Mizzen Education is joining the national celebration of Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (APAW), April 20–24, to recognize the educators, mentors, and youth development professionals who make out-of-school time experiences meaningful for young people every single day.
At Mizzen Education, we know that high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs don’t just happen; they require passionate professionals who create spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow.
From helping youth build confidence and explore new interests to fostering belonging, emotional well-being, and academic success, afterschool professionals are at the center of it all. They are relationship-builders, problem-solvers, and champions for young people, and their impact reaches far beyond program hours.
That’s why we are joining the National AfterSchool Association in celebrating the incredible individuals who make this work possible.
Afterschool professionals are essential to the health of our communities. They create environments where learning feels joyful, where young people can take positive risks, and where families know their children are cared for.
One of the key tenets we teach in many of our trainings is this: Program quality is relational work. At the heart of relationships are people. When adults feel seen, supported, and valued, young people do too.
At Mizzen, we believe supporting youth starts with supporting the adults who serve them. That’s why we provide accessible, high-quality professional learning and ready-to-use resources that help educators build confidence, strengthen practice, and reduce the overwhelm that leads to stress and burnout. Our hope is that all out-of-school time professionals can spend less time searching and more time creating meaningful learning experiences.
Here are a few simple ways you can show your appreciation:
Share your gratitude publicly on social media with something simple like: “Afterschool professionals make a profound difference in the lives of young people. Thank you for all you do! #HeartOfAfterschool”
Write a personal note or card from you and/or your child to an afterschool professional. A handwritten card from a student, family member, or colleague can go a long way in reminding someone that their work matters.
Send a message to a program leader or supervisor sharing why a staff member deserves recognition.
Create small gestures of appreciation for your local program staff, such as a thank-you board, team snacks, coffee delivery, or staff shout-out, can help make professionals feel seen and celebrated.
Advocate for afterschool professionals by supporting conversations around job quality, professional development, and sustainable investment in the afterschool field.
Join us and thousands of others as we celebrate the heart of afterschool! To explore more resources and ways to get involved, visit the National AfterSchool Association Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week page.
Explore Free Resources for Your Team
Looking for practical tools, ready-to-use activities, and professional learning designed specifically for afterschool and youth development professionals? Mizzen Education offers free resources that help staff save time, reduce burnout, and create meaningful learning experiences for young people.
Mizzen helps educators spend less time planning and more time building connection and impact.
Start exploring free resources today and discover how Mizzen can support your program year-round, from staff training to high-quality activity collections.