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CPPD Announces Top Instructors for 2012
Story Number: NNS130314-10
3/14/2013

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jayme Pastoric, Center for Personal and Professional Development Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) announced its 2012 Military Instructors of the Year (IoY), said CPPD Commanding Officer Capt. John Newcomer, March 14.

The Military Instructor of the Year award program recognizes Navy instructors and facilitators who exemplify personal excellence and display outstanding instructional and leadership performance.

The program highlights the significant contributions of individuals from throughout the Naval Education and Training enterprise who have been nominated by their command, based on their sustained superior performance over the course of the past year. Nomination packages highlight the nominee's accomplishments, community involvement, and personal and professional growth. CPPD's winning categories were Officer Instructor of the Year, Enlisted Instructor of the Year and Senior Enlisted Instructor of the Year.

Lt. Jennifer Lipscomb was selected as Officer Instructor of the Year. Currently instructing the Division Officer Leadership Course (DIVOLC) at CPPD Learning Site Corry Station, Fla., Lipscomb said she is thankful for the opportunity provided by CPPD to learn the skills required of an effective instructor.

"Every day is different and every student is unique," said Lipscomb. "Hearing the stories and experiences of so many different people keeps each day new and interesting."

Lipscomb has been teaching for two years at Corry Station. "I love teaching DIVOLC and getting to meet all of the future Naval aviators. They have so much energy and excitement for the careers that they are about to start."

She said the biggest thing she has learned is that no course is written in stone, and instructors have to work hard every day to make sure the information they put out is up to date.

"It's a fantastic reminder that none of us has all the answers, and each class will challenge us to learn more, seek out new resources, and stay informed on Navy issues," said Lipscomb.

Damage Controlman 1st Class Shawn Love was selected as the Enlisted Instructor of the Year and is currently assigned to CPPD Learning Site Kings Bay, Ga. Learning Site Leader Senior Chief Personnel Specialist Antonio Searcy said Love's inspiring leadership, limitless enthusiasm and dedication to Sailor development were key qualities behind his selection.

"I like having the opportunity to cross qualify and teach different courses," said Love. "The fact that I get to teach in different styles and forums is phenomenal. I'm not restricted to doing one style or one class."

Love said his favorite course to facilitate is Bearings, which is a two-week course designed for Sailors who are at-risk for not completing their enlistment, to help them build life skills to make better decisions in their personal and professional lives.

"I get to directly affect junior servicemen and women in a very positive manner during the course, many of whom come to the course with misguided intentions and expectations," Love said about facilitating Bearings. "I come across prior students from time to time and get to see the dramatic improvements that they have made in their careers and personal lives."

Senior Enlisted Instructor of the Year honors went to Chief Yeoman Tara Leverett, currently assigned to CPPD Learning Sites West, San Diego, Calif. Leverett's responsibilities include instructing the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Managers/Supervisors (ADAMS), Drug and Alcohol Programs Advisor (DAPA) and Bystander Intervention courses of instruction.

"The ability to have a direct impact on the development of Sailors in the fleet is what I like the most about being assigned to CPPD," said Leverett. "The impact of Navy prevention education as well as the Bystander Intervention and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response-Fleet training are direct lines of communication to the fleet, and it feels rewarding to be a part of those programs."

The biggest thing Leverett said she has learned working at CPPD is the value of personal and professional development. Leverett's vision is that each student walks away with the same valuable insight, knowledge and skill level as if she were training them in their rating or skill set.

"I believe that CPPD exists because personal and professional growth is a vital component to the well-rounded Sailor," Leverett said.

Newcomer said he was impressed with the dedication and high level of professionalism from the 2012 IoYs.

"These exceptional instructors deliver world-class training to the fleet," said Newcomer. "They embody the Navy core values, equal opportunity and personal and professional accountability. Not only are they subject matter experts and great instructors, but they are also great leaders and mentors. They truly reflect CPPD's slogan of "Where mind meets mission."

Sailors interested in instructor duty should talk with their detailer on requirements.

Information is also available on Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) at https://wwwa.nko.navy.mil/portal/leadership/home/instructorprograms.

CPPD is responsible for providing a wide range of personal and professional development courses and materials, including General Military Training, Navy instructor training, alcohol and drug awareness program training, suicide and sexual assault prevention, bystander intervention, and personal responsibility classes. CPPD's required leadership training is delivered multiple times throughout a Sailor's career via command-delivered enlisted leadership training material and officer leadership courses in a schoolhouse setting. CPPD also administers the Navy's voluntary education program, which provides Sailors with the opportunity to earn college degrees. CPPD additionally manages the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP), which offers Sailors the opportunity to earn civilian apprenticeship certifications.

For more information about the Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD), visit: https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cppd/.

For more news from the Center for Personal and Professional Development, visit: www.navy.mil/local/voledpao/. Find CPPD on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Center-for-Personal-and-Professional-Development/100056459206 and on Twitter @CENPERSPROFDEV.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Center for Personal and Professional Development, visit www.navy.mil/local/voledpao/.