Corrections_Today_January_February_2021_Vol.83_No.1

Professional Development Update

E-learning

ACA’s e-learning program is suited for all professionals with job-specific, interactive courses, compliance with ACA expected practices and legislative and judicial mandates, and an easy-to-navigate learning platform. With ACA’s e-learning platform, the user is in control of the pace of the course and can access their courses on their own time, allowing for flexibility. The training catalog includes over 30 courses in the following categories: Security and Inmate Management, Legal Issues, Mental Health, Juvenile Corrections, and Supervision/Man- agement. Individuals/agencies have the option to purchase each category as a package or individual courses. Face-to-face/Virtual training ACA offers various face-to-face trainings that can be tailored to the agency’s training needs and budget. ACA strives to deliver a dynamic training experience that engages staff and provides them with skills they can immediately apply to their jobs. Last year, ACA had to adjust to new norms and began offering virtual training as a safe alternative. ACA has been committed to bring- ing the same dynamic experience of face-to-face training to virtual trainings, allowing the participants to obtain the same quality training virtually. ACA’s training curriculum models a multidisciplinary approach that fosters collaboration among disciplines to achieve positive outcomes for correctional popula- tion rehabilitation. ACA will work with agencies to design a training

istock/fizkes

sessions, network, or simply find out what ACA has to offer at these conferences. In these pressing times, ACA will continue to find innovative ways to provide services without infring- ing on the substantiality of what is being offered. We are proud to offer different ventures that allow individuals to grow whether it be through certifications, e-learning or face-to-face/virtual training. ACA remain steadfast and committed in providing professional development opportunities that will equip staffs and promote the great work that cor- rections professional do everyday to change people’s lives. Cindy Gomez is a certification specialist for the American Correctional Association. Ryan Smith is a professional development coordinator for the American Correctional Association.

program, face-to-face or virtual, that best suits the agency’s needs.

Meeting training needs Aside from certification, e- learning, and face-to-face/virtual trainings, ACA has two upcoming conferences where professionals can obtain training credits. The 2021 Winter Conference will be hybrid with the conference taking place from February 3 rd – 6 th , 2021. Onsite activities will be held in Orlando, FL and will include Board of Governors, Delegate Assembly, General Ses- sion, Plenaries, Accreditation Panels, and other specialized events. Virtual activities will include all workshops, Exhibit Hall and simulcast of Or- lando sessions. The Congress of Correction will be held in Nashville, TN from August 12 th –17 th , 2021. Plan ahead and take advantage of these opportunities to attend training

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