Couple opens training center in Coeur d’Alene
Computer skills, personal coaching are teaching professionals’ specialty
Carl and Judith George are a husband-and-wife team that has a passion to teach.
Combined they have more than 65 years of teaching experience and have retired twice from the teaching profession, but decided to open George Education and Training Services “to help people build 21st century skills.”
Located in the Coeur d’Alene Mountain West Plaza at 101 Ironwood Drive, they offer two distinct areas of education and training services – computer technology skills training and personal coaching.
Their computer services differ from the ordinary in that they customize the instruction to what the client needs.
“We do a pre-assessment to see what the client already knows and spend the instructional time teaching them what they need,” says Carl George.
This small group instruction allows them to offer help and answer questions right away so time isn’t wasted in waiting, as so often happens in larger classes.
“As the world has become more dependent upon technology, many people who did not grow up with computers have felt left behind,” Carl George said. “We work one-on-one with those mature clients who want to learn to navigate computer technology more confidently.”
He has a Bachelor of Science from the United States Air Force Academy and a master’s in adult education from Oklahoma University. His credentials include A-plus certification and experience working for the Department of Defense Schools, training students and teachers in computer skills, as well as maintaining hardware and the school networks.
He most recently taught math, science and social studies for North Idaho College’s adult basic education program. He is a trained facilitator for Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, and Principal Centered Leadership courses, which he facilitated for the U.S. Air Force at the European staff headquarters.
Judith George has a Bachelor of Science in education from East Texas State University and a master’s in counseling from Webster University. Her credentials include working as a teacher and counselor for the Department of Defense Schools. She most recently taught reading, writing and Strategies for Success, a course devised to help GED students successfully transition to post-secondary education, for North Idaho College’s adult basic education program.
She also is a trained facilitator for Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and is a certified life wellness coach.
As health care costs escalate and concern for health issues such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer rise, learning to look after one’s own health becomes increasingly important, she said. “Clients develop clear goals and the coach helps by establishing strategies to reach those goals, setting up accountability checkpoints for change,” she said..
Computer classes include Absolute Beginner Instruction for those who need to develop the confidence and skills to use technology on their own; Microsoft Office Skills Training for beginner computer users who want to learn how to use Microsoft Office software; and Technology Skills Training for those who want to learn other technology.
Their technology skills training workshop generally runs for one to three hours and integrates devices such as digital cameras and scanners with the computer to produce documents or enhance e-mails with digital images.
Initial consultations to help clients to determine how George Services might meet their needs are free. For more information, visit www.getsmartcda.com or call (208) 664-2803.