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 complexities and challenges of leading HR functions in the public sector, particularly through solid ethical principles and decision-making methods.

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 leading HR functions in the public sector, particularly through solid ethical principles and decision-making methods.

Learning Objectives

• Clarify personal, professional, and organizational values and understand their role in public HR leadership.
• Apply a values-based decision-making framework to navigate ambiguity, conflict, and complex situations.
• Strengthen trust, credibility, and transparency by modeling and communicating values-aligned decisions.
• Embed shared values into HR processes and practices to promote a consistent and ethical workplace culture.
• Lead with integrity and confidence, even when facing political, operational, or ethical pressures.

Program Components

Workshop 1

• What are Values and Why They Matter: Define “values” and discuss how the consistent application of values to practice builds credibility and trust in leadership, and supports collective mental health.
• Your Own Values-Based Foundation: Develop learners’ ability to articulate values as a foundation to address complex challenges and dilemmas in their professional activities.
  • Debrief Life Values Inventory results. Note the importance of defining values and becoming aware of the hierarchy of values for different people and groups.
  • Identify own, team, and organizational long-lasting values.
• The HR Leader as a Values Guiding Light: How the HR leader can become the organization’s consistent, long-term ethical beacon through articulating, practicing, and promoting shared values.

Workshop 2

• A Congruent Decision-Making Process: Step-by-step values-based decision-making process.
• Walking the Talk: Practice values-based decision making in realistic scenarios.
• Learning from Experience: Learn from peers through a peer coaching activity based on real ethical dilemmas participants are facing.

Workshop 3

• Values and Culture: Anchoring values into the organization’s culture: steps to embed values into policies, processes, and internal communication.
• High Stakes Decisions: Practice making organizational-level values-based decisions.
  • Debrief: What happens when values are breached?

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: 8/12//2025
• Completion Date: 8/26/2025
• Meeting 1:  8/12/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
• Meeting 2:  8/19/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  8/26/2025 - 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®.

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 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: 8/6/2025
• Completion Date: 8/20/2025
• Meeting 1:  8/06/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
• Meeting 2:  8/13/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  8/20/2025 - 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. She has spent most of her career in Wayne County Public School systems working 20 Years, with the last four being in the Human Resources field.   

Prior to her current position, she worked for three years with the City of Clinton as Human Resources Director.

Shelvia is a 1987 graduate of Goldsboro High; a 2013 Graduate of Mount Olive College with a bachelor’s in Business Administration & Organizational Development. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Human Resource Management at Western Carolina University.  She also obtained the highly regarded Public Sector Human Resources Association, formerly the International Public Management Association- Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-SCP) credential. 

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.

When she is not working, she enjoys traveling, relaxing on the beach, building relationships, and spending time with family. She is married to Thomas Ashford, Assistant Director of Operations for Wayne County Public Schools. She has three children, two grandsons that she absolutely adores, 4-year-old Landyn, and 3-year-old Aiden.

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

Week 1 - Foundations of Public Sector Compensation

Week 2 - Labor Market Assessment

Week 3 - Internal Equity and Fair Compensation

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: 7/21/2025
• Completion Date: 8/4/2025
• Meeting 1:  7/21/2025 - 3:30 - 4:30 pm ET
• Meeting 2:  7/28/2025 - 3:30 - 4:30 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  8/4/2025 - 3:30 - 4:30 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®.

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.

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 enhance their ability to attract, engage, and retain a multi-generational workforce. Through interactive Zoom sessions, participants will explore generational dynamics, communication styles, and best practices for fostering inclusive and effective teams.

The course will be delivered over 2.5 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

Multi-Generational Synergy: Attracting, Leading, and Engaging Talent for Public Sector Work

Dates: Weekly, July 8, 15, and 22, 2025, 2pm – 3pm EDT

Course Description

Learners will enhance their ability to attract, engage, and retain a multi-generational workforce. Through interactive Zoom sessions, participants will explore generational dynamics, communication styles, and best practices for fostering inclusive and effective teams.

