Training
We have something for everyone.
Training is available to ALL Utah public charter schools.
Come join us!
ADMINSTRATIVE WINTER CONFERENCE: FEBRUARY 6
Join us on February 6, 2026, at the Courtyard by Marriott Conference Room for our Administrative Winter Conference: Simplifying the Journey—Leading with Clarity, Focus, and Purpose. This focused professional-learning event is designed specifically for charter-school directors and leadership teams.
Our guest speaker, nationally recognized educational leader and author Bob Sonju, will lead a workshop based on his book Simplifying the Journey. Discover how to bring collaboration, clarity, and consistency to your school through practical, research-based strategies. Each registered participant will receive a copy of the book.
Why You Should Attend:
- Simplify your work with practical tools
- Create consistency across teams and grades
- Empower students with clear standards and assessments
- Take home resources you can use right away
- Build collaboration for lasting improvement
We will provide sleeping accommodations for the first 30 participants who register and are traveling more than 60 miles.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a proven expert and walk away with tangible strategies you can implement immediately.ACES PROGRAM (Aspiring Charter Executive Seminars)
The ACES program aims to develop leadership capacity for those who wish to move into leadership positions within the charter school community or governing board members who would like to increase and augment their leadership skills. These training courses ensure there is a strong leadership pipeline in place for charter schools. Those who complete the ACES course will earn: Re-licensure points, Scholarship to attend the 2026 UAPCS Conference, Certificate of Completion and will be included in a hiring pool and shared with schools looking to hire. We have contracted with amazing instructors who will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussions. There is no charge to you to participate.
| Date | Time** | Class Title | Presenter |
| February 10 | 4:30 pm-6 pm | Governance, Compliance, and the Utah Charter Reality | DeLaina Tonks Via Zoom |
| February 18 | 4:30 pm-6 pm | From Teacher Leader to Systems Leader | Rick Veasey Via Zoom |
| February 25 | 4:30 pm-6 pm | Leading People Through Complexity and Change | J. Lynn Jones Via Zoom |
| March 4 | 4:30 pm-6 pm | The Reality of the Role: Juggling It All Without Burning Out | Drew Williams Via Zoom |
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** Times subject to change with advanced notice.
Those who complete the course will receive:
- MIDAS Relicensure points
- Scholarship to the 2026 UAPCS Conference
- Be included in a hiring pool
- We provide FREE mentorship to new administrators and those who request
- Contact Shannon Greer, shannon@utahcharters.org
ADMINISTRATIVE LUNCH SEMINARS (VIA ZOOM)
Wednesday following Member Meeting, 12pm-1pm
The Administrative Lunch Seminars enhance the professional development of school leadership by providing a series of engaging and informative lunch seminars that cover key topics in educational leadership, operational efficiency, and personal growth. The seminars aim to foster a collaborative learning environment, encourage the sharing of best practices, and equip participants with practical tools and strategies to improve their effectiveness and impact within the school community
See EVENTS CALENDAR for Zoom link
| Date | Time** | Class Title | Presenter |
| September 19 | 12 pm - 1 pm | Utilizing the SOEP in the Charter School Sector | Meagan Johnston |
| October 15 | 12 pm - 1 pm | Building Strong Partnerships with Charter Schools: Prevention Strategies from the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative (USMHC) | Chat Illapperuma |
| November 12 | 12 pm - 1 pm | Succession Planning Part 1 Lift the Hood — Diagnosing Your Leadership Systems | Marcie Houseman |
| December 10 | 12 pm -1 pm | Succession Planning Part 2 Reimagine the Ride — Designing Systems for Sustainability | Marcie Houseman |
| January 14 | 12 pm - 1 pm | Succession Planning 3 Tune-Up and Traction — Building a Plan for Lasting Impact | Marcie Houseman |
| February 11 | 12 pm - 1 pm | Data-Driven School Mental Health: Evidence-Based Practices and Systems Support from the Utah School Mental Health Collaborative (USMHC)*** | Chat Illapperuma |
| March 11 | 12 pm - 1 pm | Leveraging Norms to Foster Collaboration | Amber Brewer |
| April 15 | 12 pm -1 pm | Partners in Success: Unlocking the Power of Family Engagement | Shannon Greer |
***Topic Pending
2026 Spring School Board Training
Board members who attend this series will gain clear, practical tools to strengthen governance and lead with confidence across every aspect of their role. Participants will learn how to stay focused on mission and long-term outcomes, conduct more strategic and efficient meetings, and use academic and financial data to provide strong oversight without micromanaging. Each session offers real-world scenarios, governance tools, and guided practice to help board members ask better questions, make sound decisions, and build effective partnerships with school leaders. By the end of the series, board members will be equipped to support academic success, financial stability, and long-term sustainability for their charter school.
