Training
We have something for everyone.
Training is available to ALL Utah public charter schools.
Come join us!
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 |
| September 24 | 4:30 pm-6 pm | Governance vs. Management: Clarifying the Dynamics Between Charter School Directors and the School Board. | DeLaina Tonks Via Zoom |
| October 1 | 4:30 pm-6 pm | Financial Stewardship in Charter Schools: Mastering Funding and Budgeting for Directors | Jeff Besinger Via Zoom |
| October 15 | 4:30 pm-6 pm | Managing School Change for New Charter School Directors | Doug Stump Via Zoom |
| October 22 | 4:30 pm-6 pm | Navigating Utah's Teacher Licensing Landscape: A Director's Guide to Charter School Compliance | Melia Hite Via Zoom |
| October 29 | 4:30 pm-6 pm | The People Puzzle: HR 101 for School Leaders | Brad Nelson Via Zoom |
| November 5 | 4:30 pm-6 pm | Cultivating Community: Fostering a Thriving School Culture | Blake Clark Via Zoom |
** 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
BOOK STUDY (training provided through a grant from the State Charter School Board)
The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt explores the sharp rise in adolescent anxiety, depression, and mental health struggles that began in the early 2010s, tracing its roots to two major societal shifts: the decline of the play-based childhood and the rise of the phone-based childhood. Haidt argues that children have been overprotected in the real world while being left vulnerable in the digital one, particularly through early access to smartphones and social media. Grounded in compelling research and global data, the book provides educators with a deeper understanding of how today's youth have been affected by these cultural changes and offers actionable steps schools and communities can take to support healthier development. Participation in this book study will empower educators to better understand their students' challenges and to contribute meaningfully to a healthier school culture.
You can learn more about the book here: The Anxious Generation
Location: All sessions will be held over Zoom on the dates and times listed below. Please see the Zoom link above. Those who complete the course will receive 15 relicensure MIDAS points.
| Date | Time** | Class Title | Presenter |
| September 23 | 4:30 pm-6 pm | Intro and Chapter 1: Setting the Stage: Introducing Issues with Early Screen Usage | Dr. RubyDawn Lyman |
| September 30 | 4:00-5:15 pm | Chapters 2-4: Why We Should Worry About a Decline in Play-Based Childhood. | Jeff Besinger Via Zoom |
| October 7 | 4:00-5:15 pm | Chapters 5-6: How Early Screen Usage Affects Children-Girls | Doug Stump Via Zoom |
| October 14 | 4:00-5:15 pm | Chapters 7-8: How Early Screen Usage Affects Children-Boys | Melia Hite Via Zoom |
| October 21 | 4:00-5:15 pm | Chapters 9-10: Why We Should Take Collective Action | Brad Nelson Via Zoom |
| October 28 | 4:00-5:15 pm | Chapters 11-12: What Schools and Parents Can Do | Blake Clark Via Zoom |
MENTORS
- 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 10 | 12 pm - 1 pm | Utilizing the SOEP in the Charter School Sector | Meagan Johnston |
| October 15 | 12 pm - 1 pm | | |
| November 12 | 12 pm - 1 pm | | |
| December 10 | 12 pm -1 pm | | |
| January 14 | 12 pm - 1 pm | | |
| February 11 | 12 pm - 1 pm | | |
| March 11 | 12 pm - 1 pm | | |
| April 15 11 | 12 pm - 1 pm |
Fall School Board Training
To equip charter school board members with essential knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary for effective governance and leadership in the educational sector. The training aims to empower board members with comprehensive insights into legal responsibilities, financial oversight, strategic planning, and community engagement, enabling them to contribute effectively to the success and sustainability of their charter schools.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87462701010?pwd=6Agh0pz2osw6CDODDaeobtgcU0DX46.1
Meeting ID: 874 6270 1010
Passcode: 592092
Date | Time | Class Title | Presenter |
September 8 | 5:30-6:30 pm | Governance Foundations: Roles, Responsibilities & Legal Oversight | Kim Dohrer |
| October 6 | 5:30-6:30 pm | Succession Planning: Securing Long-Term Leadership and Board Strength | Shannon Greer |
| November 10 | 5:30-6:30 pm | Financial Oversight: Understanding Budgets, Reports, and Risk | Jonada Monk |
| December 8 | 5:30-6:30 pm | Academic Accountability: How Boards Monitor Student Success | TBD |
Those who complete the course will receive a scholarship to the 2026 UAPCS Conference.
Other Trainings Available as Requested
- Board Governance Training
- Open and Public Meeting Act Training
- Governing Board and Director Evaluation Training
- Custom Board Training
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.