Extension Professional Advancement, Networking, and Development
What is EXPAND?
EXPAND is a synchronous, multi-state cohort professional development program. It is designed for mid-career Extension professionals with a desire to enhance their effectiveness in educational programming.
The hybrid design of this program will encompass five virtual sessions to allow for convenience and one face-to-face experience to enhance relationship building and engagement.
This professional development opportunity acknowledges that Extension professionals desire to enhance their skills to improve the work they are currently doing while contributing their wealth of experience and knowledge that will enhance learning across the board. Participants will not only learn new skills and techniques but will also incorporate their lived experiences and challenges into the conversation. This will add value to the personal connection via the cohort over several sessions.
Participants will develop a community of practice among experienced Extension professionals utilizing a cohort-based hybrid design–this strengthens relationship building, connectivity, and engagement.
Topics will be relevant, timely, and rigorous– Content will advance and deepen one’s knowledge beyond superficial understanding (Graduate level intensity).
Participatory leadership will be fundamental–participants must have a willingness to contribute to the sessions through discussion, showcase opportunities, and shared input.
The instructor team will exhibit a proven record of both high-level expertise of the content area as well as experience in the field–this ensures participants are learning from the most skilled facilitators and receiving exceptional and relevant coaching along the way.
Who Should Attend
Mid-career field, regional, and state-based Extension professionals with a minimum of three years in their role; participants must have a desire to build their skills while simultaneously holding a willingness to share their existing knowledge and expertise with their colleagues.
Participants will be expected to apply their learning and acquired skills/techniques in real time and reflect on their successes and continued opportunities for growth with their peers.
Expected Outcomes
Specific expected outcomes will be tailored for each course and outlined in those materials. Yet, at a higher level, participants will feel re-energized that Extension is the place they want to stay and grow
Participants will learn new skills and make new connections that effectively address the increasing complexity of today’s challenges.
Staff retention may increase because participants will feel supported by their organization and reinvigorated by connecting with colleagues from across the region/country who are facing similar challenges.
Courses and Topics
The facilitation course is designed to meet the needs of mid-career Extension professionals as they build upon existing skills, explore emerging research around facilitation in the field of Extension, and learn from colleagues from across the region who will share their own relevant and practical insights and expertise.
Evaluation: Coming soon!
Questions?
Matt Hanson, Project Manager–EXPAND, matt.hanson@wisc.edu
Amber Shanahan, Organizational Learning & Professional Development Specialist, amber.shanahan@wisc.edu
