Raising the Bar Starts with YOU
.......................and ME!
When a public safety instructor teaches, motivated by “WHY”, and equipped with research-based, proven strategies from the latest professional development courses, lives begin to change. This is the just the beginning of raising the bar for public safety instructors. Instructors across the nation are seeing the results in themselves and in those they lead. However, it is not an easy process. The “sage on a stage” strategy is no longer effective for delivery of content. As we compete with the multiple sensory, fast paced lifestyles, we must remain relevant and student-centered in our instruction.
Not only must we allow for student-centered learning, considering learning styles and challenges, we must remind students find their own “Why”. At the risk of sounding cliché, they need to be reminded to find their purpose. Frederick Neitzsche said it best, “He who has a “why” to live for can bear almost any “how””. However, it does not stop there.
In addition, Millennials and the new Z Generation can bring many additional challenges to public safety instructors. Many times, instructors feel they are not able to relate to the students and challenges due to generational gaps. Cutting-edge, professional development can eradicate these problems, as well as improve the instructor as a whole. Did you know that most states do not require any additional professional development for instructors beyond the basic instructor course? According to a recent blind survey, 96% of participants believe that continuing education for instructors in public safety should be a requirement to main certified to instruct. 86% of those stated that they would take professional development if it were offered, even if not required.
Also, according to those polled, there is no requirement for Instructors or LEO to take additional ethics courses beyond the basic course as a new recruit. One can only assume this is an oversight on the part of Administration. “In today’s sociopolitical climate, the law enforcement profession is under a great deal of scrutiny and criticism from the public sector. Given the breadth of social media — and the current contentious perspective of law enforcement — we need to make sure officers have the skills necessary to make the best decisions in any situation they may face.” (Gaskins, 2016) By developing ownership, accountability programs and continued education requirements, we will be able to regain the respect of the communities in which they protect.
“We do not send a cadet into harm’s way without proper training. Nor should we demand ethical change without proper education. That proper education is made available via ethics trainers. By creating an atmosphere of zero tolerance to ethical misbehavior as well as individual ownership for one’s actions, many of the problems clinging to us, as a profession, will vanish.” (Katz, 2014 )
Isn’t it time to raise the bar? Administrators and Instructors can travel the same path of a familiar, “manicured walkway” or think like a leader and continue even when that path becomes a rough, crude landscape full of weeds requiring a machete. The current pathway is paved and familiar. That is easy! Become a “pioneer of a new path” and raise the bar for instructors of public safety across the nation! Push for relevant, cutting edge professional development in ethics and instructional tactics.
I can't raise the bar of others if I haven't raised the bar for myself.~ John C. Maxwell
References:
Gaskins, J. (January, 2016) “Ethics in leadership: Applying Aristotle in police work”. Ethics in Policing. Police One.
Katz, M. (April, 2014). “How a focus on ethics can elevate the police profession”. Past the Uniform. Police One.