There is an increasing and disproportionate number of Black and Brown youth who are funneled out of public schools and into the criminal justice system. This is a result of a combination of factors, including zero tolerance policies, the criminalization of student misbehavior, inadequate support for our youth, and under-resourced schools and afterschool programming. 

The investment in the professional development of Youth Educators is directly tied to the freedom of our Youth.

LEAD THE WAY Believes Youth Development is a Practice of Freedom

Youth Educators Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline Project

LEAD THE WAY has launched the Youth Educators Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline Project because we understand that Youth Educators are a direct threat to and the first line of defense in disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline. It’s afterschool we can begin the revolutionary work of providing a space where young people can deepen their sense of community, and where, collectively, we can cultivate an ecosystem that is conducive for healing, growth, and the unleashing of our bravest dreams.

About this Project

  • Afterschool organizations and programming are traditionally under-resourced.

    Often youth educators and leaders are just thrown into the job with no official onboarding or training opportunities leaving them to fend for themselves.

    High staff turnover rates which impedes on program quality and causes low student engagement and turnout.

    Lack of professional development opportunities which creates poorly operated programs and leadership

    Lack of youth development knowledge and training

  • If we are going to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline we must adequately support the afterschool programs and professionals. We identified the number one contributing factor to all the challenges listed above was the lack of professional development systems and under investment of resources in staff.

    Research within the fields of education, early childhood education and afterschool programming affirms professional development activities can have an important impact on program quality and improving youth outcomes. It is crucial that there is equal investment in professional development of Youth Educators in their endeavors to invest in the development of our youth.

  • What core competencies do my staff need in order to effectively contribute to the achievement of my desired program outcomes and positively affect our participants' learning and healthy developmental needs?

    What are the supports needed by my staff to develop the skills and knowledge needed for quality programming?

    What type of professional development do my staff need to effectively execute their role and that adds value to them in order to (1) deepen their sense of belonging (2) invest in their career trajectory (3) and decrease staff turnover and job dissatisfaction?

    LEAD THE WAY will help you answer those three questions!

  • Out of School Time Organizations for the investment in their program leaders, educators, site corporations, managers, directors, and administrators.

    Schools and Institutions/Organizations that work with young people for their staff to be trained in youth development methodologies to transform their classrooms or spaces using education and facilitation as a practice of freedom.

LEAD THE WAY wants to support your group with creating professional development systems for your program staff. Working with us will be a direct investment in your staff’s professional development where they will be trained in youth development methodologies and core program leadership practices in order to effectively create a quality program that empowers youth to learn and lead. 

We will consider what competencies, skills, and knowledge your staff needs prior to and after being hired, and provide opportunities to strengthen and build these overtime in order to invest in your staff as youth development practitioners.

What are the components of this project?  

We structure the professional development systems based on desired outcomes. Below are some example components and activities that we use to build effective systems:   

  • Program Onboarding

    We develop a handbook guide and training providing an overview of the program vision, mission, values, policies, and procedures for newly hired staff.

  • Program Orientation

    We provide an educational session that provides the groundwork for new knowledge and skills at the launch of the PD process.

  • A Sequence of Trainings

    These are on-going sessions (in-person and virtual) that will focus on readiness and how to apply the professional development into practice.

  • Development Plans

    Staff will have the opportunity with support to identify a set of core competencies to grow throughout the program.

  • Site Visits

    Staff will have the opportunity for observation and feedback through a program site visit.

  • Instructional Coaching

    Staff will receive support with designing programming and tangible feedback to amplify strengths and support through challenges.

  • Mentoring

    We provide staff opportunity for ongoing formal relationships with youth development specialists and experts.

  • Learning Communities

    We provide staff with opportunities to learn and explore together in a group of peers sharing best practices and building community.

Steps to Designing A System of Professional Development

  1. Draw the Theory of Change 

  2. Refine and Affirm Program Goals 

  3. Agree On a Set of Core Competencies 

  4. Identify Short and Long-Term Outcomes 

  5. Agree on Organizational Resources Needed 

  6. Create the Professional Development Plan 

  7. Identify Data Sources and Process 

We believe in providing 360 degrees of support to our partners. We know that no two partners are alike and we customize our approach to each groups unique needs.

Why work with LEAD THE WAY? 

Our work is rooted and reflects the best available research in out of school time practices and adult learning theory available combined with an intersectional anti-oppressive leadership approach. Our deepest desire is to create a wholistic transformational experience for all those involved in the process. We consider and engage the fullness of a human in the design of all our work and spaces.

We work with a wide range of organizational budgets and do our best to meet each group where they are.

Want to learn more on how you can bring this to your group? Email tierra@letsleadtheway.org