curriculum, including the new Performance Matters Unit Assessments�
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45 or 3:00-4:00
Registration Link
Social Studies
Location: Thomas Jefferson High School
Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Inquiry in K-5 SS
Audience: K-5 Social Studies Teachers
Session Description: This session empowers K-5 social studies teachers to build inclusive, engaging classrooms using culturally responsive-sustaining inquiry practices� We’ll explore key ideas and discover practical actions for planning culturally inclusive social studies lessons that value diverse perspectives and boost critical thinking� By the end, teachers will have the tools to weave these practices into their daily planning, creating more inclusive and equitable learning experiences for all students�
Time Commitment: 12:30-2:00
Registration Link
Location: Thomas Jefferson High School
TSEL 101 and 3 Signature Practices
Audience: ECE-12 All Educators
Session Description: DPS Educators will understand the foundation of CASEL’s Transformative Social Emotional Learning (tSEL), why it is needed within the classroom, and use of the CASEL 3 Signature Practices�
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
TSEL 201 and Academic Integration
Audience: ECE-12 All Educators
Session Description: DPS Educators will learn strategies on how to implement the five CASEL competencies of Transformative Social Emotional Learning (tSEL) into various academic contents (Literacy, Math, STEAM, etc�) and use of the CASEL 3 Signature Practices�
Time Commitment: 3:00-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Secondary Educators Professional Learning
| TABLE OF CONTENTS
Arts & PE
Dance: Perform — Creative Ownership via Purposeful Feedback
Audience: ECE-12 Dance Teachers
Session Description: Educators will explore how to use formative assessment (performance rubrics, peer critique structures, and co-created success criteria) to help students perform with intention, awareness, and artistry� Participants will engage in collaborative performance tasks and respond to peers to see how ongoing feedback can deepen students’ performance practice and elevate their ownership� Emphasis will be placed on strategies that empower students to reflect, refine, and take action in revisions of their work� These sessions center on the performance process, with a focus on authentic engagement and real-time feedback�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Manual Middle/High School
Drama Theatre Arts: Perform - Creative Ownership via Feedback
Audience: ECE-12 Drama/Theatre
Teachers
Session Description: Educators will explore how to use formative assessment (performance rubrics, peer critique structures, and co-created success criteria) to help students perform with intention, awareness, and artistry� Participants will engage in collaborative performance tasks and respond to peers to see how ongoing feedback can deepen students’ performance practice and elevate their ownership� Emphasis will be placed on strategies that empower students to reflect, refine, and take action in revisions of their work� These sessions center on the performance process, with a focus on authentic engagement and real-time feedback�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Manual Middle/High School
Film: Perform — Advisories
Audience: ECE-12 Film Teachers
Session Description: This session brings film educators into dialogue with industry professionals through a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Industry Advisory experience. Teachers will engage directly with filmmakers, producers, editors, and other media professionals to explore current trends, workforce expectations, and emerging technologies shaping the film industry. The session will highlight authentic connections between classroom practice and industry pathways, supporting teachers in aligning curriculum with professional standards and employability skills� Together, educators and advisors will examine how formative assessment, project-based learning, and authentic student engagement can prepare students for postsecondary success in film and media careers.
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: North High School
Music: Is It Really Extended Talk?
