Session Preview
Preview the adult learning opportunities at the 2016 NAA Convention in Orlando,
Florida March 20-23.
Our primary goal with the Convention is to deliver exceptional learning
opportunities to help further your work and professional development. That’s why
we’re sharing information on the 140+ workshops and express sessions we’ve
selected from the call for proposals.
For more information and to register (get the early bird rate through February 1),
visit: http://naaweb.org/convention
Please note: all content, including presenters, titles, and descriptions, subject to
change or cancellation. We will announce Exhibitor Sessions and additional learning
opportunities over the next few weeks. Stay tuned for updates and a full schedule of
sessions in February 2016.
Table of Contents
Presentation Formats ............................................................................................................................ 2
Session Strands ........................................................................................................................................ 2
Workshops................................................................................................................................................. 3
Developing High Quality and Innovative Programs: Workshops .................................... 3
HEPA, Community and Family Engagement: Workshops ............................................... 11
Program and Professional Development: Workshops ..................................................... 14
Super People. Super Powers: Workshops ............................................................................. 20
Youth Engagement: Workshops ................................................................................................ 22
Learning Express.................................................................................................................................. 28
Developing High Quality and Innovative Programs: Learning Express ..................... 28
HEPA, Community and Family Engagement: Learning Express ................................... 29
Program and Professional Development: Learning Express ......................................... 31
Super People. Super Powers: Learning Express ................................................................. 32
Youth Engagement: Learning Express .................................................................................... 33
All content, including presenters, titles, and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
Presentation Formats
1. Workshops: These 75-minute adult learning opportunities are the heart of
Convention. These sessions span from hands-on trainings, panels, lectures
and active activities that will keep you moving. We work to make our
workshops and engaging and interesting as possible, so please bring your
problems, questions, or ideas to any sessions you attend.
2. Learning Express: These quick takeaway sessions are only 30-mintes,
but offer you insights and ideas you can use right away. We schedule these
quick sessions at the end of the day so you can sit back and get some great
ideas after a long day of learning!
Session Strands
All workshops and learning express sessions fall within our five learning strands,
aligned to NAA’s Core Knowledge Competencies:
1. Developing High Quality and Innovative Programs: Great
Afterschool programs provide quality, engaging education programs for
students. Sessions in this strand focus on learning environments and
curriculum; child/youth growth, development and assessment; Social
Emotional Learning; and STEM programs. This strand is aligned to NAA’s
Core Knowledge Competencies 1, 2, 3.
2. HEPA, Community and Family Engagement: Safety, wellness and
engagement from stakeholders are crucial for Afterschool programs.
Sessions in this strand focus on HEPA standards, healthy eating and physical
activity, as well as community and family resources and engagement. This
strand is aligned to NAA’s Core Knowledge Competencies 7, 8.
3. Program and Professional Development: An Afterschool program
is only as good as its staff, and providing professional development
opportunities for Afterschool professionals ensures that staff are able to give
their students the best possible Afterschool experience. Sessions in this
strand focus on coaching and HR resources for staff, funding and
sustainability and other operational strategies such as program marketing
and recruitment strategies. This strand is aligned to NAA’s Core Knowledge
Competencies 9, 10.
4. Super People. Super Powers: Afterschool Professionals are truly
superheroes in their communities and serve as role models for their
students. Sessions in this strand will celebrate Afterschool professionals and
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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help provide tips for maintaining work/life balance, time management,
emotional intelligence and share success stories and Afterschool heroes.
5. Youth Engagement: Afterschool programs cannot succeed if their
participants aren’t engaged. Sessions in this strand focus on ways to get and
keep students engaged in their programs, including cooperative learning,
bullying prevention, and cultural competency. This strand is aligned to
NAA’s Core Knowledge Competencies 4, 5, 6.
Workshops
See below for titles, descriptipons, and presenters for our workshops, divided by
strand. All workshops are 75-minutes long. We will share scheduling information in
the coming weeks.
Developing High Quality and Innovative Programs: Workshops
3D Printing: What You Need to Know
There is a lot of excitement around 3D printers and what they can do. This session
will go beyond the marketing hype and share real experiences (good and bad) from
two people who have been using 3D printers in a learning environment for a
number of years. Come learn what they can actually do for your program, and what
they can't!
Shawn Grimes, Digital Harbor Foundation; Stephanie Grimes, Digital Harbor
Foundation
Building Blocks of Learning
Legos are the most popular building toy in the world. How can we sneak in learning
with Legos? In this hands on session, you will discover activities that are not only
fun, but educational too!
Kelly Moeller, Metro Kids Care
Creating Year-Round Literacy Opportunities
Reading, writing and thinking critically are important skills students need. But
during the summer months, students can lose approximately two months of reading
achievement. Come and hear from award-winning programs about their work
keeping kids engaged in literacy all year and how they help to minimize summer
learning loss.
Mary Kathryn Tippett, New American Pathways' Bright Futures Afterschool
Program; Nikki Yamashiro, Afterschool Alliance
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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Culture Shock: Diverse Courses for Diverse Cultures
Addressing the needs of minority students is the key component in building a
diverse and appealing afterschool program. In this session you will learn how to
create STEM-focused courses that attract and engage minority groups, and that
retain, empower and motivate those students.
Christy Murray, Tambelynn Wallace, University of Texas Tyler After School Program
Developing Youth Skills for Global Readiness
Explore and boost your program impact. P21 and Asia Society team up to share 21st
century global readiness outcomes for youth and provide practical strategies to
intentionally plan hands-on activities around global readiness. Participants will
share their own strategies and come away with a host of ready to use resources
from the field.
Heather Loewecke, Asia Society; Helen Soule, Partnership for 21st Century Learning
Don’t Procrastinate, Play Now!
Have you ever seen a child so deep engaged an activity that he ignores the world
around him? Learning through play opens the mind to new possibilities and deep
engagement. This session will discuss how bringing play into the classroom helps
strengthen focus, independence and problem solving, while also eliminating the fear
of failure.
Noah Hollenkamp, City Academy School
Effective Use of SEL Assessment: A National Effort
To begin addressing one of our biggest social challenges—the achievement gap—
the YMCA of the USA has implemented an afterschool program through local YMCAs
that aims to improve academic performance by helping high-need students’ develop
strong social emotional skills. Along with our partners from the Devereux Center for
Resilient Children, we will share how we the use of the Devereux Student Strengths
Assessment (DESSA) to measure, improve and develop the social emotional skills of
the participants in our programs. Hear from national and local community YMCA
staff and learn tips for making the most of your SEL efforts.
Jennifer Fleming, Devereux Center for Resilient Children; Maria Guzmán, YMCA of
the USA
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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From Out-of-School To Outer Space: Fun NASA Science
Give young learners the excitement of exploring our solar system! NASA’s FREE outof-school time activity guides are perfect for upper-elementary afterschool and
summer STEM/STEAM programs. Leaders only need curiosity to learn with their
kids...no science background required! Using readily accessible materials, you’ll
grow your professional skills and grab young people's interest with fun and
engaging hands-on activities that “rock” through happenings in the solar system
today!
Leslie Lowes, NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Go Beyond Gaming, Be A Game Maker!
Gaming is extremely popular, yet we often ask whether games really have an impact
on learning? Discover how to go beyond simple edutainment by teaching students to
develop their own games. Receive an introduction into gamemaking along with a
toolkit of open source resources for further development. Go Beyond Gaming!
Shawn Petty, Edvance Research
Hands-on STEM Activities for Earth's Sake
This session will present activities that take an interdisciplinary approach to
problem-based learning on real world issues related to our environment and
society. Hands-on activities, including simulation games, explore issues related to
sustainability and population growth, carrying capacity in nature, natural resource
use, land use, biodiversity and more, helping young people to engage with
environmental science in fun and interesting ways.
Susan Schleith, Florida Solar Energy Center (UCF)
Igniting the Fire in Middle & High School Students
The University of Chicago’s UChicago Impact recognizes that education is a surefire
pathway for first-generation and low-income students to embark on successful
futures. Working with school-level and afterschool partners, UChicago Impact has
developed and shared 6to16, a curriculum aimed at not only helping students
realize ambitious life visions, but also at building the intrapersonal and
interpersonal skills are needed for future success. Join UChicago Impact in exploring
powerful strategies for preparing kids to accomplish their dreams.
Anne Frazier, UChicago Impact; Grisel Maldonado, UChicago Impact
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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Inspiring Continued Learning Beyond the Bell
Come explore how Orange County, Florida’s award winning After School Zone helps
middle school youth excel academically through its Award-Winning Young
Entrepreneur’s Shark Tank and Summer Climb Reading Literacy Programs. In this
session, you will receive program resources and a hands-on learning experience to
keep your youth coming back for more!
Kelvin Curry, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida; Cory Johns, YMCA of Central
Florida; Lasheena Williams, Orange County Government
It's a Bird, it's a Plane, it's a Film Festival
It is time to take your students'movie making skills to a higher level of learning and
entertainment. session participants will learn key steps in the process of taking
student-made short films and creating a district-wide community event where
student films can be shared and showcased.
Bryan Zerio, Farmington Extended Care and Learning
Leveraging Partnerships to Serve the Whole Child
Struggling with student behavior? Need more staff? Not enough resources? Using
Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets® as a guiding framework, session
participants will walk away with ideas on how to promote resiliency in youth, ignite
sparks and build a case management program through university partnerships.
Jennifer Cook, Good Samaritan Community Services; Ellie Saucedo, Good Samaritan
Community Services
Lovin' Language & Literacy—Fun with Words
Do you want lots of fun and engaging activities that focus on academics? You don’t
have to choose between fun and academics. When learning is active, engaging,
hands-on, novel, relevant and playful…learning is a whole lot of fun! In this fastpaced, hands-on session we will share our most popular activities and you will learn
our best tricks for teaching reading, writing, speaking, listening and language
skills—afterschool style!
Chelsea Ashcraft, Children's Choice
Making Books Come Alive! (And why it's necessary!)
Be prepared to amaze your kids with loads of intriguing, easy and almost free ideas
for activities that extend student learning and achievement in any content area
through books. Along the way, we'll validate just how important and fun daily
extension activities based on books can be. You can build and plan your whole
program around these ideas!
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Mary Beth Solano, B.A.S.E. Camp, Inc.
Making Math Fun! Creative Hands-On Games.
Discover fun, creative ways to sneak academics into your afterschool program with
hands-on activities. Play games to support and reinforce math skills taught during
the school day. Samples and hand-outs provided.
Kathleen Jennings, Orange County Public Schools
Multi-Site Management: Promote Uniform Excellence
Participants will gain the knowledge and skills to provide the framework to address
the unique challenges of multi-site management.This discussion-based session will
allow participants to identify challenges and set goals and desired outcomes for
their multi-site programs. They will also learn strategies for operating and
facilitating multi-site programming that ensures uniform and consistent student
experiences.
Michael Waters, Westlake City Schools
Prep Rally: Helping Kids Get Ready for Emergencies
Save the Children’s Prep Rally program helps children learn how to prepare for
emergencies through engaging resources, activities, games and discussion. Come
learn how you can use this free turnkey curriculum to meet the specific needs of
your community.
Sarah Thompson, Save the Children
Promoting Middle School Literacy in Afterschool
This session will expose participants to strategies for promoting literacy during
programming, as well as strategies for designing highly engaging and targeted
literacy enrichment activities. Special focus will be placed on the guided reading
model, vocabulary acquisition, student choice, text selection and school
collaboration. The session will be accessible to all regardless of prior teaching
experience.
Daniel Levitt, ExpandED Schools; Jennifer Siaca Curry, ExpandED Schools
Quality Assurance: Lessons in Process & Impact
In Fall 2014, the Harlem Children's Zone created a Quality Assurance and Support
Team to enhance high-quality practices in its middle and high school afterschool
programs. This session will engage participants in a case study of the collaborative
process, from designing the immersion observation tool to creating Action Plans and
providing intensive coaching, to sharing patterns and lessons with stakeholders and
making revisions based on feedback in a continuous improvement circle.
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Laura Vural, Harlem Children's Zone
Quick and Easy Science (STEM) Starters
Looking for a way to introduce STEM to students, parents, or staff in an informal and
engaging way? Join this session for an array of STEM icebreakers! These activities
build teamwork, encourage cooperation and leave both students of all ages and
adults wanting more. These budget-friendly STEM icebreakers introduce STEM
topics and impart skills and concepts in a fun, engaging and meaningful way. They
also shape a learning environment, where inquiry-based, collaborative and processdriven learning becomes the norm.
Kristi Anderson, Girlstart; Kathleen Fischer, Girlstart; Itzel Gutierrez, Girlstart
Reading Aloud: More Than Just Storytime
Is your program in an urban center where most of the kids have never been
camping? Or far enough from the ocean that they’ve never been to the beach? Take
them on an adventure through books, then bring it to life in your classroom. Learn
active read aloud strategies to make reading a fun experience for both you and the
kids. Explore adaptable hands-on activities that can be done in 30 minutes or
extended throughout a whole week to build background knowledge and literacy
skills.
Stephanie Berman, The Reading Connection
Ready, S-E-T, Go: Building a Thriving SEL Culture
Research shows that social emotional learning (SEL) can help improve academics,
attendance, and behavior in students. Creating a culture where SEL can thrive
requires teachers and mentors to have a deep understanding of SEL as well as being
supportive, engaging, and thoughtful when interacting with students. Trainers from
WINGS for kids, the only education program focused solely on teaching SEL in
afterschool, will show you how to evaluate SEL in yourself and staff, build the
fundamentals of a SEL culture and provide the steps for infusing SEL into your own
work through “Teachable Moments.”