Date | Time | Class Title | Presenter |
January 12 | 5:30-6:30 pm | Governing for Mission, Not Management | Heather Wendling |
| February 23 | 5:30-6:30 pm | Building a High-Impact Board Through Strong Governance Practices | Heather Wendling |
| March 23 | 5:30-6:30 pm | Data-Driven Oversight and Academic Accountability | Heather Wendling |
| April 20 | 5:30-6:30 pm | Financial Oversight That Protects the School’s Future | Heather Wendling |
| May 11 | 5:30-6:30 pm | Effective Board–Leader Partnerships | Heather Wendling |
| June 10 | 5:30-6:30 pm | Strategic Planning and Long-Term Sustainability | Heather Wendling |
Those who complete the course will receive a scholarship to the 2026 UAPCS Conference.
Other Trainings Available as Requested: Board Governance, Open and Public Meeting Act, Governing Board and Director Evaluation or browse our list of training topics.
Mentors: we offer a mentor to help you in your role on a school board. Contact Shannon Greer, shannon@utahcharters.org to be paired with a mentor.
We often include these trainings in our retreats, conference, or as requested. Reach out to Shannon at shannon@utahcharters.org for more information.
- Business Administrator Training
- School Counselor Training
- Human Resources Training
- Student Behavior
- Mentors
Monthly Pre-Operational School Training (training provided through a grant from the Utah State Charter School Board)
To equip newly approved charter school boards and directors with essential knowledge and skills necessary for effective governance and operational readiness. The training aims to provide comprehensive guidance on legal obligations, governance best practices, financial management, and strategic planning, preparing participants to confidently navigate the pre-operational phase and lay a solid foundation for successful school launch and operation.
- ZOOM LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83562955809?pwd=BIhNWBRnvyhcMfWYtMSvy058sMZa4m.1
Meeting ID: 835 6295 5809Passcode: 306310
Date | Time | Class Title | Presenter |
August 13 | 7-8 pm | Understanding Utah Charter School Budgets: From Funding Streams to Fiscal Oversight | Jeff Beisinger |
September 10 | 7-8 pm | Guardrails for Governance: Creating Policy, Understanding Fees & Reporting | Jennifer Moulder, Barbie and Autumn Halliday |
October 1 | 7-8 pm | Governance vs. Management: Clarifying the Dynamics Between Charter School Directors and the School Board | DeLaina Tonks |
November 12 | 7-8 pm | Finding Your Families: Enrollment Marketing for Utah Charter Schools | Schola Marketing Team |
December 10 | 7-8 pm | Tools of the Trade: Leveraging UEN Resources | Justin Brooksby and the UEN Team |
January 14 | 7-8 pm | Navigating Utah's Teacher Licensing Landscape: A Director's Guide to Charter School Compliance | Malia Hite |
February 11 | 7-8 pm | Transparency in Action: Open and Public Meeting Act | Shannon Greer |
March 11 | 7-8 pm | Human Resources 101: What You Need to Know to Get Started | Brad Nelson |
April 8 | 7-8 pm | Building a Strong Special Education Program | Robyn Kartchner |
May 13 | 7-8 pm | State-Level Student Services: Tools for Charter School Success | Krisanne Lewis |
June 10-11 | All Day | UAPCS Summer Conference in Layton | UAPCS Summer Conference |
School Expansion Assistance
Learn about other schools and listen to a few training topics HERE.