Audience: ECE-12 Music Teachers
Session Description: Participants will explore and share high-impact sentence stems, structured talking protocols, and practical resources designed to spark meaningful student dialogue without sacrificing rehearsal time. Through collaborative activities and real-time modeling, educators will practice implementing these tools to elevate student engagement and deepen understanding�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Manual Middle/High School
Physical Education: From Skills to Conversations
Audience: ECE-12 PE Teachers
Session Description: In this interactive session, PE teachers will explore how to integrate Accountable Talk structures into physical education activities to promote deeper student discourse and reflection. Participants will experience new skill progression activities while practicing open-ended questioning and peer feedback routines that help students move beyond one-word answers toward meaningful dialogue�
Building on our district SLO work, we will continue connecting assessments, activities, and student progressions to the rubric� By the end of the session, teachers will leave with practical strategies, sample talk structures, and aligned assessments that support both skill growth and student voice in PE�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Manual Middle/High School
Visual Arts: Elevating Peer-to-Peer Feedback
Audience: ECE-12 Visual Arts Teachers
Session Description: This session invites teachers to reimagine peer-to-peer feedback as a tool for creativity and connection� Together, we’ll experiment with new ways of extending discourse, and model practices inspired by student work and contemporary art—such as intentional listening, visible thinking routines, step two questions, and structured accountability within groups�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Manual Middle/High School
TABLE OF CONTENTS | 26
Career and College Success
Edgenuity: Student Success in a Digital Curriculum Platform
Audience: 9-12 Edgenuity School Coordinators
Session Description: Credit recovery educators will learn tools and techniques that can help students navigate their Edgenuity experience, maximize learning, and encourage students to take ownership of their academic success�
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Gang of 19 Screening and Discussion
Audience: ECE-5 School Counselors
Session Description: Join School Counselors and Special Education team members to view the Rocky Mountain PBS Gang of 19 film and join in discussion of implications for students today�
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
| TABLE OF CONTENTS
Location: Virtual
Inclusive Practices: MSOs for High School Counselors
Audience: 9-12 School Counselors
Session Description: This session will give high school counselors practical ways to connect inclusive practices with their selected Measures of Student Outcomes� We’ll explore how to use various data platforms to select and support diverse student populations, with a focus on achievement data goal(s) that will directly impact their Unified Improvement Plan.
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Inclusive Practices: MSOs for Elementary Counselors
Audience: ECE-5 School Counselors
Session Description: This session will give elementary school counselors practical ways to connect inclusive practices with their selected Measures of Student Outcomes� We’ll explore how to use various data platforms to select and support diverse student populations, with a focus on achievement data goal(s) that will directly impact their Unified Improvement Plan.
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Comprehensive Health
Supporting Student Engagement in Comprehensive Health
Audience: 6-12 Comprehensive Health Teachers
Session Description: This professional learning session will equip educators with strategies, resources, and best practices to deliver high-quality Comprehensive Health instruction that supports students’ physical, mental, and social-emotional well-being� Participants will engage in lesson internalization, explore aligned curriculum materials, and leave with actionable tools to create inclusive, skills-based health learning experiences�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
CTE
Location: Abe Lincoln High School
CTE Fall 2025 Breakout Sessions
Audience: 6-12 CTE Educators
Session Description: This session will provide CTE Educators with updates for Perkins purchasing, processes for getting set up as an official testing site for industry certification exams, and provide 1:1 support to first year teachers. Sessions will also feature dedicated Q&A time with Dr� Fiorenza, a teacher-led discussion panel, and other topics� Join us to collaborate with your CTE peers and make sure you are in compliance for the upcoming program approvals and Perkins season!
Note: All Pathway Directors are required to attend CTE PL sessions with their CTE teachers.
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Abe Lincoln High School
AI 101: An Intro to AI and MagicSchool
Audience: 6-12
CTE Educators
Session Description: Gain a foundational understanding of AI in order to enhance culturally and linguistically sustaining (CLS) planning and instruction and ultimately improve outcomes for all learners� Join this hour-long session to learn the basics of AI terminology, prompt engineering, and navigating MagicSchool tools to ensure equitable, ethical, and inclusive AI integration�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:30
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Capturing the Student Learning Journey in Canva
Audience: ECE-12 All Educators
Session Description: Join this immersive workshop to explore a student’s learning journey with Canva� From goal setting to showcasing their work, discover how students can use Canva to demonstrate what they’ve learned through visually engaging designs� You’ll take a deep dive into transforming traditional assignments into creative, student-led projects�
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Designing in Canva for Educators
Audience: ECE-12 All Educators
Session Description: Take a deep dive into the Canva editor and explore tips and tricks to level up your designs� In this session, you’ll get hands-on with elements, layering, grouping, and apps, learning how to organize your designs with ease� By the end, you’ll feel equipped to use Canva in your classroom�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:30
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Differentiation in Schoology
Audience: ECE-12 All Educators
Session Description: Learn how to make your Schoology courses responsive to every student’s needs� This session will show strategies to personalize learning, provide targeted support, and ensure all students can engage with content at their own pace�
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Just and Inclusive AI Literacy through UX Design
Audience: ECE-12 All
Educators
