The Executive Human Capital Leaders in Education (eHCLE) certification is a professional development opportunity for accomplished human capital leaders serving in education organizations. Through a ten-month cohort model, participants receive intensive support from peers and subject-matter experts in areas of human capital management. All participants completed an independent project with peer feedback, which was presented at the Annual Human Capital Leadership Summit. Below is a description of each project and supporting information.
Attracting (and Keeping) Dedicated (and Diverse) Employees
Presented by Lori Berryman, Director of Human Resources, Washington Local Schools, Toledo, OH
The Washington Local School District is committed to providing a high-quality education for all students, and a key factor in achieving this goal is fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. However, there is a current disparity between the demographics of our student body and our staff. While 40.5% of our student population identifies as diverse, only 10.7% of our educators and school personnel share that same background. This gap represents a missed opportunity to create a richer learning experience for our students and a more representative school community. This project outlines a comprehensive strategy to bridge this gap by building a dedicated and diverse staff. We aim to attract talented individuals from various racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds while cultivating a supportive environment that fosters staff retention. By implementing intentional recruiting practices, growing our own talent pipeline, and strengthening university partnerships, Washington Local Schools will be positioned to significantly increase the number and retention of diverse staff, ultimately creating a learning environment that reflects our student population and prepares them for success in a globalized world.
Link to Webinar Presentation
Presentation PowerPoint
Strategic Staffing and Budget Planning
Presented by Jeremy Batchelor, Superintendent, Youngstown City School District, Youngstown, OH
This project centers on the development and implementation of a strategic staffing and budgeting process for the Youngstown City School District (YCSD). This project is rooted in the need to address the financial inefficiencies identified in the performance audit and to support the district’s continuous improvement efforts as outlined in the Academic Improvement Plan. The theory of action driving this initiative posits that by developing a strategic staffing and budgeting process, YCSD will be able to optimize its resources, resulting in improved academic and fiscal outcomes. The project’s goals include the completion and implementation of a staffing funding formula and the development of a true budgeting process. The outcomes of this initiative have the potential to serve as a model for other urban districts facing similar challenges, offering a replicable framework for strategic resource allocation and sustainable improvement in K-12 education.
Link to Webinar Presentation
Presentation PowerPoint
Beyond the Job Fair: The Digital Transformation of Teacher Recruitment
Presented by Liz Young, Executive Director of Recruitment, Retention and Strategy, Fulton County Schools, Atlanta, GA
With declining enrollment in teacher education programs and the evolving job market, this presentation delves into how Fulton County transitioned from traditional recruitment methods to an online-first approach, improving hiring outcomes. Attendees will leave with specific strategies for reaching candidates in a digital age.
Enhancing Mentor/Induction Program in an Environment of Change 
Presentated by Erick Treuting Jr., Administrator of Human Resources Compliance, Development, and Retention, St. Charles Parish Public Schools, Luling, LA
St. Charles Parish Public Schools (SCPPS) is on a mission to become the destination K-12 employer in the New Orleans Metropolitan area. We are transforming our new teacher mentor/induction program to achieve that goal. As the regional leader in teacher salaries and total compensation, we believe an increased focus of nurturing our new educators will move SCPPS to this end. By offering comprehensive development and support, we are ensuring that the talented teachers we hire thrive and stay with us for the long haul. Join us as the presenter shares early “wins” in promising mentor/induction practices as well as navigate the challenge of change management as SCPPS builds a stronger future for our educators and students alike!
Presentation PowerPoint
Presentation Forms
Increasing Paraprofessional Retention
Presented by Jim Nichols, Chief Human Resources Officer, Indian Hill School District, OH
Join me to explore the strategies behind "Increasing Paraprofessional Retention" in the Indian Hill School District. As we face a consistent decline in retention rates, this presentation will provide a detailed look at our approach to reverse this trend by enhancing job satisfaction through opportunity and creatively looking at financially feasible compensation escalators for paraeducators. Participants will gain insights into the design and implementation of this model, which aligns with our district’s strategic goals. We will share data-driven findings, discuss the challenges faced, and outline the comprehensive interventions aimed to stabilize this essential part of our workforce. By attending, you will walk away with practical approaches to improve retention rates, ensuring that paraprofessionals feel valued, supported, and motivated to continue their crucial roles within the educational community.
