Professors in the Gordon T. & Ellen West College of Education at Midwestern State University are using their teaching knowledge to help officers at Sheppard Air Force Base become better instructors.

In June, the West College participated in a training workshop with the Noncommissioned Officers Academy to give leadership training to all officers at Sheppard. Associate Professor of Education Kym Acuña said this instructional training was designed to maximize their teaching effectiveness by building on the strengths of a strongly written curriculum. The workshops covered adult learning, instructional practices, assessment, and reflective teaching. Approximately 20-25 Sheppard personnel were in the workshop.

Earlier this year, Acuña, Associate Professors of Education Stacia Miller, Emily Smith, and Assistant Professor of Education Stephanie Zamora-Robles observed some of the officers teach, then created the two-day workshop based on their findings.

Master Sgt. Kellie Peterson, the Faculty Development Superintendent for the NCOA, said that it was an honor to team with such motivated professionals. “The additional tools and capabilities brought new things to our course on what we can do for our students,” she said.

In the fall, the West professors will return to Sheppard to observe, and they will select up to 10 officers for more instructional coaching.

“The strengthened partnership between MSU Texas and Sheppard Air Force Base creates synergy to serve our community while contributing to the mission of each of the organizations,” Acuña said. “The West College of Education is pleased to be an important part of that partnership.”

The West College is the latest MSU Texas group to partner with SAFB for a project. Earlier this summer, Residence Life & Housing teamed up with SAFB for a workshop on leadership development.