Professional Development

NAA publishes fresh, new content every week covering a wide variety of topics related to the field of aftershool. In addition, NAA offers a variety of opportunities for virtual professional development (PD) through meaningful content, conversations and connections. Click here to see full descriptions of virtual PD offerings.

AST Book Spotlight: The Four Pivots

Saturday, 01 April 2023 16:01

The Four Pivots: Reimagining Justice, Reimagining Ourselves is a book in which author Shawn Ginright explores deeply ingrained beliefs that keep people from healing and achieving sustainable systemic change. National AfterSchool Association friends recently read and reviewed the work for the 2023 Spring edition of AfterSchool Today to give us a preview before we dive in.

Three Ways that The Walking Classroom Makes Summer Learning Active, Engaging, and Fun!

Wednesday, 01 March 2023 10:53

There aren’t many things more exciting for kids than summer break. As out-of-school time (OST) professionals and caregivers know, kids need to keep on learning. Building fun, healthy, and engaging educational activities into summer programs is key to slowing down summer learning loss as well as helping kids catch up after recent disruptions to learning. Alliance for a Healthier Generation’s Walking Classroom program is one way to accomplish that.  

Care about Health Equity for Kids? Care about Job Quality for Adults

Wednesday, 01 March 2023 10:52

Before-school, after-school, and summer enrichment programs are a valuable part of the ecosystem—along with schools and other services- supporting young people, families, and communities. 

Questions About Workforce Shortages? Your Staff May Have the Answers!

Wednesday, 22 February 2023 10:50

Workforce shortages continue to change the landscape of the youth development field. Out-of-school time teams may not only struggle to maintain their staff-to-youth ratios sustainably, but they may also find that staff shortages may impact program quality and enrollment. We understand the problem, but who has the answers?

5 Ways to Create Loving Work Environments

Wednesday, 22 February 2023 10:49

For better or worse, February has been coined the month of love! While we are not going to present you with a corny Hallmark card or pretend to be romance experts, here are some tips and tricks from our friends at Reloveution that can help create more loving work environments:

Meeting The Demands of Out-of-School Time (OST) Programs

Monday, 20 February 2023 09:24

The best time to start or expand your out-of-school time (OST) program is now! Before the COVID-19 pandemic began, many parents were eagerly awaiting their child’s turn for a spot in their local programs. Demand has increased even further since then. Research shows that for every child enrolled in an afterschool program, there are four waiting to get in.[1] We want to inspire you to push forward with enthusiasm this year, to serve as many children as you can–they want what you have to offer!

Increase Access to Computer Science with Afterschool Coding Classes

Tuesday, 26 July 2022 14:18

Today’s children are growing up in a world that is highly reliant on technology. They will also face a job market where computer and technology skills will not only give them a head start but will likely be required. However, according to the 2021 State of Computer Science Education report, only 51% of high schools and 31% of K-8 schools in the US currently offer computer science. That’s where afterschool programs can step in and fill the gap.

12 Resources for AAPI Heritage Month and Beyond

Tuesday, 10 May 2022 13:08

May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. This is a time to pay tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and are instrumental in its future success. Use these resources during Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and throughout the year.

Celebrate Pride Month, Equity, and Inclusion This June!

Tuesday, 10 May 2022 13:05

June is a time to learn about, celebrate, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. #Pride lives in our history, our homes, our communities, and our hearts every day. Below are resources you can use to celebrate Pride Month this June and all year long. 

Juneteenth: A Time to Reflect, Educate, and Advocate

Tuesday, 10 May 2022 13:00

Juneteenth is a time to reflect and a time for advocacy and recognizing historical and ongoing injustices Black communities experience. Below are Juneteenth resources you can use to support your efforts. 

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