2026 BEST Summer Institute
2026-06-22 - 2026-06-25 | Killington Grand Hotel, 228 East Mtn. Road, Killington, VT, 05751, United States
The 2026 BEST Summer Institute is FULL!
If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please contact Anne Dubie
The BEST Summer Institute, funded with support from the Agency of Education, offers an immersive experience for school teams, including educators, caregivers/family members, students, and community partners. This experience is thoughtfully designed to enhance your skills and rejuvenate your approach to supporting social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs of all students.
This four-day Institute brings presenters from across the state, region, and nation to facilitate content on relevant topics, including restorative approaches, equity, inclusion, classroom-level supports, trauma-informed approaches, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and more! Building on our collective knowledge, we will learn together and action plan around the most current evidence-based strategies for promoting well-being for all.
This year’s Summer Institute is specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of you and your school teams. As you participate, you’ll engage in learning activities that will cultivate connection and compassion for yourself, your colleagues, and your students.
In addition to four days of high-quality keynotes, strands, and workshops, facilitated by acclaimed, inspirational experts, teams will also connect for 11 hours of dedicated team time with access to consultation and coaching support. Teams will leave ready to implement their plans back at their school/district, with ongoing support available throughout the year. You and your team will also find time for play, laughter, and well-deserved celebrations.

Register Here

Administrative Assistants: Building Bridges and Calming Conflict
2026-08-11 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Lake Morey Resort, 82 Clubhouse Rd, Fairlee, VT, 05045, United States
Description:
School administrative assistants are likely the first people that students, staff, families/caregivers, and other community members see when entering the building. On top of the day-to-day responsibilities (i.e., phones, computers, scheduling, etc.), administrative assistants must effectively communicate with anyone who walks into the building. This workshop will provide an opportunity to enhance communication skills with the people they connect with all day, every day. Relationship-building, de-escalation, and conflict-resolution strategies will be explored and practiced, as well as collaborative problem-solving.
Who Should Attend:
School Administrative Assistants
Time:
9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (8:30 – 9:00 registration)

Register Here

Webinar: Utilizing De-escalation Strategies for Paraeducators and Behavior Interventionists
2026-08-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Distance Learning, VT, United States
Description: This two-hour webinar focuses on relationship building, de-escalation, and conflict resolution skills necessary for staff working with all students, including students needing targeted and intensive levels of support. Participants will learn how to support students with self-defeating behaviors using proactive strategies and building positive restorative relationships.
Who Should Attend: Paraeducators and Behavior Interventionists
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Register Here

Webinar: Maximizing Your Use of SWIS
2026-09-03 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual
Description:
This webinar is for schools that use SWIS as their data-based information system or schools interested in learning more about SWIS features. This webinar will cover initial set-up, data entry, and generating individual student and school-wide graphs for decision-making. This webinar can also be a “refresher” for schools already using SWIS.
Who Should Attend:
School Leadership Teams using SWIS should identify a few individuals to participate in this training and anyone interested in learning more about what SWIS offers.
Time:
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Register Here

Webinar: Building a Positive School Culture: An Intro to PBIS
2026-09-09 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual
Description:
Are you interested in learning about PBIS, including the recent updates at the national and local levels? Are you a new staff member working in a school implementing PBIS? Are you looking for a quick refresher on PBIS features? If so, this is the webinar for you! This webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of the systems, data, and practices within a PBIS framework to ensure equitable and culturally responsive outcomes for all. Participants will learn about the essential features of PBIS, including expectations/agreements, teaching and practicing prosocial behaviors, acknowledging and providing feedback on prosocial behavior, procedures for preventing and responding instructionally to interfering behavior, and using data for decision-making. Updates to the PBIS framework based on new learnings about what works will be featured.
Who Should Attend:
Anyone interested in learning about the PBIS Framework.

