Academy Home– Speaker Bios – 2026 Academy Schedule – Registration
Breakouts on Wednesday & Thursday: All breakouts during the 2026 Academy are workshops (no strands this year). Please note that some are offered on only Wednesday, others only on Thursdays. We will poll registrants for the level of interest in each workshop to select room size for the given workshops, but participants will be able to select their preferred workshops as desired on the day(s) of the event.
New Friday Option: For the first time, the VPA will be offering an optional Friday for $200, which includes breakfast. If you would like to extend your academy, or bring other members to join on Friday, or attend ONLY Friday you can do so. Friday will feature three VPA led workshops to choose from.
Wednesday Workshop #1: Success in the Middle Grades: A Framework for Educating Young Adolescents (ages 10-15) with Dr. Kathleen Brinegar
During early adolescence (ages 10-15), young adolescents undergo more rapid growth than at any other time in the human life cycle except from birth to two years old. The changes that occur as a result of this rapid development lead to the shaping of beliefs and attitudes and the adoption of health habits and social behaviors that lay the foundation for adulthood. Schools that serve students in grades 5-9 play a large role in supporting youth and families through this complex time. Additionally, the structures, policies, and practices that schools implement can have long-term impacts on young adolescents’ self-regard and trajectory in life. This workshop will provide school leaders with a research-based framework for meeting the needs of its young adolescent learners, regardless of grade configuration. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on how their school aligns with the elements of the framework and engage in cross-school conversations to learn how peers are helping youth navigate this exciting, yet challenging time.
Wednesday Workshop #2: Making the Most of Your Title Funding: Proactive Strategies to Support Students with Bianca McKeen & Jessie Murray
In this workshop, participants will be provided with a practical, high-level overview of federal Title grants, including Title I, Title II, Title III, and Title IV. The session will review program intent, allowable uses of funds, strategic flexibilities, and the role school leaders should play in ensuring grant resources are used effectively, strategically, and in compliance. We will also discuss best practices for collaborative and meaningful engagement between school leaders and grant managers to effectively and strategically leverage these funds to support student and staff needs.
Wednesday Workshop #3: Leading Inclusive Schools: Creating the conditions for all learners to succeed with Meagan Roy
Inclusive schools are spaces that foster belonging, engagement and meaningful engagement with grade level instruction – for all learners. It is both a Vermont value, and an evidence-based practice that leads to improved outcomes, especially for students with disabilities. Vermont has long been a leader in inclusive education, but schools have faced increasing challenges in realizing this ideal.
In this workshop, leaders will explore the research behind inclusive practices and operationalize what it looks like in schools. They will focus on their role as leaders in creating the conditions for inclusive practices to thrive. This workshop will give practical, real-time advice for leaders and teams as they understand their current realities and plan for improvement.
Wednesday Workshop #4: Boom Sessions, Grades 7-12
BOOM sessions are short, high-energy chances to hear great ideas from colleagues around the state. These sessions will feature five Vermont School Leaders, each presenting a great idea in eight minutes or less. The school leaders presenting in the grades 7-12 boom session will include five up-to-the moment success stories including lessons from Colchester High School, Milton High School, Main Street Middle School and more. Join this dynamic group to hear best practices that you may want to take back to your school for implementation.
Wednesday Workshop #5 (Wednesday Afternoon Session Only): Building the 5 C’s: Empowering School Communities with Dr. Jacqueline Sanderlin
In this dynamic, research-informed workshop, school and district leaders will explore the 5 C’s of transformative leadership to empower school communities—Community, Collaboration, Capacity, Connection, and Creativity. Participants will learn practical strategies to strengthen relationships, elevate instruction, and enhance overall well-being across their campuses. Through interactive activities, real-world scenarios, and reflective discussions, leaders will discover how to:
By the end of the session, participants will leave with actionable tools and a clear roadmap to create thriving school environments where teaching, learning, and well-being can flourish.