Nicole Lovecchio, WINGS for kids
Social and Emotional Learners: The Ways of Being Model
Participants will learn about a newly developed Ways of Being model as well as
practical strategies for applying it to their work. The model describes the attitudes,
skills and behaviors that exist within a person who is socially and emotionally
competent. Participants will engage in a mapping activity that guides them to
consider how their current program activities address social and emotional learning
and helps them identify areas on which to focus more intentionally in the future.
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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Margo Herman, University of Minnesota Extension; Kate Walker, University of
Minnesota Extension
STEM Partnerships with Science Centers
Looking to improve your STEM programming? Partnerships with science centers
and museums can bring a wealth of resources. But, authentic and substantive
partnerships can be tricky! Where do you start? How do you structure and sustain
them? Hear directly from science centers on their perspective and experiences
partnering with afterschool providers—and bring your questions!
Melissa Ballard, Afterschool Alliance; Samantha Thorstensen, Florida Afterschool
Network
Successful Summer Programming
In this session participants will learn about three successful summer programs that
any school or afterschool program can implement easily and efficiently. We will
discuss how to incorporate standard-driven lessons, STEM based activities,
collaborative learning, cultural understanding and self-expression into summer
learning programs in order to develop an enriched and expanded worldview.
George Fiocca, Philadelphia Electrical & Technology Charter HS
Summer Slide Solution: A Recipe for Success!
Research shows an integrated approach to reading that includes access to lots of
content-rich, age-appropriate literacy materials, combined with aligned activities,
effectively addresses the summer loss of learning typical among 80 percent of
disadvantaged children. This skill-building, interactive session will give you the
tools to develop a summer learning program that shows impact on reading abilities
in children, presenting you with an inexpensive ''recipe'' that integrates reading
through STEAM into your existing summer activities.
Julie Rodriguez, Reading Is Fundamental
Supporting English Learners After School
Experience the Language in Action Program! This program supports authentic
language acquisition for English Learners in the afterschool setting. Program lessons
are designed to promote authentic language acquisition through oral response,
vocabulary and writing practice and listening skills. Students practice language
skills in the real world setting while creating and executing service projects in their
communities.
Alvaro Cortes, Beyond the Bell, Los Angeles Unified; Robert Diaz, Beyond the Bell,
Los Angeles Unified; Harry Talbot, Beyond the Bell, Los Angeles Unified
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Taking Art Outdoors
Come ready to explore and make art using open-ended materials that stimulate
creativity and can be done outside! Participants will discover new and exciting
activity ideas to use in their programs with school-age kids.
Stephanie Howard, Child Care Resource Center
TALE: Training for Afterschool Literacy Education
Afterschool practitioners play an important role in supporting kids' literacy
development. In this session participants will discover the depth and breadth of
materials available for children and youth, practice activities that support children
reading aloud and understand the importance of providing both mirrors and
windows through multicultural reading opportunities.
Susan Hamann, OregonASK; Rachel Kessler, OregonASK
The Power of 21st Century Technology in Afterschool
Empower yourself and your staff with the skills necessary to incorporate 21st
Century Technology in your Afterschool program. In this session, you will learn
about the five C's of Technology, and how you can implement them immediately;
21st Century Technology is the future and the future is now!
Christopher Becerra, Brea Olinda Unified School District; Kyle Coates, Brea Olinda
Unified School District; Meredith White, Brea Olinda Unified School District
The Power of Library and Museum Partnerships
The Chicago Public Library and Museum of Science and Industry have a nationally
recognized multiyear partnership to include STEM in the afterschool and summer
learning settings. This session will outline the successful model we have used to
create our long term, high impact partnership. We will focus on identifying and
leveraging the strengths of each organization and combining existing programs to
increase their impact. Specific topics will include finding connections between
literacy and STEM, identifying appropriate STEM activities for the library setting,
creating high quality training professional development opportunities for program
leaders, multi-site implementation and pursuing shared funding opportunities.
Elizabeth McChesney, Chicago Public Library; Brett Nicholas, Museum of Science
and Industry; Bryan Wunar, Museum of Science and Industry
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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The Power of Positvity
Think positively, be positive and positive things will happen. Learn to encourage an
atmosphere in that staff and youth can enjoy together and that promotes social and
emotional gains, minimizes behavioral referrals, enhances learning opportunities
and supports the whole child's individual needs.
Mallory Deprey, YWCA New Britain
Upgrading Your STEM Programs
Facilitating fun STEM learning in your programs is the first step. Turn it into an
excellent learning experience for all by infusing real math, fostering identity
development and reaching your students equitably. This session will share
research-based strategies, resources and tools for strengthening your STEM
programs.
Ben Dworken, FHI 360; Maryann Stimmer, Educational Equity Center at FHI 360
HEPA, Community and Family Engagement: Workshops
Advancing Healthy OST: Reaching New Standards
A national movement is underway among OST providers, intermediaries and
advocates to promote healthy eating and physical activity in before school,
afterschool and vacation programs and camps. Come be a part of the conversation
aout how we will get this done! Learn the new NAA standards and leave with
strategy. We will talk and move!
Georgia Hall, National Institute on Out-of-School Time; Jean Wiecha, RTI
Ask Human Resources
The LET-US-Play principles: removing Lines, eliminating Elimination, reducing
Team size, identifying Uninvolved staff/children, and modifying Space, equipment,
and rules of games help providers achieve the NAA HEPA Standards. Attendees will
evaluate traditional games and apply these principles through experiential game
play. LET-US-Play resources are freely available at p2yp.org.
Stacy Litteral, Kids' Country
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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Developing a Community-Wide Youth Wellness Initiative
This session explores the lessons during one rural town's process of developing a
comprehensive initiative to combat youth overweight and obesity issues while also
having a positive impact on academic success. The Watchdogs and Wellness
Initiative started in 2008 with the Beresford School District and has grown into a
six-way community-wide partnership that has reduced youth overweight and
obesity rates by over 15 percent. The initiative now encompasses school-based
programming, before/afterschool-based programming and summer programming
that has been specifically designed to build upon and link connections between each
program area.
Scott Klungseth, Beresford PRCE
Get Kids Moving to Learn!
After sitting through a school day, how much time have your kids spent moving?
The research is clear: keeping kids moving while learning promotes academic
performance and cognition, as well as reductions in the need for behavior
management. Learn about research and best practices for implementing physically
active lessons in your afterschool program.
Julian Reed, Furman University
Get Out There! Connecting Kids & Nature
A growing body of research supports the idea that spending time outdoors in a
natural setting makes kids happier, healthier and smarter. NAA’s standards for
Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) in OST programs provide countless
opportunities for outdoor play, learning and exploration. Join us to explore research,
best practices and examples of successful OST programs that provide kids
opportunities for active outdoor play and exploration.
