The Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators has been active in educational leadership across Vermont for over 44 years. The organization has supported Special Education Administrators and other special education leaders, and worked closely and collaboratively with Superintendents, Principals, the Agency of Education, family support organizations and many other state organizations throughout the years. We stay abreast of legislative issues at both the state and federal levels. Our collaboration with our national organization, CASE (Council of Administrators of Special Educators a subdivision of the Council for Exceptional Children), continues to broaden our perspective and inform us on the national level. Our goal is to provide leadership, support, collegiality and mentoring to all those who teach and lead in education and special education in Vermont. We are honored to be a part of a state that invests in all of our children for the future of our state.

New Leader Academy - 2025-2026

The Vermont Council of Special Education Administrators (VCSEA) is pleased to announce the annual New Leader Academy. The Academy is a year-long professional development program designed to support new and aspiring special education administrators. The Academy uses a cohort model and provides academic and practical instruction in an array of skill and knowledge areas important to success as a special education administrator. The cohort model ensures that participants have the opportunity to share experiences, expertise and support in a collegial format.

In-Person Model

New Leader Academy will be offered in an in-person format.

Program Dates:

July 17th and 18th - Full Day - VT Agency of Education - National Life Building in Montpelier. Lunch will be served.

Monthly sessions: VT Agency of Education - National Life Building in Montpelier. Sessions may be moved to virtual in the event of inclement weather.

Sept 26: 9-12

Oct 24: 9-12

Nov 21: 9-12

NO Meeting in December

Jan 23: 9-12

Feb 20: 9-12

March 27 9-12

April 17: 9-12

May 22: 9-3

The Academy will be co-facilitated by Carrie Lutz (Colchester Director of Student Support Services), Michelle Theberge (Franklin Northeast SU Director of Student Services) and Jon Berliner (Harwood Unified Union Director of Student Support Services). Academy instructors and presenters will be Vermont educational leaders with extensive expertise and experience in the specific content areas. In addition, the VT Agency of Education collaborates with VCSEA to present and co-facilitate a number of Academy topics.

Registration is open to new and aspiring special education administrators (click below to complete registration). Program enrollment is limited to 20; if space is available, additional registrants will be considered. The fee for participants is $2500.

2025-2026 VCSEA New Leader Academy Registration

Cancellation Policy: VCSEA requires advanced notice for cancellations. Participants who notify us of their withdrawal prior to the start of the July sessions will not be invoiced. Late withdrawals will be invoiced at 50% of the total cost of the Academy. Participants who withdraw after the September session will not receive a refund.

Questions? Please contact:

Carrie Lutz, carrie.lutz@colchestersd.org

Jon Berliner, jberliner@huusd.org

Michelle Theberge, michelle.theberge@fnesu.org

Mary Lundeen, marylundeen@vcsea.net

Section 504 Training with Adrienne Shea, Esq.

August 28, 2025

9:00am - 12:00 pm (virtual training)