MCT Success Story: Douglas Paddock
MCP Success Story
Douglas Paddock became a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) by accident. He doesn’t want other people to make the same mistake—he wants them to become MCTs on purpose.
First, about the accident. Paddock, a Vietnam veteran and a member of both the Disabled American Veterans organization and Mensa, retired from the military a half dozen years ago after 20 years of service. Like many retiring veterans, he had maturity, leadership ability—and no idea of what to do in civilian life.
Paddock began a lucrative career as a cross-country trucker until he realized he was missing out on the formative years of his son’s life, and that being with his family full time had become a priority. He sold insurance for a while, then used his knowledge of computers—gained during his military service—at a local bank working in technical support, and later at a local, independent telephone company as a local area network (LAN) manager. He had job security and a great working environment, but relatively low income and no prospects for major advancement.
"I was frustrated," recalls Paddock. "I felt I wasn’t supporting my family in the manner I desired, and I didn’t know what to do to fix things."
Student Impresses—and Becomes—an Instructor
When Paddock’s telephone-company employer asked him to install a network, he knew that was something he wasn’t prepared to do. To get the training he needed to perform this complex job, Paddock went to a local Microsoft Technical Education Center (Microsoft Certified Partner(s) for Learning Solutions program) to take a course on the subject. So it was purely by accident that Paddock so impressed his instructors that they offered him a job as an instructor—if he could pass the Microsoft certification requirements to become an MCT.
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"The idea of teaching was very attractive to me because it’s something I had started to do before beginning my military service," says Paddock. "It was fun to talk with people, to share what I knew about computers. The only catch was that I had to become certified, both as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and an MCT."
That may have been the only catch, but it was a big one. To begin his certification studies and his work at the Microsoft Certified Partner(s) for Learning Solutions program, Paddock would have to quit his virtually guaranteed-for-life job at the telephone company. What the job lacked in satisfaction, it made up for in security. With a family to support, could Paddock leave that security behind on the chance that he would earn certification and keep the new job with the Microsoft Certified Partner(s) for Learning Solutions program? Everyone at the telephone company told him he’d be “an idiot” to walk away from his secure job.
But with his family’s support, Paddock did just that and took the chance on a new job as an MCT instructor. He hasn’t looked back since. Passing the Networking Essentials exam and a pair of Microsoft Windows NT exams brought Paddock his certification and his job with the Microsoft Certified Partner(s) for Learning Solutions program. A few days shy of two years later, Paddock visited his friends at the telephone company to show them that with his latest pay raise, he was now making twice his former salary.
More Opportunities to Teach
After two years at the Microsoft Certified Partner(s) for Learning Solutions program, Paddock moved on to teach at Louisville Technical Institute. The new job brought greater benefits—including longer vacations and free tuition for his children. But best of all to Paddock, it brought even more opportunities to do what he loves best: teach.
"I’m 49," says Paddock. "I don’t want to waste my time on things I don’t like to do. I love computers and I love to teach. The MCT credential has enabled me to bring these two loves together in a technically challenging, dynamic environment. My life is more rewarding now—this is it!
Louisville Tech is equally enthusiastic about Paddock and the MCT credential.
"Doug’s having the MCT credential made a difference in our hiring him," says Tami Kincaid, director of education for the school. "The first thing we look for is how well a teacher can communicate with students at their level. The MCT credential meant he brought technical teaching skills with him. All of our instructors in Microsoft technologies have the MCT or are working toward it."
Making a Difference in the Lives of Students
Paddock is especially gratified by the changes he has brought to the lives of his students. For example, Joe Bonano considered Paddock such a mentor that he obtained his MCSE and MCT and is now teaching Microsoft courseware at Louisville Tech, as well. Bonano also used the Microsoft certifications he obtained after taking Paddock’s classes to advance from the help desk to the position of system administrator with the U.S. Army at Fort Knox.
"Doug is a different kind of instructor," says Bonano. "The MCT proves he has real mastery of the material, and he uses his personality and his sense of humor to keep his students engaged even when the technical information can be a bit dry. He knows how to motivate his students and he tries to make every day brighter. When I first took the Networking Essentials class, I failed by one or two questions. I would have crammed for a month before taking it again but Doug encouraged me to take it again immediately—and he was right; I passed."
"I like to say that MCT means Mentor, Coach, and Tutor—meaning, of course, that a good MCT cares about his students," says Paddock. "Part of that caring means the teacher has to have enough enthusiasm and energy to make each class interesting instead of dull. I think this is the hardest thing to convey, the spark that a good teacher has to bring to every class. But it’s essential. If you’re not fired up about coming in and helping people to improve their lives, you’re in the wrong business."
Fortunately for Paddock and his students, he’s made a successful career in education thanks to his determination, enthusiasm and his MCT credential—and that’s no accident.