Jessica Culverhouse, National Recreation and Park Association; Daniel Hatcher,
Alliance for a Healthier Generation; Kellie May, National Recreation and Park
Association; Ava Young, Alliance for a Healthier Generation
Learning At-Home Strategies to Get Parents Involved
In the session, participants will review Joyce Epstein’s Six Types of Parent
Involvement with a special focus on facilitating activities to help engage parents
with their children’s learning at home. Participants will walk away with tips, trends,
best practices and fun hands-on activities that any parent can learn and do at home.
Latasha Battie, Chicago Youth Centers
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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Let Us Play: Principles to Get ALL Children Active
The LET-US-Play principles: removing Lines, eliminating Elimination, reducing
Team size, identifying Uninvolved staff/children, and modifying Space, equipment,
and rules of games help providers achieve the NAA HEPA Standards. Attendees will
evaluate traditional games and apply these principles through experiential game
play. LET-US-Play resources are freely available at p2yp.org.
Daniel Hatcher, Alliance for a Healthier Generation; Robert Weaver, University of
South Carolina
Nourishing Minds: Serving Healthy Meals at Your Program
Afterschool and summer learning programs play important roles in preventing
childhood obesity by encouraging healthy lifestyles for young people. Discover how
to leverage partnerships with schools and community organizations to provide
students with healthy meals and how to apply for federal funds. The session will
highlight examples of successful programs, discuss how to incorporate important
partners and provide key resources for creating healthy menus.
Signe Anderson, Food Research and Action Center; Alexis Steines, Afterschool
Alliance
Outside the Box: Creative Ideas Common Equipment
In this session participants will experience "Out of the Box" activities that help
professionals integrate hula hoops, scooters, bean bags, fitlights, jump ropes and
other tools in activities that meet national and state standards. This equipment is
common in many afterschool programs, but some programs are unaware of how
versatile this equipment can be. Each of the activities presented is designed to help
youth succeed in all three learning domains, and each lesson has the potential for
math, science or language arts integrations.
Scott Klungseth, Beresford PRCE
Raising HAPIY: Fostering Healthy Practices in Youth
Health is a key component of out-of-school programs. In this session, we will share
health practice examples that model how to engage the students, families and
communities we serve. You will leave this session with strategies and ideas to
implement in your own OST environment.
Victor Joseph (Veejay) Atilano, OC Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance;
Ashley Cheri, OC Asian & Pacific Islander Community Alliance
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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The Value of Free Play in Afterschool Programs
This session will focus on the importance of putting more emphasis on children's
free play. Participants will learn how free play can be an important the source of joy,
discovery and exploration for children in their afterschool programs.
Steingerdur Kristjansdottir, University of Iceland
Program and Professional Development: Workshops
Afterschool Leadership: Linking Programs and Success
What does it mean to exercise and exert leadership in out-of-school time? What
does that look like, feel like and sound like? What is your role in ensuring that
quality leadership is evident? This interactive session will provide a clear,
operational definition of leadership while providing specific guidance on how to
develop and demonstrate leadership traits that promote professional excellence and
continuous quality improvement.
Brodrick Clarke, PG County Department of Parks and Rec.
Becoming Newsworthy: Using Media for Sustainability
Media exposure can support long-term program sustainability, but what makes your
program newsworthy? Learn how to pitch and message your program, and discover
follow up strategies to get the most impact for long-term sustainability.
Alli Lidie, AfterSchool Works! NY: NYSAN; Kelly Malone Sturgis, AfterSchool Works!
NY: NYSAN
Blended Learning for Today’s OST Professional
Join this panel of experts to learn how blended learning for professional
development is possible. This panel will share benefits and strategies of a blended
learning model for OST professionals and address the myths around creating college
connections, “any time” online learning and discussing on-the-job training that
works. Come prepared to discover elements needed to create a comprehensive
development plan for your team.
Jaime Garcia, Extend-A-Care for Kids; Alice Hall, Georgia Southern University; Janeal
Roberts-Doctolero, Compass Learning Group LLC; Maria Taylor, Child Care
Education Institute
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Building Resilience & Grit in Youth
Over the past 10 years, we as youth workers and educators have been striving to: 1)
be strength-based in our approach to children and youth, 2) focus on increasing the
resilience of children and youth, and 3) use the language of protective factors as a
common-sense means to measure improvement and motivate all to share in the
responsibility for raising youth. In this session, we will review the research that
supports the framework, the political and social ramifications of the work and
provide new insights into how resilience can be taught and how it can be caught.
Derek Peterson, International Institute for Student Support
Creating a Strong Development Plan
A diversified revenue base is crucial to the health of a non-profit. In this session,
explore the very important intersection of Development and Programs, assess your
current budget and learn how to identify potential stakeholders in your community
to ensure the long-term financial stability of your organization.
Jessica Bailey, New York Junior Tennis and Learning; Brooke Rogers, Wingspan Arts
Creating Partnerships that Support Student Success
Partnership and communication are essential elements to creating learning
environments that support student success. In this session, participants will learn
about leveraging communication structures and partnerships to help drive
programming and develop linkages to the common core and grade level
expectations. The session will use current research and present practical tools that
programs can use to implement the strategies covered and practiced in the session.
Kenneth Anthony, Connecticut After School Network; Tracy Bennett, THINK
Together; Suzette Harvey, Prime Time Palm Beach County
Data Data Everywhere But Not a Fact to Share!
Data: They’re everywhere! Yet, many programs, districts and networks face
challenges in collecting or analyzing meaningful data, and communicating results. In
the afterschool field we too often rely on anecdotal evidence in a world where “hard
data” is the only language policymakers and funders seem to speak. This session
serves three purposes: 1) Share a data success story from the state of NH where the
Department of Education, the NH Afterschool Network and a state university
teamed up in a mutually beneficial partnership; 2) Share the results of data analysis,
the challenges faced and next steps for getting the word out; 3) Discuss ways in
which audience members can leverage untapped resources to create dynamic
partnerships.
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Hilary Swank, Plymouth State University
Developing Savvy Community Partners
Let’s move beyond using data for compliance! In this session, we show how Denver
Public Schools helps more than 300 afterschool organizations to use student data to
improve and expand their programming. Participants will discuss specific strategies
for engaging and educating your providers and plan to take action once they leave.
Katherine Plog-Martinez, Denver Public Schools & Denver Afterschool Alliance;
Daniel Read, Denver Public Schools
Eight Habits of Highly Effective Afterschool Leaders
How can you be more effective at leading others in the afterschool profession?
Attend this event and explore the traits, passions and habits required to be a highly
effective afterschool leader. These eight habits are essential for afterschool
professionals in leadership roles leading kids, mentoring colleagues or supervising
staff. Come investigate these powerful elements and learn practical approaches to
enhance these traits and transform yourself and others into extraordinary
afterschool leaders.
