The middle school professional development training series is comprised of the following eight 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.

Expanding Youth-Adult Partnerships Training Series

Upon successful completion of this training series and follow-up assignment(s), participants may earn up to 18 clock hours (1.8 CEUs) of training.

Building a Positive Community with Teens (Parts 1-2) 

Upon successful completion of this training series and follow-up assignment(s), participants may earn up to 6 clock hours (.6 CEUs) of training. 

[Part 1: Laying the Foundation (2 hrs), Part 2: Meaningful Relationships (2 hrs)] 

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. 

Engaging Teens (Parts 1-2) 

Upon successful completion of this training series and follow-up assignment(s), participants may earn up to 4 clock hours (.4 CEUs) of training. 

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

In this age of distraction, getting the attention of teens can seem nearly impossible. However, 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. 

Full STEAM Ahead with Teens (Single Session) 

Upon successful completion of this training, participants may earn up to 2 clock hours (.2 CEUs) of training. 

Learn how to strengthen teen collaboration and leadership skills through STEAM. Hands-on STEAM activities are an effective way to engage young people in learning as they discover, create and problem-solve together in OST spaces. Full STEAM Ahead with Teens is an experiential learning session designed to equip you with resources and strategies that foster exploration, confidence and leadership with young people in your programs.  Youth development strategies that encourage active participation and leadership will be modeled throughout the training and integrated in engaging STEAM activities that can be easily implemented with curious teens. 

Inspired to Empower Teens (Parts 1-2) 

Upon successful completion of this training series and follow-up assignment(s), participants may earn up to 4 clock hours (.4 CEUs) of training. 

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

How can you empower teens? That is the driving question behind this engaging foundational training series that focuses on your powerful role as a middle school practitioner and addresses factors influencing teen feelings of empowerment. By considering the purpose and motive behind your work as a Youth Development Professional, you will be encouraged to embrace your role as a leader while learning how to set goals that can help you develop your potential to strengthen, inspire and empower the youth you work with each day. 

Middle School Fundamentals (Single Session) 

Upon successful completion of this training, participants may earn up to 2 clock hours (.2 CEUs) of training. 

Set your programming year up for success with Middle School Fundamentals! This interactive training encourages practitioners to intentionally plan activities and community events that reflect organizational goals and youth voice. You will learn practical ways to explore new ideas and gain insight from youth as you create your programming and expectations for the school year. Middle School Fundamentals will empower you to design experiences that build positive relationships between adults and youth and boost a sense of belonging at your site. 

Promoting Responsive Practices for Youth Voice and Leadership (Single Session) 

Upon successful completion of this training, participants may earn up to 2 clock hours (.2 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. 

Completion of Expanding Youth-Adult Partnerships series is recommended before taking this training. 

Teens and the Family Connection (Single Session) 

Upon successful completion of this training, participants may earn up to 2 clock hours (.2 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 provides the answer. While exploring the challenges of raising a family in modern society, 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.