Learning Objectives

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

• Understand the characteristics and workplace preferences of five generational cohorts.
• Identify communication and leadership strategies that bridge generational gaps.
• Apply team development models to improve collaboration and performance. Develop actionable plans to attract and retain diverse talent in public sector roles.

Weekly Breakdown 

Week 1: Understanding Generational Differences and Team Dynamics Topics:

• Overview of generational cohorts: Traditionalists to Gen Z
• Workplace motivators and communication preferences
• Tuckman's Team Development Model

Activities:

• Breakout discussions on generational misunderstandings
• Interactive poll on communication styles
• Reflection prompt: Describe one insight about generational dynamics that surprised you.

Assessment:

• Reflection prompt: Describe one insight about generational dynamics that surprised you.

Week 2: Bridging the Gap – Communication and Collaboration Topics:

• Bias recognition and management
• Empathic communication and active listening
• Cross-generational teamwork strategies
• Role-play scenarios in breakout rooms
• Group discussion on feedback preferences
• Submit a short plan for improving communication with your teams.

Activities:

• Role-play scenarios in breakout rooms
• Group discussion on feedback preferences
• Submit a short plan for improving communication with your teams.

Assessment:

• Submit a short plan for improving communication with your teams.

Week 3: Attracting and Retaining Multi-Generational Talent Topics:

• Best practices for recruitment and engagement
• Reward systems and recognition across generations
• Creating inclusive and flexible work environments
• Case study analysis
• Group brainstorming on retention strategies

Activities:

• Case study analysis
• Group brainstorming on retention strategies

Assessment:

• Final Take home assignment: Using the provided framework document, draft a recruitment and retention strategy tailored to at least two generations.

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 2.5 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: 7/8/2025
• Completion Date: 7/22/2025
• Meeting 1:  7/8/2025 - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET
• Meeting 2:  7/15/2025 - 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  7/22/2025 - 2:00 pm – 3:00 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®.

Milton J. Perkins, PhD,

Vice President
ActOne Government Solutions, Inc.

Milton J. Perkins, PhD, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, CPC, is the Vice President of ActOne Government Solutions, Inc., (a subsidiary of The ActOne Group), responsible for pursuing, managing and delivering workforce and commodity solutions to federal, state, county, municipal and quasi-government clients. Formerly he operated as the Chief HR Officer for Mint Dentistry, the VP, HR for Kasasa, as well as the Chief Accountability and Human Resources Officer for Vanguard Integrity Professionals. He has also worked as the Head of Global Talent Management for Hewitt Associates, and was the Senior Director of Workforce Solutions for Agile•1 (a subsidiary of the ActOne Group), and RAS Leader for EDS, to name a few. With over 40 years of human capital experience, Dr. Perkins has a tremendous wealth of practical, research, teaching and consulting experience in developing innovative business solutions through people. He is actively sought out to speak at business and human capital conferences, worldwide, specializing in providing next-practice solutions related to the Society for Human Resource Management’s Body of Competency and Knowledge, for example, the SHRM-SCP/CP certification preparation course, HR Metrics and Analytics, Diversity, Inclusion & Equity, Unconscious/Conscious Biases and Micro-Aggressive behaviors, Workforce Planning, 

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: 6/23/2025
• Completion Date: 7/9/2025
• Meeting 1:  6/25/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
• Meeting 2:  7/02/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  7/09/2025 - 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®.

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 best ways to implement a coaching for success program and to prepare all levels of your organization leadership for proactive resolution of all levels of employee relations issues before they exacerbate and begun the foundation for employee vs. employer litigation. 

Learners will gain the skills to resolve real life employee relations issues and to advocate for impactful interventions. 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

You will learn proactive approaches to resolving employee relations issues and preventing litigation.

This course is designed to address the best ways to implement a coaching for success program and to prepare all levels of your organization leadership for proactive resolution of all levels of employee relations issues before they exacerbate and begun the foundation for employee vs. employer litigation.