Mike Ashcraft, Children's Choice
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Licensing
Interpreting state Child Care Regulations, communicating with licensors and
organizing licensing paperwork are important tasks for afterschool program
leaders. Participants will learn how to communicate and establish relationships
with licensors, as well as best practices for assembling and organizing licensing
documents. We will also discuss the impact of technology in school-age programs
and how it may affect staff.
Jill Brown, Champions
Frame it Right! Winning Afterschool STEM Messages
Advocates, fundraisers and communicators know that telling a great story can boost
support for afterschool STEM, but how do you know which story works? You test it!
We’ve done just that. Join us to learn about new data on afterschool STEM from the
America After 3PM report and then learn how to use it to tell a story. We will
present new research-based communications tools and strategies developed
especially for building support for afterschool STEM. In this hands-on session,
participants will see the research behind the recommendations and try their hand at
using these new tools. They will leave with proven talking points, PPT slides you can
swipe and even an animation you can use.
Anita Krishnamurthi, Afterschool Alliance; Jennifer Nichols, Frameworks Institute
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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InventionX: Using the Five-Stage Invention Process
Everywhere around us there are challenges waiting for the right inquisitive mind to
question and change the status quo. InventionX catalyzes this problem-solving
mindset in today’s youth. In this session, you will preview the InventionX 5-step
problem-based-learning framework that will engage their students in creating
solutions to custom designed challenge topics. This curriculum framework was
developed to help bring the excitement of real-world invention and
entrepreneurship to K-12 STEM education.
Casi Herrera, National Girls Collaborative Project
Making Quality Improvement Continuous: It Works!
Continuous program quality improvement is the ideal, and it is attainable! Learn
how to implement continuous improvement strategies in your program and how to
update processes you are already trying. Hear how others have actively involved
stakeholders in taking a deeper role in this work. This session will provide tools,
discussions and tips that will help prepare you for success.
Alli Lidie, AfterSchool Works! NY: NYSAN
NAA Core Knowledge and Competencies: What-Why-How?
Whether you are an administrator, trainer or site staff working with youth, the NAA
Self-Assessment Tool could be what you have been waiting for! Learn to use this
tool, based on the NAA Core Knowledge and Competencies for Youth Development
Professionals, to guide professional development, hiring and evaluating staff. Join
this session to learn how to help yourself and your staff to grow professionally.
Heidi Ham, National AfterSchool Association; Lorraine Thoreson, Michigan
Department of Education
Playful Teaching Practices
Playful teaching practices are essential to building relationships and creating
connections for successful group dynamics. Playful teachers develop positive
attitudes in their students and help students understand that learning can be fun
and joyful. This session will present a range of practical attention getters, team
dividers, motivators, transition activities and more.
Ezra Holland, The Holland Group
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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Power of Fun: Energizing and Invigorating Meetings
Powerful energizers can invigorate and build community! In this experiential
session—with a strong research base—participants will take away experiences that
will invigorate the power of teams and the power of creative leadership. Come learn
tips for making mixers and energizers an important part of the learning and
engagement!
Sheila Smith, Michigan State University; Jennifer Weichel, Michigan State University
Powerful Training, Powerful Trainers
Real learning makes its way out of the room and into the world. Come learn
techniques and strategies that make your training dynamic and helps ensure that
the content you teach is put into practice.
Gale Gorke, Kids Kan Inc.
Program Evaluation for Documenting Effectiveness
In this interactive session we will explore methods for determining program
effectiveness in STEM and parent involvement. Funders often ask for evidence that
your program works. This session will give you those tools to make your case.
Participants will discuss the elements of program effectiveness and practice key
program evaluation skills using case studies.
Marta Larson, Michigan After-school Partnership
Reflective Practice (Site Manager Super Power)
How do we capture our collective experience and use it to inform and inspire
continuous improvement? How do we initiate and sustain reflective dialog with
staff? In this session we will use an original tool, “Reflection Cupcakes,” as we apply
reflection skills to youth work scenarios. Reflection cupcakes are “bite-sized
conversations” designed to help leaders initiate reflection with an individual staff
member or group. The cupcake model provides guiding questions and supportive
theory to help site managers generate meaningful discussion. Receive several useful
cupcakes and the recipe to make your own!
Emily Holder, Saint Paul Public Schools
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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Rural Afterschool Programs: The Essentials
Afterschool programs are an integral partner in rural communities. They keep kids
safe, inspire learning and support working families, but many providers nonetheless
struggle to sustain their programs. Learn about the current rural afterschool
landscape and promising practices rural program providers are implementing to
stay open and meet their communities' needs.
Michelle Rich, Iowa Afterschool Alliance; Barbara Winters, 21st Century Learning
Grant Community Connections; Nikki Yamashiro, Afterschool Alliance
Sharing Powerful Messages
This session will present stories and successful examples from the field to help
participants learn how to develop their afterschool messages, tailor it to different
audiences and use effective messaging to build champions and support for program
sustainability.
Sherry Comer, Camdenton R-III Schools Afterschool Programs; Casey Hanson,
Missouri AfterSchool Network
Strategies for Aggression Reduction and Bullying Prevention
Responses to bullying such as “Words can’t hurt you,” or “Ignore it”, simply do not
work and are not fair to children. This session is an introduction to a practical,
research-based rubric approach that is applicable to all kids. Participants will learn
how to define bullying and how to support victims, aggressors and witnesses in
your program.
Elizabeth Kennedy, Burr Community Afterschool Program, Inc
The Nitty Gritty of Establishing Leadership Training
Leadership training is a hot topic and critically important. Learn how to obtain
funding, design meaningful training and reap the benefits of this powerful form of
professional development. Build advocates for afterschool, establish the next
generation of leaders and strengthen skills and confidence of those serving our
communities!
Linda Barton, Wyoming Afterschool Alliance; Linda Barton, Wyoming Afterschool
Alliance; Ellen Gannett, National Institute on Out-of-School Time; Diane Genco, New
Jersey School- Age Care Coalition; Kathy Schleyer, National Institute on Out-ofSchool Time
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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Theory to Practice: Reflection in Youth Work
Establishing a reflective practice is personally and professionally challenging!
Reflection takes time (don’t have it) and commitment (already stretched thin). Yet
we know that thinking together about our work is critical to improving staff
performance and programming quality. How do managers encourage reflective
practice in staff? This session features a series of reflection tools (created for the
National AfterSchool Matters Practitioner Fellowship) and reveals the one “super
skill” needed for implementation.
Emily Holder, Saint Paul Public Schools
Wanted: Exemplary Learning in After School
What are the most innovative afterschool programs around the country? What are
the traits of high quality programs? Join this session to help identify what it takes to
become an exemplary afterschool program and get a first look at a new evaluation
tool geared to discover what works best in after school.
