Attending any out-of-school time conferences these next few months? As we head into spring, plenty of professional development opportunities pop up, so take some time and learn something new. While you’re at it, be sure to stop by our booth and say hello!
Where We’ve Been . . .
Beyond School Hours XX — Atlanta, GA — February 22-25
Late February had The Walking Classroom in Atlanta, Georgia, exhibiting and presenting at Beyond School Hours XX. The conference was sponsored by Foundations, Inc., a nonprofit working to improve educational opportunities for children. It provided professional development for folks working with students of all ages, and included five keynote speakers, a wealth of workshops, and panel sessions. Also, several site visits and a pre-conference leadership institute capped off this conference!
Where We’ll be . . .
National Youth at Risk Conference – Savannah, GA – March 5-8
Next, we head on to Savannah, Georgia, for the National Youth at Risk Conference from March 5-8. This conference is sponsored by the College of Education at Georgia Southern University, and trains adults working with young people. Attendees will mainly hear about current research-based educational programs. In addition, they will discover how to help children and teens overcome threats to their safety, health, and academic achievement.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America Southeast Regional Leadership Conference – Montgomery, AL – March 14-16
After Georgia, we continue our journey across the south to Montgomery, Alabama. We’ll be there from March 14-16, and exhibiting at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Southeast Regional Leadership Conference.
National Afterschool Association (NAA) Conference — Dallas, TX— March 19-22
Then, from March 19-22, you can find us at Booth #617 at the NAA Conference in Dallas, Texas. Our Partnership Development Officer, Nicole Hunter, will also present at this conference, so catch her presentation (bright and early!) at 8 a.m. on March 21.
With its theme of Rising to the Challenge, the NAA Conference includes five keynote speakers in addition to over 200 workshops and poster sessions. It focuses on program development as well as the importance of youth, community, and family engagement. Besides these topics, the conference addresses healthy eating and physical activity, so professional development, learning experiences, and networking opportunities abound!
Association of YMCA Professionals (AYP) Northeast Regional Conference — Newport, RI — March 29-31
Next, we close out March in Newport, Rhode Island, and exhibit at the AYP Northeast Regional Conference. This year’s conference theme, Charting the Course, focuses on leadership development and also aligns well with the conference’s coastal location!
SYNERGY Conference — Charlotte, NC — April 3-5
Finally, we end our early spring travels in Charlotte, North Carolina. As April begins, we’ll be at the Synergy Conference, sponsored by the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs (NC CAP). NC CAP works to improve access to high quality afterschool and expanded learning programs for those at risk of education failure. This year’s conference theme is Spring into STEM! Our Partnership Development Officer, Nicole Hunter, will also be presenting on April 3, at 3:45 p.m.
. . . and TWC will be at more conferences as the year continues!
Keep watching for where to connect with The Walking Classroom. Check our website regularly for updates since we will add additional conferences as the year progresses.
Then, when you’re at the conference, come see us! You’ll easily recognize our logo on the distinctive green tablecloth, and you might pick up some swag! After all, nothing beats a free pen and/or lip balm!
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