Session Description: This workshop-style session invites participants to explore AI literacy - for teachers and students - through the lens of User Experience (UX) design to work towards a more just and inclusive future for ALL learners to thrive� Together, we will unpack AI literacy, evaluate tools and their implementation using equitable UX frameworks, and practice co-design strategies that elevate students with disabilities, learners of multiple languages, and learners that have been historically marginalized by our educational systems� Participants will engage in hands-on experiential learning to (re)design lessons, audit classroom uses of AI, and prototype new approaches that ensure AI literacy is not only accessible, but also inclusive, just, and designed for ALL learners to thrive�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: JFK High School
Leading with PowerSchool: School Leader Toolkit
Audience: K-12 STLs, Deans and APs
Session Description: Designed specifically for school leaders, participants will explore how to strategically leverage the PowerSchool suite—Schoology, Chalk (Curriculum & Instruction), and Performance Matters—to support data-driven decision-making, instructional planning, and school-wide coherence� Learn how to access and interpret key reports, streamline curriculum alignment, and monitor instructional implementation using the available tools�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Making Schoology Pretty with Canva
Audience:
ECE-12
All Educators
Session Description: Bring your Schoology courses to life with Canva! In this session, you’ll learn quick and creative ways to design banners, buttons, and graphics that make your digital classroom more engaging, organized, and student friendly� No design experience required, just a willingness to have fun and make Schoology pretty!
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:30
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Mastery Tracker and Using Rubrics for Grading
Audience: ECE-12
Teachers
Session Description: This course is designed to support teachers in the implementation of the Schoology Mastery Tracker in support of the SLO process� Teachers will explore adding state standards, Common Core content objectives, District created content language objectives, District created Student Learning Objectives, and custom objectives to assignments and rubrics to be used with Schoology assignments and assessments�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:30 or 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Schoology 101: Getting Started with Schoology
Audience: ECE-12 All Educators
Session Description: This course is designed to provide you with the foundational skills needed to navigate and utilize Schoology effectively in your classroom. You’ll experience Schoology through the lens of a student while learning how to organize your course, personalize content, and engage your learners�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:30 or 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Schoology 104: Getting Started with Lesson Planner
Audience: ECE-12 All Educators
Session Description: This course provides a hands-on introduction to using PowerSchool’s Lesson Planner within Schoology� Participants will learn how to set up their planner, build and organize daily lesson plans, align instruction to curriculum maps and standards, and share plans with students and colleagues� Designed for educators ready to move beyond the basics, this course supports efficient planning, collaborative instruction, and transparent feedback practices�
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Higher Ed
Using Data to Drive Instruction
Audience: 9-12 AP Teachers
Session Description: This session will support educators in leveraging AP Classroom data to inform and strengthen their instruction� Participants will explore how to use progress checks and progress monitoring tools to identify student needs, adjust teaching strategies, and improve learning outcomes� Research and practice show a strong alignment between consistent AP Classroom usage and student success on AP Exams�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:30
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
AVID Tutorial - Implementation & Support
Audience: 6-12 AVID Teachers
Session Description: In this session, teachers will deepen their understanding of the AVID tutorial process, including its structure, expectations for both students and teachers, and strategies for effective implementation. Participants will explore how tutorials serve as a powerful support system that fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving� The session will also highlight the essential role tutorials play in increasing access to and success in rigorous courses by equipping students with the academic tools and confidence they need to thrive.
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:30
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Literacy
Responsive Small Group Instruction in the Secondary Classroom
Audience: 6-12 Literacy Teachers
Session Description: This session will prepare secondary educators to plan for and implement responsive small group literacy instruction� Grounded in Scarborough’s Reading Rope, participants will focus on data analysis, instructional best practices, and classroom routines that target both language comprehension and word recognition strands. The content from this session can be flexibly used with any ELA Curriculum and is intended to support students’ access to and success with gradelevel texts and tasks�
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Abe Lincoln High School
Writing Instruction in Amplify ELA
Audience: 6-8 Literacy Teachers, including co-teachers for ELD
Session Description: This session will use elements of Joan Sedita’s Writing Rope to elevate writing instruction in AmplifyELA and support teachers as they plan lessons in an essay sub-unit�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: JFK High School
Translanguaging with DPS Odell (Opt-In Schools Only)
Audience: 9-12 Literacy Teachers, including Alt ELD Teachers (Rigor, Core Content, Co-Teaching)
Session Description: This session is designed to support teachers in planning for the needs of their multilingual learners through the strategic use of home/PPF1 language resources, specifically through the lens of translanguaging instructional strategies. In this session, teachers will norm on the common definition and rationale for translanguaging via calibration on appropriate strategies based on student data/needs. Teachers will also build on this shared definition by exploring available translanguaging resources for Language Arts courses and plan to apply them in instruction�
Note: There are 3 event options available-English Language arts Co-Teachers, Core Content/Rigor Teachers, and English 1-4 Teachers (who are not designated Alt ELD teachers). Please register for the event that most closely aligns with your teaching assignment.