Helen Soule, Partnership for 21st Century Learning
Why Do They Act That Way?
Come learn how to build positive rapport with youth and develop lasting
relationships that motivate, set goals, encourage healthy decision-making and
support success.This session will explore the various physical, social and cognitive
aspects of the development stages of youth and how understanding these stages
help us support youth as they seek to reach their potential.
Gale Gorke, Kids Kan Inc.
Super People. Super Powers: Workshops
Effective Storytelling and Securing Funding
Come learn a practical four-step, research and practice-proven communications
strategy. You will leave the session with tools and resources that identify the What,
Who, How and Why of your message—and go further to identify where to share
your story for maximum impact.
Julie Newport, Collaborative Communications
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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Got Parents? Strategies To Engage Beyond Carpool!
If it takes a village to raise the child, how do you get the villagers to partner with you
beyond permission slips and carpool pickup? Don't miss this tool- and examplefilled session that showcases six different strategies and approaches to effectively
attract and engage parents and caretakers!
Eric Rowles, Leading To Change
Power of Failure: Why Great Adults Let Kids Fail
In a culture dedicated to achievement, children fear failure like nothing else. Dr. G
demonstrates how paths that lead to true success all require learning about,
experiencing and overcoming failure. She shares how to empower kids to learn and
grow with skills needed to be resilient when they fall flat, get up and go for it all over
again.
Deborah Gilboa, MD, AskDoctorG.com
Self-Care and Coping Skills for Practitioners
You have devoted your professional career to caring for, educating and assisting
children in pursuing their goals, but no one ever said it was an easy job. Teachers,
childcare providers and similar professionals are natural nurturers and caretakers.
But who takes care of you? Learn some techniques in this session for self-care in
your daily job.
Ebony Grace, NJSACC: The Statewide Network for Afterschool
The Super You That Lies Within
Join this session and step away from what you think you’re supposed to do or be
and re-discover you—the perfectly imperfect you that already exists. Because
within that “you,” limitless power exists. Within that you is a Super You. And that is
the you that youth need to see.
Erika Petrelli, The Leadership Program
Tools to Energize Staff through Family Engagement
Family engagement is a challenge no matter the goal of your afterschool program,
but attracting families to participate in wellness efforts can be particularly difficult.
You’ll leave this session with simple and practical strategies to inspire your staff to
create positive and long-lasting relationships with families.
Daniel Hatcher, Alliance for a Healthier Generation; Kellie May, National Recreation
and Park Association; Michelle Owens, Alliance for a Healthier Generation
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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What’s EQ Got To Do With It? EQ After School
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is a powerful tool that can inspire how you see and
respond to the world around you. Developing EQ can have a profound positive effect
on you as a well as the people you work with. In this fun and engaging session you
will not only gain a better understanding of what EQ is, you will also learn practical
ways to incorporate EQ into your work with all kinds of people and leave with
valuable tools that you can use immediately. You will also be able to analyze some of
your most important relationships at work and in your personal life.
Kari Knutson, Knutson Consulting
You Can’t Make Everyone Happy. You're Not Pizza.
If I could choose one superpower to have, it would be to make everyone happy all of
the time. Wouldn't that be great? In the real world, that’s just not possible.
Approaching and navigating a tough conversation is one of the most stressful things
you will have to do. Whether it’s an upset parent or demotivated staff, ignoring it or
putting it off will just multiply the stress on everyone involved. This workshop will
give you a super power level of confidence to approach and navigate those difficult
conversations. You will learn easily applied tips and tricks that are proven to help
turn a difficult conversation into a successful result.
Stacy Litteral, Kids' Country
Youth Engagement: Workshops
Active Learning: The 1-2-3 Step Approach
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” In this
session, participants will learn a simple and intentional approach to activity design
that will help them to incorporate key youth engagement strategies in all your
afterschool activities. Learn to identify facilitation methods which support youth
engagement and discover a Youth Development Training Collaborative tool that
facilitates active learning. This session is based on the understanding that the best
learning emerges in the context of supportive relationships that make learning
challenging, engaging and meaningful.
Stacy Silverman, Champions
Beat and Bars: Djing from a STEAM Perspective!!
Ever wonder how professional music producers and Dj’s blend sounds and
manipulate music. It’s all about STEAM. Music, Art and Technology are leading
influences in youth culture. This session demonstrates ways to integrate popular
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music and technology into afterschool programs to promote 21st Century Skills,
cultivate creativity and encourage self-expression.
Timiya Clark, Public Health Management Corporation
Beyond Bullying: Creating Supportive Cultures
Moving beyond just a definition of and emotional reaction to bullying, this
presentation talks about prevention. We will discuss how we can create caring
communities and positive climates not only in our schools and in our afterschool
programs as well. We will discuss what bullying is and what it is not, and identify
ways to tell the difference between normal conflict and bullying; how we can help to
empower children to stand up when they see others being victimized; and what
effective anti-bully programs look like.
Kari Knutson, Knutson Consulting
Beyond Race: Tools To Teach Social Justice
In this powerful session, practitioners will be exposed to the various layers of
identity that millennial students claim in their diverse worlds, and how afterschool
providers can understand and support some of the most pertinent needs facing
today’s student. Fast-paced and hands-on, this presentation is specifically designed
for individuals that are currently or plan to work directly with students and ready to
go "deeper" with exploring race, culture, privilege and class in today's settings.
Eric Rowles, Leading To Change
Bringing The Maker Movement To Your Program
The maker movement is gaining STEAM and empowering youth to be productive
without sacrificing creativity. Learn more about what a maker is and how the
principles of the maker movement can be easily integrated in nearly any program.
Shawn Grimes, Digital Harbor Foundation; Stephanie Grimes, Digital Harbor
Foundation
Bringing Youth Development Outcomes to Life
Simple, concrete things can have a big impact. In this session, participants will codesign asset-based approaches to programmatic practice that help young people
meet the six aspects-of-identity that are key to positive youth development.
Shavon Campbell, DC Trust; Peter Guttmacher, DC Trust for Youth
Bullying Prevention and Education
Successful bullying education models/programs in the US and England can help us
to better understand and define bullying, as well as to imagine effective
interventions. This session will present multiple ideas and resources that
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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practitioners can use in their afterschool programs with youth and for professional
development with program staff.
Alice Hall, Georgia Southern University
Cultural Competency: More Than Flags and Festivals
When we talk about being culturally competent, many of us think about “celebrating
diversity.” What if there was more to it than that? Developing cultural competency
includes examining our own biases and developing the wiliness to learn and be
educated from a different point of view. Being culturally competent can help with
your ability to interact successfully with all kinds of people. In this presentation you
will cultivate your ability to understand, communicate with and interact with people
across cultures.
