The last week of April is After School Professionals Appreciation Week! As a company that works with a ton of YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, School Districts, Parks & Recreation Programs, Child Care Centers, and all other organizations related to after school – we know how hard these professionals work!

There has been extra pressure added onto after school initiatives with many of the funding being cut from some classrooms like physical education, art, music, etc. The increase in homework throughout the years on younger age groups has created higher expectations of parents for them to have it done during after school hours. Also the need to provide affordable, or federally funded after school care for low income families or troubled teens is larger than ever. Whatever the case may be, the pressure to inspire and continue the education and well being of after school children is on for programs and the after school professionals running them.

Who is making it happen? The after school professionals involved in the programs. Activity Directors, Teachers, Program Coordinators – you are all amazing!

Education World has an article with 65 Ways to Celebrate Teachers All Year Long, and there are some great ideas in there that are sure to fit the professionals in your program. We’ve listed a few of our favorites below. The main thing to remember is that people who are taken seriously, provided with training and tools to succeed, and get recognized for their efforts will always shine! Treating employees in after school as the professionals they are and celebrating them is important!

1. Make staff members feel special and professional by purchasing business cards for them. If such a purchase is not in your budget, enlist the support of your art and technology teachers to use school computers to design and print cards.
2. Give teachers extra release time to observe another teacher in your school or a nearby school. Arrange coverage of the teacher’s class to enable the release time. This is a win-win for everybody; teachers really appreciate being treated as professionals and they pick up new ideas and skills.
3. Encourage individuals or teams of teachers to present at conferences. Provide the funding to support those efforts, which will motivate teachers and bring recognition to your school.
4. Host a staff breakfast early in the school year. Use this as an opportunity to make the breakfasts a monthly treat by signing up grade levels to plan future feasts.

See the full list on Education World’s blog. And for more ideas on how to celebrate After School Professionals Week, visit the National AfterSchool Association site.

HAPPY AFTER SCHOOL PROFESSIONALS WEEK!
Let us know how you celebrated below!

Visit our After School page for tools, supplies, and resources for your After School Program!