The National Afterschool Association will celebrate Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week from April 20 to 24 and has provided some tips on how teachers and students can commemorate the week.
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The week is intended to be a time to recognize, appreciate, and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours.
According to the National Afterschool Association, an estimated 10 million young people participate in afterschool programs annually that are staffed by more than 850,000 afterschool professionals, many of whom are often not recognized or appreciated for their work.
Research shows that afterschool programs run by skilled professionals result in increased social-emotional skills, school attendance, and academic performance.
The National Afterschool Association has recommended some ways to show appreciation for afterschool professionals:
- Write on social media: “Research shows that afterschool professionals make a profound difference in the lives of young people. #heartofafterschool”
- Give a hand-written card from you or your child to the afterschool professionals you know.
- Send an email to an afterschool professional’s supervisor describing why that person is appreciated.
- Make healthy treats for the staff at your afterschool program.
For more information on Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, visit the National Afterschool Association’s website.