Register Here

Webinar: VTPBIS Coordinators’ Connection: Starting the Year Off Strong
2026-09-15 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual
Description:
This interactive webinar will provide School and SU/SD Coordinators with helpful tools and strategies to launch a successful PBIS school year! This webinar will focus on the systems, data, and practices of PBIS, provide relevant updates, and give participants time to collaborate with other Coordinators, share ideas, and ask questions. Finally, this webinar will provide an overview of the role of school and SU/SD coordinators.
Who Should Attend:
All Coordinators are welcome, and new Coordinators are highly encouraged to attend.

Register Here

Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI)
2026-09-22 08:00 - 16:00 | Hampton Inn, Colchester, 42 Lower Mountain View Drive, Colchester, VT, 05446, United States
Full Certification or Refresher Training
Description:
This workshop provides teams with decision-making skills to match the level of the response to the risk of a crisis, focusing on the least restrictive response to ensure the Care, Welfare, Safety, and Security℠ of all. This includes recognizing the stages of an escalating crisis, learning evidence-based techniques to appropriately de-escalate, safe and non-harmful physical intervention techniques, and creating a safer learning environment and culture of safety.
Time:
CPI (Full Training): 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (8:00 – 8:30 registration) (morning refreshments and lunch included)
CPI (Refresher Training): 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (afternoon snack included)
Who Should Attend:
CPI (Full Training): Completion of the Full CPI training leads to CPI certification.
CPI (Refresher Training): If you have already completed a Full CPI Training within the last 12 months, there is a 3-hour CPI Refresher Training to review CPI principles and strategies, as well as opportunities for practice and problem-solving. Completion of the CPI Refresher training will result in re-certification.
Please note, this training is only available to Vermont schools at this time.
Price:
$300 Full Course or $150 Refresher, per person

Register Here

Non-violent Crisis Intervention (CPI)
2026-10-01 08:00 - 16:00 | Franklin Conference Center, 1 Scale Ave # 92, Rutland, VT, 05701
Full Certification or Refresher Training
Description:
This workshop provides teams with decision-making skills to match the level of the response to the risk of a crisis, focusing on the least restrictive response to ensure the Care, Welfare, Safety, and Security℠ of all. This includes recognizing the stages of an escalating crisis, learning evidence-based techniques to appropriately de-escalate, safe and non-harmful physical intervention techniques, and creating a safer learning environment and culture of safety.
Who Should Attend:

CPI (Full Training): Completion of the Full CPI training leads to CPI certification.
CPI (Refresher Training): If you have already completed a Full CPI Training within the last 12 months, there is a 3-hour CPI Refresher Training to review CPI principles and strategies, as well as opportunities for practice and problem-solving. Completion of the CPI Refresher training will result in re-certification.

Please note, this training is only available to Vermont schools at this time.
Time:

CPI (Full Training): 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (8:00 – 8:30 registration) (morning refreshments and lunch included)
CPI (Refresher Training): 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (afternoon snack included)

Price:
$300 Full Course or $150 Refresher, per person

Register Here

2026 VTPBIS Annual Forum
2026-10-07 08:30 - 15:30 | Killington Grand Hotel, 228 East Mtn. Road, Killington, VT, 05751, United States
SAVE THE DATE!
2026 VTPBIS Annual Forum
Information Coming Soon!

Supported Work-Day for School/SU/SD Teams
2026-10-08 09:00 - 15:00 | Killington Grand Hotel, 228 East Mtn. Road, Killington, VT, 05751, United States
Description:
Is your team trying to find time to work on an action plan you’ve created to support the social, emotional, behavioral learning, and well-being of your school community? Maybe you’re hoping to make progress on your school or SU/SD Safe and Healthy Schools goal, the plan your team created at this year’s BEST Summer Institute, or perhaps your PBIS Action Plan? Whatever plan you are working on, we are offering your team some dedicated, focused team time with this new Supported Work-Day opportunity!
You’ve always asked us for more team time, and we’ve listened! Bring your team, create your own agenda and focus for the day, and work at your own pace alongside other enthusiastic teams from across Vermont. Tailored coaching support will be available throughout the day from BEST Project coaches and trainers.