Areas of study:

I. Defining Proactive Intervention – Us vs. Them At All Levels of the Organization
II. Refining Your Organization’s Profile of Service – Framing Conflict Within The Call To Serve
III. Coaching For Success – Coaching vs. Mentoring – How to Integrate The Best Efforts.
IV. Case Study Solutions for All

Learners will gain the skills to resolve real life employee relations issues and to advocate for impactful interventions. The course will be delivered over three-weeks with 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: 7/02/2025
• Completion Date: 7/16/2025
• Meeting 1:  7/02/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
• Meeting 2:  7/09/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET
• Meeting 3:  7/16/2025 - 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®.

Teri J. Traaen, Ed.D., D.P.A.

Teri J. Traaen, Ed.D., D.P.A. is the owner and Chief Executive Officer of Traaen & Associates, LLC. Traaen & Associates, LLC is a human resource management organization with four service divisions. These service divisions include: technical human resource management services; employee and labor relations interventions; government relations, as well as training and organizational development services. Services are provided throughout the United States to the private, public and not for profit sectors.

Dr. Traaen’s professional experience includes over thirty years in the human resource field. Her professional service includes leading highly complex human resource teams in small, medium and large municipal government sectors, an urban K-12 public school district, as well as a community college/county partnership for federally funded job training and development in support of rural economic development. Dr. Traaen’s professional experience is supported by two earned doctoral degrees, including a Doctorate in Public Administration and a Doctorate in Higher and Adult Education. She has served as the Arizona Chapter President for IPMA-HR, as well as the Western Region President for IPMA-HR.

Welcome!

We are excited to announce the launching of the Power Learning Series - Effectively 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

You will explore the principles underlying sound performance and rewards management. It will then identify alternative strategies and programs and evaluate their effectiveness in different environments. 

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.

Prior to Course

          Submit questions and issues attendees wish to have addressed during the course (PLEASE SEND TO MEETINGS@PSHRA.ORG)

          Do the recommended reading for Session 1

Session 1 Presentation 7/22/2025

Evaluating the agency’s context and formulating strategies that fit realities

Prior To Session 2

          Submit questions and requests for more information about Session 1 material

           Do the recommended reading for Session 2

Session 2 Presentation 7/25/2025

Defining, measuring and managing performance

Prior to Session 3 7/29/2025

          Submit questions and requests for more information about Module 2 material

            Evaluate your agency’s Performance Management system

            Do the recommended reading for Sessions 3 & 4

Session 3 Presentation 7/29/2025

          Discussion of participant’s evaluation of their performance management system

          Recognizing and rewarding employee contributions (part one)

Session 4 Presentation 08/01/2025

         Recognizing and rewarding employee contributions (continued)

         Summary of course material

Recommended Readings

The readings provide a more in-depth discussion of the topics

For Session 1

            Branding Public Sector Organizations

            Rewarding Performance in Public Sector Organizations

            Diverse, Equitably Treated and Included Employee

Effectively Utilizing Employee Capabilities

For Session 2

            Principles of Performance Management

            Evidence-Based Performance Management

            Carson City Article

            ICMA Article

            Research Study: Performance Feedback

For Sessions 3 and 4

            Compensation Philosophy

            Recognition as Rewards

            Base Pay Management

            Public Eye Article: Pay Equity

            Effectively Managing Pay Budgets, Pay Structures and Pay Rates

            Assessing Readiness for Paying for Performance   

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

Course Design:

The course will be delivered over two-weeks with two 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 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: 7/22/2025
• Completion Date: 8/1/2025
• Course Meeting 1:  7/22/2025 - 3:30 - 4:30 PM ET
• Course Meeting 2:  7/25/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET
• Course Meeting 3:  7/29/2025 - 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET
• Course Meeting 4:  8/01/2025 - 2:30 - 3:30 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.