Is your agency prepared for the "gray wave?" Are you struggling with engagement and retention in this challenging job market? Providing employees with career development opportunities is essential to boosting engagement and retention while preparing our workforce for the upcoming "gray wave" of retirements.

By investing in professional growth and equipping employees with the tools and resources needed for effective career planning, we empower our team members to take charge of their futures and build meaningful career paths within the organization.

Embracing career development not only helps retain valuable talent but also ensures we have a skilled, motivated workforce ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges. This webinar will offer a framework to help you create a career development program that you can customize to the needs of your agency. Please join us on September 25^th at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET to learn how you can make the most of these opportunities and contribute to a stronger, more resilient workplace!

Speaker: Becky Gill, MA, SPCC, Career Development Coordinator, City of Henderson, NV

Welcome!

Thank you for your Power Learning Series registration.  We are so excited you have looked to PSHRA® to help you grow in your career.

The Power Learning Series offers you a new way to grow your skills without the time commitment of a full course. 

In this course, learners will explore the full investigation process from intake to reporting, with a focus on balancing legal, ethical, and organizational considerations. Participants will gain tools to plan, conduct, and document investigations with fairness, consistency, and clarity. The content will be delivered through a realistic and engaging case study.

Learners will gain the skills to conduct fair and effective workplace investigations. The course will be delivered over three-weeks with one-hour weekly online meetings.

Recertification Points:  PSHRA-5 and HRCI-Coming Soon!

Don’t hesitate to contact us - PSHRA – Debbie Tankersely-Snook, Associate Director, Member Programs, Membership - meetings@pshra.org.

Making public sector work better®.

Course Syllabus

Learners will explore the legal frameworks, policy development, and best practices for managing remote, hybrid, and flexible work in the public sector.

Overview

As work environments continue to evolve, public sector HR professionals are at the forefront of navigating flexible work arrangements, balancing legal compliance, and fostering engagement and culture. This 3-week virtual course will provide a comprehensive overview of the legal frameworks, policy development, and best practices for managing remote, hybrid, and flexible work in the public sector.

Course Schedule

- Week 1: Evolving the Workplace & Legal Foundations 

 - Week 2: Policy Development & Equity Considerations 

 - Week 3: Engagement, Performance & Culture

Format: 

 - Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) 

 - 1-hour live session per week

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to: 

 - Define remote, hybrid, and flexible work in the public sector context 

 - Identify key legal considerations (FLSA, ADA, FMLA) in flexible work arrangements 

 - Develop equitable and effective flexible work policies 

 - Support managers and supervisors in policy implementation 

 - Foster employee engagement and sustain organizational culture in hybrid environments

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1: Evolving the Workplace & Legal Foundations 

 - Explore how the public sector workplace has changed since 2020 

 - Define remote, hybrid, and flexible work arrangements 

 - Review legal frameworks: FLSA, ADA, FMLA

 - Discuss challenges and opportunities in balancing flexibility with compliance 

 Week 2: Policy Development & Equity Considerations 

 - Identify essential components of effective flexible work policies 

 - Learn a step-by-step process for policy development and pilot-testing 

 - Examine equity considerations in access and implementation 

 - Share best practices and practical examples from the field 

Week 3: Engagement, Performance & Culture 

 - Strategies to engage and motivate employees across flexible work settings 

 - Tools and approaches for managing performance remotely 

 - Techniques for sustaining organizational culture in distributed teams 

 - Discuss real-world solutions and personal strategies

Course Materials

- Weekly slide decks (provided) 

 - Additional resources (articles, templates) shared during sessions (if applicable)

The course will be delivered over three-weeks with 3 one-hour weekly online meetings.

Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.

Meetings:

• Course Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will receive your Individual Zoom Link before the course starts.

Course Design:

The course will be delivered over three-weeks with three one-hour sessions per week.  You will receive details about the dates, times, and the URL for your course meetings

Time Commitment:

Plan for 1 hour for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meeting to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 10/15/2025
• Completion Date: 10/29/2025
• Meeting 1: 10/15/2025 - 1:30 - 2:30 pm ET
• Meeting 2: 10/22/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
• Meeting 3: 10/29/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET

Certificate of Attendance:  You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

Cancellation Policy:  Professional Development Cancelation Policy

Recertification Points:  PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5

Making public sector work better®.

