Sarah Michele King - PhD

I attribute my success to a strong belief in competency-based education and a hands-on approach to helping schoolhouses and other Air Force training organizations implement it in a practical, performance-based way. I stay engaged, especially with those who are skeptical, and work to ensure they understand the value. That persistence has been critical in building trust and achieving meaningful buy-in.

Do not give up on your dream. Instead, develop a clear and intentional plan to move forward.

Seek out mentorship early. In a male-dominated environment such as the military, mentorship is not optional—it is essential. While more women are advancing and there are exceptional female leaders across the force, recognition and visibility still do not occur at the same rate.

A recent awards ceremony illustrated this gap. Out of 12 categories, only one or two women were recognized, while the majority of awards went to men. That kind of imbalance reinforces an important reality: women must be deliberate about building support networks, advocating for their work, and positioning themselves for opportunities.

Progress is happening, but it requires persistence, strategy, and support. Stay committed to the goal, seek guidance, and continue moving forward with purpose.

The first thing I would say is make sure this is what you want to do. Ensure this is the right path for you, because in 10 years, if you've went down that road and you decide it's not right, you're going to have a major career shift, and it's hard to change. You don't want to be mediocre. You want to succeed, and I think that's important for women to succeed. So, to succeed, you have to start at the basis and make sure it's the right career field. I see a lot of educators getting out of education because it was not the right career field. I started in Journalism because I wanted to go to college, and after years of not doing anything with my degree, I switched career paths. And, it has taken several years for me to recover from the shift.

One of the most significant challenges has been securing buy-in from Air Force schoolhouses for competency-based education and training. When the program was introduced in 2018, it was optional. Over time, it transitioned to a mandated approach, requiring all training to align with competency-based principles. That shift created resistance, and in some cases, strong opposition.

Addressing that resistance required a deliberate and focused approach. During workshops, particular attention is given to those who are skeptical. Ensuring they fully understand the purpose, structure, and benefits of competency-based education is essential to building trust and gaining meaningful buy-in.

The importance of this effort is clear. Traditional instructor-led models often rely on passive learning, where students follow direction but do not consistently achieve mastery. As a result, graduates may arrive at their first duty assignment without the ability to perform critical tasks independently.

Competency-based education addresses this gap by emphasizing practical, performance-based learning. Instead of practicing tasks in isolation or simulated conditions, learners develop real-world skills tied directly to job requirements. This approach ensures that when students graduate, they are prepared to perform effectively from day one, maximizing both mission readiness and the return on the Air Force’s investment in training.

I am deeply passionate about education and about helping people learn to the fullest of their abilities. That commitment has been a key factor in the success of the competency-based workshop. At its core, the work is about helping individuals recognize that there is a path forward—and that with the right support, they can achieve meaningful success.

I am also committed to uplifting women. There is tremendous value in women intentionally supporting and encouraging one another, especially young girls. When that kind of support is present, it fosters confidence, reduces unnecessary division, and strengthens a sense of community.

Women play a critical role in shaping success across every sector. Continuing to elevate, support, and recognize the contributions of women is essential—not only for individual advancement, but for the strength and progress of the broader community.