Dantes information bulletin (5) may 2018

DIB

May

DANTES INFORMATION BULLETIN

2018

MyVolEdPath Mobile App FAQs! In this issue: MyVolEdPath Mobile App FAQs

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Counselor’s Corner

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Hot News

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Troops to Teachers

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Contact Information

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DANTES Information Bulletin

Answers to MyVolEdPath Questions

John Turner, Communications Division, DANTES

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he MyVolEdPath Mobile App is one-year old! In April of 2017, the mobile app was released as a Defense education tool to help maximize the use of military education benefits by providing a simple way to connect users to resources. Since the launch, service members have been using the mobile app to find tailored recommendations for education programs that best fit their unique needs and situation. They have also used the app to read articles that provide advice and tutorials on education-related topics, view videos on how to use programs, and chat live with a DANTES representative to

receive immediate feedback on their inquiries.

As with anything new, there are questions that arise. We’ve received all types of questions from “What is an app?” to “What’s in it for me?”. This month’s newsletter is dedicated to addressing frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the mobile app.

The following provides questions and corresponding answers to the top inquires DANTES has received from service members and counselors. For a more detailed overview of the app, read the April 2017 issue of the DIB at http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dib. html. http://www.dantes.doded.mil

MyVolEdPath FAQs Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the MyVolEdPath Mobile App

Q1: Why should I download the MyVolEdPath mobile app?

A: It’s quick, easy, free, and helpful! It can be hard to easily find the resources and reliable information needed to get started with building a personalized education pathway. Service members can use the mobile app’s discovery tool to quickly assess their needs and goals to generate recommended Defense education programs. Based on how members answered the questions within the discovery tool, a customized checklist with recommended programs becomes available under “My Pathways”.

These program recommendations align to a member’s current education level and future education goal. Each item on the checklist takes the user to an overview of the program that may help them prepare for college and career advancement, find support as they pursue schooling, and save time and money while completing degree requirements. By selecting “Try Now”, members can be instantly connected to the program.

DANTES Information Bulletin

Q2: As an Education Counselor, is there anything I need to do within the mobile app?

A: Not necessarily, but there’s a catch. The mobile app is designed as a counselor support tool. Being familiar with its features and content may help voluntary education (VolEd) personnel as they help service members. To help save time while still maintaining a high level of service, education personnel can use the mobile app to augment their daily activities. Whether helping members face-to-face, over the phone, or via email, VolEd personnel can recommend students download the mobile app to learn about the Defense education programs that are available to them. It can also be used to help begin the process of clearly defining education goals and connecting those specific resources that will be the most beneficial throughout a member’s education journey. VolEd personnel can also let students know that they are able to share their recommended pathways directly with their education counselor through email or social media.

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MyVolEdPath FAQs

Q3: There is no education center on my base/ post. Who can help me find the answers to my education related questions?

A: Thankfully, there’s lots of help! The mobile app includes a “Find a Counselor” feature to help service members find either an onbase or virtual education center quickly. In addition to providing the name, address, email (if available), and phone number, the app connects to the mobile device’s call function and users can call a counselor directly from the app.

In addition to finding a counselor, members can access additional app features like FAQs, video tutorials, and blog articles. There is also a Live Chat function that enables members to either chat via text or leave a message for a DANTES representative to get answers to questions related to Defense education programs.

DANTES Information Bulletin

Q4: How do I get the mobile app?

A: That’s the easiest answer of them all! The MyVolEdPath Mobile App can be downloaded from the App Store for Apple devices and through Google Play for Android devices. Access to download the app is also available through www.MyVolEdPath.com.

All in all, the most successful apps aren’t created because organizations had a channel to fill, but because there was an opportunity to optimize a process. Apps are best when they serve a single purpose. The MyVolEdPath Mobile App ensures that VolEd information is available on mobile devices to help users quickly discover education programs and connect to those who are standing by to help them.

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COUNSELOR CORNER

Student Handouts

Although we live in a digital age, printed handouts are useful ways to inform and remind service members of the mobile app.

Command education service officers, education offices, and family service centers can receive a MyVolEdPath promotional package by emailing dantes_outreach@navy. mil. Download the mobile app fact sheet from the DANTES website at http://www.dan-

tes.doded.mil/_content/CCME/MVP.pdf

To download and view the MyVolEdPath mobile app, visit www.MyVolEdPath.com or the Apple App and Google Play Stores by searching for “MyVolEdPath.”

For additional information, contact dantes_outreach@navy.mil

DANTES Information Bulletin

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Program Updates

Hot News

Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Modernization Plan

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n October 2017, the operation of SOC moved to the IBM Corporation in partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education leadership. A joint strategic planning process resulted in the SOC Modernization Strategy described on the new website (www.goSOCed. org) and in the short video posted there. Four key components of the strategy include:

to help Service members prepare for and promote within a career pathway.

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Prior Learning Assessment for Military Education: SOC will work with DoD MOU credential providers that are part of a SOC Career Pathway Network to provide more transparency and consistency in how they award ACE recommended credits for prior military course and work experience.

SOC is currently working to launch its first Career Pathway Network pilot in Cybersecurity which will incorporate all four of these components. More information will be available in the coming weeks as the pilot progresses.

