Virtual PD

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June 22-26, 2020

Why is NAA hosting an International Learning Exchange?

As the nation's leader in afterschool programs and professional development, NAA is eager to explore what is working in other places and bring those innovative ideas to our members, funders and national partners. We also welcome the chance to showcase some of the best in program design, development and investment in our field with international partners.

Is this a first-time event?

No, this will be the 6th International Learning Exchange (ILE) experience. ILE was established in 2015 to create an educational opportunity for NAA members to gain innovative knowledge that will elevate the afterschool field.

Past destinations have included Edinburgh, Scotland; Rome, Italy; Helsinki, Finland; Dublin, Ireland and London, England. Participants had an opportunity to engage with leaders of the Departments of Education, participated in panel discussions with practitioners and professional development experts to discuss key similarities and differences with the U.S. education systems, and have also enjoyed local sightseeing.

As the nation's leader in afterschool programs and professional development, NAA is proud to provide this opportunity.

The benefits of participating in ILE have proven invaluable. Participants have experienced firsthand the broader context of what's happening in the global afterschool community. Through cultural immersion, they’ve been inspired to observe similarities and differences in programming, funding and research. As a result, participants have been able to view their own programs through an unbiased lens as they’ve sought to validate their current successes and make thoughtful improvements upon their return.

How many people will be participating?

ILE is limited to 25 attendees. Space fills quickly, so reserve your spot today!

Who is participating?

Attendees are a combination of national and local afterschool program leaders, researchers and funders.

Why should I participate?

You'll experience incredible learning opportunities in one of the world's unique cities, you'll gain tremendous insight into innovative strategies that you can apply in your work, and you'll have the opportunity to network with colleagues from around the country.

Equally important, you'll have the opportunity to share your work and your program with other national leaders in our field.

The experience includes:

• 4 night hotel stay
• Meals and ground transportation to all ILE events
• Roundtable and panel discussion with some of Germany’s finest in education and youth development
• Networking breakfasts and keynote speakers
• Guided walking/panoramic tour of Berlin, a visit to the East Side Gallery and entrance to the Sanssouci Palace and the DDR Museum

BACK

Brought to you by Mimetics and the Jade Robot

There's no question that Robotics and Coding are critical in education for today's youth. The statistics speak for themselves. In the coming decade, millions of jobs will be lost to technology, while millions of new jobs will be created. The afterschool environment is a great setting for teaching robotics and coding but where do you start? Join Mimetics, inventor of the Jade Robot, for this free webinar as we explore:

• Why all children should have access to STEM and technology
• Why robots are ideal tools for STEM education
• What's age appropriate when teaching robotics and coding
• The features you should consider when selecting robot products

About our sponsor: Mimetics started in 2001 as a volunteer activity to introduce robotics to students as a tool for helping interest them in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). In 2013, Mimetics founders created the Jade Robot, which was designed using the lessons learned over the previous twelve years. Mimetics has worked with over 27,000 students ranging from 8 to 18 years in age.

Mimetics received its B-Corporation Certification in early 2017. Founder and president Myke Predko, who will be leading the webinar, has more than 30 years’ experience working for high technology companies including IBM, Celestica, RIM and Logitech, developing award winning products. Myke is also a best-selling author on the topics of robotics, electronics and programming.

WATCH RECORDING

You'll soon receive a confirmation email from info@naaweb.org with your webinar instructions.

Presented by Sanford Harmony

Learn easy routines and fun activities from the Sanford Harmony SEL Program to build supportive relationships in your afterschool program!

We’ll share how to gather your students for “Meet Up” to increase respect, kindness and teamwork and how to use “Buddy Up” activities to help your students build new friendships. You’ll also enjoy free giveaways and discover how to bring Harmony materials and training to your afterschool program for no cost!

Sanford Harmony is a Pre-K - 6th grade SEL program that fosters respect, kindness and empathy and decreases teasing and bullying. Students practice communication skills and learn to regulate emotions as they connect, collaborate, and problem solve. The Harmony Program is donated to schools and afterschool programs at no cost by Philanthropist Denny Sanford.

WATCH RECORDING

As professionals in the field of afterschool and expanded learning, it is important to remember that we need to actively build strong engagement with families when they can come to the school or program. Understanding that families are busy and frequently overwhelmed can help us think about how we can build stronger connections with families when they pick up or drop off their children at your program.

Here are five quick techniques that help to build strong relationships in a fast-paced culture.

Request your free eBook here!

About NAA
NAA is the membership association for professionals who work with children and youth in diverse school and community-based settings to provide a wide variety of extended learning opportunities and care during out-of-school hours. Learn More!

Join NAA as a member! Learn more at naaweb.org/membership

It’s hard to believe the holiday season is almost here! Soon a new year will be upon us—a time when we naturally reflect on the past year and think about our hopes and wishes for the new one.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your valued membership. Because of your partnership, NAA is able to provide afterschool leaders with tools and resources to assist you with you and your staff’s growth and development. I hope you’ve found them beneficial.

As a token of our appreciation, please enjoy this gift—a leadership exercise that encourages you to pause and reflect on the past year while also taking the time to plan for 2018.

Together, let’s make 2018 the Best Year in Afterschool ever!

UNWRAP YOUR GIFT

The Core Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies for Out-of-School Time Professionals (CKSCs) outline what professionals who  work with and for youth need to know, show,  and grow to positively impact young people and the field. The CKSCs can be used across organizations,  programs, and funding streams to define what it  takes to work with and for children and youth. They  can also guide the development of compensation  structures, inclusive and culturally responsive hiring  practices, professional development (PD) and PD  plans, career pathways, credentials and qualifications,  and mechanisms for demonstrating and assessing  practitioner’s skills.

As NAA celebrates its 30th Anniversary at the upcoming 2018 Annual Convention, NAA President & CEO Gina Warner will reflect on the history of NAA and the afterschool field. Her keynote will also include stories of BOLD afterschool leaders and programs. Who do you know who has been an inspiration to the field?

JOIN US AT THE NAA 2018 ANNUAL CONVENTION

Gina Warner
President and CEO, National AfterSchool Association

Gina Warner is president and CEO of the National AfterSchool Association (NAA). Gina began her afterschool career as a teen in 4-H programs in rural Alabama, and has continued to work at the intersection of education, youth development, public policy, and non-profit leadership throughout her career. She relies on her experience as a classroom teacher, an attorney, a U.S. Senate staffer, and a citywide out-of-school time leader to guide her work. As the leader of NAA, Gina works to meet the needs of both emerging and experienced afterschool professionals through enhanced training and development, increased communication, outreach, and membership engagement.