Wednesday, May 8, 2013
If you have lived for more than a handful of years, you have probably experienced a teacher or two. They are part of our day-to-day lives. They are with us as we grow up, from our early days in pre-school and Kindergarten to our later days in high school, college and beyond. They are with us—guiding us, encouraging us, inspiring us—for some of our most pivotal moments. We thank them for the guidance that brought us to certain places in our careers. We thank them for the encouragement to aspire to be great, unique, and of value to the world. We thank them for our inspiration to
simply be better people.
Today, we thank them for being who they are:
teachers.
Since it is
Teacher Appreciation Week 2013, we wanted to recognize our dedicated and inspiring Allied American University instructors by allowing them to speak about what inspires them as teachers; what it’s like to teach online; and what they absolutely adore about teaching.
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| Dr. Chastity Miller |
I love teaching because watching students learn something new related to their chosen career field of study is the greatest gift. Knowledge is power, and by teaching we are providing power to our students through the knowledge that they can use to better their futures. I cannot think of a more fulfilling position than teaching. It literally changes lives. Dr. Chastity Miller, Adjunct Criminal Justice
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| Christina Joyner, MS |
Teaching online is changing lives one student at a time. I have the opportunity to reach students across the country and around the world. Christina Joyner, MS, Core Faculty Mathematics
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| Dr. Kristy Nelson |
I love the ‘light bulb’ moment--when a student finally "gets it" and you hear about the student's reaction. I find this is an extremely rewarding part of teaching, because it allows me to witness true learning in action. Dr. Kristy Nelson, Core Faculty English
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| Erin Nunnally |
Studying literature and writing in school gave me confidence, helped me see the world in new ways, and made me feel alive. Knowing that I am passing that on is a great reward and inspires me to teach every day. Erin Nunnally, Core Faculty English
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| Dr. Irene Ortiz-Colella |
Knowing I am able to teach our future! Dr. Irene Ortiz-Colella, Core Faculty Science
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| Marc Thomson, MFA |
Unlike within a classroom, instructor and the student are locked in the silence of their minds, one to one, through written language. The process is at once personalized, intellectual, and challenging. Marc Thomson, MFA, Arts and Humanities
Thanks to all of the Allied American University teachers, and all of the teachers out there! You folks are the best.
Stay tuned for more teaching inspiration later this week! Meanwhile, if you are a teacher, check out our
Focus on Teachers Pinterest board for inspiration! Also be sure to check out the support for teachers on
Twitter by following the hashtag
#ThankATeacher. For more information about AAU online college courses, please give us a call at (
888) 384-0849.
Labels: military friendly colleges, online college courses, teacher appreciation, teacher appreciation week, Thank A Teacher
Read more Teaching Inspiration for this Teacher Appreciation Week 2013
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Starting January 1, 2015, the
education requirements for California Appraisers will change. Looking ahead, for some, 2015 may seem like a lifetime away. We’re here to say that we don’t think that’s the case. We’re here to encourage you to look at the next year and a half as an opportunity to take advantage of the time you have to prepare for the inevitable change. We’re here to say
this:
The changes are coming. They are inevitable. But you can start today. Prepare for your future ahead with a 100% online program suited for your specific appraisal career needs—on your schedule, with the classes you want, and without any of those tiresome waitlists.
Plus, if you enroll in three courses from AAU, you will receive
Complimentary California Certified Residential Appraisal Program. A
$795 value!
After January 1, 2015, if you pursue your Certified Residential Appraisal license, you will need a bachelor’s degree. But if you act now, you can achieve your Certified Residential upgrade more easily!
Make the headway you need to preserve or achieve your
Certified Residential Appraisal License by taking one of the following two simple steps:
- Fulfill 21 credits or earn an associate degree (60 credits) prior to January 1, 2015. No bachelor's degree required!
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (120 credits). Get ahead of the pack by matching the January 1, 2015 requirements!
If you accomplish the first step, you
won't need to get a bachelor's degree. You'll be ready to get started on your career! But if you
do decide to pursue the bachelor's degree (more time, but more potential for career value), you can too!
Either step you take, you will receive a
Complimentary CA Certified Residential Appraisal Program! A
$795 value! Either step you take, you are preparing yourself, saving yourself time, and providing yourself with more time to focus on your career achievements and aspirations!
But, even with all of this, you may be thinking, why now? Why should I upgrade? Well, we already mentioned that the education requirements are changing. That’s one reason. Another reason we’ve mentioned is that you will receive a complimentary CA Certified Residential Appraisal Program worth $795. Lastly, a reason to upgrade that we haven’t mentioned is that
you can do a whole lot more with a certified appraiser’s license than simply in real estate. Including:
- Work for CPAs. Appraisals are required when partnerships are dissolved or when property is listed as a business asset.