Shelvia Ashford

Shelvia Ashford is the Senior Employee Relations Consultant at Wake County. With 20 years of experience in Human Resources, primarily within state and local government. Shelvia is a dedicated HR leader, trainer, and consultant. She also serves as a trainer with the National Public Sector Human Resources Association (PSHRA), contributing her expertise to the development of HR professionals nationwide. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors for the NCPSHRA (North Carolina Public Sector Human Resources Association).

Shelvia holds a master’s degree in human resource management from Western Carolina University (2024) and a bachelor’s in business administration and organizational development from Mount Olive College (2013). She is highly credentialed and has earned several industry-recognized certifications, including:

Certifications & Credentials

• IPMA-SCP (Senior Certified Professional) – Public Sector Human Resources Association
• PSHRA Public Sector Executive Leadership Instructor
• Certified Executive Leadership
• NC Notary

She is the owner of the recently started business, “Led to Lead LLC, a professional development company founded in 2023. Led to Lead provides the necessary tools and resources for employees or individuals so that they may be effective & successful in their roles.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Shelvia enjoys traveling, relaxing at the beach, building relationships, and spending quality time with family. 

Welcome!

We are excited to announce the launching of the Power Learning Series - Smart Compensation:  Recognizing and Rewarding Employee Contributions!

Thank you for your course registration.  We are so excited you have looked to PSHRA® to help you grow in your career.

Power Learning Series, launching in June 2025, is a new way to grow your skills without the time commitment of a full course. 

These short, high-impact virtual courses are designed specifically for public sector HR professionals like you. These short, high-impact virtual courses are designed specifically for public sector HR professionals like you. Spread across 2–3 weeks and totaling just 3–4 hours, each Power Learning Series offers:

✅ Focused, relevant topics  

✅ Flexible virtual sessions  

✅ Real-world application for the public sector  

✅ Expert PSHRA instructors 

Whether you need a refresher or want to explore a new topic, these sessions are the perfect fit for your busy schedule. 

Don’t hesitate to contact us:

PSHRA – Debbie Tankersely-Snook, Associate Director, Member Programs, Membership - meetings@pshra.org

Making public sector work better®.

Course Syllabus

Course Overview:

Strategic Compensation Planning & Management:

Equitably, competitively and appropriately managing rewards is a critical pre-requisite for attracting, retaining and motivating the right workforce. Each agency must have the talent pool required to fulfill its mission and achieve its current objectives. The resources available to an organization must be efficiently and effectively invested in what will contribute to success. Since legislatures and federal funding sources can be erratic and can result in budgets that do not allow all needs of the agency to be fully met, their allocation must be optimal. In addition to being a good fit to the current environment, strategies must be agile, so they remain viable in the future.

HR must evaluate the current context and ensure workforce management strategies and programs are a good fit to the agency’s realities. How performance is defined, measured and rewarded will influence employee motivation to extend maximum effort and to focus that effort on what will provide what the organization needs the most. Because of the volatility of the environment and the rapid evolution of technology talent requirements are changing. Sustaining the viability of a workforce demands continuous evaluation and adaptation to align capabilities with needs. 

Learning Objectives:

This course will address the principles underlying sound compensation planning and management. It will then identify alternative strategies, programs and evaluate their effectiveness in different environments. 

Course Format:

• Three Live Virtual Sessions over three weeks
• Pre-Session Readings & Assignments
• Instructor-Led Discussions
• Peer Sharing and Case-Based Application
• Certificate of Completion awarded to participants who attend all sessions and complete evaluations

Course Syllabus & Schedule

Before Session 1:

  Attendees to submit (rewardsystems@sbcglobal.net) their most critical issues related to compensation management

  Readings for Session 1

Session 1 — 

Topic: Evaluating the agency's context and formulating its value proposition

Compensation Philosophy

Compensation Strategy

Before Session 2:

   Participants draft and submit (rewardsystems@sbcglobal.net) their compensation philosophy

