The Vermont Principals Association
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Professional Learning & Support

This is an image of the tv character ted lasso with the date for the workshop, 3/26/26
March 26th, 2026
VPA Workshop

March 26th, 2026: VPA’s Lessons in Leadership with Ted Lasso: 8:30am to 3:30pm, Lunch included Montpelier, VT
Cost: $300
We will take a look at Ted Lasso’s play book of Knowing Your Why, The Power of Trust, The Power of Inspiring, Growing Your People, Relationships, Servant Leadership and Collective Efficacy. Participants will engage in reflection, meaningful dialogue with colleagues and laughter.

maximizing impact graphic with people working in an office
May 14th, 2026
VPA Workshop

May 14, 2026, Maximizing Your Impact: Building a Strategic Partnership with your Administrative Assistant, Lunch included
Location: Berlin, VT (VSBIT)
Cost: $300 (Total cost for administrator & admin assistant)
Aspiring, new, and veteran leaders can learn about effective organizational systems built to work effortlessly with an Administrative Assistant.

title page for summer conference in August
Revised Programming for 2026
VPA Annual Conference

August 5th & 6th, Optional: Friday August 7th
Killington Grand Resort Hotel
With dynamic keynote speakers and a dozen different workshops to choose from, the 2026 VPA Leadership Academy is a time for Vermont’s school leaders to come together—through times of change, challenge, and opportunity—to connect, rejuvenate, and grow.

image with title of session and headshot of dr. joelle van lent
For the 2026-27 School Year
Move From Stress to Strength

Facilitated and led by Dr. Joelle van Lent and Erica McLaughlin, each interactive session will focus on equipping leaders with tools to mitigate stress and promote wellbeing among staff members and students. Participants will leave with ready-to-use resources tailored for faculty meetings, ensuring the strategies learned are seamlessly integrated into their school environments.
Begins 9/10/26, meets online monthly, 3:30 to 4:30pm
Cost: $350

leading vermont schools image with title and adults standing
Begins 9/16/26
New School Leaders Course

The new leader’s cohort will meet once a month and balances practical issues with guest speakers from the around state, including the Secretary of Education, school law experts, school finance experts and more.
Begins 9/15/26, meets monthly
Location: Montpelier, VT
Cost with 4 St. Mike’s credits: $1900
Cost without credits: 1350


Bring the VPA to You

Contact the VPA to review available dates and costs in bringing the VPA to your learning community.

Annual Cohorts

  • Mentor Training
    Date(s): Rolling
    Mode: Multiple Options
    Hours: 3.5 hrs
    Target Audience: Experienced School Leaders, Retired School Leaders
    Cost: No Cost to VPA Members
  • Waddington Leadership Initiative
    Date(s): Applications to Cohorts–typically are open in Late October each year
    Mode: In-Person
    Hours: 56
    Topics: School Leadership
    Target Audience: School, District, & Aspiring Leaders
  • Creating Thriving School Environments with Dr. Joelle van Lent
    Date(s): Enrolls each summer
    Mode: Online
    Topics: Community Care Leadership, Current Events, Psychological Safety
    Target Audience: School, District, & Teacher Leaders
  • Leading Vermont Schools with Jay Nichols
    Date(s): Enrolls each spring
    Mode: In-Person
    Hours: 4 course credits with St. Mikes
    Topics: School Leadership in Vermont, led by Jay Nichols
    Target Audience: New School Leaders, New to VT School Leaders, & Aspiring
  • VPA Leadership Course 2.0
    Date(s): Enrolls each Spring/Summer
    Mode: In-Person
    Hours: 45 hours and/or 3 graduate credits with VSU (6 full day meetings through the school year)
    Topics: Communication, Budgets, Equity Leadership, Leadership Development & More
    Target Audience: Active School Leaders

Ongoing VPA Supports