- Work with attorneys. Appraisers can work with attorneys on divorce or estate matters, condemnation and eminent domain issues, or assessment appeals.
- Work with bail bonds professionals. They pay well, up front, and usually in cash.
- Work for insurance companies or government agencies, including the city or county assessor’s office, HUD, FHA, or FEMA.
Okay, a recap! If you upgrade your California appraisal license, you can receive a complimentary Certified Residential program worth $795; you will prepare yourself in advance of the inevitable January 1, 2015 changes; and you will have a variety of career options once you do!
Avoid the waitlists, get the classes you want, and start toward your simple appraisal license upgrade today. Give us a call at
(888) 384-0849 if you have any questions.
Labels: appraisal license, appraisal upgrade, appraiser license, appraiser license courses, CA appraisal license, california appraisal license, certified appraisal license, real estate appraisal
Read more Complimentary CA Certified Residential Appraisal Program with License Upgrade
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
The folks over at Mint recently put together an infographic that asks (and answers!) the question:
Does a Higher Education Guard Against Unemployment? As they say,
Education pays dividends. The latest census data shows the value of higher education and the protection it provides against unemployment. We show you a breakdown of education attainment in the United States, as well as how well education pays off.
The more studies that are done on this topic, the more people agree (including the Bureau of Labor Statistics):
education pays. It’s incredibly important for a variety of reasons. It provides you with unique knowledge targeted to specific career paths and it creates value for yourself as a prospective employee, to name just a couple of reasons.
Here’s the infographic from Mint:
If an online degree program isn’t right for you, Allied also offers
career training programs in medical billing, pharmacy tech, real estate, business and solar energy. If you are looking to increase your value in the job market, take a visit to
our website to see what we have to offer. If you like what you see, please give us a call at
(888) 384-0849. We’d love to hear from you.
Labels: benefits of college degree, benefits of higher education, college degree better job, Does a Higher Education Guard Against Unemployment, higher education infographics, higher education unemployment
Read more Higher Education Pays Off and Protects Against Unemployment
Friday, April 19, 2013
Waitlist. That dreaded word. If you are high school student in the process of applying for colleges, or you are already a college student, you’ve probably heard the term waitlist before. Sadly, students across the nation have either experienced it personally, or know someone who has. In a
recent article on CBS Money Watch titled “The odds of getting off a college wait-list,” author Lynn O’Shaughnessy says: “What many students don’t realize is that today’s wait-list invitations represent the polite way of rejecting a student.”
If you think that is a tough pill to swallow, consider the numbers. As O’Shaughnessy explains, “Stanford University last year extended wait-list invitations to 789 applicants, and 594 accepted. Guess how many of those students gained admission off the wait list? Zero!”
For college-ready students that are eager to get started, that’s not an easy thing to come to terms with. Waitlists act as unfortunate, annoying, and sometimes wholly disruptive roadblocks on the journey to receive or finish your college degree. Waiting
until next semester or the semester after that can be disheartening and momentum-destroying.
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| Your Path to Achieve Your Degree is Wide Open. |
If you don’t want to wait around (and we understand and don’t begrudge those who do), you don’t have to at Allied American University. If you are tired of the waiting game, you can enroll at AAU now, and receive your college degree on
your time and on
your schedule.
The good news is that if you don’t want to be waitlisted, you
can easily transfer credits you have to apply to any of our 100% online, flexible degree programs, degree concentrations for further educational specialization, and a cornucopia of career-enhancing online certificates. At AAU, we believe that, with the flexibility of online learning, you have the freedom to create the degree plan you want, specific to your unique interests and goals, and with your schedule in mind.
More reasons to say goodbye to waitlists:
- Small, Private
- Career Focused
- Financing Available: Pell Grants, No-Interest Pay Plans*
- Ease of Transfer Credit
- Small Class Sizes
- Stable Tuition
- Student Support for Every Step
Before you make any decision, please take a moment to learn more about AAU’s
online degree programs, the
dos and don’ts for online learners, our
military education programs, and
what sets us apart. For any other questions, please give us a call at
(888) 384-0849.
*Federal Aid: Please see Allied American University's website for federal and institutional requirements to participate in these programs.Labels: college waitlist, college waitlist alternative, online college courses, online degree program, university waitlist, waitlist alternatives, waitlist letter, waitlisted college
Read more Tired of Waiting Around? Finish Your College Degree without the Waitlists
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Secure Your TA Funding Now Before You Miss Your Opportunity
We’re very happy to hear that military Tuition Assistance (TA) has been reinstated for the
U.S. Army,
Air Force, and most recently, the
Marine Corps. This is splendid news, and it wouldn't have happened without your persistence and determination. Great job!