Defined Career Pathways: SOC will work with industry, government, and academic subject matter experts to create a progression model DSST is Wi-Fi Enabled! that helps Service members understand how eeping up with today’s ever-changing world of they can start and progress within a high growth technology is no small task. DSST is following career pathway based on their current skills, suit and moving forward with a “test anywhere” knowledge, and experience. mentality. Imagine if Service members could take their DSST exams when convenient for them, • Trusted, Quality Credentials: SOC will identify even at remote locations around the world. This credentials offered by DoD Memorandum of Un- is becoming a reality today with DSST exams derstanding (MOU) institutions that are aligned now being delivered anywhere with an Internet with a career pathway, have strong student connection including wireless! Service members outcomes, and that demonstrate how curriculum simply need to ensure that their computer has an closes employment skill and knowledge gaps. uninterrupted connection and that their upload and download speeds meet the system requirements.

• Stackable Credentials within a Career PathFor an updated list of system and connection way: SOC will work with DoD MOU institutions requirements, log onto www.getcollegecredit. that meet SOC Career Pathway Network criteria com. to define program level articulation agreements DANTES Information Bulletin http://www.dantes.doded.mil •

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Troops to Teachers

COLORADO’S TTT PROGRAM SERVICES Facts About Colorado Education olorado’s education and teaching opportunities offer employment options for veterans and service members transitioning after their military service. According to the Colorado Department of Education, there are 1,888 schools: 1,091 elementary schools, 284 middle schools, 513 high schools and enrollment has grown every year since 1988, with enrollment currently at 905,000+ students.

Source: https://www.cde.state.co.us/communications/20180206edfacts

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Who can help veterans and service members with transition to the classroom? The Colorado Troops to Teachers (TTT) Grant Office can help. The Colorado TTT grant program focuses on building face-to-face relationships at six military bases across the state, as well as with local schools and districts, higher education and communities.

Colorado TTT Grant Office Colorado has been helping veterans and service members transition into the classroom through the TTT program since 1995. Since the state received its 2017 TTT grant, it has proudly helped more than 820 veterans, with 62 participants employed with the center’s help.

DANTES Information Bulletin

John Scheuer, principal consultant, TTT Colorado, says, “The most important service that they provide to veterans is counseling and advisement on licensing pathways and job placement assistance.” He also says that the hardest part about the transition process from the military to the classroom is understanding and navigating state licensure requirements and pathway options.

Advice for service members and veterans to help make the transition process to the classroom easier is – to start planning early and this means two years before retirement or separation.

Tips for Transitioning Veterans The biggest challenge when helping veterans pursue employment as teachers is bridging the knowledge gap for the K-12 landscape, differences across the states, and understanding licensure, certification and credential regulations towards gaining teacher employment. Colorado TTT Grant Office consultants, John Scheuer and Korey Brown provide service members and veterans with advice and counseling about all of the steps to becoming a teacher.

Continued on page 7

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Troops to Teachers Highlight Dr. Elmer Harris Former TTT Participant 2017 U.S. Department of Education School Ambassador Fellow

The top three steps a veteran can take to help be prepared for the transition journey to teaching are: 1) Begin planning as early as possible 2) Ensure any civilian education is with a regionally accredited (vs nationally accredited) Institute of Higher Education (college/university) 3) Gain as much experience as possible, through avenues such as volunteering (i.e. Junior Achievement), shadowing a TTT mentor currently in the classroom, and substitute teaching

TTT folks most knowledgeable in your chosen state(s). They are there to help service members get started.

Success Stories As a consistent “top” TTT-supporting state, Colorado has numerous veteran success stories. One that stands out is TTT participant, Dr. Elmer Harris, who began teaching special education in Colorado in 2011.

According to Scheuer, “I would also add an additional tip to seek and join the professional association for the content area the veteran wants to teach in.”

He was selected as one of six nationwide selections to be a U.S. Department of Education School Ambassador Fellow in 2017. READ MORE: https://www2.ed.gov/programs/schoolfellowship/2017fellows/harris.html

There is an association for nearly every content area… the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics (nctm.org), National Science Teachers Association (nsta.org), Music Teachers National Association (mtna.org), and World Language teachers have the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (actfl.org).

More Information Contact TTT Program Office: Call 1-800-231-6242 or find all other state TTT office contact information by clicking on individual states on the U.S map on the TTT official website, http://www.proudtoserveagain.com/

Not only does this show that a candidate is already connected to the professional field, but most associations also offer discounts, “new teacher” membership rates, and they also have resources, such as lesson plan ‘banks’, etc. Plus, these memberships might be that ‘extra factor’ that competing candidates might not have on a resume.

One last tip -- register and begin to work with the

DANTES Information Bulletin

For more details about Colorado’s TTT grant services provided by the Colorado TTT grant office, visit their website, http://www.cde.state.co.us/ educatortalent/troopstoteacherscolorado Print a Colorado TTT Department of Education fact sheet: http://www.cde.state.co.us/educatortalent/troopstoteachers_counseling_advising http://www.cde.state.co.us/educatortalent/ troopstoteachers_eligibility.

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DANTES Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support

DANTES OCONUS European Advisor (Contingency Operation Support)

6490 Saufley Field Road, Pensacola, FL 32509 (850) 452-1901

011-49-611-143-544-1230/1210

usarmy.badenwur.usareur.mbx.dantes-euro@ mail.mil

DANTES_Outreach@navy.mil

www.DANTES.DoDed.mil DANTES4Military.Education

DANTES INFORMATION BULLETIN

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DANTES Information Bulletin The DANTES Information Bulletin is published monthly to inform education personnel about DANTES programs and to help promote more efficient customer service to service members.

Email all inquiries to DANTES_Outreach@navy.mil.

Reproduction in whole or in part is permitted for any purpose of the United States Government, except that copyrighted materials cannot be reproduced without written permission from the copyright owner. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by DANTES of the linked websites, or the information, products, or services contained therein.

Jeff Allen, Director Michelle Alexander, Editor DANTES Information Bulletin

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