The 8th Cohort of New Principals Arrived!

Jay Nichols, the Executive Director of the VPA (Vermont Principals’ Association) is leading his 8th cohort for CVEDC’s Understanding the Principalship and the first session of these 20 educational leaders was today! We are in such unusual times, with COVID cases popping up in schools and the resurgence of quarantining in our state, that having the option of being in person (masked) in our state-of-the-art space or attending via the Zoom Room, gives everyone peace of mind and total access.

These leaders are being given great support, not only with Jay’s expertise, but with having each other to connect with throughout the year, getting to see multiple perspectives and having confidential chats to help problem-solve whatever new issues might come up. One of the best parts of the cohort, is that each month, Jay invites someone from a partner/constituency that will really be helpful to these new leaders - could be a head principal, the Secretary of Education, AOE Finance, Education lawyers, the School Boards association….. you get the idea. Whether creating a budget, evaluating personnel or understanding how to support students at risk, you will learn about it and meet folks who you might need in the future. Once a month, they meet (in a hybrid setting) to spend the day together. The feedback has always been that folks felt so supported and gained confidence from the experience.

If they choose to meet in person, they get breakfast treats and lunch, but regardless there are two great leadership books as part of the 4 graduate credit course. If you decide to become a principal in the future, make sure you sign up for next year’s cohort.