Professional Learning Professional learning is a main pillar of the services provided by the Vermont Superintendents Association. We aim to offer programs and events that meet the needs of superintendents and their leadership teams. If you ever have any questions or feedback about professional learning offerings, please contact Chelsea Myers at cmyers@vtvsa.org. Academies Early-Career Superintendent and Mentor Support Program The Early-Career Superintendent and Mentor Support Program is designed to provide comprehensive assistance and guidance to individuals in the early stages of their tenure as school superintendents. In addition, the program provides networking and learning opportunities for mentors supporting early-career superintendents. Tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by those new to the role, this program offers a structured framework for professional development and an opportunity to foster lasting relationships with colleagues. Participants benefit from access to experienced mentors who share insights, offer practical advice, and serve as a source of support. The program consists of: 1) An intake call with the Vermont Superintendents Association to help connect the early-career superintendent with potential mentor matches. 2) An Orientation Meeting in August that covers essential information to the superintendency, such as education finance in Vermont, basic training in legal topics, and an introduction to the policy landscape. 3) A Welcome Meeting with early-career superintendents, their mentors, and the VSA Trustees to learn and network with colleagues. 4) Six virtual training sessions for early-career superintendents and their mentors to discuss important topics to the superintendency and to collectively problem solve around active challenges. Mentors are also introduced to best practices in coaching and mentoring at the sessions. 5) An invitation to an end-of-year celebration for the early-career superintendents with the VSA Board of Trustees. 6) A spring session for aspiring superintendents to introduce them to best practices in mentoring early-career superintendents. Aspiring Superintendents Academy Registration for the 2026/2027 Aspiring Superintendents Academy Is Now Open Fostering a robust pipeline of school superintendents is vital for ensuring continuity in educational leadership and sustained progress within school districts. The Aspiring Superintendents Academy is a year-long professional development program for education leaders to explore the major responsibilities of the job of the superintendent and supports skill development in those areas. Instructor: 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. Find out more! Questions? Contact Kristi Tate at ktate@vtvsa.org Testimonials VSA Aspiring Superintendents Academy Testimonials The VSA Aspiring Superintendents Academy provided invaluable, real-world preparation and helped me build a statewide network of supportive colleagues. It is easily one of the most impactful professional development experiences of my career. ~ John Muldoon, Superintendent, Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District The Aspiring Superintendents Academy is a must-do PD for anyone in a leadership role who wants to have a better understanding of district leadership and how school systems function. Even those who do not actually aspire to be a superintendent will gain valuable insights into key district functions, laws, and leadership approaches that transfer to any leadership role. Tracy masterfully cultivates panels of experts in the field to bring varied perspectives into every class and facilitates learning that leverages the knowledge, experiences, and roles in the cohort itself. ~ Megan Grube, Assistant Superintendent, Maple Run Unified School District 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, Barre Unified 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, Windham Southwest SU I continue to use the skills and knowledge that I acquired in the Aspiring Superintendents course throughout my work. Changes are happening in education in Vermont, and it is more important than ever to see the big picture. This course provided the insight to understand those changes and everyday skills that administrators need. ~ Greg Schillinger, Principal, Rutland High School 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, Orange Southwest Unified Union School District Participating in the Aspiring Superintendents Academy truly helped me understand the multifaceted role of the superintendent and the impact it can have on the larger district or SU. Each day that we met was geared toward a variety of topics or parts of the superintendent’s role, and we got to learn from current and retired superintendents. This truly helped me understand the superintendent’s role as not only a public education leader, but the political landscape it is a part of within Vermont. This was extremely beneficial for someone who is considering being a Vermont superintendent one day! ~ Yeshua Pastina, Principal, Swanton Elementary School 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 Conferences and Training Women in Leadership Conference The next VSA/VPA Women in Leadership Conference will be held on Friday, April 9, 2027 at the Killington Grand Resort. Join us for a full day of learning and connection with nationally recognized speakers and exceptional Vermont leaders across professional sectors. Collaborative Training with the Vermont Association of School Business Officials The next 2-day collaborative event between VSA and the Vermont Association of School Business Officials will be held at the Lake Morey Resort on October 7 & 8, 2026 Sponsors Red Rover K-12 HR Management System Vermont School Boards Insurance Trust (VSBIT) Annual VSBA/VSA Fall Conference Join us in Burlington for the Annual VSBA/VSA Conference where the theme will be Leading Through Change: Clarity, Courage, and Community. Join colleagues from across Vermont for learning, practical strategies, and meaningful conversation designed to strengthen governance and leadership. Conference highlights include: Keynote: Matt Lehrman – From Conflict to Conversation Practical workshops on governance, school finance, and community engagement Leadership sessions on data-informed decision-making and long-range facilities planning Networking with school board members, superintendents, and education leaders from across Vermont Sponsor Registration is now open, See the conference Prospectus Here. Attendee Registration will open August 17, 2026 Annual VSA/VCSEA/VTCLA Spring Conference Each year, VSA holds a joint conference in collaboration with the Vermont Curriculum Leaders Association and the Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators. The Next Annual conference will be held in May 2027. The date and location TBD Networks and Drop-Ins Superintendent Virtual Drop-In We will be continuing with our Superintendent Drop-Ins this year. This is a monthly virtual networking and collaborative space for superintendents and are held at 12 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month. Sessions will consist of a topical presentation/discussion followed by open networking time. These sessions are available to Superintendent Members Only unless otherwise specified. Women in the Superintendency Network Nationally, women are underrepresented in the superintendency and face unique challenges, including both explicit and implicit biases on the job. The Network includes 3 Women in the Superintendency meetings, with dinner, per year. Vermont School Communications Network VSA is entering its sixth year of supporting personnel who either work on district communications or aspire to become more involved in district communications. We assess a small fee of $225 for the year to cover costs associated with the network. Participants in this network are supported by four meetings, an information request service, a repository of resources, and support planning for additional professional learning opportunities. Registration information and the dates of the quarterly (half-day, morning) meetings for FY27 is coming soon!. Please contact Chelsea Myers at cmyers@vtvsa.org for more information or to register. Facilities Managers Network VSA has partnered with the Vermont School Custodians and Maintenance Association (VSCMA) to provide support for school facilities managers. We support quarterly online meetings that provide updates from partner organizations and allow facilities managers to discuss topics that are relevant to their districts. To learn more, contact Kristi Tate at ktate@vtvsa.org The next Plant Operations and Management Conference will be held June 24, 2027, at the Burlington High School, Burlington, VT Check back for more information in January 2027 Visit the VSCMA Site Educational Equity and Inclusion Educational Equity and Inclusion The Vermont Superintendents Association works to ensure that Vermont public education supports each and every student in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed for success in a rapidly changing world. VSA works to support school districts in fostering more equitable and inclusive educational environments and advocating for policies that advance educational equity. The work of educational equity, inclusion, and belonging is ongoing — as such VSA recognizes that the work requires continual growth, learning, and collaboration in this area. Learn More