Starting a CEM/AEM Mentoring Program: Lessons Learned from Indiana
Advice on Starting a CEM Mentoring Program Lessons Learned from Indiana Amy Lindsey, CEM© IAEM 2014 Conference
Program Overview Advice from mentoring ~60 candidates in 5 years 1. Get Support from the Top 2. Choosing Candidates 3. Paying for Certification 4. Finding Quality Mentors 5. Mentoring Sessions 6. Packet First, Then Test 7. Tracking Training 8. The Dreaded Essay 9. Packet Review 10. Exam/Study Sessions
Why mentor candidates? Provides professional network Calms fears Simplifies process Keeps candidates on track
Get Support from the Top • State EM/HS Director • EMA or sponsoring agency – Letter of commitment
• Funding: – Self – Agency – Grant (EMPG)
Choosing Candidates • Open to all vs. open to selected candidates – – – – –
#1 priority: local EMs All: “Wannabes” (good and bad) Selected: More focused, driven, & qualified Look for longevity Positive influence
Paying for Certification REIMBURSE!!
Find Quality Mentors • • • •
Small groups- 1:3 Current CEMs and AEMs Former CEM Commissioners 7+ years experience in EM
Mentoring Sessions • Monthly with mentor/small group – Set tasks for each meeting – Helps stay on track – Require attendance
• Twice with large group – Mid-term check – Feedback/questions for advisors – Study session/Test
Packet First, Then Test • Takes longer • Requires dedication- no testing and bailing! • Provides networking and reviewing critical topics • Allows time to brush up on EM topics for test • Created checklist of tasks
Tracking Training Hours • • • •
Create a master spreadsheet with all courses Color code by topic Sort by EM or General Allocate hours
Training Cheat Sheet
Step 1: Add provider, #, name, hours
Step 2: Add subject areas/ allocation
Step 3: Sort by allocation/subject area
Step 4: Color code each subject
Step 5: Determine hours claimed
The Dreaded Essay • • • • •
#1 problem area Start early! Keep a 10,000’ view Conduct mentor and peer reviews Add topic headers on essay for clarity – – – – – – –
Objective Problem Statement Necessary Actions Intended Outcome Human Resources Material/Financial Resources Conclusion
Packet Review • Break candidates into groups for peer reviewCEMs and AEMs • 3 reviews before submitting – Candidate review – Peer review – Mentor review
Exam Study Sessions • 2 study sessions – FEMA IS course materials – Key legal and administrative policies • Stafford Act • Presidential Directives – NIMS
– National-level documents
• Jeopardy game
Exam Day • • • •
Find approved proctor Conduct as a whole group Consider special needs Set exam date early and expect all candidates to attend • Conduct short review before test
Questions? Amy Lindsey Indiana DHS [email protected]
Program Overview Advice from mentoring ~60 candidates in 5 years 1. Get Support from the Top 2. Choosing Candidates 3. Paying for Certification 4. Finding Quality Mentors 5. Mentoring Sessions 6. Packet First, Then Test 7. Tracking Training 8. The Dreaded Essay 9. Packet Review 10. Exam/Study Sessions
Why mentor candidates? Provides professional network Calms fears Simplifies process Keeps candidates on track
Get Support from the Top • State EM/HS Director • EMA or sponsoring agency – Letter of commitment
• Funding: – Self – Agency – Grant (EMPG)
Choosing Candidates • Open to all vs. open to selected candidates – – – – –
#1 priority: local EMs All: “Wannabes” (good and bad) Selected: More focused, driven, & qualified Look for longevity Positive influence
Paying for Certification REIMBURSE!!
Find Quality Mentors • • • •
Small groups- 1:3 Current CEMs and AEMs Former CEM Commissioners 7+ years experience in EM
Mentoring Sessions • Monthly with mentor/small group – Set tasks for each meeting – Helps stay on track – Require attendance
• Twice with large group – Mid-term check – Feedback/questions for advisors – Study session/Test
Packet First, Then Test • Takes longer • Requires dedication- no testing and bailing! • Provides networking and reviewing critical topics • Allows time to brush up on EM topics for test • Created checklist of tasks
Tracking Training Hours • • • •
Create a master spreadsheet with all courses Color code by topic Sort by EM or General Allocate hours
Training Cheat Sheet
Step 1: Add provider, #, name, hours
Step 2: Add subject areas/ allocation
Step 3: Sort by allocation/subject area
Step 4: Color code each subject
Step 5: Determine hours claimed
The Dreaded Essay • • • • •
#1 problem area Start early! Keep a 10,000’ view Conduct mentor and peer reviews Add topic headers on essay for clarity – – – – – – –
Objective Problem Statement Necessary Actions Intended Outcome Human Resources Material/Financial Resources Conclusion
Packet Review • Break candidates into groups for peer reviewCEMs and AEMs • 3 reviews before submitting – Candidate review – Peer review – Mentor review
Exam Study Sessions • 2 study sessions – FEMA IS course materials – Key legal and administrative policies • Stafford Act • Presidential Directives – NIMS
– National-level documents
• Jeopardy game
Exam Day • • • •
Find approved proctor Conduct as a whole group Consider special needs Set exam date early and expect all candidates to attend • Conduct short review before test
Questions? Amy Lindsey Indiana DHS [email protected]
