Professional Learning & Support Open Registrations 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 Learn More & Register Begins 9/15/26 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 Learn More & Register Begins 9/16/26 Course for Experienced School Leaders This course has proved to be a practical place of reflection among colleagues, up-to-date discussions on current events/challenges, and a strong place of colleagueship and shared professional learning. Begins 9/16/26, meets six times Location: Berlin, VT Cost with 3 VSU credits: $1500 Learn More & Register Select Both or Choose Just One For Vermont Educators Leading People Through Change: Friday, November 13th (2026) 8:30am to 12:30pm and/or AI Ready Leadership: Thursday, March 25th (2027) 8:30am to 3:30pm Montpelier Cost: $550 for both or $300 per Lunch Provided Learn More & Register South Burlington January 27th, 2027 The Vermont Assistant Principals Conference offers a focused, one-day opportunity to build your leadership practice alongside colleagues from across the state who understand the demands of the role. The day also includes targeted workshops and time to connect with peers during a welcome session and lunch. Whether you are new to the role or bring years of experience, you will leave with practical tools, fresh perspective, and a stronger professional network. Learn More & Register The Killington Grand April 9th, 2027 The 4th Annual Women in Leadership Conference is co-hosted by the Vermont Superintendents Association and the Vermont Principals’ Association. The event brings together leaders and aspiring leaders to connect with colleagues, share experiences, and strengthen leadership practice. Through facilitated conversation, professional learning, and time for networking, participants leave with renewed energy, practical strategies, and a stronger network of women leaders. Registration Coming Soon! Bring the VPA to You Contact the VPA to review available dates and costs in bringing the VPA to your learning community. Better Conversations Every Day Mode: In-Person or Online Hours: 7 Topics: CCL Content: Collaboration, Capacity Building Target Audience: Vermont Educators Step Up to Conflict Mode: In-Person or Online Hours: 4 Topics: CCL Content: Managing Conflict Productively Target Audience: All Educators Leading People through Change Mode: In-Person or Online Hours: 4 Topics: CCL Content: Change in Systems Target Audience: All Educators Influence-Getting Things Done Mode: In-Person or Online Hours: 4 Topics: CCL Content: Understanding Influence Styles Target Audience: All Educators Feedback That Works Mode: In-Person or Online Hours: 4 Topics: CCL Content: Best Practices in Giving Feedback Target Audience: All Educators Exploring the Risks of Digital Addiction Mode: In-Person Hours: Customizable Topics: Digital Addiction Risks, Mitigation, Emerging Strategies & Responses Target Audience: Staff, Students, Community Members Direction, Alignment, Commitment Mode: In-Person or Online Hours: 4 Topics: CCL Content: Effective Leadership Target Audience: All Educators Boundary Spanning, Turning Boundaries Into Frontiers Mode: In-Person or Online Hours: 4 Topics: CCL Content: Collaboration & Connections Target Audience: All Educators Learning Agility, Unlock the Lessons of Experience Mode: In-Person or Online Hours: 4 Topics: CCL Content: Learning Dispositions Target Audience: All Educators Leading Trauma Informed Schools Mode: In-Person Hours: to be arranged Topics: Led by Erica McLaughlin Target Audience: All Educators Coaching Mode: In-Person or Online Hours: to be arranged Topics: Coaching for School Leaders Target Audience: School Leaders Leading Proficiency Based Learning Mode: In-Person Hours: to be arranged Topics: Led by Mike McRaith Target Audience: All Educators Lessons in Leadership with Ted Lasso Mode: In-Person Hours: to be arranged Topics: Led by Jay Nichols & Erica McLaughlin Target Audience: All Educators Effective Learning Environment Practices Date(s): to be arranged Mode: In-Person Hours: flexible Topics: Led by Jay Nichols Target Audience: All Educators Revised Education Quality Standards Date(s): to be arranged Mode: In-Person Hours: flexible Topics: Led by Mike McRaith Target Audience: school leaders and school staff Burn Bright Date(s): to be arranged Mode: In-Person Hours: Flexible Topics: Energy Management, Reducing Burnout Target Audience: School Leaders and School Staff 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 Vermont School Administrators of Color Affinity Group Date(s): Rolling Mode: In-Person or Online Topics: Leadership, Support, Networking Target Audience: Vermont School Administrators of Color (including Athletic Directors) LGBTQIA+ Identifying Vermont School Leaders Affinity Group Date(s): Rolling Mode: In-Person or Online Topics: Leadership, Support, Networking Target Audience: Vermont School Administrators Identifying as part of the LGBTQIA+ Community (Including Athletic Directors) VPA Member Drop-Ins Date(s): Open, 4 times per week, links are available in VPALeads Newsletter Mode: Online Topics: Participant Generated Target Audience: VPA Members Member Benefits Support Mode: On-Demand Topics: As Needed Target Audience: VPA Members Membership VPA School Visits Mode: On-Request Topics: Celebrating VPA Members’ Learning Communities Target Audience: VPA Members Request a Visit Partner Resources/Events Facebook Twitter Print Friendly LinkedIn