Expanded Learning University (ELU)
Professional Development for Teachers
Competency-based Education Certifications and Continuing Education for Teachers
Welcome to Expanded Learning University (ELU): Elevating Excellence in Expanded Learning
At Expanded Learning University (ELU), we believe in professional development for teachers, educators, and all of the people behind Expanded Learning Academy’s before, during, and after-school programs. Our goal is to make every day extraordinary for both teachers and students. And there’s no better way than to provide professional enrichment programs and continuing education for teachers. ELU is designed to help education professionals at all levels become experts in their field and continue to grow and learn, providing the foundation for successful educational programs. ELU enriches learning experiences for students, families, and colleagues alike by providing innovative, meaningful, and impactful professional learning opportunities for all.
ELU is more than a development hub, it’s a career-defining experience. Through structured career pathways and the Job Families framework, ELU equips staff with the tools, strategies, and confidence to create exceptional environments where students thrive, families feel connected, and colleagues collaborate effectively.
By nurturing the skills and talents of dedicated professionals, ELU ensures they can deliver inspiring, engaging, and impactful programs that enhance and uplift everyone involved.
Management Professionals: Leading with Impact
Managers lead with purpose, inspiring their teams to create unforgettable experiences for students and families while ensuring smooth operations.
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Primary Function:
Guide, motivate, and support teams to foster collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
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How They Shine:
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Level 1: Build strong teams, support staff, and create a culture where everyone feels valued and capable of being their best.
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Skills: Team building, stakeholder engagement.
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Level 2: Manage multiple sites or projects while ensuring students and families feel connected across every touchpoint.
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Skills: Process improvement, operational excellence.
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Level 3: Solve complex challenges and partner with schools to ensure alignment with district policies and goals.
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Skills: Leadership with vision and accountability.
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What Are Job Families?
Job Families are thoughtfully designed pathways that group roles requiring similar skills and expertise. They serve as the foundation of our professional development approach, guiding staff to excel in their current roles while growing into new opportunities.
Each Job Family empowers staff to elevate their impact on students, families, and colleagues by focusing on the skills that make programs engaging, relationships meaningful, and teamwork seamless.
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Site-Based Professionals: Where the Magic Happens
Site-based professionals are the heartbeat of expanded learning programs. These front-line heroes transform everyday interactions into extraordinary experiences for students and families.
Primary Function:
Deliver high-quality programs that excite, engage, and inspire students while building meaningful relationships with families.
How They Shine:
Level 1: Master the art of student engagement, create moments of connection, and foster strong family involvement.
Skills: Communication, collaboration, and building trust.
Level 2: Elevate program quality through effective time management, delegation, and leadership.
Skills: Strengthening relationships and creating a welcoming, dynamic environment for all.
Technical Assistance Professionals: The Problem Solvers
These experts ensure that expanded learning programs are consistently high-quality, innovative, and aligned with student and family needs.
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Primary Function:
Streamline processes, foster learning, and support teams with tools and strategies to enhance program quality.
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How They Shine:
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Level 1: Develop engaging training programs that give staff the confidence to inspire students and families daily.
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Skills: Facilitation, instructional design, coaching.
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Level 2: Use data-driven insights to design impactful programs and refine operations.
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Skills: Data analysis, resource planning.
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Level 3: Drive continuous improvement across systems to ensure staff and programs remain at the forefront of excellence.
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Skills: Rapid-cycle improvement, innovation.
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Leadership Professionals: Setting the Vision
Leaders at ELU shape the future of expanded learning by setting a clear vision, fostering a culture of innovation, and supporting every team member in their journey to greatness.
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Primary Function:
Guide the organization toward success, ensuring programs inspire students, engage families, and empower staff.
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How They Shine:
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Level 1: Solve challenges creatively and guide teams toward shared goals that enhance everyone’s experience.
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Skills: Problem-solving, influencing change.
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Level 2: Drive strategies that connect programs to long-term goals and community impact.
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Skills: Strategic planning, cross-functional leadership.
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Level 3: Lead large-scale initiatives that support and inspire the entire organization.
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Skills: Change management, talent development.
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Why Choose Expanded Learning University?
Expanded Learning University is designed to empower professionals to become the best part of the day for everyone they serve.
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For Students: ELU equips staff to create moments of joy, discovery, and connection that make learning exciting and memorable.
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For Families: ELU ensures staff can build trust and collaboration with families, making them true partners in their child’s education.
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For Colleagues: ELU fosters a culture of support, teamwork, and continuous improvement, creating environments where every staff member can thrive.
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By investing in their growth, ELU ensures that professionals can inspire students, engage families, and collaborate effectively with colleagues—all while advancing their careers in expanded learning.
Join Expanded Learning University Today
Become the highlight of someone’s day—every day. At ELU, we don’t just build careers; we create life-changing moments for students, families, and professionals alike. Together, let’s make expanded learning the best part of the day for everyone involved.