NSPRA Academy: Regional Services track

Communicating across multiple districts requires a different approach than working within a single system. Regional service agency communicators must balance diverse needs, support districts with varying capacity, and often influence messaging without direct authority.

The Regional Services track is designed specifically for professionals working in ESA/BOCES/AEA/ESD environments. This experience focuses on helping participants navigate that complexity by clarifying their role, building scalable systems, and developing strategies that support multiple districts without becoming overwhelmed.

Through practical tools, shared examples, and structured frameworks, participants will learn how to provide meaningful, sustainable communication support while building trust and credibility with the districts and leaders they serve.

Module 1: Thursday, September 17, 2026 (2 - 4 p.m. ET, Virtual): Understanding Your Role in the Ecosystem

This module helps participants define and communicate their organization's role within a complex network of relationships. Participants will explore how regional organizations create value, identify their primary audiences, and clarify how communication supports both organizational goals and district success. By developing a clearer understanding of their role and influence, participants will be better equipped to make strategic communication decisions throughout the organization.

Guest Facilitator: Danielle Clark, APR | Chief Communications Officer, Harris County Department of Education (Texas)

Module 2: Thursday, October 15, 2026 (2 - 4  p.m. ET, Virtual): Communicating Across Multiple Districts

This module explores how regional organizations can move beyond transactional updates and build communication strategies that effectively inform, support, and engage the districts they serve. Participants will examine approaches for balancing consistency with customization, amplifying organizational stories, and developing communication systems that create value across diverse audiences.

Guest Facilitator: TBD

Module 3: Thursday, October 29, 2026 (2 - 4  p.m. ET, Virtual): Building Systems That Scale

This module explores how communication, culture, onboarding, and staff engagement work together to create organizational capacity. Participants will examine strategies for building shared understanding, strengthening internal communication, and creating systems that help employees become informed ambassadors for the organization.

Guest Facilitators: Sandy Barry-Loken, Executive Director Communications & Community Engagement and Holly McCaw, APR, Communications Coordinator | Kalamazoo RESA (Mich.)

Module 4: Thursday, November 12, 2026 (2 - 4  p.m. ET, Virtual): Building Trust and Credibility Across Multiple Districts

This module explores how communicators can build trust, maintain neutrality, and strengthen influence while working across diverse stakeholders and competing interests. Participants will examine real-world scenarios involving differing district perspectives, sensitive issues, and organizational boundaries, while developing strategies for maintaining credibility and fostering productive relationships over time.

Guest Facilitator: Sapna Kollali | Director of Communications, Madison-Oneida BOCES (N.Y.)

Full program registrants will receive calendar invites for each module after registration.

Pricing - 

Full program: $599 Members, $799 Non-Members

Single modules: $199 Members, $249 Non-Members