What: The 8th Annual Vermont Superintendents Association Aspiring Superintendents Academy (formerly the VSA Leadership Academy)

 

Are you interested in becoming a superintendent? Do you want to expand your capacity as an education administrator? The Academy, a professional development program for education leaders, provides valuable insights into the major responsibilities of the job of the superintendent and supports skill development in those areas. The Academy helps contextualize the work and provides meaningful exposure and support for responsibilities central to the superintendency.

 

Sample program areas include: Effective Leadership and Governance; Education Funding and Fiscal Management; HR, Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining; Media Relations; Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment; Education Law; Current Legislative Interests and Legislative Relations; Student Services and Special Education Systems; Risk Management; District Operations; Search Processes; Technology Education and Services; and more.

 

When: All-day sessions are held once a month (except February), September 2023 – May 2024

Scheduled dates are: 

 

2023: Thursday, September 21; Thursday, October 12; Thursday, November 9; Thursday, December 14

 

2024: Thursday, January 11; No meeting in February; Wednesday, March 13; Tuesday, April 2; Thursday, May 9

​

Who: The Academy is open to ALL Education Leaders who might consider becoming a superintendent or want to learn more about superintendency.

 

Where: Sessions are primarily held at the VSBIT Training room off I-89 exit 7 in Berlin, VT.

​

Instructor Information: Tracy Wrend is now retired from public service, she was a career Vermont educator for 31 years, including 14 years as a superintendent.  In addition to working with the Academy, she provides consulting, mentoring, and executive coaching services for education leaders in Vermont, and sometimes beyond. Contact: tracy.wrend@gmail.com

 

Cost: The program fee is $2,950 Program enrollment is limited to 20 and is open until filled. 

 

Please contact VSA Administrative Assistant Kristi Tate with questions: ktate@vtvsa.org

​

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

​

VSA Leadership Academy Testimonials

 

If you are interested in exploring the superintendency, the Academy will help you truly understand the challenge and opportunity that the position provides. Meeting monthly with a detailed focus and working with current Superintendent's really put the role into perspective.

     ~ William Anton, Superintendent, Windham Central SU

 

If you are interested in exploring the superintendency, the Academy will give you an overview of the major components of the job and a firm foundation in the basics competencies required to be successful in Vermont. But more importantly, it will introduce you to a broad base of colleagues whose support and advice you will rely on for many years to come. 

     ~ Emilie B. Knisley, Superintendent, Blue Mountain Union School District

 

The Superintendent Leadership Academy was invaluable to my growth as a leader in Vermont. The classes were very informative, but I was also able to take away a network of people who have given me support during my first superintendency. My job would be much more difficult without that support.  

     ~ William Bazyk, Superintendent, Battenkill Valley SU 

 

The Superintendent's Leadership Academy was useful to me in so many ways! My participation in the Academy: gave me an overview of topics that are pertinent, provided opportunities to network with people who could provide support, and connected me with resources that I continue to use today.

     ~ Bev Davis, Superintendent, Orleans Central Supervisory Union

 

The Leadership Academy helped me gain an understanding of how expansive the role of the superintendent is. More importantly it connected me to people in the field with expertise in those areas so I have someone to call when I need help!

     ~ Michael Clark, Superintendent, Essex-Caledonia SU

 

The Academy helped me to better understand the breadth of responsibilities that this job entails.  But more than that, I learned that there is a network of 60 incumbent Superintendents in the State of Vermont, every one of whom will drop what s/he is doing to lend you a helping hand.

     ~ Mark Tucker, Superintendent, Washington Northeast Supervisory Union

 

The Leadership Academy provided me with essential insight into how superintendents can and do make an impact on student learning.

     ~ Amy Minor, Superintendent, Colchester School District