By: Michelle Alexander, Editor/Graphic Designer, DANTES
Nearly 250 DoD VolEd Counselors attended the 2023 DoD VolEd PDI from across the Services at DEOMI Training Facility at Patrick SFB, in Cocoa Beach, FL. This year's PDI kicked off with a Presentation of the Colors, and the National Anthem.
Anthony Clark
(Panel: Dr. Wes Smith, USA; Bart McMillan, USMC; Jim Johnson, USN; Laurie Murphy, USAF; Stephen Keck, USCG)
Ever wonder how the different branches of our military approach education? This captivating panel discussion brought together the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. Each panelist presented a unique lens to view the diverse strategies and innovations within their respective branches. The exchange of ideas in this session was as electrifying as a squadron of fighter jets streaking across the sky!
Focusing Inward: In this session, the spotlight turned to self-reflection. This session emphasized the value of personal growth in shaping influential leaders, drawing parallels between military and educational leadership. After all, self-awareness and introspection are as critical on the battlefield as they are in the boardroom or the classroom.
Dr.
Kimberly SmithGoing the Extra Mile: Rounding off the event was a session that took us beyond the basics of education and career counseling. This session empowered attendees to redefine their approach to counseling, offering innovative strategies to help service members navigate their educational journey and career transitions. Like a trusted compass, this session guided participants towards a deeper understanding of their crucial role in propelling service members to success.
Derius Swinton
Anthony
ClarkThis pivotal session demystified the rules and regulations surrounding the MOU Schools Installation Access. With a clear roadmap, attendees learned how to effectively navigate the complexities of installation access, ensuring a seamless integration of educational opportunities within military installations.
Dr.
Chrissy JonesThis heartening session delved into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by first-generation military students. Panelists shared valuable insights and strategies to create a supportive, inclusive environment that nurtures the academic success and personal growth of these pioneering learners.
Kuande
HallIn the digital age, social media has become a powerful tool to engage and inform. This session presented the latest research on leveraging digital and social media platforms to enhance outreach and engagement within the military education community.
Michelle Spires
This workshop unveiled a toolkit of resources and strategies to enhance the academic advising process. Participants learned how to utilize these tools to better support service members in achieving their academic goals.
Dr. Jonathan Woods
(Panel: Dr. Kimberly Smith; Dr. Chrissy Jones, Keith Hauk, Chritine Carpenter, Derrick Anderson)
This enlightening panel discussion brought together thought leaders from the higher education sector. They examined current trends and future directions in higher education, exploring the implications for military voluntary education.
In this informative session, a representative from the Department of Education provided an update on the landscape of higher education. Participants received critical information about policy changes, funding opportunities, and key initiatives that directly impact military learners.
(Panel: Keisha Hoffman,USA; Brian Elliott, USAR; John Begley, USN; Ted Byerly, AF; Debra Stancliff, USCG)
This interactive panel shared essential tools and best practices for education counseling. With insights from seasoned service education officers and counselors, attendees left equipped with practical strategies to enhance their counseling skills.
Michael Marks, VA
The Post 9/11 GI Bill is a crucial resource for many service members. This session provided an important update on the bill, clarifying changes and illuminating the many ways it can support service members’ educational journeys.
Career progression isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. This session offered valuable guidance on navigating the diverse pathways to career advancement within education services.
Marc Ekhardt & Tim Groves, Vantage Point
In these dynamic panel discussions, experts offered a deep-dive into the Career Path Decide and TA Decide tools. Attendees gained practical knowledge on how to use these resources to better guide service members in their career and educational decisions.
Dr.
Aaron Hamilton, DEOMIThis session embraced the diversity inherent in the military workforce. Participants gained insights into the unique needs and strengths of a diverse military population, fostering a more inclusive, empathetic approach to counseling.
Both of sessions are available via Zoom for DoD attendees to access virtually.
This year’s PDI, provided a wealth of knowledge and insights, empowering participants to better serve our nation’s service members in their academic and career pursuits. From understanding policy updates to embracing the diversity of our military learners, the DoD Voluntary Education PDI 2023 truly encompassed a holistic approach to military voluntary education. The DoD Voluntary Education PDI 2023 served as a dynamic platform for learning, growth, and collaboration. It not only sharpened the tools of educators, counselors, and leaders alike, but also underscored the collective commitment to uplift the educational opportunities for our nation’s heroes. As we look forward to the next PDI, we carry the knowledge and insights from this event, ready to make an even more significant impact on military voluntary education.
The presentation slide decks are available for download on milSuite with CAC-access required at https://www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/defense-activity-for-non-traditional-education-services
The slides are also available on the mobile app, www.dantes.mil/app - with the access code provided by contacting Ms. Emily Bachman at emily.a.bachman.civ@us.navy.mil or the DANTES Outreach box at DANTES_outreach@us.navy.mil
Checkout education counselor testimonials on how they help Service members get their education.....
Click on the videos above to see what these counselors have to offer!
On behalf of the entire DANTES team, I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks for your invaluable support and contribution towards making the Professional Development Institute a resounding success. Your dedication and expertise have truly made a difference.
The collaboration with the PDI Working Group has been nothing short of exceptional. Your commitment to excellence and tireless efforts in ensuring that all aspects of the institute were meticulously planned and executed are deeply appreciated. The knowledge-sharing sessions were enlightening, engaging, and provided immense value to all participants.
DEOMI's involvement brought an added layer of insight into diversity education that was both thought-provoking and transformative. Your
team's expertise in fostering inclusive environments has undoubtedly enriched our understanding of this crucial aspect within professional development.
Lastly, but certainly not least, I want to express our sincere gratitude to CAPT Delmy Robinson and Glenn Smith and the remarkable team at Patrick SFB. Their unwavering support throughout this journey has been commendable. From logistical arrangements to technical assistance during live sessions – their professionalism ensured smooth operations every step of the way.
Once again, thank you from the bottom of my hearts for your outstanding contributions towards making the Professional Development Institute an unforgettable experience for all involved. I look forward to future collaborations as we continue striving together towards excellence in professional development.
Postsecondary Education Planning with Kuder Journey Webinar
When: July 12, 2023
Time: 11:00 AM in Central Time (US and Canada)
This session will provide attendees with a “how-to” focused on planning for postsecondary education using the following tools:
• College match
• Find schools
• Exploring occupations
• Financial aid/scholarships
• Building education plans
Click on the link to register: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_tIBRr-taRCKI8ysP_rhzow
Please direct questions to: dantes_counseling@ us.navy.mil.
DANTES Counselor Support Network (DCSN)Quarterly Meeting
When: July 18, 2023
Time: 1200 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)
We hope you will join the next DANTES Counselor Support Network (DCSN)! DANTES hosts these quarterly group meetings to provide Voluntary Education Counselors an opportunity to participate in an unofficial forum to:
• Share Information
• Discuss Best Practices
• Engage in Peer-to-Peer Support (We can all learn so much through the spirit of collaboration)
Click on the link to register: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_jFJYeFK4Qde4XVOZpBnLBQ
Questions? Please contact Ms. Mareba Mack, DANTES Program Manager via email: counseling@ us.navy.mil
