Lessons from the ELO-P Field: Key Insights from August’s Webinar
We recently hosted a webinar with two dynamic leaders in Expanded Learning: Dr. April Jacobsen, Assistant Director of Early and Expanded Learning at Simi Valley USD, and Erie Robertson, Director of Expanded Learning at Lancaster School District. They offered candid lessons on what’s actually working to strengthen after-school programs—insights any district can put into action.
Building Community Partnerships That Actually Work
Dr. Jacobsen reminded us that the secret to great partnerships isn’t just signing an MOU and calling it a day—it’s about building real relationships. Working with outside organizations, she shared, “builds a collaborative culture that is sustainable and also leads to innovation”.
Her advice? She emphasized that you must, “take time to negotiate a common vision for the project with your outside organizations”. That shared vision builds trust, strengthens community, and creates clarity for everyone at the table. And when it comes to communication, Dr. Jacobsen was clear–quick responses matter, “that helps trust and it helps build community to have an answer really quickly”.
She highlighted how critical expanded learning is for families: “This is just so important for families. These are opportunities that these kids would not have.” When everyone is working towards a common goal, kids win.
The Pilot Mentality: Progress Over Perfection
One of the most refreshing takeaways? Nobody expects perfection out of the gate. Both Dr. Jacobsen and Erie emphasized treating new programs as pilots.
Dr. Jacobsen noted that a pilot approach takes the pressure off. Instead of “this must succeed,” the focus becomes “we’re learning together.” Erie echoed this for teacher-led clubs: try it for a season, see how it goes, and if it doesn’t work, move on.
This mentality encourages flexibility, reduces stress, and fosters creativity—ultimately leading to stronger, more student-centered programs. After all, the best ideas often come from a little trial and error.
The Power of Teacher-Led Clubs
Teachers are busy. So how do you make it easy for them to participate? Streamline the process and give them the tools and recognition they deserve.
Erie Robertson shared how empowering teachers to lead clubs can be a total game changer. When teachers run clubs that align with student interests—robotics, gardening, dance, coding—the learning becomes engaging and meaningful. As Erie said, “we want our students to be getting this next level of enrichment.” Teacher-led clubs also give educators a practical, enjoyable way to stay connected with students beyond the regular school day.
To make participation realistic, Erie streamlines the process and sets them up for success:
- Short commitments: Teachers run clubs for just 1–2 months, making it easier to test new ideas without long-term pressure.
- Streamlined support: Ready-to-use forms, clear instructions, and a training library remove barriers and help teachers get started quickly.
- Student safety & compliance: Teachers are provided with tools to gather the data they need while staying focused on students.
- Simple technology: For example, using web-based tools like 6crickets makes tasks such as attendance or meal tracking quick and accessible from anywhere.
By keeping the process flexible and low-stress, Erie creates space for teachers to try new ideas, build stronger connections, and deliver enrichment that truly engages students–Lancaster School District boasts over 80 teacher-led clubs!
The Big Takeaway
After-school success doesn’t just happen—it’s built. Strong partnerships, a flexible pilot approach, and empowered teachers create programs that engage students academically, socially, and emotionally.
Whether you’re just starting or scaling up, celebrate the wins, learn from the hiccups, and keep experimenting. After-school isn’t just “extra”—it’s where the magic happens.
Want to hear more?
You can watch the full webinar recording and access the presentation slides by filling out this short form:
Have you been missing our webinar invites?
We host webinars during the lunch hour on the third Friday of every other month. Our next one is coming up on November 21, 2025.
If you haven’t been receiving the invites, just fill out the form at the link below and we’ll make sure you’re on the list moving forward:
Yours in Education,
6crickets Team
