Services

Training

We provide high-quality learning experiences focused on students learning from one another in a dynamic and interactive learning environment. Our courses have been designed to be engaging and filled with energy while providing an exercise-based approach that allows students to learn and practice key topics. Our in-demand certification courses from industry-leading organizations like Scrum Alliance are for those looking to expand their knowledge with tools and techniques that they can apply in their daily lives.

We offer public training regularly, our current calendar is available here. We also offer private training options for your team or organization. A private training course is a great way to get a team 'speaking the same language' and to kickstart their learning. Private training can be combined with coaching or consulting to help reinforce and implement the ideas covered in training.

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)

This 2-day course has participants learn the fundamentals of Scrum in an energetic and interactive environment. Upon completing this course participants will be eligible to take the certification exam for the Certified ScrumMaster certification, recognized by Scrum Alliance. Learn More...

Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM)

This 2-day workshop is designed for practicing Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches looking to take their game to the next level. After revisiting the elements of Scrum at its core, we will work to address common challenges that participants are facing in their activities as a Scrum Master. Upon completion of this course participants will have a renewed understanding of the Scrum Master role as well as techniques and experiences to continue their development as agile practitioners. This course is part of the Path to CSP from Scrum Alliance. Learn More...

Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster (CSP-SM)

The final step on your Path to CSP journey! This 3-day course is a highly interactive, learner-focused experience, with students sharing with and learning from one another across settings and activities. Our CSP-SM course is built to provide you with the tools, techniques, and skills necessary to help you grow personally and professionally, and bring a whole new set of techniques back to your organizations. Learn More...

Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

This 2-day course has participants expand on Scrum Fundamentals and focus on the activities of the Product Owner. Upon completion of this course participants will be granted the Certified Scrum Product Owner certification, recognized by the Scrum Alliance. Learn More...

Trainer Immersion Program

SparkPlug Agility's Trainer Immersion Program (TRIP) is an intensive learning experience created to help agile educators design and deliver effective learning experiences. Using learning psychology, persona development, and management principles, this course explores the different ways students process information and effective assessment of learning objectives. Learn More...

Understanding Educational Objectives

SparkPlug Agility's Understanding Educational Objectives (EO) course is a self-paced online learning experience that examines the writing, interpreting, and analyzing Educational Objectives. This course introduces students to the modern revision of Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives (Anderson and Krathwohl). It also shares concepts and techniques of how to write objectives, drawing on the research from the Comprehensive Framework for Instructional Objectives (Hannah & Michaelis). Learn More...

Professional Coaching

We here at SparkPlug Agility are excited to offer our professional coaching services publicly. We view coaching as work that happens in a one-on-one, group, or team setting where the focus is on growth and development of our client(s). This human relationship creates a productive partnership to uncover, explore, and unlock the things that will allow you to grow and develop into something more than you are today.

Our Approach
Coaching is not asking just a few questions and then saying "This is what you should do..." - that's giving advice and acts more like consulting. In a coaching relationship, the coach does not lead from the FRONT. Instead the coach leads from BEHIND, where you, our client, chooses the way forward. Our approach to coaching is inspired and influenced by the teachings of the Hudson Institute of Coaching, a market leader in professional coaching development.

Who we work with
We are excited to work with anyone who feels that a coaching relationship could help them grow and develop into realizing more of their potential. While this could include a range of professions, some good examples include:

Small business owners
Entrepreneurs
Independent Consultants
Organizational Leaders
Professionals focused on career development and progression
Professionals focused on changing jobs, careers, or industries
Aspiring and practicing Professional Trainers
Aspiring and practicing Professional or Agile Coaches
Managers supporting multiple teams

Available Engagements
Once we've determined a "fit", several options will be available to you, including:

"Spot" coaching - For a one-time fee, you can book time on a ad-hoc basis to explore whatever is at the forefront of your mind.
An extended coaching engagement - For a flat fee, a set of coaching conversations over time, normally three to six months or longer if needed to meet your longer-term goals.

We will work with you to find a payment plan and conversation schedule that best fits your unique situation.

Getting Started
Now that you know a bit about how we view coaching, you are probably asking "I'm interested, how can I get started?"

Initiate the conversation by completing the inquiry form so we can get to know you a little better, what steps you hope to take, and goals you want to achieve. If your needs are a good fit for our expertise, we'll schedule a "chemistry call" to meet via zoom, phone, or in person. In this no-obligation conversation we will explore what the relationship could look like, learn more about you as a whole person, and start to develop a strong working alliance. We consider this the beginning of our relationship as we work together towards your goals at the time and pace that you desire.

We appreciate your interest in professional coaching and look forward to the possibilities that lay ahead.

Agile Consulting and Coaching

We think of Consulting as a well-defined relationship where we provide our expertise, guidance, and knowledge to those looking for problem-solving support. Gerry Weinberg defines consulting as "influencing others at their request", and we share this mindset. Our clients often are looking for expertise related to:

Individual, team, and organizational assessments
Implementation and improvement plans
Standing up new agile teams
Sales, capture, and business development
Contracts and procurement
Resume reviews and profile updates
Job hunt and interview preparation

Our background in IT consulting in the commercial and Federal space affords us a wide range of expertise to offer. If you are instead looking for us to help you discover and achieve some specific goals, please see our Services Request Form and let's continue the conversation!