   Readings for Session 2

Session 2 — 

Instructor will review submitted compensation philosophies

Topic: Compensation planning

Compensation program design

Before Session 3:

  Attendees submit (rewardsystems@sbcglobal.net) questions and more information on Module 2 material

  Submit related insights or questions

  Readings for Sessions 3

Session 3 — 

Topic: Administrating compensation programs

Evaluating compensation programs

Recommended Readings

Session 1

Rewarding Performance in Public Sector Organizations

Compensation Philosophy

Session 2

Effectively Managing Pay Budgets, Pay Structure and Pay Rates

Sessions 3 

Recognition as Rewards

Base Pay Management

Public Eye Article: Pay Equity

Target Audience:

• Mid-level HR professionals in the public sector
• Compensation and classification specialists
• HR leaders seeking to modernize rewards strategies
• Agency managers responsible for performance management
• An Intermediate Level Course

Course Design:

The course will be delivered over three-weeks with three one-hour sessions per week.  You will receive details about the dates, times, and locations of cohort sessions. 

Time Commitment:

Plan for 1 hours for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the cohort sessions to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

Course Meeting Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 10/24/2025
• Completion Date: 11/7/2025
• Course Meeting 1:  10/24/2025 - 3:00 - 4:00 PM ET
• Course Meeting 2:  10/31/2025 - 3:00 - 4:00 PM ET
• Course Meeting 3:  11/07/2025 - 3:00 - 4:00 PM ET

Certificate of Attendance:

You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

Cancellation Policy:

Professional Development Cancelation Policy

Making public sector work better®.

Dr. Robert Greene, Consulting Principal, Pontifex Consulting 

Bob is a Consulting Principal with Pontifex Consulting and faculty for DePaul U. in their MSHR and MBA programs. He has four decades of experience, has published four books and authored over 300 articles. He was a principal designer for the SPHR and PHR certifications for SHRM and the CCP and GRP certifications for World at Work. He was the first recipient of the Keystone Award for attaining the highest level of excellence. He holds the CCP, CBP, GRP, SHRM-SCP, SPHR and GPHR certifications.

Welcome!

Thank you for your Power Learning Series registration.  We are so excited you have looked to PSHRA® to help you grow in your career.

The Power Learning Series offers you a new way to grow your skills without the time commitment of a full course. 

In this course, learners will explore the full investigation process from intake to reporting, with a focus on balancing legal, ethical, and organizational considerations. Participants will gain tools to plan, conduct, and document investigations with fairness, consistency, and clarity. The content will be delivered through a realistic and engaging case study.

Learners will gain the skills to conduct fair and effective workplace investigations. The course will be delivered over three-weeks with one-hour weekly online meetings.

Recertification Points:  PSHRA-5 and HRCI-Coming Soon!

Don’t hesitate to contact us - PSHRA – Debbie Tankersely-Snook, Associate Director, Member Programs, Membership - meetings@pshra.org.

Making public sector work better®.

Course Syllabus

Learners will explore the full investigation process from intake to reporting, with a focus on balancing legal, ethical, and organizational considerations. Participants will gain tools to plan, conduct, and document investigations with fairness, consistency, and clarity. The content will be delivered through a realistic and engaging case study.

Overview

This comprehensive learning program is designed for Human Resource (HR) professionals in the United States public sector. It prepares learners for the complexities and challenges of conducting fair and effective workplace investigations.

Learning Objectives

1. Ensure Legal Compliance: Understand the legal frameworks and compliance requirements necessary for conducting workplace investigations.
2. Support the Complainant and Prevent Retaliation: Master communication techniques that prioritize confidentiality and complainant protections.
3. Enhance Investigative Skills: Learn advanced investigative techniques to conduct thorough and effective investigations.
4. Apply Skills Practically: Engage in scenario-based activities that simulate real-life challenges, enhancing practical application skills. 

Program Components

Workshop 1

• Introduction to Workplace Investigations: Overview of legal and ethical considerations specific to public sector contexts.
• Supporting the Complainant, Preventing Retaliation: Processes and techniques.

