Strengthening the Field Through Skilled Facilitators and Trainers
The Training of Facilitators & Trainers (TOFT) program equips youth-serving professionals with the skills needed to deliver effective, engaging, and high-quality learning experiences. Through a practical, hands-on approach, TOFT prepares emerging and experienced trainers to confidently teach, facilitate, and support learning in their own organizations and communities.
Strong facilitators help shape strong teams—and strong teams strengthen the safety net for youth.
About TOFT
TOFT is NSPN’s comprehensive training program designed to develop the skills essential for professional facilitation and training delivery. Whether participants are new to instruction or seeking to refine their existing skills, TOFT builds competence, confidence, and a clear understanding of how adults learn.
Participants practice real-world training techniques, explore group dynamics, and gain tools they can apply immediately within youth-serving settings.
Training Format
TOFT is delivered as a virtual, instructor-led training series featuring multiple sessions focused on modeling, practice, and feedback. Participants engage in structured exercises that strengthen facilitation and training skills while applying techniques in real scenarios.
On-site or agency-specific delivery may be available upon request.
Session lengths and scheduling information are provided with each TOFT training announcement.
Training for Two Professional Roles
TOFT prepares participants for two essential instructional roles in youth-serving organizations:
• Facilitators, who guide discussion, support reflection, and help groups process learning
• Trainers, who deliver structured content, teach skills, and provide instruction
Understanding both roles strengthens a professional’s ability to support learning across diverse teams and environments.
A Proven Learning Method
TOFT uses a three-part instructional model that mirrors how adults learn best:
- Inform – introduce concepts and share key knowledge
- Demonstrate – model effective facilitation and training techniques
- Practice – allow participants to apply skills and receive supportive feedback
This model supports immediate application of skills in real-world settings.
What Participants Gain
Through the TOFT experience, participants learn how to:
Facilitation
Skills
- Lead interactive, learner-centered training sessions
- Apply adult learning principles to increase engagement
- Facilitate meaningful group discussions
- Navigate varying learning styles and participant needs
Training
Delivery Skills
- Design and deliver structured training content
- Strengthen presentation techniques and instructional clarity
- Manage pacing, flow, and session timing
- Use tools and materials effectively during training
Professional Confidence
& Readiness
- Practice facilitation skills in a supportive environment
- Receive constructive feedback from peers and instructors
- Strengthen confidence in public speaking and group leadership
- Translate training skills into daily supervision and team development
TOFT blends modeling, practice, coaching, and reflection—allowing participants to grow their skills in a practical and supportive setting.
Who Should Attend
TOFT is ideal for:
- Staff responsible for training or onboarding others
- Supervisors and managers building facilitation skills
- Program staff ready to step into training roles
- Professionals supporting workforce development
- Anyone seeking to improve confidence in presenting or leading groups
This training supports both individual development and organizational capacity-building.
Pricing
$450 NSPN Organizational Members | $550 Non-Members
(Prices may vary for group contracts or customized on-site delivery.)
Why TOFT Matters
Strengthening facilitation skills creates ripple effects across youth-serving organizations. Effective trainers help:
- Build better-prepared staff teams
- Strengthen consistency in service delivery
- Improve communication and collaboration
- Support long-term workforce stability
- Expand an organization’s internal training capacity
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When professionals are equipped to train others, programs become stronger—and youth receive higher-quality support.
Registration & Details
Upcoming TOFT sessions will be announced as they are scheduled.
Want to stay informed about TOFT and other NSPN learning opportunities?