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Math
Location: Abe Lincoln High School
Coherent Math 1: Unit 3 Internalization
Audience: 9-12 Math 1 Teachers ONLY
Session Description: Engage in a collaborative Unit Internalization of Coherent Math 1 Unit 3: Modeling Relationships using Linear Functions�
Time Commitment: 12:30-2:30
Registration Link
| TABLE OF CONTENTS
Location: Abe Lincoln High School
Coherent Math 1: Unit 6 Internalization (Pathways)
Audience: 9-12 Pathways Math 1 Teachers ONLY
Session Description: Engage in a collaborative Unit Internalization of Coherent Math 1 Unit 6: Introduction to Exponential Functions
Time Commitment: 12:30-2:30
Registration Link
Location: Abe Lincoln High School
Coherent Math 2: Unit 4 Internalization
Audience: 9-12 Math 2 Teachers ONLY
Session Description: Engage in a collaborative Unit Internalization of Coherent Math 2 Unit 4: Quadratic Equations (Part 2)�
Time Commitment: 12:30-2:30
Registration Link
Location: Abe Lincoln High School
Math Language Routines: Co-Craft Questions
Audience: 9-12 Math Teachers
Session Description: Engage in a deep-dive of the Math Language Routine: Co-Craft Questions and plan for the implementation of the math language routine in an upcoming Coherent Math lesson�
Time Commitment: 2:45-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Abe Lincoln High School
Math Language Routines: Critique, Correct, and Clarify
Audience: 9-12 Math Teachers
Session Description: Engage in a deep-dive of the Math Language Routine: Collect and Display and plan for the implementation of the math language routine in an upcoming Coherent Math lesson�
Time Commitment: 2:45-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Abe Lincoln High School
Math Language Routines: Collect and Display
Audience: 9-12 Math Teachers
Session Description: Engage in a deep-dive of the Math Language Routine: Collect and Display and plan for the implementation of the math language routine in an upcoming Coherent Math lesson�
Time Commitment: 2:45-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Abe Lincoln High School
PFL: Data Informed Instructional Strategies
Audience: 9-12 Financial
Literacy
Teachers
Session Description: This session will support teachers in looking at assessments and analyzing assessment data from PFL and Financial Algebra� Teachers will use this data to plan for student voice and discussion in their classrooms�
Time Commitment: 12:30-2:00
Registration Link
Location: Thomas Jefferson High School
Supporting MLLs in a Problem-Based Learning Model
Audience:
6-8
Math Teachers
Session Description: This session will dive into research-based practices to support multilingual students in the middle school math classroom in a problem-based learning model� We will use our key resources to explore and practice instructional routines that will support your instructional practice�
Time Commitment: 12:30-2:30
Registration Link
MLE
Location: Abe Lincoln High School
MLE: Supporting Off-Track MLLs in Secondary Dedicated ELD
Audience:
6-12
ELD Teachers
Session Description: This session will support teachers to identify off-track and long-term MLLs, monitor progress through curricular assessments, and plan for specific instructional needs through curricular materials.
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:30
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
MLE: Supporting Recently Arrived MLLs: Choice
Sessions
Audience: ECE-12 All Educators
Session Description: Participants will explore instructional strategies and resources to support recently arrived MLLs in maintaining on track status�
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Spanish Language Arts: Amplifying Achievement
Audience: 6-12 Spanish Language Arts Teachers
Session Description: This session will explore research-based strategies for accelerating Spanish language and literacy development at the secondary level�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: JFK High School
World Languages: Strategies for Building Proficiency
Audience: ECE-12 World Languages Teachers
Session Description: This session will explore research-based approaches for fostering steady proficiency growth in world language classes.
