Important Links
The following links are resources to help you with your Professional Development endeavors. We encourage you to contact us with recommendations of links you find useful and believe would be helpful to your colleagues.
Note, these external sites are not managed by the WSU Extension. Furthermore, WSU Extension does not review, control or take responsibility for the content of these sites, nor do these sites implicitly or explicitly represent official positions and policies of WSU.
Program Development and Evaluation Tools
WSU Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT)
SAMMIE ( Successful Assessment Methods & Measurement in Evaluation )
eXtension.org - the public face of eXtension.
collaborate.extension.org - a place where you can collaborate with other extension professionals - including ad hoc groups.
Journals
The International Journal of Volunteer Administration (IJOVA) is a peer-reviewed, professional publication of The Department of 4-H Youth Development and Family and Consumer Science at North Carolina State University. The IJOVA is a professional not-for-profit service of the Department in recognition of the critical role of professional managers of volunteers in mobilizing human resources to address serious human, community, and social needs through volunteerism.
The Journal of Extension (JOE) is the official refereed journal of the U.S. Cooperative Extension System. It seeks to expand and update the research and knowledge base for Extension professionals and other adult educators to improve their effectiveness.
The Journal of Extension Systems is a bi-annual international journal dedicated to the cause of advancing understanding of Extension Systems through empirical investigations, theoretical analyses, and practical experiences.
The Journal of International Agricultural and Extension is the official refereed publication of the Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education. Its purpose is to develop a broad research and knowledge base on agricultural and extension education in developing countries.
The field of youth development research is multidisciplinary by nature, drawing researchers from the fields of psychology, family and consumer sciences, education, sociology, public health and nutrition, agricultural education and other disciplines. The Journal of Youth Development is multidisciplinary, applied, and focused to the development of school-aged youth through the transition to adulthood (ages 6-22).
Extension Professional Associations
The Association for Experiential Education (AEE) isa nonprofit, professional membership associationdedicated to experiential education and thestudents, educators and practitionerswho utilize its philosophy.
The Association for International Agricultural and Extension Education (AIAEE) was established in 1984 to provide a professional association to network agricultural and Extension educators who share the common goal of strengthening agricultural and Extension education programs and institutions worldwide.
The Association of Natural Resource Extension Professionals (ANREP) is a national association for Cooperative Extension Service (CES) professionals working in environmental education, fisheries, forestry, wood sciences, range, recreation, waste management, water, wildlife, and related disciplines.
Epsilon Sigma Phi is a Cooperative Extension Professional’s organization that is dedicated to fostering standards of excellence in the Extension System and developing the Extension profession and professional.
JCEP Joint Council of Extension Professionals (JCEP) is a partnership of professional Extension organizations that focuses on strengthening the efforts of the member organizations and does what each cannot do individually.
National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) is an organization dedicated to improving the visibility, coordination, professional status and resource base of community and economic development Extension programs and professionals.
National Association of Extension 4-H Agents is an association that is dedicated to the professional development of the Extension faculty and staff that work in youth development discipline. The Washington state affiliate is the Washington State 4-H Association.
National Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) educates and recognizes Extension professionals who impact the quality of life for individuals, families and communities. The Washington state affiliate, Washington Extension Association of Family & Consumer Sciences strives to provide professional development opportunities for its membership, targeting educators that provide programming in the family and consumer science discipline.
Washington Extension Agents and Specialists Association (WEASA) is the Washington state affiliate of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. This association fosters the professional improvement of its members, promotes communication and cooperation among all Extension Educators, works to enhance the image of the Cooperative Extension System and provides personal growth opportunities for its members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for my professional development?
What is a professional association?
How do I register for an event?
How do I find out about PD opportunities?
When is Orientation?
What if I need extra or special training?
How do I get other questions answered regarding professional development?
Who pays for my professional development?
There are several ways that the registration, travel and per diem costs for professional development are paid for in the WSU Extension system. Each of the four districts has funds that are specifically earmarked for professional development activities. Usually you need to have a Professional Development plan in place that has been approved by either your County Director or your District Director to access these funds. Some counties have funds available for Professional Development. Your county director will know if there are funds available through this source. Some Extension faculty use funds they have generated through grants, contracts, and salary accruals for professional development activities. Some activities such as graduate school are a personal investment, but there may be assistance available through employee fee waivers and scholarships. back to top
What is a professional association?
Within Extension, professional associations are both interdisciplinary as well as supporting the professional development within disciplines. Currently there are several associations which provide both training and professional development through involvement in the association such as holding an elected office and working with colleagues on various committees. Please visit the links area to obtain information on specific associations and membership contacts. back to top
How do I register for an event?
Each event will have specific registration requirements that can be found within the event notification information. back to top
How do I find out about PD opportunities?
There are several options for discovering PD opportunities. The PD department provides information through a monthly e-newsletter; periodic emails to the “all extension” list serve; and through this website. Professional Development opportunities are also listed on the various calendars that are found on this website. You can also explore PD opportunities by asking your district director or county director. WSU Extension sponsors several conferences on a regular basis that provide options for PD.
Professional Development opportunities are offered on each of the WSU campuses and online through WSU Human Resource Services. back to top
When is orientation?
Orientation is a process which begins with this web page. Other parts of the orientation process include an on campus visit to discuss benefits and meet key personnel. Your direct supervisor will assist you in scheduling this piece of orientation. If you cannot attend the WSU Pullman benefits orientation you can attend at one of the urban campuses (WSU Spokane, WSU Vancouver or WSU Tri-Cities) or on line through WSU Human Resource Services.
Each August WSU Extension and the College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) host a week long in-depth orientation that you will want to attend. Talk to your direct supervisor about attending this orientation. back to top
What if I need extra or special training?
Please evaluate your skills and plan your professional development accordingly. Ultimately, you are responsible for your own professional development. A professional development plan can assist in building a successful long-term career. WSU Extension offers many opportunities for training.
Please take the time to read the professional development emails and e-newsletter as it arrives and regularly review this website. There are also many opportunities through various conferences and workshops offered throughout Washington State University and the WSU Extension system. Additionally you can request special training from your Regional Director. back to top
How do I get other questions answered regarding professional development?
Contact Jim Lindstrom, Director, Professional Development at (509) 358-7871 or email jlindstr@wsu.edu. back to top
Frequently Asked Questions
Who pays for my professional development?
What is a professional association?
How do I register for an event?
How do I find out about PD opportunities?
When is Orientation?
What if I need extra or special training?
How do I get other questions answered regarding professional development?
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