About the Course
Objectives:
Define professional development and discuss its importance.
Evaluate pre-launch criteria.
Examine the components of a professional development plan.
Consider your obligation to share knowledge with industry professionals.
Description:
The sky is the limit when it comes to opportunities! This session discusses and defines professional development and why it is important for you and your organization. We will begin with a pre-check to make sure you meet the criteria necessary for launch. We will then take a deep dive into the components of a professional development plan and allow you time to put it to the test with an upcoming goal. Finally, after your successful launch, we will discuss ways you can share your knowledge and get others in your orbit of endless opportunities.
Your Instructor
Toby J. Akers Jr., CMCP
Toby is a galvanizer, gaining energy from empowering individuals to follow their passions and discover new skills and abilities. He has the honor of serving as the 911 Training Coordinator for the City of Roanoke. The department is dedicated to excellence, being both CALEA-accredited and having an APCO P33-certified training program.
Before his time at the City of Roanoke, Toby served the New River Valley Emergency Communications Regional Authority (NRV 911) as a Communications Officer. During this time, he took many opportunities to follow his passion and expand his knowledge by completing several courses on his own, including NENA's Center Manager Certification Program (CMCP), 911 Center Supervisor, and the Excellence in Dispatch Certification. These accomplishments prepared him to take the next step in his career and be selected as a Training Coordinator.
Beyond his service at the city, Toby is the Founder of The Tenacious Telecommunicator, an organization focused on training and recognizing public safety telecommunicators. This role has allowed him to develop and deliver nationwide training courses at public safety communications conferences.
Toby’s public safety experience extends beyond his time under the headset. He began his journey by volunteering with Christiansburg Rescue, where he later served as the Membership Lieutenant. In that role, he led a high-performing team tasked with overseeing new member orientation and probation clearance. The team experienced significant successes due to non-conventional recruitment efforts and an overhaul of the orientation process, resulting in a 14% increase in volunteer membership in just one year.
He has also served in various leadership positions for the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads. Most notably, he served as the State Training Officer, managing and coordinating a statewide education program with 30 certification courses and over 100 volunteer instructors. His most significant contribution in this role was leading the program through the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic and creating a training policy manual to enhance program effectiveness.
During his time as a Security Center Representative at the Virginia Tech Police Department, one of Toby’s highlights was being tasked by Chief Foust to assist his supervisor in redeveloping the employee training manual and materials for new employees.
Outside of public safety, Toby enjoys traveling, gardening, rollerblading, and time with friends.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
NEW COURSE - COMING SOON
NEW COURSE - COMING SOON