Who Should Attend:
School/SU/SD Teams
Time:
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (8:30 AM – 9:00 AM check-in)

Register Here

Developing Simple Functional Behavioral Assessments & Student Support Plans (FBA/SSPs) to Support Student Success
2026-11-03 09:00 - 15:30 | Capitol Plaza, Montpelier
Description:
Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is a process for identifying the events that reliably predict and maintain an identified behavior. A Student Support Plan (SSP) takes the observations made in an FBA and turns them into a plan of action for supporting a student’s access to educational and social opportunities at school. This two-part training will focus on systems needed to develop the capacity to conduct FBA/SSPs and practical approaches to developing effective FBAs/SSPs. During Part 1 of the training, participants will spend time practicing the FBA process for a pre-selected student and creating a plan to finalize the FBA and SSP back at their school. Part 2 of the training will provide the opportunity for teams to revisit the FBA previously developed during Part 1, analyze data to refine or modify the FBA, and develop their SSP. This training offers a hands-on learning experience and individuals gain competency in facilitating and conducting simple FBAs and SSPs.
Who Should Attend:
A team (at least two people) consisting of staff who are selected by their School Leadership Team to develop the capacity to conduct FBA/SSPs, including those with expertise working with students with interfering behaviors (counselors, behavior specialists, etc).
Date and Time:
Please note this is a two-part training: Tuesday, November 3, and Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (check-in, 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM)

Register Here

Webinar: Using Universal Screening to Meet Social/Emotional/Behavioral Needs
2026-12-08 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Description:
This webinar will provide an overview of the benefits of Universal Screening to identify social, emotional, and behavioral risks and strengths. We will explore how screening promotes early identification of children at risk, the systems needed to implement Universal Screening, and the process of matching results with proactive and preventative practices. Participants will explore a variety of systematic screening tools and resources, including formal and informal screeners and surveys that help school teams identify the social, emotional, and behavioral health risks and strengths of the school community and at the individual student level.
Who Should Attend:
Individuals who are members of the school or SU/SD leadership teams, including teachers, school counselors, administrators, special education staff, school psychologists, and family representatives.

Register Here

Webinar: Using Assessment Data to Get Results: Fidelity and Perception Data Matter
2027-01-13 09:00 - 10:30 | Virtual
Description:
As schools implement PBIS/MTSS, assessing whether they are implementing with fidelity and how key partners perceive the efforts is critical to success. This webinar will introduce a variety of assessment tools (Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI), Self-Assessment Survey (SAS), School Climate Surveys) and the Team Initiated Problem-solving (TIPS) protocol to help teams efficiently analyze their data. Participants will learn how to access, complete, and analyze results. Participants will also see examples of how schools present and share their data with staff, families/caregivers, and other partners.
Who Should Attend:
Leadership teams, including VTPBIS School Coordinators, Administrators, SU/SD Coordinators, and other Leadership Team members.

Register Here

Webinar: VTPBIS Coordinators Learning and Networking
2027-01-21 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Description:
This webinar is part of a series of opportunities that allow VTPBIS SU/SD and school-based Coordinators from across the state to learn about topics that will deepen their PBIS implementation, collaborate with colleagues, share ideas, and hear about new resources and information. Sustaining PBIS efforts relies on ongoing collaboration, shared learning, and collective problem-solving – this series is designed to support just that. Both large group and topic-based breakout rooms will be utilized to enhance networking.
Who Should Attend:
All School and SU/SD VTPBIS Coordinators. Administrators are welcome to join this session.

Register Here

Webinar: VTPBIS Advanced Levels District Leadership Overview
2027-02-11 09:00 - 10:30 | Virtual
This hour-and-a-half webinar provides an overview of the development and implementation of Advanced Levels of PBIS from an SU/SD perspective. Supervisory Union/District leadership is critical to ensuring efficient and sustainable implementation at the school level. This webinar will provide the opportunity for district/school leaders to explore the systems, data, and practices at the Advanced Levels and to begin organizing to support student success.
Participants will:

Receive an overview of Advanced Levels
Understand the rationale for SU/SD leadership of Advanced Levels work
Explore teaming structures and protocols, including roles and responsibilities of key members
Preview interventions/practices used in Advanced Levels of PBIS
Consider processes for identifying students needing support
Learn about data systems needed at the Advanced Levels
Begin an action plan for completion of readiness steps prior to training

Who Should Attend:
The webinar is designed for SU/SD/School-level leadership, including administrators, clinicians or social workers, and teacher leaders who represent the SU/SD/School. It is recommended that teams attend with administrators, as the focus of this training is on systems features of Advanced Levels of PBIS. Individuals with the authority to make systems-based decisions need to be present. This training is a prerequisite for school-based teams to attend any of the VTPBIS Advanced Levels trainings.

Register Here

Developing Simple Functional Behavioral Assessments & Student Support Plans (FBA/SSPs) to Support Student Success
2027-03-11 08:00 - 17:00 | Lake Morey Resort, 82 Clubhouse Rd, Fairlee, VT, 05045, United States
Description:
Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is a process for identifying the events that reliably predict and maintain an identified behavior. A Student Support Plan (SSP) takes the observations made in an FBA and turns them into a plan of action for supporting a student’s access to educational and social opportunities at school. This two-part training will focus on systems needed to develop the capacity to conduct FBA/SSPs and practical approaches to developing effective FBAs/SSPs. During Part 1 of the training, participants will spend time practicing the FBA process for a pre-selected student and creating a plan to finalize the FBA and SSP back at their school. Part 2 of the training will provide the opportunity for teams to revisit the FBA previously developed during Part 1, analyze data to refine or modify the FBA, and develop their SSP. This training offers a hands-on learning experience and individuals gain competency in facilitating and conducting simple FBAs and SSPs.
Who Should Attend:
A team (at least two people) consisting of staff who are selected by their School Leadership Team to develop the capacity to conduct FBA/SSPs, including those with expertise working with students with interfering behaviors (counselors, behavior specialists, etc).
Date and Time:
Please note this is a two-part training: Tuesday, March 11th, and Tuesday, April 8th 2027, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (check-in, 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM)

Register Here

VTPBIS Core Trainings for Leadership Teams
2027-04-01 08:00 - 16:30 | Lake Morey Resort, 82 Clubhouse Rd, Fairlee, VT, 05045, United States
Description:
This two-day training will provide the content and facilitation needed to prepare for, enhance, or deepen their implementation of PBIS. Trainings offered are:

Universal: Installing Universal PBIS for the Success of All
Universal: Refreshing, Enhancing, and Deepening Universal PBIS
Targeted: Installing Targeted Systems and Check-In/Check-Out
Targeted: Beyond CICO: Expanding your Menu of Targeted Interventions

Who Should Attend:
School leadership team participants should include principal or assistant principal, school PBIS coordinator, Supervisory Union/School District PBIS coordinator, other representative staff members, and, if possible, student and/or caregiver/parent/guardian representative(s).
Date:
Please note this is a two-day training: Thursday, April 1st, and Friday, April 2nd, 2027

Register Here

VTPBIS Coordinators Learning and Networking Webinar
2027-05-04 09:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Description:
This webinar is part of a series of opportunities that allow VTPBIS SU/SD and school-based Coordinators from across the state to learn about topics that will deepen their PBIS implementation, collaborate with colleagues, share ideas, and hear about new resources and information. Sustaining PBIS efforts relies on ongoing collaboration, shared learning, and collective problem-solving – this series is designed to support just that. Both large group and topic-based breakout rooms will be utilized to enhance networking.
Who Should Attend:
All School and SU/SD VTPBIS Coordinators. Administrators are welcome to join this session.
Time:
9:00 – 11:00 AM

Register Here

2027 BEST Summer Institute
2027-06-21 - 2027-06-24 | Killington Grand Hotel, 228 East Mtn. Road, Killington, VT, 05751, United States
SAVE THE DATE!
2027 BEST Summer Institute – June 21 – 24, 2027
Information Coming March 2027!
