Thanks to the VPA Waddington Leadership Initiative, the VPA is able to offer 7 additional workshops to VPA member organizations. The overall cost of these workshops for VPA member organizations is reduced by more than half. Vermont schools and districts can learn more and schedule any of the below listed half day workshops here:
This workshop focuses on the development of effective classroom management and teaching reflective practices. Some educators struggle with unwanted student behaviors that impact the opportunity for a safe and healthy learning environment. This workshop focuses on strategies for educators that build high expectations and real time support for unwanted student behavior. This workshop focuses on strategies that build strong relationships with students while holding students accountable for high expectations which ultimately alleviates unwanted behaviors.
Participants will learn how to:
Testimonials:
“The staff absolutely loved the session! They really appreciated the energy and the positivity. They also really liked how they got some practical ideas. At least two staff members rearranged their rooms from the activity we did. Many folks came up to me afterwards to say that it was a great session.” -Erika Schneider, Director, Hartford Area Career and Technology Center
“Not only was the content “spot-on”, but the delivery, tone and pace was just what we were looking for. Frankly, I thought it was one of the best we’ve had here for our staff in some time.” -Scott Farnsworth Assistant Director Hartford Area Career & Technology Center
The VPA has worked closely with the Center for Creative Leadership to be able to offer Better Conversations Everyday to Vermont educators. Nearly 200 Vermont educators have already had the chance to experience this capacity building, highly engaging and effective one day workshop. View more information here, and inquire directly with the VPA for costs and open dates.
The Waddington Leadership Initiative is currently enrolled through cohorts 11 and 12. We will alert members when additional opportunities and cohorts are opened. Cohorts 13 and 14 are accepting applications through Oct. 31st, 2022. Read More on the Cohorts
The VPA has podcast series with a growing number of episodes. Check out the descriptions and listen here. Now available on Apple Podcasts.
Members of the VPA staff welcome the chance to visit our members in their schools. We can get to know one another better, hear from members directly, and see schools in action. We also can highlight some of the great work happening around the state. If you are interested in having VPA staff visit you school, feel free to fill out this form.
Check VPA-Leads weekly newsletter for the zoom links and notes. We have been offering zoom drop-in meetings for school leaders since Mid-March 2020. We recommend blocking a time in your calendar and join when you are able. Open to all VPA members.
The VPA offers three mentor training dates per year to keep current mentors up-to-date and to invite new mentors into the mentoring program. The VPA also helps match new school leaders in Vermont with mentors. (read more & registration).
“A Place of Our Own”- Affinity Group for Vermont Administrators of Color (VPA member benefit)
“Just a quick note to thank you for your leadership with the VPA Affinity Group for Leaders Of Color. It was, by far, one of the most supportive, inspiring, and informative 90 minutes I’ve ever had in my professional career. We’re talking top 2-3 here- and my career is 28 years old. I am truly grateful to you.” (VPA Affinity group member)
Our group provides an opportunity for BIPOC administrators, working in predominantly white schools to come together and share experiences, learn from and support each other through our triumphs and challenges. The sharing of stories, experiences, ideas, successes and lots of laughter, provide a place for healing and growth that allows for racial equity transformation. Additionally our affinity group has become a wonderful place to network, make state-wide connections and as well as providing leadership and guidance on issues of educational equity.
The group is facilitated by Bonnie Johnson-Aten, long-time educator in Vermont and currently Principal at Edmunds Elementary School, with support from Kevin Robinson, Integrated Arts Academy Principal. We will generally meet virtually once a month, with quarterly in-person gatherings.We hope you will consider joining us.
“A Place of Our Own” An Affinity group for LGBTQIA+ Administrators (A VPA member benefit)
“I want to share with you that during a segment of our Leadership Team meeting, I ended up finally “outing” myself to all my district colleagues. I share this with you because the confidence, level of social-emotional safety, and security I have been experiencing as a result of being in the affinity group paved the way for this to happen today. I was able to leave day one of this week-long meeting feeling more empowered and secure in my own inner truth than I have in my last two years.” (VPA Affinity group member)
Our group provides an opportunity for LGBTQIA+ administrators and athletic directors, to come together and share experiences, learn from and support each other. The sharing of stories, experiences, ideas, successes, challenges, and lots of laughter, provide a safe and secure place. We have found that similar issues come up, no matter where we work in Vermont. Additionally, our affinity group has become a wonderful place to network and make state-wide connections, as well as provide leadership and guidance on LGBTQIA+ issues.
The group is facilitated by Kevin Dirth, former Superintendent of the Maple Run Unified Schools and long-time educator in Vermont. We generally meet virtually once a month and hope to occasionally meet in person several times a year. We hope you will consider joining us.
National Federation of High School Sports (NFHS)
National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Leadership Networks
National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)