School: After Hours

What if the key to better schools isn't more testing, more funding, or more interventions — but simply listening to the people in the building? On this episode of School After Hours , host J Lee talks with Jacob Adams, founder of Inner Spark Learning Lab, a South Central Los Angeles organization making schools places kids actually want to be. Jacob breaks down their "Listen, Learn, Adapt...

In this episode of School After Hours , host J. Lee breaks down how youth program managers can prepare for program observations without the last-minute panic. From reviewing daily systems and supporting staff, to evaluating the student experience and using feedback to drive improvement, this episode is a practical guide to making observation prep part of your everyday routine- not a scramble. Whet...

As families increasingly explore homeschooling as an alternative to traditional education, Quinn offers insights into what the process truly entails. From curriculum choices to transitioning from traditional school systems, Quinn shares her personal experiences of homeschooling her own children for the past seven years. With a focus on individualized learning approaches, she provides practical adv...

What if young people were taught the skills school often overlooks? In this episode, we spotlight Rob Heller, creator of the Boost program, a youth development initiative focused on 26 essential skills across people skills, character development, and healthy mindset. Rob shares how recognizing a gap in traditional education led him to build a program that uses role-play, peer-to-peer learning, and...

What if observations didn't have to be a nightmare? In this episode, I sit down with educator Craig Randall to explore Trust-Based Observations. This strengths-focused observation model replaces anxiety with psychological safety. Craig walks us through the full process: reflective conversations in the educator's space, the two questions every observer should ask, and the small "trus...

How do you make an out-of-school time program indispensable to a school community? That's what you'll learn in this conversation with Cornelia Cooper. She is an educator, consultant, and out-of-school time leader with over 15 years of experience in Baltimore's public schools. In this episode, Cornelia breaks down what it takes to build and sustain relationships inside the school env...

What do you do when you know a conversation needs to happen—but you really don’t want to have it? In this guest takeover of the School After Hours Podcast, Juan Alvarado dives into one of the toughest parts of leadership in the Out-of-School Time (OST) field: having difficult conversations. Whether you're addressing staff performance, setting boundaries, addressing conflict, or holding someon...

In this episode, I emphasize how the first 30 days set the foundation for a productive school year, impacting students, staff, and families alike. I delve into the crucial aspects of relationship building, the importance of predictable routines, and staff support to create a stable and nurturing environment for students.  Key Takeaways: The first 30 days of a school year set the tone and are cruci...

In this episode, we talk with youth empowerment speaker and author Dorian Young to delve into the complexities of emotional intelligence in youth and its key importance in educational environments. Through detailed discussions, Dorian breaks down the significance of emotional intelligence and leadership in educational settings, emphasizing the potential of youth to influence their environments pos...

In this engaging episode of the School After Hours Podcast, I sit down with award-winning children's author Julia Cook to explore the significance of self-regulation and emotional management in children. Julia offers valuable insights into why understanding and managing emotions are crucial for children's success in society. Strategies discussed include creating safe environments for chi...

Join us while Amy Anderson, the co-founder of Reschool, a nonprofit focused on expanding equitable learning opportunities beyond traditional classrooms in Colorado, delves into Reschool's innovative collaborations with families and community organizations to design educational ecosystems that reflect local needs. The discussion highlights creating ecosystems of learning by resonating with com...

In this episode, I discuss the crucial role of documentation in youth programming to prevent burnout and chaos in subsequent years. We peel back the layers and shed light on how proper documentation can pave the way for seamless transitions and sustained success. I also talk about how to develop user-friendly SOPs and a comprehensive program playbook that serve as foundational resources for onboar...

Episode three of the Impact Report Debrief series focuses on leadership responsibilities post-staff debrief. It outlines a structured approach to interpreting feedback and forming actionable strategies for the upcoming program cycles. By utilizing the 3W's framework—What Worked, What Didn't Work, and What's Next—leaders can effectively streamline feedback into impactful planning. Ke...

In Week 2 of The Impast Report - Debrief Series , we’re diving into one of the most overlooked but most important parts of running a successful youth program: the staff debrief process. Because the truth is, strong programs are built by strong teams. In this episode, I break down how to lead intentional staff debrief conversations that go beyond surface-level feedback and actually help you improve...

In this engaging episode, I dive into a crucial yet often neglected aspect of out-of-school time programs—closure. This episode guides listeners through a comprehensive discussion on the importance of the program wrap-up. Stay with me as I highlight strategies on utilizing student reflections and testimonials, organizing showcase events, and collecting valuable attendance and survey data.  Key Tak...

We are back from a brief hiatus to share some updates on the business and our upcoming projects. This episode is a personal reflection on what has been a transformative year for me as I stepped into the role of a program provider. This experience not only allowed me to apply my podcasting skills but also to impact young lives through creative avenues like storytelling and media production. Key Tak...

Join us for an insightful discussion with Michael Garcia on the critical aspects of building a positive program culture for youth development. In this episode, Michael emphasizes the importance of creating safe, healthy, and happy environments for both staff and youth. Michael shares his strategies on mission and vision alignment, community and staff engagement, and the significance of intentional...

In this episode, we sit down with Eva Joe Meyers, a seasoned youth development expert and co-creator of the Spark Deck. They discuss the creation and impact of Spark Decks—sets of cards designed to help youth development professionals and educators manage transitions, foster engagement, and support professional growth. Eva shares insights from her years of experience, offering practical advice for...

In this episode of the School After Hours podcast, we dive into the critical topic of student attendance with attendance strategist Johnetta Moore. Discover how attendance impacts not only the school environment but also after-school programs, and learn strategies to tackle chronic absenteeism. Johnetta shares her insights on building systems that foster belonging and accountability, and the impor...

In this engaging episode of the School After Hours podcast, Jaylee welcomes Kerwyn Phillip to delve into the critical topic of financial literacy in out-of-school programs. As financial literacy gains traction in educational settings, Kerwyn shares practical advice on how schools and afterschool programs can integrate financial lessons into their routines, offering a holistic approach to money man...

 In this episode, we sit down with Gina Prosh, an esteemed author and educator, to explore the profound impact of cultivating positive emotions in children. Gina shares her inspirational journey from academia to writing, leading to the development of her acclaimed Holly's Choice book series. She also discusses the significance of nurturing a positive mindset, emphasizing how children can lear...

In this enlightening episode of the "School After Hours Podcast," Juan Alvarado joins us to delve into the critical elements of culture building in out-of-school time programs and creating safe environments for staff and students. Juan discusses the foundational aspects of establishing a productive culture while emphasizing the necessity of relationship-building, supportive structures, a...

In this engaging episode, Emily Fleming shares her journey from classroom teacher to entrepreneur in the field of yoga and mindfulness education. With a background in special education and significant experience in teaching yoga to children, Emily discusses how she identified a gap in the education system that led her to offer holistic wellness services to schools. This conversation explores how m...

In this insightful episode, I delve into effective strategies for wrapping up the 1st half of your youth program's semester while preparing for the new year ahead. With an emphasis on reflection, evaluation, and forward-thinking, I share practical tips for ensuring successful program outcomes. 🚀Thanks for Tuning In! Enjoyed the episode? Here's how you can be part of the podcast communit...

Join Dre'mon Miller, the founder of Street Smartz Over Safety, as he discusses the power of collaboration, accountability, and community engagement in youth development. Discover how his program supports not only young men but also girls, preparing them to be leaders in their communities. Miller delves into effective partnerships with families and organizations, emphasizing the importance of...