But, what now? While we are all very excited by the news (and are hoping that the Marines will follow their lead very soon!) we also strongly encourage
Army,
Air Force, and
Marine Corps students to act as soon as possible. Here’s why:
- Tuition assistance is being restored only for the current military fiscal year, which ends in September.
- Those funds for this current fiscal year could still very well run out before September.
- For the next fiscal year (after September 2013), the availability of TA funding will most likely be significantly less.
What You Need to Know About Military Tuition Assistance
- May pay up to 100% of your tuition and fees (up to $4,500 annually)
- Awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis
- You must be on active duty and a service member in good standing
- You must remain in your branch during the entire term of your online course
- Whether you are Army National Guard, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp, or Coast Guard, you can find detailed instructions on how you can receive Tuition Assistance here.
Your Tuition Assistance funds are available now. Come September, you won’t have a guarantee of funds, and your chances of attaining those funds will be diminished greatly. Don’t wait! Get started today, secure your funding, and secure your future by pursuing your educational goals at Allied American University.
For more information about Tuition Assistance, choosing a
military-friendly school, and your future start at AAU, please give us a call at
(888) 384-0849.
Labels: army tuition assistance, marines tuition assistance, TA military, TA reinstatement, TA sequestration, tuition assistance reinstatement, tuition assistance sequestration
Read more Army, Air Force, and Marines: Tuition Assistance is Back. What Now? Act Soon!
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Keeping you informed on all things to do with Tuition Assistance and Sequestration
The
latest news, as of
April 8, indicates two very important details:
- Tuition Assistance is expected to return "by the end of next week," as said by Lt. Col. Tom Alexander, an Army personnel spokesperson.
- The amount of TA that will be available is still uncertain.
What you can do now:
- As always, if you choose to go the non-TA route, there are countless other ways military students can afford an online degree at AAU. With Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, financial aid, and the GI Bill, your options are wide open.
- But if you do choose to go with Tuition Assistance, we advise you to get your applications in now! Once TA returns, there will likely be a backlog, so be sure you don't miss out!
Other important and interesting updates:
A sequestration update from each of the U.S. military branches:
U.S. Army
- On March 8, the Army released an official announcement on the suspension of TA, saying that the “suspension is necessary given the significant budget execution challenges caused by the combined effects of a possible year-long continuing resolution and sequestration.”
U.S. Marine Corps
- Shortly after the Army suspended Tuition Assistance, the Marine Corps did followed suit, announcing it on the same day.
U.S. Coast Guard
- A few days after, on March 11, the Coast Guard suspended Tuition Assistance. The cuts are part of the sequestration “that requires the Department of Defense to reduce spending by $46 billion in the current fiscal year.”
U.S. Air Force
- Just one day later, the Air Force suspended TA, joining the Army, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. According to Lt. Col. Laurel Tingley, “currently 104,000 airmen use Tuition Assistance at an annual coast of $128 million.”
U.S. Navy
- The Navy is the only military branch that hasn’t suspended TA.
For more information about your military education options, don’t hesitate to call us at
(888) 384-0849.
Labels: army tuition assistance, coast guard tuition assistance, marines tuition assistance, TA sequester, TA sequestration, tuition assistance, tuition assistance sequestration
Read more Military Tuition Assistance and Sequestration Update
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Whether you are a current online learner or you are looking to become one, this informative, educational, and fun infographic is for you! Read, be informed, and have a chuckle. You deserve that.
Click on the image to make larger.
Labels: distance learning courses, distance learning infographic, dos and donts online learners, education infographics, online college courses, online college degrees, online learning courses, online learning tips
Read more The Dos and Don'ts for Online Learners: An AAU Infographic
Monday, March 11, 2013
As a valued member of the military, there are steps you can take to maximize your college credits, utilize the right education benefits, and partner with a military-friendly school. By completing each step and doing your due diligence, you can save time and money toward your education. Ensure that you reach your goals--your post-military career plans don’t have to wait.
Take advantage of these 3 steps:
Step 1: Maximize Your College Credits
Did you know that up to 75% of an undergraduate program can be earned through any form of recognized credit toward a degree? And a maximum of 30 semester credits may be awarded from standardized exams? Make the most of your education by getting a head start.
- Credit by Exam AAU will consider accepting credit by exam when you submit your Score Report for CLEP and DSST (DANTES) exams provided by College Board. Excelsior Exams will be reviewed for credit upon obtaining a transcript from Excelsior College. Military students who provide their AARTS or SMARTS records will list the necessary information to award credit for any DLPT or DSST exams.