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: JFK High School
6-12 OpenSciEd
October PL Day
Science Professional Learning
Audience: 6-12 Science Teachers
Session Description: This session guides teachers through deepening their understanding and internalization of units and lessons within the new curriculum� Participants will engage in collaborative analysis and reflective practice to strengthen instructional strategies aligned with curriculum goals� Emphasis will be placed on practical application, ensuring teachers feel confident and prepared to implement the curriculum effectively in their classrooms.
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Social Studies
Location: Thomas Jefferson High School
MS SS: Rigorous Engagement with TextBased Sources
Audience: 6-8 Social Studies Teachers
Session Description: This session empowers middle school social studies teachers to keep the cognitive lift on students as they engage with diverse perspectives in primary and secondary sources�
Time Commitment: 2:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Thomas Jefferson High School
HS SS: Rigorous Engagement with TextBased
Sources
Audience: 9-12 Social Studies Teachers
Session Description: This session empowers high school social studies teachers to keep the cognitive lift on students as they engage with diverse perspectives in primary and secondary sources�
Time Commitment: 12:30-2:00 or 2:30-4:00
Location: Thomas Jefferson High School
PFL: Data Informed Instructional Strategies
Audience: 9-12 Financial Literacy Teachers
Session Description: This session will support teachers in looking at assessments and analyzing assessment data from PFL and Financial Algebra� Teachers will use this data to plan for student voice and discussion in their classrooms�
Time Commitment: 12:30-2:00
Registration Link Registration
Location: Thomas Jeffserson High School
Teaching Civics with a Climate Literacy Lens
Part 2
Audience: 9-12 Social Studies Teachers
Session Description: This session will build on the learning and collaboration from the August 14th session� The Earth Force and Heart Force teams will again support further planning for HS Civics with a climate literacy lens�
Time Commitment: 2:30-4:00
Location: Thomas Jeffserson High School
TSEL 101 and 3 Signature Practices
Audience: ECE-12 All Educators
Session Description: DPS Educators will understand the foundation of CASEL’s Transformative Social Emotional Learning (tSEL), why it is needed within the classroom, and use of the CASEL 3 Signature Practices�
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
TSEL 201 and Academic Integration
Audience: ECE-12 All Educators
Session Description: DPS Educators will learn strategies on how to implement the five CASEL competencies of Transformative Social Emotional Learning (tSEL) into various academic contents (Literacy, Math, STEAM, etc�) and use of the CASEL 3 Signature Practices�
Time Commitment: 3:00-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Special Education & Special Service Providers (SSPs)
Counseling
Inclusive Practices: MSOs for High School Counselors
Audience: 9-12 School Counselors
Session Description: This session will give high school counselors practical ways to connect inclusive practices with their selected Measures of Student Outcomes� We’ll explore how to use various data platforms to select and support diverse student populations, with a focus on achievement data goal(s) that will directly impact their Unified Improvement Plan.
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Inclusive Practices: MSOs for Elementary Counselors
Audience: ECE-5 School Counselors
Session Description: This session will give elementary school counselors practical ways to connect inclusive practices with their selected Measures of Student Outcomes� We’ll explore how to use various data platforms to select and support diverse student populations, with a focus on achievement data goal(s) that will directly impact their Unified Improvement Plan.
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Gang of 19 Screening and Discussion
Audience: ECE-12 School Counselors
Session Description: Join School Counselors and Special Education team members to view the Rocky Mountain PBS Gang of 19 film and join in discussion of implications for students today�
Session Description: An Early Childhood Special Education Specialist and Child Find Specialist from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) will provide an overview of Indicator 7 and Results Matter, including TS GOLD basics, expectations for data collection, and entry/exit information� Attendees will be guided on how to use initial evaluations, including Child Find data, for baseline; as well as how to use data to inform instruction� Participants will be given guidance on how special education providers and general education teachers can partner to support assessment practices for preschool students�
Time Commitment: 12:30-2:00
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Low Incidence Disability (LID)
Ava Live Captioning Service Training
Audience: K-12 Teachers of the Deaf, Audiologist, and Educational Sign Language Interpreters
Session Description: Training provided by the AVA pro staff to increase the understanding and use of our live district captioning service�
Time Commitment: 8:00-11:30
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Mental Health and Student Well-Being
Department of Mental Health PL - Morning session
Audience: ECE-12 Mental Health Team
Session Description: Participants will build affinity with the Department of Mental Health, engage in keynote speaker content, orient to critical information to align professional expectations�
Time Commitment: 8:00-11:30
Registration Link
Location: George Washington High School
Department of Mental Health PL - Afternoon session
Audience: ECE-12 Mental Health Team
Session Description: Differentiated PL for Social Workers and School Psychologist to expand professional knowledge specific to their roles and priorities and CDE licensure�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
TSEL 101 and 3 Signature Practices
Audience: ECE-12 All Educators
Session Description: DPS Educators will understand the foundation of CASEL’s Transformative Social Emotional Learning (tSEL), why it is needed within the classroom, and use of the CASEL 3 Signature Practices�
Time Commitment: 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
| TABLE OF CONTENTS
Location: Virtual
TSEL 201 and Academic Integration
Audience: ECE-12 All Educators
Session Description: DPS Educators will learn strategies on how to implement the five CASEL competencies of Transformative Social Emotional Learning (tSEL) into various academic contents (Literacy, Math, STEAM, etc�) and use of the CASEL 3
Signature Practices�
Time Commitment: 3:00-4:00
Registration Link
Nursing
Location: Virtual
Nursing Services October PL Day
Audience: ECE-12 Nurses
Session Description: Differentiated Professional Learning for Nurses to expand their professional knowledge specific to their roles, priorities, duties in a building SSP and CDE licensure�
Time Commitment: 8:00-4:00
Registration Link
Location: George Washington High School
OT/PT and APE
Navigating Discontinuation of School Services
Audience: ECE-12 Occupational and Physical Therapists
Session Description: The session explores research on parent satisfaction with the IEP process and teacher collaboration with related service providers, highlighting six best practices to foster open communication, clarify roles, and build trust with families and educators� It also reviews when discontinuing services is appropriate— such as when goals are met, benefits are maximized, or a student requests it—while offering strategies to present data, address pushback, and frame the process as a positive “graduation” centered on the student’s best interests�
Time Commitment: 8:00-11:30
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Special Education
AI Strand: AI 101
Audience: K-12 Special Education Teachers
Session Description: Participants will form a foundational understanding of AI, DPS’ instructional priorities, and AI policies; Engage in self-reflection on current state of AI use and SPED�; Use the needs of exceptional students in a generative conversation with AI, creating support materials and ideas; Share a description of an artifact of their learning around increasing support of exceptional students with AI; give and receive feedback grounded in SPED best practices�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:45 or 2:00-3:15
Registration Link
AI Strand: AI 201
Location: Virtual
Audience: K-12 Special Education Teachers
Session Description: Participants will examine structures and considerations for developing a classroom environment, support practices, and pedagogical mindsets in support AI-infused student learning�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:45 or 2:00-3:15
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
(In-Person) Center Program Teachers- Quality Indicators
Audience: K-12 Center-Based Program Staff
Session Description: This session reviews Denver Public Schools’ Quality Indicators (QI) for MI, MI-S, MI-A, and AN center programs, adapted from CDE standards� The session will provide participants the opportunity to complete a self-assessment and includes dedicated work time to plan towards the quality indicators�
Note: Transition teachers should register for the virtual session. K-12 center based teachers can register for the virtual or in-person session.
Time Commitment: 12:30-3:00
Registration Link
Location: JFK High School
(Virtual) Center Program and Transition Teachers (18-21) Quality Indicators
Audience: K-12 Center-Based and Transition Teachers
Session Description: This session reviews Denver Public Schools’ Quality Indicators (QI) for Transition Programs (18-21) adapted from CDE standards� The session will provide participants the opportunity to complete a self-assessment and includes dedicated work time to plan towards the quality indicators�
Note: Transition teachers should register for the virtual session. K-12 center based teachers can register for the virtual or in-person session.
