What is the VPA?

Throughout the state of Vermont, the Vermont Principal’s Association, commonly referred to as the VPA, is best known for their affiliation with high school athletics. Funds from tournament ticket sales go directly to the association, their banners are posted at every playoff event, and their logo is on each trophy. Most Vermonters are aware of their involvement in athletics, but many are unaware of the educational advocacy and professional support they provide to school administrators on a daily basis.

The current executive director of the VPA is Jay Nichols. Mr. Nichols is a former teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent in the state of Vermont. In his role at the VPA, he serves as a consultant to school leaders on a wide range of issues, as well as a mediator between policy makers and school administrators. On a typical day, Mr. Nichols provides expert professional advice to any VPA member that may reach out. Most VPA members are either principal’s, assistant principal’s, athletic directors, or other school administrators, and they are required to pay yearly dues to receive such support. Whether it’s a problem that relates to students or staff, implementing school change, or consulting a school leader through contract issues, Mr. Nichols at the VPA helps guide members through the appropriate process. Mr. Nichols is also often at the State House where he serves as a representative of the VPA. At House Education Committee meetings and hearings, Mr. Nichols will either provide an individual testimony or a joint testimony in conjunction with the Vermont Superintendents Association and Vermont School Boards Association.

In addition, the VPA also provides an array of professional support to school leaders. The VPA sponsors mentoring programs for young, inexperienced school principals, and offers professional development summits on many educational topics. For this year, the VPA held three separate summits that revolved around building a culture of equity in schools. In order to manage the increase in professional development events that the VPA wishes to promote, they have hired another associate director effective July, 1, 2019. Serving in this role will be Mike McRaith, current principal of Montpelier High School. Mr. McRaith will coordinate most of the professional development and mentoring programs, as well as serve as a liaison between the Waddington Leadership Initiative, a program that sends school leaders to the Centerfor Creative Leadership  in Greensboro, North Carolina, and Vermont school leaders.

Click Here to visit the VPA website.