MMA Faculty Complete Comprehensive Fall 2024 Orientation Training

Missouri Military Academy (MMA) faculty recently completed the 2024 orientation training, held from August 5 to 9, 2024. The week-long training was designed to equip MMA faculty with the tools, knowledge, and strategies necessary to provide cadets with the highest standard of education and leadership for the upcoming academic year. In its 135th year of operation, the Academy educates young men in grades seven through 12, plus post-graduate year. In the featured photo above, the MMA faculty stand with President Brigadier General Richard V. Geraci, USA (Ret), on the steps of Stribling Hall. 

“This annual training ensures that our faculty are well-prepared to deliver an exceptional educational experience for all cadets in the upcoming school year,” said President Geraci. “We hold our cadets and our faculty and staff to high standards. Beyond supporting academic excellence, our faculty and our 360° Education support cadets’ leadership, character, physical and social development, instilling self-discipline, personal responsibility and accountability in our young men.”

During the orientation, MMA welcomed several new faculty members to the MMA team, including Glessie Chavez (English), Sungtae Hwang (English Language Learners, or ELL), Cameo Wells (Director for College and Career Counseling), Melba Lackey (English), John Garner (Math), 1st Sgt. Will Blue (JROTC), and Maj. Wayne Welander (Senior Army Instructor).

Above, new faculty members pose for a photo with President Geraci and Academic Dean Elizabeth “Ranae” Clement.

Faculty members engaged in intensive learning in several areas, including reinforcing the core educational philosophies and goals of the Academy and parent communication and expectations and outlining effective communication strategies with parents and guardians to support cadet success.

“At the heart of our educational philosophy is relational teaching,” said Dean Clement. “We believe that strong, positive relationships between teachers, cadets, and parents are essential to creating a supportive learning environment. Our teachers are committed to understanding each cadet’s unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations. By fostering these connections, we aim to inspire a love of learning and a sense of belonging in every cadet as we help each thrive with our military structure.”

Above, Reading Specialist Sheila Meny works with a small group of cadets. The average class size at MMA is approximately 14 cadets per class, with many classes having less than 10 cadets.

The faculty training also included the following: curriculum mapping using Rubicon Atlas, enhancing curriculum design and implementation to ensure academic excellence; English Language Learners (ELL) definition and best practice strategies; military courtesies, uniforms, and deportment, emphasizing the importance of military discipline and presentation; effective learning plans and strategies that are tailored to the needs of cadets; and more.

In addition, the faculty training included instruction on Cadet Success Team (CST) protocol to strengthen collaborative efforts for cadet success and a review of the academic and behavioral expectations for cadets. Faculty discussed study hall and guided study hall expectations and an overview of MMA’s Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program, which every cadet participates in.

Above, English teacher Danielle DeTienne instructs cadets on MMA-issued laptops.

The Academy expects to educate approximately 200 middle and high school cadets, including boarding and day cadets for the 2024-25 academic year. In 2024, the graduating class (including 37 seniors and three post-graduate cadets) were offered more than $4.9 million in college scholarships and achieved 100% college acceptance.