Workshop 2

• Planning an Investigation: Steps for a thorough, timely and impartial investigation.
• Conducting Interviews: Developing effective interview questions and documentation.

Workshop 3

• Gathering and Analyzing Evidence: Managing your own bias, selecting and collecting evidence from various sources.
• Reporting and Concluding an Investigation: Deciding on the outcomes and recommendations, and communicating the results. 

The course will be delivered over three-weeks with 3 one-hour weekly online meetings.

Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.

Meetings:

• Course Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will receive your Individual Zoom Link before the course starts.

Course Design:

The course will be delivered over three-weeks with three one-hour sessions per week.  You will receive details about the dates, times, and the URL for your course meetings

Time Commitment:

Plan for 1 hour for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meeting to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 10/21/2025
• Completion Date: 11/4/2025
• Meeting 1:  10/21/2025 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
• Meeting 2:  10/28/2025 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  11/4/2025 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET

Certificate of Attendance:  You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

Cancellation Policy:  Professional Development Cancelation Policy

Recertification Points:  PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5

Making public sector work better®.

Beatriz Coningham, Ed.D.

Dr. Coningham is a global consultant in organizational leadership, learning, change, and human resource management. She is also part of the adjunct faculty of the George Washington University, in Washington DC, where she lives. Her experience includes public sector, non-profit and for profit organizations in the United States and abroad. As part of her career in leadership roles in human resources she has personally conducted multiple workplace investigations and trained human resources teams on the investigation process. 

Welcome!

We are excited to announce the launching of the New Public Sector HR Essentials course.

Thank you for your course registration.  We are so excited you have looked to PSHRA® to help you grow in your career.

Whether you want to sharpen your skills, transitioning to public sector, want a refresher, this is the place you belong.

With this change, the PSHRA-CP certification component will operate separately with a brand-new proctored exam and certification process.  The course, exam, and certification will no longer be packaged together.  There will be separate fee to take the CP Exam and become certified.

The new course includes:

• Condensed 10-week format
• Flexible schedule and learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere and 24/7
• Public Sector Focused – Tailored for you
• Delivered online and asynchronously
• 4 Live Zoom Course Check-ins and 1 hour in length
• Get Personalized feedback and support
• Course Dashboard contains everything you need – no third-party textbook to buy.

All your course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook to buy).

Don’t hesitate to contact us:

• PSHRA – Debbie Tankersely-Snook, Associate Director, Member Programs, Membership - meetings@pshra.org

Making public sector work better®.

PSHRA’s Public Sector HR Essentials Certificate Course Syllabus

Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

Course Material (All you need is on your dashboard)

• PSHRE Workbook (PDF and Word Versions)
• Public Sector HR Essentials Lessons Summary
• HR20/20 Report

Meetings and Discussions:

• Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will receive your Individual Zoom Link once the course starts.
• Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will be automatically enrolled into this community.  Your course’s community Link is - Coming Soon.

Course Design:

The course spans ten weeks and follows a specific timeline with a sequence of lessons and cohort sessions. You will receive details about the dates, times, and locations of cohort sessions. 

Time Commitment:

 Plan for 1 hours for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for cohort sessions. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the cohort sessions to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

Course Cohort Session Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 10/28/2025
• Completion Date: 1/9/2026
• Cohort Session 1:  11/7/2025 - 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm ET
• Cohort Session 2:  11/17/2025 - 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm ET
• Cohort Session 3:  12/5/2025 - 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm ET
• Cohort Session 4:  1/5/2026 - 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm ET

Course Content:

Week 1 - Introduction

Week 2 - Lesson 1:  Public Sector Basics

Week 3 - Lesson 2:  Recruitment

Cohort Session 1:  Public Sector HR Basics & Recruitment

Week 4 - Lesson 3:  Selection

Week 5 - Lesson 4:  Classification and Compensation

Cohort Session 2:  Selection, Classification & Compensation

Week 6 - Lesson 5:  Benefits

Week 7 - Lesson 6:  Labor and Employee Relations

Cohort Session 3:  Benefits and Labor Management Relations

Week 8 - Lesson 7:  Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity

Week 9 - Lesson 8:  Organizational Development

Cohort Session 3:  Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity, Organization and Final

Week 10 - Lesson 9:  Course Summary

Certificate of Attendance:

You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

Cancellation Policy:

Professional Development Cancelation Policy

Making public sector work better®.

Syllabus:  Strategies for Public Sector Leadership Certificate Program

Start Date: October 14, 2025

End Date:  November 28, 2025

Instructor:  Isabel Godina-Vergara

PSHRA Contact:  Debbie Tankersely-Snook

Welcome:

Welcome to PSHRA's Strategies for Public Sector Leadership. This course will equip you with the necessary tools to shift from a transactional to a strategic role in Public Sector HR by using a competency framework. Your role has evolved beyond merely transactional tasks. Today's HR department in the public sector is pivotal to the agency's success. It involves teaching team building, coaching, conflict resolution, consensus-building, fostering a risk-taking culture, enhancing communication, building trust, and more. 

Course Outcomes:

This comprehensive leadership course is designed for mid- to senior-level public sector HR leaders, providing a solid foundation for success.

To achieve this, the course focuses on the following outcomes:

• Assess the impact of HR and human capital management in the public sector and justify HR programs in the public sector.
• Design programs that align with specific competencies within the PSHRA Competency Model, covering three major modules: Leader, Business Partner, and Change Agent.
• Evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses regarding these competencies and create a plan for your individual professional development as an HR professional using the PSHRA Competency Model.
• Plan professional development in accordance with your personal competencies.

You will finish this course with:

• A solid strategic foundation for success.
• A professional development plan.

Certificate of Attendance:

You will earn a Certificate of Attendance upon completion of the course.

Course Design:

The course spans six weeks and follows a specific timeline with a sequence of lessons and cohort sessions. You will receive details about the dates, times, and locations of cohort sessions. 

Time Commitment:

Plan for 90 minutes for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for cohort sessions. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the cohort sessions to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans.

Online Cohort Schedule (subject to change):

• Cohort #1 – 6/4/2025 - Coming Soon!
• Cohort #2 - 6/18/2025 - Coming Soon!
• Cohort #3 - 6/25/2025 - Coming Soon!
• Cohort #4 - 7/9/2025 - Coming Soon!

Course Schedule:

Week 1:

Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 1: Introduction

Week 2:

Cohort Session (virtual) - Session 1: Introduction

Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 2: The Role of the HR Leader

Week 3:

No Cohort Session

Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 3: The Role of an HR Business Partner

Week 4:

Cohort Session (virtual) - Session 2: The Role of the HR Leader

• Negotiation: the cohort participants will perform a mock negotiation of a contract or provisions of a rule and have sides. This activity will allow participants to see how people react in these situations and practice skills used to defuse tension
• Emotional Quotient/Intelligence: cohort participants will develop a proposed response modeling EQ based on a stressful leadership/communication scenario

Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 4: The Role of the Change Agent

Week 5:

Cohort Session (virtual) - Session 3: The Role of an HR Business Partner

• Partnered practice scenario performs as a trusted coach or consultant on a challenging people issue such as performance, DEIA, risk management, or leadership coaching (developing) or advising (consulting)
• Partners work on conducting an HR needs analysis

Online Lesson (self-paced) - Lesson 5: Summary

Week 6:

Cohort Session (in-person or virtual) - Session 4: The Role of the Change Agent & Summary

Course Workbook:

The course includes a workbook.  You'll use the workbook throughout the course to reflect on what you're learning, record ideas, plan for future personal development, and plan activities for your agency. There are two versions:

• a PDF version - if you'd like to print it and write your answers and ideas and
• an MS Word version - if you'd prefer to work electronically.

The files have the same content - just differences in page layout. You will use the workbook while taking the online lessons and while attending the cohort sessions.

The workbook is available by selecting the Course Materials tab and then Strategies for Public Sector Leadership Workbook.

Making public sector work better™.

Welcome!

We are excited to announce the launching of the New Public Sector HR Essentials course.

Thank you for your course registration.  We are so excited you have looked to PSHRA® to help you grow in your career.

Whether you want to sharpen your skills, transitioning to public sector, want a refresher, this is the place you belong.

With this change, the PSHRA-CP certification component will operate separately with a brand-new proctored exam and certification process.  The course, exam, and certification will no longer be packaged together.  There will be separate fee to take the CP Exam and become certified.

The new course includes:

• Condensed 10-week format
• Flexible schedule and learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere and 24/7
• Public Sector Focused – Tailored for you
• Delivered online and asynchronously
• 4 Live Zoom Course Check-ins and 1 hour in length
• Get Personalized feedback and support
• Course Dashboard contains everything you need – no third-party textbook to buy.

All your course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook to buy).

Don’t hesitate to contact us:

• PSHRA – Debbie Tankersely-Snook, Associate Director, Member Programs, Membership - meetings@pshra.org

Making public sector work better®.

PSHRA’s Public Sector HR Essentials Certificate Course Syllabus

Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

Course Material (All you need is on your dashboard)

• PSHRE Workbook (PDF and Word Versions)
• Public Sector HR Essentials Lessons Summary
• HR20/20 Report

Meetings and Discussions:

• Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will receive your Individual Zoom Link once the course starts.
• Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will be automatically enrolled into this community.  Your course’s community Link is - Coming Soon.

Course Design:

The course spans ten weeks and follows a specific timeline with a sequence of lessons and cohort sessions. You will receive details about the dates, times, and locations of cohort sessions. 

Time Commitment:

 Plan for 1 hours for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for cohort sessions. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the cohort sessions to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

Course Cohort Session Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 10/7/2025/2025
• Completion Date: 12/16/2025
• Cohort Session 1:  10/10/2025 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
• Cohort Session 2:  10/29/2025 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
• Cohort Session 3:  11/20/2025 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
• Cohort Session 4:  12/11/2025 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET

Course Content:

Week 1 - Introduction

Week 2 - Lesson 1:  Public Sector Basics

Week 3 - Lesson 2:  Recruitment

Cohort Session 1:  Public Sector HR Basics & Recruitment

Week 4 - Lesson 3:  Selection

Week 5 - Lesson 4:  Classification and Compensation

Cohort Session 2:  Selection, Classification & Compensation

Week 6 - Lesson 5:  Benefits

Week 7 - Lesson 6:  Labor and Employee Relations

Cohort Session 3:  Benefits and Labor Management Relations

Week 8 - Lesson 7:  Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity

Week 9 - Lesson 8:  Organizational Development

Cohort Session 3:  Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity, Organization and Final

Week 10 - Lesson 9:  Course Summary

Certificate of Attendance:

You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

Cancellation Policy:

Professional Development Cancelation Policy

Making public sector work better®.

Welcome!

Thank you for your Power Learning Series registration.  We are so excited you have looked to PSHRA® to help you grow in your career.

The Power Learning Series offers you a new way to grow your skills without the time commitment of a full course. 

In this course learners will explore the foundational components of public sector compensation:  compensation elements and strategy, labor market assessment, and internal equity. Appropriate and fair compensation directly impacts employee attraction, retention, motivation, and productivity. A well-structured compensation system that aligns with the organization’s goals helps maintain fiscal responsibility and promotes fair and equitable pay.

The course will be delivered over 3 weeks with one-hour weekly online meetings.

Recertification Points:  PSHRA-5 and HRCI-Coming Soon!

Don’t hesitate to contact us - PSHRA – Debbie Tankersely-Snook, Associate Director, Member Programs, Membership - meetings@pshra.org.

Making public sector work better®.

Course Syllabus

Course Description

Learners will explore the foundational components of public sector compensation:  compensation elements and strategy, labor market assessment, and internal equity. Appropriate and fair compensation directly impacts employee attraction, retention, motivation, and productivity. A well-structured compensation system that aligns with the organization’s goals helps maintain fiscal responsibility and promotes fair and equitable pay.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• explain key differences between public and private sector compensation systems
• understand basic public sector pay and classification structures
• apply foundational compensation principles

Student Expectations:

• Live attendance and full engagement at all 3 Zoom sessions.
• Respond to each of the instructor’s discussion posts within 3 days.
• Complete weekly readings and assignments.
• Contact instructor if questions arise, jlittle1104@gmail.com.

Instructor Expectations:

• Provide weekly assignments and regular discussion posts for student engagement and learning.
• Prepare for and present course content for live Zoom sessions.
• Respond to any student email inquiries within 3 days.

Week One: Foundations of Public Sector Compensation

• Total compensation
• Public sector compensation strategy
• Private and public sector differences

Week Two: Labor Market Assessment

• Labor markets
• Salary data sources
• Benchmarking jobs
• Compensation structure
• External equity

Week Three: Internal Equity and Fair Compensation

• Internal equity
• Pay increases
• Compensation influences

Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible.  We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.  

All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.

Meetings:

• Course Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will receive your Individual Zoom Link before the course starts.

Course Design:

The course will be delivered over three weeks with three one-hour sessions per week.  

Time Commitment:

Plan for 1 hour for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meeting to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).

Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 10/3/2025
• Completion Date: 10/15/2025
• Meeting 1:  10/3/2025 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
• Meeting 2:  10/10/2025 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  10/15/2025 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET

Certificate of Attendance:  You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.

Cancellation Policy:  Professional Development Cancelation Policy

Recertification Points:  PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5

Making public sector work better®.

Jacqueline P. Little, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, IPMA-SCP

Chief HR Officer

Island Institute

Ms. Little is a proud Maine native who is passionate about HR and the positive impact HR can have on an organization.  She earned a Master's degree in Human Resource Leadership, has over two decades of public sector HR experience and holds the SHRM-SCP, SPHR, PSHRA-SCP and GPHR certifications. Jackie shares her experience, perspective and insight at various local, national and international conferences.  In her spare time, she can be found baking cheesecakes, exploring the Maine coast or traveling with her family.

Join PSHRA on September 4th at 1 P.M. ET to learn more about the importance of succession planning.

Succession planning is a powerful tool, but it isn’t solely an HR Department issue, it’s not about pre-selection, and it’s not simply about pumping up your training budget. Succession planning promotes employee engagement and retention, ensures business and leadership continuity, promotes knowledge transfer, and provides skill and career growth opportunities for your staff.

In this webinar, we will look at strategies to maintain strong leadership from the perspective of small, medium and large organizations to ensure that they address all the capabilities employees require for today and tomorrow’s work environment.

Speakers:

• Dr. Tony Luton, PSHRA-SCP, Human Resources Director, Town of Prosper, TX
• Dr. Debra Aiken, Human Resources – Training & Development Manager, Denton County, TX

PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.

Making public sector work better®.

We invite you to join us on Thursday, August 28th, from 1 P.M. to 2 P.M. ET for a discussion on the unique challenges and remarkable achievements of first-generation professionals who are the first in their families to enter professional or government roles.

Our panelists will also explore the obstacles these trailblazers face, such as navigating unfamiliar organizational cultures and overcoming barriers.

Our panelist will share:

• tools, mentorship models, and leadership initiatives to empower first-gen professionals
• how to identify, recruit, and support first-gen talent through equitable hiring, customized onboarding, and retention strategies
• inspiring stories of first-gen professionals and how their journeys shaped their leadership and engagement
• strategies for creating environments where first-gen professionals feel recognized and empowered to contribute

This webinar will be the fourth in our exciting new webinar series called Dialogue and Perspectives Webinar Series 2025—a powerful initiative designed to amplify voices in public sector HR. This series will feature expert discussions, real-world insights, and actionable strategies to foster openness and leadership in our field. 

Moderator: Chantel B. Thompson, SHRM-CP, PSHRA-SCP, Human Resources Director, City of Concord, NC

Panelist:

• Heather D. Akpan, PHR, SHRM-CP, PSHRA-CP, FCLRP, Assistant County Manager, Chief Transformation Officer, Alachua County BoCC, Gainesville, FL
• Desiare Marius, PSHRA-CP, Training Coordinator, City of Houston, TX
• Leslie Tolliver, JD, SHRM-CP, HR Manager, City of Clayton, MO

PSHRA® Webinars are a member benefit. Available to non-members for a nominal fee.

Making public sector work better®.