- Military Training AAU will assess military course completion listed on your military transcripts to apply for the maximum allowable transfer credit recommended by the Academic Council on Education (ACE). You may be closer to your goal than you think!
Step 2: Choose Your Education Benefits
With the sequestration cuts to some military tuition assistance programs, you will find other education benefits that are equally effective in helping you reach your goals. The key is to be informed! You don’t have to put your education goals on hold – other benefits will help cover the costs of your education.
- GI Bill: There are different benefits available from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for active-duty service members, including:
- Chapter 30: Active-duty service members enroll and pay $100 per month for 12 months and are then entitled to receive a monthly education benefit once they have completed a minimum service obligation.
- Chapter 1606: A reservist must be actively drilling and have a 6-year obligation in the Selected Reserve to be eligible.
- Post-9/11 GI Bill: Active-duty service members who completed a minimum of 90 days of service may have their tuition/fees paid and receive an annual book stipend but they won’t qualify for a housing allowance. Benefit amounts will vary depending on years of service.
- Federal Student Aid: Military students can also qualify for federal student aid, which includes grants and loan programs under the Department of Education.
- Pell Grants: Unlike a loan, this grant does not need to be repaid. The maximum amount that can be awarded is $5,550 and is dependent on such factors as financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status.
- Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans: This loan can start where the Pell Grant stops and provide additional funds. It is awarded on the basis of financial need, with repayment beginning six months after enrollment has stopped or decreased to half time.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: This is another additional source of funds on top of the Pell Grant. You do not need to demonstrate a financial need, but need to meet eligibility requirements. Interest accrues from the start, with repayment beginning six months after enrollment has stopped or decreased to half time.
Step 3: Select a Military-Friendly School
You want a school that understands the unique needs of service members and their families. By partnering with such a school, you can get assistance every step of the way – from transferring your credits and choosing the right program to maximizing your benefits to alleviate unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.
Call
(888) 384-0849 today to learn more about starting your education. As an active-duty service member, there are many options available to you – from credits to benefits. Make sure you’re informed! The right school can help you achieve your goals.
Labels: aau military, aau military university, army tuition assistance, federal student aid, GI Bill, military education benefits, online college courses, online colleges military friendly
Read more Service Members’ Guide to Education
Today, there are many options available to you to help you achieve your educational goals. When you search online or visit your Education Office, you will find that there are a lot of schools saying the same thing and vying for your attention. So, how do you make an informed decision? Learn what it takes for a school to be considered military friendly.
Here are some tips to choosing a military-friendly school:
Staff with Previous Military Experience
It’s helpful when the staff or faculty understand your busy military lifestyle. You have unique learning needs and require a flexible education. With a staff that previously served in the Armed Forces, you get the support system you need to
help you reach your goals.
Dedicated Military Admissions Department
Need help navigating all of the education benefit options? That’s what a dedicated military admissions department can do. These people are well-versed in all of the military benefits and can help you choose the option that’s best for you, as well as help you maximize your transfer credit. You are not alone!
In-Demand Degree and Certificate programs
Whether you are looking to advance in the military or prepare for a post-military career, you need an education that will support your overall goals. By having in-demand degree and
certificate programs, you get access to the foundational knowledge you need. Additionally, programs that complement your military experience, such as criminal justice, can help you make a smooth transition into civilian life.
Personalized Student Support
When you need help, you want to be able to speak with a live person for assistance. Having a dedicated advisor can provide you the point person you need for any questions that come up along the way. And with Skype and email, you can easily get in touch with your advisor and get your questions answered.
Transfer Credits
You want to know that your previous education and credit by examination count toward your education. With a military-friendly school, you can receive up to 75% credit for these, which means you can start your education ahead of the game. With a jumpstart on your degree, you can finish even sooner!
Deployed Status
What if you get deployed during your studies? A military-friendly school will contact your Education Service Officer (ESO) and inform him or her that you’re on “deployed status” for the time being. When your deployment ends, you can resume your studies where you left off before deployment.
Affordable Tuition
As a military service member, you can get affordable tuition rates, as low as $250 per credit hour. Plus, with perks such as a Textbook Grant and no upfront fees, you can save even more money. Your education benefits will go further and you will save in the process!
Choosing a
military-friendly school is key to a successful educational experience. Call
(888) 384-0849 today to learn how AAU fits the model of a military-friendly school and can help you every step of the way. As a military student, you have unique needs and partnering with a school that understands these needs can help you realize your goals – from education to career!
Labels: aau army, aau military, aau military university, army tuition assistance, military friendly college, military friendly colleges, Military Friendly Schools, online colleges military friendly
Read more Choosing a Military-Friendly School