Thursday Workshop #1: Naming the Elephant in the Room: Supporting Classroom Communities in Response to Stressful Incidents with Dr. Joelle van LentWhen a specific student struggles in a way that is visible to the classroom community, educators are often left wondering how to respond in ways that support both the individual and the group. Silence or avoidance, thought well-intentioned, can leave students confused, anxious, and forming their own maladaptive narratives about what occurred. This session equips educators with practical tools and the internal stance needed to transform challenging classroom moments into opportunities for connection, healing, and growth. In this workshop, Dr. Joelle van Lent explores how teachers and school professionals can “name the elephant in the room” by acknowledging and processing visible escalations in ways that model empathy, unconditional care, and emotional regulation. Participants will learn how to differential between confidentiality and shared experience, engaging students in honest, developmentally appropriate discussions that promote resilience and community repair. Through real-world examples and guided reflection, attendees will practice responses that foster trust, belonging, and psychological safety after stressful incidents.
Thursday Workshop #2: Navigating School Leadership and the Politics of Education with VSA Executive Director, Chelsea Myers
More than ever, school leaders must navigate the complex intersection of education and politics. This workshop will provide an in-depth look at the current political climate and its impact on public education at both the federal and state levels. Participants will explore their role as civic leaders, the power of local advocacy, and strategies to effectively champion public education. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, attendees will gain insights and tools to understand political challenges and develop effective advocacy strategies that keep students at the center.
Thursday Workshop #3: It Starts With Us: Building Belonging in Every School Community with Dr. Lauren Young
This workshop is designed for principals who want to strengthen the core conditions that shape school culture: safety, identity, connection, and belonging. Leaders will explore how belonging isn’t a feeling but a signal—one that drives motivation, wellbeing, and performance for both adults and students. Together, we’ll examine how a principal’s own identity and sense of safety influence the way they lead, manage conflict, and build community. Through reflection and practical strategies, participants will learn how to create environments where staff feel valued, students feel seen, and leaders themselves have the connection needed to avoid burnout. Participants will walk away with:
Thursday Workshop #4: Boom Sessions, Grades Pk-6
BOOM sessions are short, high-energy chances to hear great ideas from colleagues around the state. These sessions will feature five Vermont School Leaders, each presenting a great idea in eight minutes or less. The school leaders presenting in the grades Pk-6 boom session will include five up-to-the moment success stories including lessons from Burlington School District, Mary Hogan School (Middlebury), Milton Elementary, and more. Join this dynamic group to hear best practices that you may want to take back to your school for implementation.
Thursday Workshop #5: Communications, Telling Your School Story with Anna Hipko, Katie West, & Ben Dickie
Description
For the first time, the VPA will be offering an optional Friday for $200, which includes breakfast. If you would like to extend your academy, or bring other members to join on Friday, or attend ONLY Friday you can do so. Friday will feature three VPA led workshops.
Friday Workshop Option #1: Direction, Alignment, Commitment with Jay Nichols
This workshop is based on CCL’s extensive analysis of field work in the areas of leadership, leadership development, and organizational leadership that led to CCL’s proven Direction, Alignment, Commitment (DAC) framework. DAC enables individuals to work together as a cohesive group to produce collective results — results they could never achieve working as individuals. Participants will learn how to:
Friday Workshop Option #2: Burn Bright: Energy Management to Reduce Burn-Out with Dr. Lauren Young
The Burn Bright Resilience content was developed by the Center for Creative Leadership. VPA staff are familiar with the content and can effectively facilitate this workshop for faculty meetings or professional learning workshops. Burn Bright offers educators and school staff simple, research-based strategies to recharge and manage daily stress. Through small, repeatable habits, you’ll explore ways you can restore energy and maintain balance—helping you stay grounded and engaged in the important work you do.
Friday Workshop Option #3: Leading People Through Change with Erica McLaughlin & Mike McRaith
Too often, employees suffer because leaders fail to understand the stages they go through during a change. This workshop kit focuses on communication, collaboration, and commitment to help ensure that your leaders can align their team, peers, boss, and organization with their change efforts. Participants will learn how to:
Academy Home – Speaker Bios – 2026 Academy Schedule – Registration