Professional Development
Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
ACRES: Info Session about Micro-credentials and Digital Badging | Tue. January 16, 2024 |
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET | ACRES (Afterschool Coaching for Reflective Educators in STEM) is excited to offer additional Information Sessions about STEM micro-credentials, which are competency-based, digital badges for afterschool and out-of-school professionals offered through the National Afterschool Association. Complete this form to sign up.
2024 Solar Eclipse – Informational Webinar | Tue. January 23, 2024 | 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. ET |Are you ready for the 2024 Solar Eclipse that will be visible across the U.S. on April 8, 2024? Join an informational webinar with NASA’s Science Mission Directorate for an update on the plan for the April Eclipse. During this session you will earn about: The science behind solar eclipses, connections to NASA’s study of the Sun, how to view eclipses safely, and NASA’s latest plan for public and student engagement. Register here. Learn more here.
State Training Resources
National Training Resources
Out-of-School-Time Learning: What Works and What We Still Want to Know | Wed. January 31, 2024 | 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. ET | This event will share resources including the What Works Clearinghouse through the Institute of Education Sciences and other databases to help providers and researchers understand what works in Out of School Time (OST) settings. Further, we will examine ongoing research in the field and consider what research questions need to be answered to move the OST research agenda forward. Speaker: Dr. Holly Miller (U.S. Department of Education). RSVP here.
PAST Professional Development Events
Professional Learning Community Series: Engaging in STEM Practices | October 4, 2023, November 8, 2023, December 6. 2023 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Through this Professional Learning Community Series, participants will learn strategies to address barriers to STEM participation, build on specific needs and strengths and challenges of youth and tactics relevant to youth that enable them to develop STEM and 21st century skills. Guest Speakers: Sheila James (Ohio Afterschool Network), Wayne Capps ( North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs), and Benjamin Dusek (South Carolina Department of Education). Learn more and register here.
NASA Curriculum and Resource Trainings | October 17, 2023 | 4:00 p.m. EST | Join this live 90 minutes session for educators to learn more about the First Woman Camp Experience Guide and Graphic Novel. NASA will share background on the STEAM activities and tips for implementation in afterschool settings. Register here.
Go Pro in the Skills of Reading | March 31, 2022 | There is a distinction between SKILLS vs TALENTS: Skills we choose. Talents we are given. We get better at the skills and talents fade, regardless of situation or circumstance. Participants will learn practical, applicable tactics, and strategies to implement in reading into their programs and households. Participants will leave with several “hacks” that will immediately increase engagement and activity for reluctant readers.