This post is part of a series on ACRES, a free nationally acclaimed coaching program that builds knowledge and skills so afterschool educators, librarians and anyone who works with youth in out-of-school settings can confidently facilitate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) experiences for youth.
Afterschool Coaching for Reflective Educators in STEM, or ACRES for short, empowers out-of-school educators and the youth they work with to engage more fully with science, technology, engineering, and math.
One way ACRES does this is by training out-of-school educators to become coaches, so they can teach their colleagues and others in their community through the ACRES program.
Since 2021,more than 60 coaches, some of whom are featured on the ACRES website, have provided training and mentorship in their respective hubs across 28 different states.
A recent article written by ACRES coach Lily Tegner, published in Afterschool Today, is emblematic of the program’s flexibility and adaptability.
In the article, Tegner writes about how, in Alaska, the Afterschool Network connects AmeriCorps participants with coaching.
“Engagement with interactive, practice-based training like ACRES provides STEM coaches with a toolkit of communication strategies when they arrive at site to help ensure students are engaged fully and thinking critically.”
ACRES meets educators where they are to elevate STEM learning and ensure their skills can continue to develop and be shared. Visit the ACRES website to find out how to participate in an upcoming cohort.
