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2026-2027 ESP Webinar Series
The 2026-2027 Webinar Series, brought to you by the National ESP Professional Development Committee, will include six webinars from November through April. Webinars are selected through a blind peer review process.
Webinars will be offered at the times listed below. Each webinar is described below and contains a link to register when registration is available. You will receive virtual connection information after registering.
Monday, November 16, 2026, at Noon (CT) / 1 PM (ET) / 10 AM (PT)
Mentoring Program Renovation: A New No-Cost Overlay Can Increase Engagement and Impact
Brian Raison, Alpha Eta Chapter, The Ohio State University
This session will introduce a new mentoring framework grounded in nonformal education and teaching practice. The approach incorporates adult learning, development, motivation, and transformation theories. Participants will learn how to renovate any formal mentoring program by overlaying the nonformal frame, adding flexibility, topic choice, multiple mentors, and tools for mutual growth. Attendees will receive links to free conversation-starting tools as well.
Monday, December 14, 2026, at Noon (CT) / 1 PM (ET) / 10 AM (PT)
Invisible Wins Made Visible: Tracking the Long‑Game of Capacity Building Statewide
Patrick Nehring, Alpha Sigma Chapter, University of Wisconsin-Madison and team members: Noah Reif, Paul Roback, and Sarah Schlosser
This webinar will cover the planning, design and implementing a standardized medium to long term evaluation tool created to streamline data collection and analysis to understand the impact of educational programs on organizations in the state. We will share our tool, our process, and invite you to discuss direct application to your work as Extension professionals.
Monday, January 11, 2027, at Noon (CT) / 1 PM (ET) / 10 AM (PT)
A Novel Model for High Public Value Participatory Science: An Extension Conversation
Eli Sagor, Pi Chapter, University of Minnesota and Angela Gupta
Throughout its history, Extension has evolved to anticipate and meet the needs of a changing society. Through a planned but unscripted conversation, we'll explore one current example: the deployment of novel tools to support region-wide targeted monitoring of priority invasive species. We'll touch on elements of the model applicable across a range of Extension domains such as strong external partnerships to continuously prioritize needs; innovative use of mobile technology; and an ongoing focus on streamlining instruction to maintain engagement while reducing barriers to access. We encourage and will respond to audience engagement throughout.
Monday, February 15, 2027, at Noon (CT) / 1 PM (ET) / 10 AM (PT)
Flip the Script: Tackling Rumors and Gossip with Confidence
Christine Heverly, Alpha Psi Chapter, Michigan State University and team members: Laurie Rivetto & Janelle Stewart
Rumors and gossip can spread quickly and cause real harm—but they don’t have to define your group’s culture. In this interactive session, Extension professionals will explore how to recognize, respond to, and redirect gossip in positive ways. Participants will learn practical communication and response strategies to stop rumors in their tracks, promote respect, and build trust within their teams, community partners, and volunteers. Everyone will leave with a concrete action plan for fostering a more supportive and drama-free environment.
Monday, March 8, 2027, at Noon (CT) / 1 PM (ET) / 10 AM (PT)
The “3rd Shift” Caregiving Survival Kit
Mollie Toppe, Pi Chapter, West Virginia University, and Barbara Dunn Swanson (IA)
Many Extension professionals spend their days teaching life skills—yet when caregiving enters our own lives, we’re often unprepared for the “3rd shift”: working our jobs, caring for our households, and supporting an aging or ill family member. This webinar blends field-tested caregiving “wish we didn’t know this” lessons with an evidence-based caregiver education program that helps caregivers take better care of themselves while caring for someone else.
Through small group and large group discussion, participants will:
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Identify immediate “caregiving readiness” steps (documents, access, contacts, and basic organization).
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Use a set of guided questions to start family conversations about aging, finances, medical decisions, and end-of-life preferences.
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Describe what Powerful Tools for Caregivers is (six sessions, facilitated format) and how it supports caregiver skills and well-being.
Monday, April 19, 2027, at Noon (CT) / 1 PM (ET) / 10 AM (PT)
Internships as Recruitment: Preparing Tomorrow's Extension Professionals Today
Amber Allen, Alpha Tau Chapter, University of Missouri, and Jessica Trussell
This webinar offers practical strategies for Extension professionals to supervise and mentor interns, supporting their development in both virtual and in-person settings. Participants will learn effective approaches to foster intern growth and prepare them for future roles within Extension.