Currently Enrolling

Opportunity	Mode	Topic(s)	Registration	Dates	Hours	Target Audience
Step up to Conflict Workshop	In-Person, VSBIT office in Berlin	Communication, Conflict Management, Values-Based Leadership	Registration	2/8/23 (1/2 day)	4	Athletic Directors, School Leaders, Teacher Leaders
Aspiring Leaders, Q & A	Webinar, Live & Recorded	Principalship, VPA Membership	Deadline 2/7/23, No Fee	2/8/23	1	Aspiring School Leaders
Mentor Training	Online & In-Person Options	Mentoring New School Leaders	Ongoing, No Fee	3 options per year	4	School and District Leaders

Bring The VPA To You

Contact Mike @ mmcraith@vpaonline.org and/or Erica @ emclaughlin@vpaonline.org to review available dates and costs in bringing the VPA to your learning community

Opportunity	Mode	Topic(s)	Hours	Target Audience
Better Conversations Every Day	In-Person or Online	CCL Content: Collaboration, Capacity Building	7	Vermont Educators
Step Up to Conflict	In-Person or Online	CCL Content: Managing Conflict Productively	4	All Educators
Leading People Through Change	In-Person or Online	CCL Content: Change in Systems	4	All Educators
Influence-Getting Things Done	In-Person or Online	CCL Content: Understanding Influence Styles	4	All Educators
Feedback That Works	In-Person or Online	CCL Content: Best Practices in Giving Feedback	4	All Educators
Direction, Alignment, Commitment	In-Person or Online	CCL Content: Effective Leadership	4	All Educators
Boundary Spanning, Turning Boundaries Into Frontiers	In-Person or Online	CCL Content: Collaboration & Connections	4	All Educators
Learning Agility, Unlock the Lessons of Experience	In Person or Online	CCL Content: Learning Dispositions	4	All Educators
Leading Trauma Informed Schools	In-Person	Led by Erica McLaughlin	to be arranged	All Educators
Coaching	In-Person or Online	Coaching for School Leaders	to be arranged	School Leaders
Leading Proficiency Based Learning	In-Person	Led by Mike McRaith	to be arranged	All Educators
Effective Learning Environment Practices	In-Person	Led by Jay Nichols	to be arranged	All Educators

Asynchronous Resources

Resource	Mode	Topic(s)	Access	Hours	Target Audience
VPA Podcast	Audio	School and Athletics Leadership	Episodes Released 2x Month, Apple Feed	-	All
Cognitive Restructuring	Video & Reading/Links	Collective Efficacy, School Climate	Register for Access	1.5	All
VPA Videos	Video	Varied	Open	-	All
Equity Initiative	Reading/Links	Resources/Position Statements	Open	-	All
Tips for Contract Negotiations	Reading/Links	School Leadership Contracts	Open	-	School Leaders
Social Emotional Learning Bundles (CCL)	Online Course/Materials	Social Emotional Learning	Email VPA if interested	20	School Leaders and Teachers

Upcoming Cohorts

Opportunity	Mode	Topic(s)	Next Enrolling	Hours	Target Audience
Waddington Leadership Initiative	In-Person	School Leadership	Fall 2023	52	School, District, & Aspiring Leaders
Community of Care	Online	Community Care Leadership, Current Events	Summer 2023	10.5	School, District, & Teacher Leaders
Leading Vermont Schools (CVEDC offering)	In-Person	School Leadership in Vermont, led by Jay Nichols	Spring 2023	4 course credits with St. Mikes	New School Leaders, New to VT School Leaders, & Aspiring