Time Commitment: 12:30-3:00
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Mild-Moderate Assessment Strand - Reading & Math
Audience: K-12 Mild Moderate Special Education Teachers
Session Description: Participants will learn which targeted assessments to use, and how to administer those assessments to ensure they accurately represent students’ strengths and areas of need�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:45 or 2:00-3:15
Registration Link
Location: JFK High School
Mild-Moderate Assessment Strand - Writing
Audience: K-12 Mild Moderate Special Education Teachers
Session Description: Participants will learn which targeted assessments to use, and how to administer those assessments to ensure they accurately represent students’ strengths and areas of need�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:45 or 2:00-3:15
Registration Link
Location: JFK High School
Mild-Moderate IEP Quality and Compliance Strand
Audience: K-12 Mild Moderate Special Education Teachers
Session Description: Participants will learn the Educational Benefit Review process, which guides school teams through examining and comparing specific components of the IEP to determine if the IEP is reasonably calculated to enable the student to make progress and receive educational benefit.
Time Commitment: 12:30-3:00
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Mild-Moderate Progress Monitoring and Data Strand
Audience: K-12 Mild Moderate Special Education Teachers
Session Description: Participants will engage in a 75 minute PL that supports the why behind progress monitoring, what resources and tools the district offers, and ensure compliance with district and federal regulations�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:45 or 2:00-3:15
Location: Virtual
Registration Link
Mild-Moderate Specially Designed Instruction Strand
Audience: K-12 Mild Moderate Special Education Teachers
Session Description: Supporting inclusive practices through differentiation. Participants will differentiate general education curriculum to meet needs of students on teacher’s caseload�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:45 or 2:00-3:15
Registration Link
Transition Strand
Location: Virtual
Audience: 9-12 Special Education Teachers
Session Description: This course dives into developing high-quality Transition IEPs through the use of Transition Assessments, post-secondary planning, and agency linkages� Key topics include writing meaningful post-school goals, aligning annual goals to transition success, and monitoring student progress� Special attention will be given to supporting current 12th graders, and aligning services to ensure strong post-secondary outcomes, including a small introduction to the DPS Transition Program�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:30 or 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)
Selective Mutism
Audience: ECE-12 SLPS and SLPAS
Session Description: Training provided by SSG (Stepping Stones Group) staff to increase understanding of the SLP’s role in working with students who present with Selective Mutism�
Time Commitment: 9:00-10:30
Registration Link
| TABLE OF CONTENTS
Location: Virtual
Professional Learning for Additional Roles
CSTL, Central Discipline, Gifted and Talented, Library Services
Central Discipline
Common Scenarios in Discipline
Audience: ECE-12 Teacher Leaders/STLs
Session Description: This interactive session equips participants to handle a range of disciplinary situations equitably through a mix of real world scenarios and guided group discussions�
Time Commitment: 12:30-1:30 or 1:45-2:45
Registration Link
Gifted and Talented
Location: JFK High School
Empowering Excellence in Gifted Education: October Momentum
Audience: ECE-12 GT Teachers
Session Description: Join us for a virtual half-day session created to equip GT educators with practical tools and strategies to strengthen and expand services for gifted learners� This session will feature important updates from the Central GT Team, along with interactive breakout working sessions� Participants will dive into breakout topics including gifted identification through cognitive assessments, ACCESS, and portfolios; effective progress monitoring; and advancing AI-driven differentiation strategies introduced in August.
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Virtual
Library Services
Elevating School Libraries: Linking Libraries and Literacy
Audience: ECE-12 Teacher Librarians
Session Description: During this session, we’ll explore evidence-based strategies that position your library program as an essential literacy partner� You’ll discover how to leverage your unique role to support reading culture, information literacy, and critical thinking skills across all subject areas� We’ll examine practical approaches for collaborating with classroom teachers, designing meaningful literacy experiences, and demonstrating your library’s measurable impact on student achievement� We will also have representatives from Sora who will help us dig deep into how this resource can support our DPS community�
Time Commitment: 12:30-4:00
Registration Link
Location: Park Hill Branch Library
Learning Environments
A Brain-Based Foundation for Supporting and De-escalating Students Impacted by Trauma
Audience: ECE-12 RPC/SSL
Session Description: This workshop covers a basic introduction to the neuroscience of trauma along with strategies for supporting and de-escalating youth who have experienced trauma in their lives�
