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)

• Detailed Course Syllabus
• Ethics and Policy Participant Handbook
• Ethical Decision-Making
• Framework-Cheat Sheet

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. 

Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 6/30/2026
• Completion Date: 7/14/2026
• Meeting 1:  6/30/2026 - 3:00 - 4:00 pm ET
• Meeting 2:  7/7/2026 - 3:00 - 4:00 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  7/14/2026 - 3:00 - 4:00 pm ET

Course Content:

Module 1 — Foundations of Ethics in Public Sector HR

Topics Covered

• Why ethics matter in government HR
• Major ethical theories and practical applications
• Public-service values and professional responsibility
• HR as steward, strategist, and guardian of trust

Module 2 — Professional Standards & Codes of Conduct

Topics Covered

• Purpose and structure of HR codes of ethics
• Core principles: fairness, impartiality, confidentiality, transparency
• Ethical leadership behaviors and modeling expectations
• Documentation and rationale in ethical decision-making

Module 3 — Ethical Risks & Integrity Challenges in HR

Topics Covered

• Risks in hiring, promotion, and classification decisions
• Favoritism, undue influence, and political pressure
• Conflicts of interest and divided loyalties
• Misuse of authority and breaches of trust
• Systems weaknesses that enable misconduct
• Subtle or “quiet” forms of unethical behavior

Module 4 — Building Ethical Culture & Governance Structures

Topics Covered

• HR’s role in shaping organizational culture
• Governance mechanisms and internal controls
• Transparency practices and reporting pathways
• Whistleblowing, psychological safety, and anti-retaliation norms
• Leadership impact on ethical climates

Module 5 — Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks (Applied Practice)

Topics Covered

• Structured reasoning processes
• Assessing stakeholders, principles, and consequences
• Applying policies and values to real situations
• Navigating ambiguity and competing obligations
• Hands-on scenario walkthroughs
• Developing confidence in ethical judgment

Module 6 — Policy, Accountability & Public Trust

Topics Covered

• Designing clear, enforceable HR policy
• Aligning policy with ethical expectations
• Accountability structures and compliance practices
• Managing gray areas and policy gaps
• The relationship between ethical HR and public confidence

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

Making public sector work better®.

Patrick Henley, DBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Dr. Patrick Henley is the Director of Human Resources & Risk Management at Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority, where he has led transformative efforts in leadership development, risk strategy, and organizational planning. With over 22 years of HR leadership experience, Patrick is known for blending strategic insight with a people-first approach. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, an MBA, and a BS in Psychology, and is certified as both an SPHR and SHRM-SCP. Patrick is also an award-winning HR professional, recognized for excellence in Learning & Development, Total Rewards, and Diversity & Inclusion. A passionate educator, he teaches HR and Business courses at the college level and frequently speaks at industry conferences. His work focuses on aligning people strategy with business outcomes through continuous improvement and leadership excellence.

Syllabus:  Strategies for Public Sector Leadership Certificate Program

Start Date: May 19, 2026

End Date:  July 3, 2026

Instructor:  Priscilla Wilson

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.

Meetings and Discussions:

• Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will access them through your course "Content Tab."
• Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will access the Engage Community through your course "Content Tab."

Online Cohort Schedule (subject to change):

• Cohort #1 – 5/26/2026 - 1:30 - 3:00 pm ET
• Cohort #2 – 6/9/2026 - 1:30 - 3:00 pm ET
• Cohort #3 – 6/24/2026 - 1:30 - 3:00 pm ET
• Cohort #4 - 7/1/2026 - 1:30 - 3:00 pm ET

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™.

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

Course Design:

The course spans ten weeks and follows a specific timeline with a sequence of lessons and cohort sessions. 

Time Commitment:

Plan for 2 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: 5/12/2026
• Completion Date: 7/24/2026
• Cohort Session 1:  5/21/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
• Cohort Session 1:  6/4/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
• Cohort Session 3:  6/11/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
• Cohort Session 4:  6/25/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
• Cohort Session 5:  7/8/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET
• Cohort Session 6:  7/16/2026 - 2:30 - 4:00 pm ET

Course Content:

Week 1 - Introduction

Cohort Session 1:  Introduction

Week 2 - Lesson 1:  Public Sector Basics

Week 3 - Lesson 2:  Recruitment

Cohort Session 2:  Public Sector HR Basics & Recruitment

Week 4 - Lesson 3:  Selection

Week 5 - Lesson 4:  Classification and Compensation

Cohort Session 3:  Selection, Classification & Compensation

Week 6 - Lesson 5:  Benefits

Week 7 - Lesson 6:  Labor and Employee Relations

Cohort Session 4:  Benefits and Labor Management Relations

Week 8 - Lesson 7:  Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity

Week 9 - Lesson 8:  Organizational Development

Cohort Session 5:  Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity, Organization

Week 10 - Lesson 9:  Course Summary

Cohort Session 6:  Course Summary and Wrap-up

Certificate of Attendance earned upon course completion.

Making public sector work better®.

Building a Neuroinclusive, People-First Culture

Join us on Thursday, May 21st, at 1 PM ET as our speaker provides you with actionable insights for supporting employees holistically while strengthening organizational compliance, performance, and culture.

Public sector agencies face unique pressures—high-demand service environments, increased public scrutiny, limited resources, and evolving workforce expectations. These pressures make it essential for HR leaders to adopt a proactive, compassionate, and legally sound approach to employee mental health, disability accommodations, and inclusion.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the critical link between mental health, well-being, and workforce performance—with specific relevance to public sector environments.
• Navigate disability accommodations (including ADA/ADAAA) with confidence and empathy, ensuring compliance while supporting employee success.
• Recognize and support neurodiverse employees, acknowledging the growing range of cognitive differences across the public workforce.
• Build a people-first culture that prioritizes psychological safety, belonging, trust, and equitable access.
• Implement practical HR and leadership strategies that strengthen recruitment, retention, morale, and organizational resilience.

Speaker: Leslie Tolliver, 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®.

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 2 session 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

Evolving the Workplace & Legal Foundations 

Policy Development & Equity Considerations 

Engagement, Performance & Culture

Format: 

 - Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) 

 - 1-hour and half live session per week (over two weeks)

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

Breakdown

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 

 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 

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 two-weeks with 2 one hour and half 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 two sessions with 2 one hour and half 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: 5/20/2025
• Completion Date: 5/27/2025
• Meeting 1: 5/20/2026 - 1:00 - 230 pm ET
• Meeting 2: 5/27/2026 - 1:00 - 230 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®.

Please join us on Thursday, May 14^th at 1 PM ET for an engaging dialogue on workforce redesign for the next generation of public service. This webinar will be the second in PSHRA’s exciting new three-part series called Future Forward Webinar Series 2026.

We have assembled a panel of rising and seasoned public sector HR professionals to discuss how HR can drive the move to more agile, people-focused workforce models. 

We have assembled a panel of rising and seasoned public sector HR professionals to discuss how HR can drive the move to more agile, people-focused workforce models. It is the expectation of all workers, especially early and middle career professionals, that are redefining how public sector agencies approach work, performance, and leadership. This is your chance to get ready for this generational shift.

Future Forward Webinar Series 2026—in celebration of PSHRA's 120 years of connecting p

Future Forward Webinar Series 2026—in celebration of PSHRA's 120 years of connecting public sector HR professionals with the insights, education and expertise needed for success. This three-part series will focus on AI, redesigning work, and trust.

Moderator: Dr. Milton Perkins, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CF-APMP, CPC, Human Capital Solutions Architect, Public Speaker, Edutainer

Panelists:

• Shelvia Ashford, PSHRA-SCP, Senior Employee Relations Consultant, Wake County, NC
• Bob Nogueira, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Chief People Officer, Colorado Governor's Office of Information Technology
• Hiba Khouri, HR Generalist, City of Allentown Human Resources, PA

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

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. 

Learners will explore the psychology, process, and practice of organizational change within government and public service contexts. Participants will engage in real-world case studies, group discussions, and hands-on exercises designed to strengthen HR’s role as a trusted advisor and champion of sustainable transformation

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

• Understand the fundamentals of organizational change and HR’s role in leading it.
• Identify common challenges and resistance to change and strategies to address them.
• Apply practical frameworks and tools to support successful change initiatives in public sector organizations.
• Strengthen HR’s role as a trusted advisor and change champion.
• Develop actionable steps to apply change management strategies in their own workplace.

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

Change is inevitable — but successful change requires intention, understanding, and leadership. This interactive course equips HR professionals and public sector leaders with the tools and confidence to guide their organizations through change with empathy, strategy, and impact. This program explores the psychology, process, and practice of organizational change within government and public service contexts. Participants will engage in real-world case studies, group discussions, and hands-on exercises designed to strengthen HR’s role as a trusted advisor and champion of sustainable transformation

Learning Objectives

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

• Understand the fundamentals of organizational change and HR’s role in leading it.
• Identify common challenges and resistance to change and strategies to address them.
• Apply practical frameworks and tools to support successful change initiatives in public sector organizations.
• Strengthen HR’s role as a trusted advisor and change champion.
• Develop actionable steps to apply change management strategies in their own workplace.

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.

Module 1: Foundations of Change Management

• Key Topics:
  • What do you consider a change
  • Why change initiatives fail or succeed
  • HR’s role in change
  • Introduction to different change models
  • Unique challenges in the public sector
• Breakout Groups
  • What role has HR played in changing efforts in your organization (or not)? What worked and what didn’t?

Module 2: Understanding Resistance & Engagement

• Key Topics:
  • Common sources of resistance
  • Psychological impacts of change
  • Tools for diagnosing resistance
• Breakout Groups  
  • Case study: TBD
  • Groups identify root causes of resistance and propose strategies HR could take
  • Share solutions 

Module 3: Communicating & Leading Through Change

• Key Topics:
  • The importance of clear, transparent communication
  • Storytelling and framing change
  • Coaching leaders and other stakeholders to be change advocates
• Mini-Activity:
  • Participants draft a short communication message announcing a change
  • Share with partners and revise
  • Share out with larger group

Module 4: Action Planning & HR as Change Champions

• Key Topics:
  • Embedding change into culture and practice
  • Supporting managers, employees, and leadership alignment
  • Building a toolkit for future change initiatives
• Breakout Groups      

Wrap-Up & Commitments

• Key Takeaways Recap
• Reflection Activity: One action I will take to better support change in my role.
• Resources & Next Steps

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 be able to access your Zoom Meeting via the Content Tab.

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: 5/13/2026
• Completion Date: 5/27/2026
• Meeting 1:  5/13/2026 - 11:30 - 12:30 ET
• Meeting 2:  5/20/2026 - 11:30 - 12:30 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  5/27/2026 - 11:30 - 12:30 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®.

Jennifer Fairweather, DBA, PSHRA-SCP, PHR

Chief Human Capital Officer, Jefferson County Human Resources, CO

PSHRA Past President

(she/her/hers)

Dr. Jennifer Fairweather is the Chief Human Resources Officer for Jefferson County, Colorado, and a Founding Partner of Dwennimmen Leadership Consulting. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver and an Affiliate Professor at Regis University. With over 25 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, Dr. Fairweather has held leadership roles in human resources, finance, and human services. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Colorado, a Master of Arts in Human Resources Development from Webster University, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University. Dr. Fairweather holds multiple professional certifications, including PSHRA-SCP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, and a Certificate in Professional Training. She is also a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner and a Certified Executive Coach (CEC). A recognized expert in leadership, human resources, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, she has facilitated sessions at both local and national forums. She is a Past Nationa l President of PSHRA, serves on the board of the Second Chance Center, and is a working group member for the Society for Women's Health Research.

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-5

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.

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).

Meetings and Discussions:

• Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will access them through your course "Content Tab."
• Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will access the Engage Community through your course "Content Tab."

Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 5/11/2026
• Completion Date: 5/26/2026
• Meeting 1:  5/11/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
• Meeting 2:  5/18/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  5/26/2026 - 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!

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.

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).

Meetings and Discussions:

• Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will access them through your course "Content Tab."
• Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will access the Engage Community through your course "Content Tab."

Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):

• Start Date: 5/8/2026
• Completion Date: 5/21/2026
• Meeting 1:  5/8/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
• Meeting 1:  5/15/2026 - 12:00 - 1:00 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  5/21/2026 - 11:30 - 12:30 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®.

Join us on Thursday, May 7th, at 1 PM ET as our speaker shares a comprehensive case study on the design, approval, and implementation of their paid parental leave benefit.

You will go behind the scenes of a year-long process that involved extensive research into state legislation, private industry benchmarks, and internal employee feedback.

In July 2024, the Town of Bluffton, South Carolina achieved a major milestone in its HR strategic plan by approving paid parental leave for its full-time workforce. Driven by a mission to "take care of each other," this initiative was designed to bolster recruitment and retention in an increasingly competitive talent market.

Don’t miss your chance to learn how the Town of Bluffton's mission helped to bolster recruitment and retention through the implementation of an essential benefit.

Speaker:  Anni Evans, Director of Human Resources for the Town of Bluffton, SC

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

Making public sector work better®.