Session Information: This five-session Next Steps series will reconnect to past training topics in teen services as well as introduce fresh content relevant for staff engaging with teens. After opening the series with an opportunity to take foundational steps in planning services for and with teens through an exploration of youth development and concepts of connected learning, this series offers learning about next steps in equity work, futures-thinking, and meeting community needs in times of crisis.  Presenters in this series will include national experts, esteemed university instructors, and knowledgeable library practitioners from Maryland and across the country, bringing their knowledge and experiences on these topics. Each session will include opportunities for interaction, questions, and discussion, and many resources on these topics will be shared.

Session 1: Next steps in Foundational Teen Services 

Thursday October 3, 1:00-3:00pm

Description

Participants will build foundational knowledge and skills for teen services through a focus on youth development, connected learning and the importance of equity awareness and inclusive practices.. Through a range of activities and peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, participants will understand the importance of the covered in relation to teen services, and gain the tools to design programs and services that are teen-focused and equity-centered.  Following this workshop, participants will be able to design and implement relevant programs and services for and with teens in the library and in partnership with others in the community.  Activities in this workshop will be variations on activities presented in previous trainings throughout the state as part of the YALSA “Transforming Teen Services” (T3) national initiative.

Learning Objectives/ Participants will be able to:

--Identify the various ages and stages of youth development.

--Design developmentally appropriate activities and learning environments.

--Explain the concept of Connected Learning as it relates to educational and career opportunities and furthering equity in library services to youth and teens.

--List at least two strategies for (co)designing teen programs with an equity and inclusion lens.

Presenter:

Carrie Sanders has served as the Youth Services Coordinator for the Maryland State Library Agency since 2016, where she provides consultation and training to youth services coordinators for all Maryland public libraries in the areas of early literacy, STEAM programming, teen services, family engagement, and other initiatives surrounding youth services. Previous experience includes a decade of service as a school librarian and fifteen years of public library work as a children’s librarian.  She is passionate about helping library staff develop the skills, strategies, and awareness critical in creating equitable, inclusive programs and services for all ages, abilities, and populations of youth. She and her husband, Scott, are the parents of three grown children and one goldendoodle named Charlie.

CE Hours: 2 

Registration closes September 27.  A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants.