The Trainer Academy: How to Teach Online or In-person

Two Wednesdays in August

August 6 & 20, 2025
10:00-11:30am Pacific  |   1:00-2:30pm Eastern
Online

Use the summer to sharpen your saw—so you’re ready to shine this fall. The Trainer Academy helps you refresh your training approach and build a standout workshop, just in time for fall conference season.

You know your topic. But are people doing something with what you teach?

The Trainer Academy is for consultants, in-house trainers, and association learning leaders who want to make sure their workshops and webinars don’t just inform—but transform. Whether you’re new to training or looking to refresh your approach, this course gives you the tools to design and deliver learning experiences that lead to real-world change.

This two-part online series combines the latest in adult learning research with hands-on practice. You'll walk away with a complete, ready-to-deliver workshop and a deeper understanding of how to connect with learners—so they can apply what they’ve learned in their own context.

Session 1: Effective Workshop Design

Strong workshops don’t just “cover content”—they move people to action. In this session, you’ll design a session that balances knowledge with reflection and application. You’ll build a clear narrative arc, reduce overload, and create moments of insight that help participants bring your content into their own work.

Topics include:

• Prioritizing content to do the hard work in the room
• Leveling your session to meet learners where they are
• Building in reflection and transfer activities
• Using a planning tool to clarify your session structure

Session 2: Instruction that inspires and motivates

Now that your workshop is well-designed, it’s time to bring it to life. This session focuses on delivery—how to create energy, connection, and engagement in every setting, whether virtual or in person.

You’ll learn how to:

• Connect authentically with your audience
• Use interaction to deepen engagement and learning
• Read the room and adapt in real time
• Make PowerPoint your partner—not your script

You’ll leave with a fully developed workshop, ready to go—and the confidence to deliver it.

Presenter:

Nancy Bacon is a teacher, instructional designer, and learning strategist with over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She is nationally recognized for creating powerful learning experiences that move people to action. Nancy has developed and delivered dozens of workshops, online courses, toolkits, and learning series—supporting thousands of nonprofit professionals in areas such as board governance, financial management, fundraising, strategic planning, and program evaluation.

A former classroom teacher and nonprofit executive, Nancy combines deep sector knowledge with the best of adult learning science. She has produced learning programs for foundations, associations, food banks, government agencies, and networks across the country. She is also a trusted guide to trainers and consultants, having designed multiple train-the-trainer programs, including the popular Trainer Academy, to help experts teach in ways that lead to real-world change.

Nancy co-hosts the Nonprofit Radio Show and is the founder of Nancy Bacon Consulting and the Nonprofit Learning Center. She is known for her clear, actionable approach and her commitment to equity, relevance, and accessibility in nonprofit learning. Her work helps organizations move beyond one-time events to build strategic, mission-driven learning that sticks.

Cost

$100, which includes live class, workbook, pre- and post-assignments, and access to the recording for up to three months. (Because classes will be recorded, no refunds are possible.) Participants are welcome to send draft presentations between and after sessions for customized feedback. 

What past attendees have said about The Trainer Academy

“This was the best training I have attended with Idaho Nonprofit Center. Very practical with a lots of useful tools that can be implemented immediately.”

“While I enjoy giving presentation and trainings, I've done so on instinct more than having been taught. This course will help me bring on my A Game!”

“I felt welcomed. It was structured and organized. You engaged us. You set expectations and delivered on those expectations. You effectively used multiple tools You left me feeling I would retain what I learned.”

“Nancy’s expertise is second to none. You will come away with practical information and ideas that you can put to use immediately!"

In partnership with:

Note: You will receive an email confirmation when you register and two additional emails with the link to join prior to the session. This email will include ways to prepare for our session. Some firewalls block these emails. Please add operations@nancybacon.com to your contacts to help ensure delivery.