Opportunity To Teach Senior Noncommissioned Officers (Ncos)

What does it mean to me to have the opportunity to teach Senior Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs)? How will I do it? Will it be daunting, difficult, or less than what I am hoping for? These are all questions that have been part of my thought process since my selection to the USASMA Fellowship Program. I consider it an immense responsibility to be selected to instruct future Sergeants Majors. It is my desire that my teaching philosophy will achieve some success early, and be one that I can build on and adjust to always improve the delivery to my students. My hope is that I present my courses of instruction in an energetic and engaging manner that causes Senior NCOs to want to be in my class each day. I expect to get satisfaction from seeing

my students do well and achieve goals. I have no illusions that it will always be easy, nor will it always go as planned. However, I am confident that even on the toughest of days there will always be some reward to teaching Senior NCOs. What factors will be part of this? I will now discuss my thoughts on classrooms, teachers, and the students themselves.
I think that the small group classroom is an excellent environment for Senior NCOs to receive their next level of education.

I have so many fond memories and each time I reminisce about my classroom time at the academy all I can do is smile. I prefer the setup up of a physical classroom opposed to virtual, or online instruction. I know this may sound contradictory considering that I am about to begin an online world campus program, but I still prefer the classroom. The classroom affords students the opportunity to exchange ideas and past experiences on a more personal level. In my opinion, it is superior to the written interaction and discussion that is necessary with online programs. The difference of opinions in the classroom is as varied as the number of students in seats. In an online setting students can easily dismiss or ignore ideas that they disagree with. This is not so easily done in a physical setting. In this manner, I feel that students in the classroom have a broader and more fulfilling experience, I am very much looking forward to my first class. As varied as the ideas exchanged will be, so are the

teachers.
I believe that our responsibility as teachers is to find a way to connect with every student in class. We must develop a style that is commensurate with our audience of senior level learners. This means that I must take into account the accumulated knowledge base that will be in my class. I am sure that there will be many times when it may be necessary or prudent to defer to a student for their expertise on a subject. In addition, I don’t think the teachers should take it personally if their student seeks advice from a different instructor. The learning environment is broadly based as we as teachers are obligated to facilitate it in any way possible. After all, it is ultimately the student’s success that determines our own.
The education of our Senior NCOs is paramount.

They are coming to us with decades of experience and knowledge, but there is always opportunity for them to learn more. Some will be more open to the experience than others. Some will freely offer opinions, solicited or not, and others will need some prodding. I think all will excel in some areas, and all will need help in others. It is their senior level of maturity and discipline that will be the cornerstone of the group. No one is more professional than I. I believe this, and I know that the majority of our Senior NCOs will present this on a daily basis in the class. I am looking forward to the experience with great

anticipation.
In conclusion, I think that the students are going to be of the highest caliber that the Army has to offer. I freely and enthusiastically accept the challenge to continue their education. I think the environment is the right one and that the classroom is going to provide the necessary surroundings to encourage critical thinking and robust learning. I am looking forward to learning from the other instructors as well as my students. Let’s get started!