MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Staff Sgt. Aundrea M. English, an instructor at the Financial Management School, Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools aboard Camp Johnson, was selected as the Instructor of the Year during a ceremony, March 13. English won the MCCSSS’ 2011 Instructor of the Year Competition for her exemplary performance as an instructor at the school from January to December 2011.
English competed against other instructors of the year from schools throughout MCCSSS. Her peers in the competition were also accomplished military professionals, from the fields of personnel administration, supply, logistics operations and Marine Corps water survival.
“It’s been a long road,” said English. “This is a big reward not just on the stage but in the classroom because you have to get to a certain point as an instructor to get here on this stage. This award is just part of it, but the students that you (help through the courses) are definitely the biggest (reward).”
The award cited English for her ability to skillfully engage students and improve their motivation to learn. English used experimental methods of instruction, facilitation techniques and her strong communication skills to help her students succeed in the Financial Management School.
English said she had no idea she was going to be a winner on that stage. She also said that she is about to leave and felt her success in the competition was a good farewell. She hopes her work and success in the competition will help guide and motivate other instructors who are working to succeed at MCCSSS.
The classes at MCCSSS are designed to prepare officer, enlisted and civilian students for military occupational specialties in personnel administration, ground supply support and distribution, financial management and logistics operations.
Camp Johnson is also home to the Combat Water Survival Swimming School East, the Instructional Management School East and the Field Medical Training Battalion. The various schools prepare students to serve in the operating forces and supporting establishments throughout the world.
The five instructors that appeared on the stage March 13 were selected from their respective schools for their outstanding performance. English stood on the stage beside her peers and only learned she was victorious moments before the officer presiding over the ceremony handed her the certificate.
“I had no clue,” said English. “I just had this surge (where I thought), ‘I did it, I made it, accomplishment.’”