Local Roots, Lasting Impacts: Growing a Teacher Apprenticeship Program 
Presented by Carla Simons, Certification Manager, Baltimore County Public Schools, Towson, MD
This session highlights the design and implementation of the Baltimore Teacher Apprenticeship Program (BTAP), a partnership between Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) and Loyola University Maryland. BTAP aims to recruit, prepare, and retain special educators from the BCPS community, particularly from historically underrepresented backgrounds. The program addresses the teacher shortage, particularly in special education, while promoting equity and inclusion within the BCPS teaching workforce.
Presentation PowerPoint
BTAP Program
Launch Lincoln County: Setting New to Lincoln County School District Teachers Up for Success
Presentation by Dr. Tiana DeVries, Human Resources Director, Lincoln County School District, Lincoln County, OR
Time is precious. Time, before students arrive, is our only opportunity to launch new LCSD teachers into a positive experience in the district. Lincoln County School District hires 15-25% of its teachers each year. These new-to-LCSD teachers need one thing most of all: to be oriented to the district so they can be as effective as possible, as quickly as possible. This year’s pilot program added five days to the previous program essentially doubling the onboarding of those new to LCSD and including two classroom days to plan and integrate the learning. Hear the feedback from the mentors, Teachers on Special Assignment, union, administration, and new teachers on how additional and differentiated professional development improved the experience of those new to our district. Learn more about what we did and how it worked.
Onboarding Overhaul - A Journey from Disarray to Empowerment 
Presented by Laura Theiss, Human Resources Director, Butler County Educational Service Center, Hamilton, OH
This session will explore the transformative journey of implementing evidence-based onboarding practices within educational and social service programs at the Butler County Educational Service Center. By focusing on comprehensive onboarding strategies, we aim to enhance the employee experience and significantly reduce staff turnover. We will delve into the crucial phases of the process, including pre-boarding and the Four Cs of onboarding: Compliance, Clarification, Culture, and Connection. Participants will receive a preview of preliminary findings including insights into the effectiveness of our new onboarding practices, and actionable takeaways for refining and enhancing your onboarding approach.
Presentation PowerPoint
Onboarding Timeline
Total Rewards: Creating a System to Attract and Retain Teachers
Presented by Dr. Eric Melnyczenko, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel and Culture, Crete Monee CUSD 201U, Will County, IL
What are Total Rewards and how can they be used to attract and retain teachers? Learn more about Total Rewards, employee value propositions, and listen to one district's approach in utilizing total rewards to combat the ever-raging war of teacher retention and recruitment. You will come away with a practical approach on how to implement total rewards in your district.
Link to Webinar Presentation
Presentation PowerPoint
Balancing the Scales: Strategies for Equitable Teacher Distribution 
Presented by Felecia Lester, HR Staffing Director, Atlanta Public Schools, Atlanta, GA
Join us for an engaging session focused on achieving equity in teacher distribution. This presentation explores practical strategies to ensure that every student has access to high-quality educators, regardless of location or demographics. Designed for HR practitioners, we will delve into data-driven approaches, innovative recruitment tactics, and retention strategies that support equitable staffing across all schools. Attendees will walk away with actionable insights and best practices to address staffing disparities and promote educational excellence throughout their districts. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a lasting impact on your school community!
Link to Webinar Presentation
Presentation PowerPoint
Climate & Culture Analysis
Presented by Dr. James Robinette, Middle School EL Science Teacher, Bensenville School District 2, Bensenville, IL
The presentation will identify three key areas of staff input from three years of survey data. How the data connects to the district's strategic plan, which aligns to the overall culture and climate of any school district, will be discussed. A SMART goal will be utilized with each of the three key areas to demonstrate how in a short period of time with accountability and support, the district goals can be met which will improve the overall culture and climate of all employees.
Link to Webinar Presentation
Presentation PowerPoint