he Summer School Lunch and Learn Series is our newest professional development offering, co-organized with Jenice Lee of School After Hours. As with all new things, there are questions, so this list of FAQs is meant to answer the majority of them. If you still have questions, you can reach us anytime at [email protected] or set up a time to talk HERE.
What is the Summer School Lunch and Learn Series?
The inaugural Summer School Lunch and Learn Series is a weeklong 10-session professional development series for those who run summer programs for youth and children. Each session of the Series is taught by a different leader in the youth development field and is connected to all other sessions while also standing on its own. The Series is designed to provide high impact and value through a variety of topics and teachers who are skilled in making learning both impactful and engaging.
What is the theme of the Summer School Lunch and Learn Series?
As educators, we want the Series to be engaging and fun while also focusing on important content and impact. The theme will be Summer School. We will meet during Lunch Time (on the East Coast, anyway) and each “class” will be led by a “teacher” on a different subject. At the end of the Series, there will be a graduation. Throughout the Series, there will be other items to support the theme, and you are encouraged to play along as much or as little as you would like as the student. We have worked hard to strike a balance of being creative and fun while not putting anyone on the spot or force any unwanted wackiness.
Why did you create the Summer School Lunch and Learn Series?
The motivation for the Summer School Lunch and Learn Series came out of our own experience of running a full school year program only to turn around in a frenzy to prepare an entire summer program in a couple of weeks. Our goal is to support summer program professionals in planning effective summer programs that are not rushed or frantic. This first year, we are running the Series in April but as you adjust to planning summer throughout the year, we hope to run this again earlier and more frequently so summer can be a focus all year round.
It is also important to us that the Series is affordable and accessible while being impactful. We all know the importance of high-quality professional development, and we also know how challenging it can be to find it (especially for those in management). This Series does the planning for you in a way that saves you time and money while delivering the highest possible value.
What does the Summer School Lunch and Learn Series entail?
The School Lunch and Learn Series is a weeklong 10-session professional development opportunity comprised of two classes per day (for a total of 10) during the week of April 14. Each class lasts for 75 minutes and is taught by a different teacher. After each class you will receive an optional homework assignment to enhance your learning.
Who is the Summer School Lunch and Learn Series for?
The inaugural Summer School Lunch and Learn Series is designed for those who run summer programs for youth and children. This Series will benefit new and growing OST professionals in the field. Future series will continue to serve this community while also supporting those in other fields as well.
Who are the teachers in the School Lunch and Learn Series?
We have been very intentional in choosing teachers who are diverse in background, style, and subject area expertise while sharing a commitment to high-quality classes that support those in summer program leadership. Our teachers come from all over the country and all serve the afterschool community. Some are still working in direct service. Some teachers are professional trainers. One runs a podcast for the afterschool community. You can read more about each teacher in the information about their respective classes HERE.
When does the School Lunch and Learn Series begin and end?
The Series begins with on April 14, 2025, and graduation is April 18, 2025. There are 2 classes per day at 10:30am EST and 12:00pm EST. The full schedule is:
April 14 (10:30am EST)- Planning, Scheduling and Theming (Mizzen Education)
April 14 (12:00pm EST)- Creating Your Dream Team (IAmImpact)
April 15 (10:30am EST)- Mindfulness in Summer Programming (Yoga in Classrooms and Schools)
April 15 (12:00pm EST)- Every Behavior Starts with a Feeling (Flourish Lab)
April 16 (10:30am EST)- Trauma-Informed Care for Camp Leaders (Unbreakable Minds)
April 16 (12:00pm EST)- Working with Immigrant and Refugee Families (Ms. Cuglovici Abrao)
April 17 (10:30am EST)- Building a Positive Work Culture (Youth Development Pro)
April 17 (12:00pm EST)- Creating Inclusive Spaces (Brown on the Spectrum)
April 18 (10:30am EST)- Igniting Student Engagement (TEEK Consulting)
April 18 (12:00pm EST)- Wrapping up the Summer (School After Hours & KSC)
How much does the School Lunch and Learn Series cost?
Each class costs $19. The entire Series costs $129 with an early bird price of $99 through the end of February. Each option has an additional $.99 administrative fee.
Can I enroll other people into the Summer School Lunch and Learn Series?
Yes. You are able to enroll other people in the series. If you plan to enroll a large group, we will be happy to help you make the process as easy as possible (with some potential discounts).
Do I have to enroll in all classes in the Summer School Lunch and Learn Series?
No. We encourage it, of course, as the Series is jam-packed with valuable information, and you will get the most value by enrolling in all classes (as well as a discount!) If you would like to enroll in just one class or a number of classes, you are welcome to do that. Our hope is that you have the freedom and flexibility to do what works best for you.
If I only enroll for one class, will I know what’s going on?
Yes! The Series is designed so that each class is its own separate thing while also being a part of the larger Series. You will notice as you look through the class titles that there is a natural flow of the topics. You will get the most value and impact from enrolling in all sessions but will absolutely get high value if you are only able to enroll in one or some.
Do you offer any discounts for the Summer School Lunch and Learn Series?
We have done everything we can to keep the Series affordable while ensuring that all teachers are paid equitably (as they should be!) There is early bird pricing through the end of February. Additionally, if you plan to enroll your entire team or host a series exclusively for your organization, we are happy to talk with you about a price that feels good for everyone involved.
Do you offer refunds for the Summer School Lunch and Learn Series?
There are no refunds once you enroll in the Series. We are doing everything we can to provide this series at a price that is accessible and affordable while ensuring that those who are providing their time and expertise are compensated appropriately and equitably. This is no easy feat, but one we are happy to take on to provide the highest possible quality to you at the lowest possible price.
Are you able to run the Summer School Lunch and Learn Series just for our organization?
Yes. If you would like us to run a series just for your organization, we would be happy to accommodate that. This also gives you the freedom to customize the series in a way that best meets your needs regarding the number of sessions, the length of the sessions, the topics you are interested in, and when possible, the teachers you would like.
Will you be doing another Summer School Lunch and Learn Series?
That is the hope! We would like to run this series again for students who do not enroll the first time as well as another series for those who did (like a 2.0). Since it is a pilot, we will be gathering a lot of feedback to do the best we can to provide the most value for you.
Are classes in the Summer School Lunch and Learn Series recorded?
It depends on the preference of the teacher. Some sessions will be recorded and others will not. Some teachers will share their slides and others will not. Some will have handouts and others will not. This information is noted under the description of each class. Much like real-life teachers, everyone has their own style and preference and each class is a reflection of the individual teacher while all classes share a commitment to high-quality instruction.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for the Summer School Lunch and Learn Series?
No. We ask if you are able to please have your camera on and your mic ready to help create connection and a familial atmosphere as well as encourage active participation. After each session, you will receive a “homework assignment” that you are invited to complete to enhance your learning.
How do I enroll in the Summer School Lunch and Learn series?
You can enroll through Ticket Tailor at https://bit.ly/SummerSchool25. We would also appreciate your sharing the link with anyone else who you think may benefit.
What if I have other questions about the Summer School Lunch and Learn Series?
You can reach out anytime via email at [email protected] or you can set up a time to talk via phone or ZOOM HERE.
Do you offer other professional development in addition to the Summer School Lunch and Learn Series?
Yes! We have lots of other professional development for you including workshops, professional development series, coaching, retreats, virtual courses, and a virtual community filled with resources for managers and supervisors. You can learn more HERE.