Ongoing VPA Supports

Opportunity	Mode	Topic(s)	Registration	Target Audience
Vermont School Administrators of Color Affinity Group	Online & In-Person	Leadership, Support, Networking	Rolling	Vermont School Administrators of Color (including Athletic Directors)
LGBTQIA+ Identifying Vermont School Leaders Affinity Group	Online & In-Person	Leadership, Support, Networking	Rolling	Vermont School Administrators Identifying as part of the LGBTQIA+ Community (Including Athletic Directors)
VPA Member Drop-Ins	Online	Participant Generated	Open, 4 times per week, links are available in VPALeads Newsletter	VPA Members
Member Benefits Support	On-Demand	As Needed	Membership Page	VPA Members
VPA School Visits	On-Request	Celebrating VPA Members' Learning Communities	Request a Visit	VPA Members

Partner Resources/Events

Opportunity	Mode	Topic(s)	Access	Target Audience
TruexCullins: Lessons Learned in Designing an Inclusive School	Webinar, Live & Recorded	Equity, School Construction	Register for 2/2/23 Event, No Fee	School, District, & Aspiring Leaders
Community Navigator Pilot Program	Community Partnerships for Small Business Development & Learning	Increasing access on business development for women, BIPOC, veterans, and rural locations	VPA Portal to CNPP	Target Audience, school leaders, teacher leaders, youth

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Back by popular demand- The VPA is offering, “The Confidence Code, The Science and Art of Self-Assurance-What Women Should Know.” Book Group 

“I loved the structure of this book group. It was non-traditional, focused on the participants, and organic. I appreciated the perspectives people brought, the non-judgment that existed, and the belief that we could all be confident leaders. I loved the time this group provided me as a woman and a leader. What a beautiful group and experience.” This was testimony from Ashley Hanlon, Principal. Given the positive experience the group had we are offering this opportunity again. This book group gives us time to pause, connect, learn and collaborate with others. ““The Confidence Code, The Science and Art of Self- Assurance— What Women Should Know.” ” is a New York Times bestseller for a reason.

About the Book: Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook and author of Lean In said, “Katy and Shipman shine a perceptive light on the crucial role that confidence plays in the ability of women to succeed. They offer women practical advice and the vision of a more hopeful future.”  Joanna Coles, Editor-In-Chief of Cosmopolitan, said, “The Confidence Code belongs in the bag of every woman in America. It combines groundbreaking scientific research and firsthand accounts from the World’s most powerful woman.” Tory Burch, CEO, Tory Burch, LLC said Women have no shortage of competence. What they need is more confidence. The Confidence Code provides a fresh and insightful look at this key to success.”

Participants in this book club with the guidance of Erica McLaughlin, will have the opportunity to discuss how this information connects with us personally and professionally. We can discuss how we are going to take this information in and then turn it into action.

• Save the Dates: January 18th, February 1st, February 15th, March 1st, March 15th and March 23rd.
• Time: The sessions will be 60 minutes on those dates and will run from 4:45 – 5:45 PM
• Location: Online (google meet)
• Cost: $75 which includes the purchase of the book and up to 12 hours of professional learning toward your licensure
• Target Audience: School Leaders, Teacher Leaders, District Leadership

Registration Deadline is: Wednesday, January 4th

Register Link 

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Step Up to Conflict: 1/2 Day Workshop for Vermont School Athletic Directors

Date: 2/8/23

The Step Up to Conflict workshop was developed by the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL®) in collaboration with the Eckerd College Leadership Development Institute, a valued partner of CCL for over 30 years. We believe that: 

• Conflict is inevitable: When people work together they bring differing perspectives, opinions and motives that can lead to conflict.
• Conflict is not always bad: Many conflicts — when handled properly — can create an atmosphere of creativity and innovation.
• Conflict management skills can be learned: While natural ability is helpful, we know these skills can be effectively developed and improved.
• Mobilizing reframes boundaries to develop community.
• Weaving interlaces boundaries to advance interdependence.
• Transforming cross-cuts boundaries to enable reinvention.

Time: 8:30am to 12:30pm

Location: VSBIT Conference Room in Berlin, VT. 

Target Audience: Vermont School Athletic Directors, all coaches, officials, and Vermont educators are welcome as well. 

Cost: $200 per participant, includes materials, refreshments, and lunch 

Registration Deadline: 1/30/23

Registration Link

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Aspiring School Leaders Q&A with the VPA

Wednesday, February 8th, 2022
3:30pm to 4:30pm
Cost: No Fee
Venue: Online (Zoom Link will be shared upon registration)
Target Audience: Educators Interested in School Leadership

Event Description

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Ongoing Offerings

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Half-Day, Center for Creative Leadership Workshops

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:

• Leading People Through Change
• Influence-The Business of Getting Things Done
• Feedback That Works
• Step Up to Conflict
• Direction, Alignment, Commitment
• Boundary Spanning, Turning Boundaries Into Frontiers
• Learning Agility: Unlock the Lessons of Experience

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Half-Day Effective Learning Environment Practices Workshop

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:

• Teach and facilitate shared expectations along with teaching content
• Develop classroom norms, procedures and process to ensure a positive learning environment
• Discipline, not punish, as necessary in a way that affirms student dignity 
• Provide feedback to students on behavior using the SBI research method
• Learn the 7 C’s of classroom Climate
• Utilize the zone of proximal development to make sure students are engaged
• Design the physical learning environment in a student-friendly manner

Contact: Jay Nichols at jnichols@vpaonline.org for more details and cost structure

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Better Conversations Every Day (Full Day Workshop)

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 Mike (mmcraith@vpaonline.org) or Jay (jnichols@vpaonline.org) for costs and open dates.

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Waddington Leadership Initiative Cohorts w/Center for Creative Leadership

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 currently getting underway. Read More on the Cohorts

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VPA School Visits

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.

• VIEW THE VPA SCHOOL VISITS

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VPA Videos

The VPA is building a library of videos that can be accessed. Some are free webinars and others are professional learning opportunities that have a fee. You can review the options and learn more at VPA Videos.

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Ongoing Support Offerings

VPA Zoom Drop In Meetings

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.

• 9am on Mondays focuses on High Schools
• 9am on Thursdays focuses on Middle Schools
• 9am on Fridays focuses on Elementary Schools
• 9am on the 4th Wednesday of the month focuses on New School Leaders
• 9am on Wednesdays focuses on Athletic Directors

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Mentoring and Mentor Training

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). 

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Member Affinity Spaces

“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.

Sincerely,

Bonnie Johnson-Aten
bjaten@bsdvt.org

“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.

Kevin can be contacted at: kad43@aol.com

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Direct One-to-One Support

• As one part of VPA member benefits, members can reach out directly to the VPA for an initial consultation on any given challenge in real-time.

Leading Vermont Schools, Cohorts

• This program is focused on relatively new and new to Vermont principals and assistant principals. It is a cohort model course that meets once a month. In person and hybrid options are available. If you are new or relatively new please consider signing up. If you know of a new leader please share this information with them. For more information you can read the 2022-23 brochure here and you could email me with any questions. Jay Nichols, jnichols@vpaonline.org

Vermont Employee Assist Program

• INVEST EAP, The Employee Assistance Program offers help and support for you and the members of your household for a wide range of issues including

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Support At the National Level

National Federation of High School Sports (NFHS)

• Resources and support on all kinds of sorts of related rules and issues, The NFHS is the body that writes the rules of competition for most high school sports and activities in the United States. Most high schools, whether public or private, belong to their state’s high school association; in turn, each state association belongs to the NFHS. Over 17,000 high schools belong to associations that are members of the NFHS.

National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Leadership Networks

• NASSP is the leading organization of and voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and school leaders from across the United States and 35 countries around the world. NASSP’s (National Association of Secondary School Principals) Leadership Networks are collaborative spaces for school leaders to share similar lived experiences, passions, and interests so we can connect with each other on a personal and professional level. All networks meet monthly for one hour.

National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)

• As a national organization, NAESP operates through a network of affiliated associations in every state, the District of Columbia, Canada, and overseas.