Researchers to present findings on education, military success

Three researchers who are collaboratively investigating strategies to prepare educators and military professionals for success will discuss their findings in a presentation scheduled for Monday, March 14.

“Preparing Teachers for a Mission: Six Lessons Shared With the Military” will be held at 4 p.m. in the McKillop Library, Room 109. Presenters include Dr. Kathy Vespia, assistant professor in the Department of Education; retired Rear Adm. Barbara McGann; and Dr. Thomas Gibbons, associate professor of professional military and graduate education at the Naval War College.

Vast research and personal testimonies provide strong evidence that highly effective teachers play a critical role in the success of their students, particularly those at risk of underachievement. That same evidence is now being demanded of teacher preparation programs.

By comparison, military preparation programs have long been outcome-based and scrutinized for their ability to prepare military professionals for readiness in the field.

In this interactive presentation, the researchers will identify and discuss six lessons shared by both preparation programs that are key to success – and perhaps survival – in the field. They will also discuss the critical importance of developing a battlemind or empowering mindset for promoting professional sustainability.