Kari Knutson, Knutson Consulting
Empowering Youth with Disabilities to Lead, Mentor and Advocate
Youth with disabilities have more opportunities than ever before to be leaders
within their communities. Afterschool programs have the unique ability to help
young self-advocates with disabilities learn to lead, mentor and advocate for
progress. Effective programs for youth with disabilities encourage high
expectations, inclusion and visionary thinking. Such programs focus on three
principles: understanding disability pride and history, creating opportunities to be
innovative and creative and navigating the structure of support and opportunities
that exists for students with disabilities.
Alexander Cherup, Nevada PEP
Empowerment Improv: Cultivating Self-Confidence & Assertiveness
Learn to use improv to offer middle and high school students an opportunity to
skillfully address tough situations in a safe environment. Topics include conflict
resolution, ethical dilemmas, diversity, peer pressure, bullying, and positive
reinforcement. Participants will receive access to a FREE new Empowerment
Improv facilitation guide developed by the Wayne State University C2 Pipeline
program.
Jeff Jantz, Wayne State C2 Pipeline
Engaging Youth In Fiery Conversations
Ferguson. "Redskins." Mandatory voter registration ID cards. They're the topics that
you just know could cause conflict—but do they really have to lead to physical and
verbal drama? These are called Fiery Conversations—and for a reason! Come to this
heated, but also healthy, dialogue focused session to learn how to facilitate multiple
points of view with young people. You'll learn not one but five different ways to
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facilitate the Fiery Conversations and ensure that everyone can speak their
minds…and agree to disagree.
Eric Rowles, Leading To Change
English Language Learning with Fun Socialization
In this session participants will explore how they can increase English Language
proficiency without the students knowing it by leading discussions and activities
that improving oral and written skills in fun and engaging ways. Participants will
learn how to engage students in activity-based learning experiences, such as
cooking and science projects, while conversing in a comfortable and casual way that
helps improve English fluency.
Sil Ganzo, ourBRIDGE
How Do You Help Young People Build Their Futures?
Engage in and learn about the new national 4-H curriculum—Build Your Future:
Choices… Connections…Careers—designed for teens in multiple settings. Nine
hands-on lessons, including two online options, teach skill identification, career
exploration (including entrepreneurship), financing careers and educational
training and workforce preparation. Build Your Future aligns with national careertechnical education standards. Come experience the hands-on way!
Debra Barrett, Michigan State University Extension; Laurie Rivetto, Michigan State
University Extension
Integrate SEL Into Everything You Do!
Children need intentional instruction to learn social and emotional competencies to
interact with others, foster meaningful learning and feel connected. Social Emotional
Learning (SEL) helps children to seek help when they need it, manage their own
emotions and problem solve in difficult situations. In this session participants will
learn strategies for including SEL in everything they do.
Megan Green, The Center for the Collaborative Classroom (Formal
Introduction to Motivational Interviewing
Too often, one-on-one conversations with youth fail to create any real improvement.
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a tool psychologists use to motivate their clients,
and new research suggests it is effective with youth in casual settings. This training
will explore the basics of motivational interviewing, giving participants a chance to
learn, practice and love MI!
Aaron Romens, Motivate Youth
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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It's All Fun and Games for Indoors
During rainy or cold times of the year, there's nothing more important than active
indoor games for kids. Kids don't slow down for the weather, so any go-to list of
active indoor games has to be ready at all times! In this session we will share
favorite indoor activities or games that will keep the kids of all ages happy and
engaged, even on the gloomiest of days. Come ready to have fun and make noise!
Kelly Jimenez, Pasco County School Board PLACE; Jeanine Mouret, Place (21st
Century Star Academy)
Meeting Youth Where They Are: Access & Inclusion
Removing barriers to program access, and including all children in meaningful ways
in afterschool programs, is of utmost importance but not without challenges. This
session will look at strategies to promote increased access and inclusion specifically
through the lens of a physical activity-based positive youth development program,
Girls on the Run.
Heather Britt, Girls on the Run International; Mary Uran, Girls on the Run Twin
Cities
Multicultural Activities for Kids: Getting Hands-On
This hands-on, activity based, training for frontline school-age providers will engage
staff in incorporating multicultural activities in their programs. Presenters will leave
with resources and motivation to implement activities directly in their program.
Kelly Malone Sturgis, AfterSchool Works! NY: NYSAN
Social and Emotional Development Beyond the Bell
This interactive session provides participants with strategies for supporting the
social and emotional development of youth using tools from the Beyond the Bell
Toolkit. Participants will learn research-based practices and work collaboratively to
integrate skill and competency development (Social and Emotional Learning, 21st
Century Skills, Higher Order Thinking skill) and assess staff SEL understanding and
practices.
Fausto López, American Institutes for Research; Deborah Moroney, American
Institutes for Research
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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The OST Impact on STEM Identity in Girls
This session will focus on ways afterschool can support positive STEM identity and
engagement in girls and young women. Participants will learn effective strategies
for successful youth engagement in STEM activities and how to help girls develop
meaningful STEM identities.
Mandy Lee, Girl Scouts USA; Joan Monti, Baruch College Campus HS; Maryann
Stimmer, Educational Equity Center at FHI 360; Xiu Ti Wang, Girl Scouts USA
Triple Delight Fitness: Yoga and Zumba
This session focuses on the importance of health and nutrition for children, with an
emphasis on yoga and Zumba. Participants will learn yoga exercises, breathing
techniques and meditation approaches that work for all children, including special
needs children. We’ll also practice Zumba, with a warm-up, a breakdown of routines
and a rhythm review, focusing will teach particular steps and aerobic dance. Join us
for a fun and active session with props, scarves, balloons and hula hoops.
Victoria Cook, The Campagna Center
Up and Movin'- Activities That Reach and Teach
Planning activities appropriate for all youth in a program can be challenging. Come
learn techniques for reaching and engaging students of diverse cultures,
socioeconomic conditions and abilities. Discover strategies for creating a safe and
caring educational environment that encourages interaction. Join in high-energy
activities that encourage team building, communication, problem solving and
conflict resolution.
Gale Gorke, Kids Kan Inc.
What If It Were Me?
Working with students who have special needs can be difficult, but is, ultimately,
very rewarding. In this session, participants will gain an awareness of the challenges
faced by children with disabilities, learn how to build positive rapport and foster a
positive relationship that accommodates for their needs and encourages their
success.
Gale Gorke, Kids Kan Inc.
What If...? Discover The Power of Possibility
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A simple phrase, What If...?, can prompt students and adults to think about their
lives from new perspectives. Through the use of engaging questions, creative
thinking exercises and interaction among students and educators, afterschool
programs can help young people embrace their potential.
Brad Lademann, Missouri Afterschool Network
Learning Express
See below for titles, descriptipons, and presenters for our learning express sessions,
divided by strand. All express sessions are 30-minutes long. We will share
scheduling information in the coming weeks.
