Expanded Learning Conference Equips Professionals for the Future

This week, more than 300 after-school professionals from across Kern County gathered at Standard Middle School for the Expanded Learning Project’s 7th annual After School Professional Development Conference.

Embracing this year’s theme, “Great Scott! The Future Starts After School,” conference organizers welcomed attendees with a full-size DeLorean time machine inspired by the iconic Back to the Future films.

The annual conference features workshops and professional development opportunities for after-school staff who serve students and families through expanded learning programs.

Jaime Cherry, Expanded Learning Coordinator for Richland School District and conference organizer, said the conference grew from a shared need for professional development opportunities for frontline after-school staff closer to home. 

Prior to the conference, many after-school professionals had to travel out of town for this level of training — an expense and logistical challenge that was especially difficult for smaller, rural school districts. 

What began as a collaboration between a handful of districts has since grown into the first conference of its kind in California, bringing together professionals from the Fruitvale, Fairfax, Norris, Beardsley, Standard, Richland, Arvin, and Wasco school districts.

“We started with just a couple of schools coming together to have professional development for activity leaders, our frontline staff, and throughout the years we saw the benefit, and so we decided to expand,” said Cherry. “Every year, we’re trying to serve more and more students. So the goal is to serve every single after-school program.”

Throughout the conference, attendees participated in workshops focused on classroom management, team building, student engagement strategies, and hands-on learning experiences. Vendor booths also showcased innovative educational resources, while interactive demonstrations gave educators practical tools and ideas they can implement at their own campuses. 

One of the conference’s biggest attractions was ZTAG, an interactive game that uses digital wristbands, lights and sound to keep participants moving while reinforcing teamwork and problem-solving skills. The activity quickly brought out the competitive spirit among attendees, giving them a firsthand experience at how technology can keep students active and provide enrichment.

For Jenny Ruiz, Site Coordinator for Richland School District, the conference has become an invaluable opportunity to discover new ways to connect with students both academically and socially.

“I find a lot of value in the classes offered because I feel like I learn a lot of different things that I can use at school with the students, but also in my personal life with my own kids,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz’s own children participate in her after-school program, giving her a firsthand look at how engaging activities can make learning exciting. Many of the conference workshops have inspired programs now offered at her school.

“A really fun one that we did last year was ZTAG, and now we’re going to implement it this school year,” Ruiz said. “It’s a physical activity, but you can also tie curriculum into it. We’ve also done podcasting and drones. Those were all classes offered here at the conference that we’ve brought back to our students.”

Students have responded enthusiastically to the program’s hands-on learning opportunities. Podcasting gives them the chance to interview one another and edit their own recordings, while drone activities remain a favorite. 

“They love it,” Ruiz said. “It’s really cool to see them experience activities they might never be exposed to if it wasn’t for the after-school programs.”

Providing those opportunities is especially meaningful in rural communities.

That’s something Terri Rocha, After School Education and Safety (ASES) Site Supervisor at James A. Forrest Elementary School in Wasco, has witnessed firsthand.

Rocha said the conference continually provides creative ideas that help keep students engaged even when outdoor activities aren’t possible because of Central Valley’s extreme heat or rainy weather.

“I have actually implemented a lot of different things that I’ve learned at the conference,” she said. “We’ve used activity dots that we spread across the floor so students can stay active inside when it’s too hot or raining outside. We’ve also used icebreaker cards that help students get to know one another.”

Those simple activities have had a lasting impact on students’ confidence and relationships. Rocha said the movement-based activities encourage students who may not enjoy traditional sports to stay active, while the icebreaker activities helped shy students come out of their shells and build new friendships.

“Students realize they have things in common with one another, and they end up making new friendships because the students they’re with after school aren’t always the same classmates they’re with during the school day.”

On the last day of the conference, the Expanded Learning Project recognized 17 Expanded Learning Professionals and Partners of the Year, honoring educators, site leaders and community partners whose dedication continues to make a difference in the lives of Kern County students.

Winners of the 2025/2026 Expanded Learning Professional of the Year Award 

Camilo Vasquez, Richland School District

Cristina Feli, Fairfax School District

Terra Reagle, ELOP Site Supervisor, Fruitvale School District

Misty Benavides, Afterschool TOSA, Arvin Union School District

Aundrea Wiswell, Norris School District

Terri Rocha, ASES Site Supervisor, Wasco Union School District

Aalayah Gandy, Standard School District

Matthew Espinoza, Beardsley School District

Winners of the 2025/2026 Expanded Learning Partner of the Year Award

Ivan Rodriguez, Richland School District

Amber Pires, Mira Monte High School

Sara Kreiser, Kindergarten Teacher & Summer Camp Mentor, Fruitvale School District

Matt Dang, Tech Director, Arvin Union School District

Quan Gan, Norris School District

Derek Giblin, PE Teacher, Wasco Union School District

Anselmo Arellano, PE Teacher, Wasco Union School District

North of the River Recreation and Park District, Standard School District

Olivia Figueroa, Beardsley School District