The middle school professional development training series is comprised of the following six core training offerings designed to complement and build on each other and provide a holistic learning experience. Each training is engaging and interactive! Click here to visit our  middle school-focused training calendar to start your registration.

Inspired to Empower Teens
[Part 1: First Steps (90 min), Part 2: Cultivating Your Potential (90 min)]

Upon successful completion of this training series and follow-up assignment(s), the participant will earn 4 clock hours (.4) CEUs of training. 

[Part 1: First Steps (90 min), Part 2: Cultivating Your Potential (90 min)]
How can you motivate and empower teens? That is the driving question behind this foundational two-part training series that focuses on your powerful role as a middle school practitioner and examines your potential effect on teens. While considering the purpose and motive behind your work as a Youth Development Professional, you will learn how to develop your potential to strengthen, inspire and empower young people.

Please note: Only afterschool practitioners working with teens should register for this training.

Engaging Teens
[(Part 1: Why Necessary? (90 min), Part 2: Charting Your Course (90 min)]

Upon successful completion of this training series and follow-up assignment(s), the participant will earn 4 clock hours (.4) CEUs of training. 

with the right knowledge and approach, it can be done! In this two-part training, you will learn how to engage middle school youth in a way that empowers and motivates them. You will also explore the developmental features of the adolescent brain and receive strategies for developing fun programs and activities that keep teens coming back.

Please note: Only afterschool practitioners working with teens should register for this training.

Building a Positive Community with Teens
[Part 1: Laying the Foundation (3 hrs), Part 2: Meaningful Relationships (3 hrs)] 

Upon successful completion of this training series and follow-up assignment(s), the participant will earn 6 clock hours (.6) CEUs of training.

To learn, stay engaged, and develop as individuals, teens need a safe, predictable, joyful, and inclusive space where they can experience belonging, significance and emotional safety. They also need to feel comfortable taking risks and working with their peers. How can you create such a space for the teens you work with? This lively training series explores the environment in which you work with youth and provides strategies, fun group activities, and relationship-building meeting structures that will help you establish a community that promotes positive experiences for teens.

Please note: Only afterschool practitioners working with teens should register for this training.

Teens and the Family Connection 

[Part 1: Building Blocks (3 hrs), Part 2: Strong Partnerships (3 hrs)] 

Upon successful completion of this training series and follow-up assignment(s), the participant will earn 6 clock hours (.6) CEUs of training. 
Today’s families are busier than ever before. The demands of modern life can make it difficult for parents to stay fully involved in their children’s education. Yet, studies have shown that parent involvement is one of the biggest predictors of student success. Family engagement has a life-long impact on the lives of youth and is a critical part of any effort to engage and empower teens. So how can you increase connection with families and involve them more fully in their children’s efforts in your out-of-school time program? This powerful training series provides the answer. While exploring the challenges modern families face, you will learn how to improve your connection with families and increase their involvement with their teens and your program. You will also gain key principles and strategies to help you build a strong platform for effective family engagement.

Please note: Only afterschool practitioners working with teens should register for this training.

The Responsive Teen Advisory Council (Single Session)

Upon successful completion of this training series and follow-up assignment(s), the participant will earn (.3) CEUs of training.

Once you have a Teen Advisory Council at your program, what is the next step? This activity-filled training provides the answer by introducing a strong “whole child” framework and routines designed to help council members build critical life skills while cultivating positive, meaningful relationships with their peers and with adults. 

Please note: Only afterschool practitioners working with teens should register for this training. Completion of “Teen Advisory Councils (Parts 1-4)” is recommended before taking this training.