Reimagining the CACM Education System

A Guide to Understanding the Changes Coming to CACM’s Education Offerings

A History of Growth

In its 27 years since inception by and for community managers, CACM has provided industry professionals the opportunity to develop skills that promote professionalism, ethical values and best business practices.

With nearly 3,000 members, CACM continues to be California’s premier source for supporting the careers of community manager members and association practitioners. By providing professional development experiences and networking opportunities, CACM maintains its reputation as the industry leader for California community manager education.

The development of CACM’s Webinar Series and statewide educational events provide convenient options for community managers to gain valuable industry and professional knowledge above and beyond national and international standards. CACM maintains its standing as a respected certification source by continually verifying its data relative to industry and legislative changes. With extensive industry expertise, member instructors employ a direct instruction model, supported by technology, class discussions and student resource guides.

Continuing its commitment to meeting the ever-changing needs of members, CACM is proudly initiating the next level of learning by adopting cutting-edge programs that align with the research and technology behind the brain science of adult learning.

The WHY Behind the Reimagining Initiative

CACM’s belief is centered around community management professionals’ possession of the knowledge and skills necessary for professional success. To honor how and why people gain, retain and implement information, multiple opportunities and modes of instruction must be provided. Through this process, members will make meaningful connections to the material, organize the information in a way that allows retrieval in a personalized way; and, to ultimately internalize the information, so it becomes an integral part of how they execute their roles and make decisions on a daily basis.

The HOW Behind the Reimagining Initiative

CACM’s membership and staff are engaged in the assessment of the entirety of the current education program. By identifying and implementing education policies, procedures and course content that utilize innovative approaches to learning, CACM will create change agents and thought leaders who will elevate the industry to new levels. The delivery of our courses and events will focus on a variety of instructional methodologies to effectively and efficiently connect the content with each member’s career goals.

We will continue to offer face-to-face courses, online offerings and opportunities for our members to learn from each other. We will continue to expand our on-demand classes as we recognize the importance of flexible scheduling and blended learning models.

Finally, through the implementation of a tiered instructor model, we will expand our instructor pool, tapping into the extensive industry expertise represented in our membership. In addition to the pre-course conference call support, periodic instructor network meetings will ensure a shared vision and purpose. Instructor insights will be used to inform an ongoing process of course revision and development of new learning opportunities.

The WHAT Behind the Reimagining Initiative

In 2016, CACM introduced the CACM Professional Pathway. Aligned with the Domains of Knowledge identified in the Business and Professions Code 11502, it provides a leveled continuum that defines the four stages in the community manager’s career pathway.

The first level along the pathway is that of the CORE. It is at this initial stage where community managers develop an understanding of their industry roles and responsibilities.

As one’s understanding evolves, and industry work experience is gained, he/she moves on to the EXPERIENTIAL level. It is here where one begins to apply that initial understanding through his/her day-to-day engagement as a community manager. The third stage along the pathway is that of INTERNALIZATION. Community managers at this level know what to do and WHY they are doing it. Their understanding becomes personalized, influenced by their specific responsibilities.

The fourth level, and ultimate career attainment one seeks to secure is that of MASTERY. It is at this level where the community manager channels his/her expertise to positively influence industry decision-making and to inspire those entering the industry. Continued on page 30

CACM is proudly initiating the next level of learning by adopting cutting-edge programs that align with the research and technology behind the brain science of adult learning.

The CACM Pathway Matrix, currently in development, will define the progression of knowledge and skills associated with each of the four Professional Pathway levels. Once completed, the matrix will be used to inform all educational planning decisions. For example, when considering the domain of human resource management, what skills and knowledge should a member possess at the Core level? At the Experiential level? At the Internalization level? At the Mastery level?

Reimagining Initiative Focus: Year One

Launched in April 2018, the Reimagining initiative raises the bar of educational standards by integrating innovative instructional design, relevant industry content, and an understanding of adult learning needs into CACM educational offerings.

Together, with the CACM Education and Credentialing team, in collaboration with CACM members, our focus during this first year is to examine current policies, procedures, requirements and course content to support the Association’s goal of ensuring that members become masters in their profession. These efforts will be evident in the redesigned Ethics courses that will address the varying needs (Foundational, Advanced and Mastery) that support the CACM Professional Pathway.

Reimagining Initiative Focus: Year Two

CACM’s Reimagining efforts will continue in 2019 with a focus on the four specialty certifications (High Rise, Large Scale, Portfolio and New Development community management) the two credential add-ons (Age-Restricted Active Adult and Commercial & Industrial Management) and the promotion of the Master of Community Association Management (MCAM) designation for experienced community managers.

CACM is dedicated to creating and developing change agents and thought leaders who will take our industry to new levels. Browse our course offerings at cacm.org

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