Developing High Quality and Innovative Programs: Learning
Express
Bark Up the Right Tree and Learn Many New Tricks
Fun, Interactive Social & Emotional workshop-Receive a complete complimentary
Mutt-i-grees Curriculum developed at Yale University 21C. Create an anti-bullying
environment in your program with a focus on teaching empathy. Over 4000
programs have embraced Mutt-i-grees. New, Innovative, Many prizes, fun await
you.
Norma Meek, North Shore Animal League
Building Resiliency Through Mindfulness Techniques
Learn how to children manage their emotions and build resiliency simply by using
their minds. Hear the science behind how simple mindfulness techniques used in
afterschool programs can help build resiliency in children through simple, researchbased approaches.
Jackie Thurnau-Anderson, YMCA of the USA
Create Meaningful Service Opportunities with "TLC"
In this hands on session, learn how DC SCORES, a nationally recognized youth
development organization, engages low-income youth in 3rd-8th grades in
meaningful service after school by providing opportunities for students to build
teamwork, leadership and commitment while they explore and deepen their
connection to the community.
Rachel Klepper, DC SCORES
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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Helping Girls Make Themselves Heard
Helping teenage girls create a healthy self-image can be a daunting task in a culture
rife with unrealistic expectations and standards of beauty. Girl Chat! provides a safe
environment for ailing girls to share their experiences and find resources and
support along their journey to self-discovery to womanhood. This session equips
practitioners with the tools and support they need to face the various issues young
women are confronted with today.
Tiana Brown, Norwalk Housing Authority
STEM & Comics: NASA GPM’s Raindrop Tales
In this session, participants will learn about a comic book, created by NASA’s Global
Precipitation Measurement Mission, to teach young people about how the satellite
works and why we need to study the water cycle to monitor floods, droughts,
hurricanes and the ways weather and climate are changing. The free comic book is
also accompanied by lesson plans and ideas for using it with students in formal and
informal settings.
Kristen Weaver, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Strengthening STEM Capacity with The Connectory
Parents are increasingly looking for afterschool programs that offer high-quality
STEM opportunities. Find out how The Connectory can help you leverage resources
and strengthen your capacity by connecting to other programs, sharing ideas and
networking with a growing STEM Community.
Jolene Gustafson, National Girls Collaborative; Karen Peterson, National Girls
Collaborative
HEPA, Community and Family Engagement: Learning Express
No Gym, No Problem!
Physical activity is an important part of afterschool programs, but access to
gymnasiums and outdoor space is often limited. This fun, hands-on session will
allow practitioners to engage in a variety of activities they can do in almost any
space.
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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Emily Hagstrom, Via Evaluation; Kim Luce, Child and Adolescent Treatment Services
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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Program and Professional Development: Learning Express
Are you Ready? Prepare to be a Mentor!
Whether you’re a manager or work in an OST program, at some point in your career
you have benefited from having a mentor. Come learn how you can become a
mentor and support colleagues in the field. The OST profession needs you!
Janeal Roberts-Doctolero, Compass Learning Group LLC
Effective Staff Orientations for Afterschool
You have the power to plan an afterschool staff orientation that creates the
framework for success! Program staff orientations are essential for afterschool
programs, and benefit from a comprehensive approach that involves multiple
vectors for disseminating program information. This session will share experiences
and research-based resources that will help you design orientations that prepare
your staff members to succeed.
L. Daniele Bradshaw, Liberty University
Integrated Learning Opens Doors
This session focuses on the connections between formal and informal learning
processes in the context of school and leisure-time centers for school-age children.
Integrated learning is introduced as a conceptual framework that will help you
organize a more dynamic and efficient learning experiences for children.
Kolbrun Palsdottir, University of Iceland
Looking for A Mentor—Where Can I Find One?
Did you know that people with mentors earn higher salaries, are promoted more
frequently and report higher job satisfaction than those without mentors? Everyone
talks about the benefits of having a mentor, but do you know where to find one? Join
this session to learn simple steps to find yours!
Janeal Roberts-Doctolero, Compass Learning Group LLC
Recharging your Super Heroes
Do you communicate on a frequent basis with your staff? How do you support your
staff? Do they enjoy small incentives and perks? Are you looking for strategies for
good staff retention? This session will provide some simple and effective tools that
will keep your staff coming back for years!
Christina Bunis, Lois Parsons, Nashua Adult Learning Center
All content, including presenters, titles and descriptions, subject to change or cancellation.
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Systematic Qualitative Analysis: Using the Data We Often Ignore
For too long, the word “data” has come to mean just one thing: numbers. In this
session, emerging researchers will see how: 1) qualitative data—when systematic—
IS data; 2) the technical challenges are solvable; and 3) they can learn more than
ever about their programs.
Daniel Read, Denver Public Schools
The Benefits of Servant Leadership in Afterschool
This session will focus on how the servant leadership ideology can be used
effectively in the management of afterschool programs. We'll also explore how
applying servant leadership ideas can benefit managers, both in their private and
professional lives.
Steingerdur Kristjansdottir, University of Iceland
Super People. Super Powers: Learning Express
Be Fearless in Your Fear
At some point in your career you will be assailed with self-doubt, crippled by fear,
plagued with worry. Yet you are the leader. You're the one with charisma. You're the
one with vision. Passion. The knowing. Come discover how to get it all done and still
come out alive.
Donna Dwyer, My Place Teen Center
STEM Careers, Hands-On Exploration for Afterschool
This workshop session is a hands-on exploration of the curriculum S.INQ: STEM
Careers. Participants will dive into NGSS aligned activities that highlight the
knowledge and 21st century skills necessary to flourish in a STEM field like
Engineering or Health Sciences. This workshop will guide after school educators in
the Inquiry and critical thinking that will make the projects effective and engaging
for Middle School students. A curriculum with 10 lessons and additional materials
will be provided.
Rachel Kessler, OregonASK
You Gotta Laugh Two!
In this follow up to the wildly popular 2015 session, you will discover the elusive
elixir of love, life and laughter. Improve your personal performance, peer popularity,
puns and programming!
Clint Darr, Missouri Afterschool Network
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Your Super Power = How to clone yourself!
Wouldn’t it be great if you had Super Powers and could make an exact duplicate of
yourself? Think of all the work you could get done if there were two of you doing
what you do well! With attainable goals and strategies for implementation,
professional development can be an effective way to bring out the best in the
leaders around you. It doesn’t take super-powers, but it does take planning! This
session will you build a professional development plan for you and your staff to
improve your program quality and create a positive team culture.
Holly Carr, Click2SciencePD
Youth Engagement: Learning Express
Connecting Students To The Community Through Arts
This session introduces ideas and methods on how to connect youth with their local
community through the arts. We will focus on community involvement through
public arts and on building relationships with local arts organizations.
Lillian Fortino, Norwalk Housing Authority
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