The 2025 MCEC GTS – Austin Distinguished Lecture series offered a comprehensive lineup of sessions designed to empower educators, families, and community members in supporting the academic and personal growth of military-connected students. These distinguished lectures brought [ractical advice, real-world examples, and a platform for sharing experiences.
Compact 201: Engage, Learn, Apply
Susan K. Haberstroh, EdD
Military Interstate Children’s Compact Commission (MIC3)
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Susan K. Haberstroh, EdD
Dr. Susan K. Haberstroh worked for the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) in various positions. She retired after 20 years in 2022. At DDOE she served as the Executive Assistant to Secretary of Education, Legislative and Policy director, Associate Secretary of the Education Supports & Innovative Practices Branch, and Director of the School Support Services workgroup. Through these roles she was involved in many facets of the K-12 system including federal ESEA programming, School and Community Nutrition Programs and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant as well as other school support aspects such as school nursing, school climate and discipline. In all positions she worked in the development and implementation of policy.
Susan also served in the role of the State Commissioner for the Interstate Compact on Education for Children of Military Families or MIC3 from the time Delaware signed as one of the originating states of the Compact in 2008 until her retirement in September 2022. Susan continues to work with MIC3 as a trainer.
Susan received her B.A. from Saint Michael’s College in Colchester, VT with a concentration in Political Science; Master’s degree in public administration in 2001 and Doctor of Education Leadership in 2007 both from the University of Delaware. Susan is a native Delawarean.
An interactive session unpacking the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (MIC3) — its rules, real-world applications, and how educators can ensure smooth transitions for mobile students.
Key takeaways
Compact provides uniform treatment in enrollment, placement, eligibility, and graduation.
Real-world case studies showed how state flexibility and school partnerships prevent credit loss.
School Liaisons and State Commissioners can resolve most Compact cases quickly through collaboration.
MIC3 empowers districts to ease transitions while maintaining academic integrity.
“Every move is a moment of transition — the Compact turns barriers into bridges.”
Try this next:
Explore MIC3 toolkits, training videos, and case-study modules at mic3.net.
Resilient Youth for Military-Connected Program: Overview and Findings
Chelley Carroll-Worth
Family Support Specialist, Home Base
A research-driven yet deeply human exploration of how structured resilience training can help military-connected youth manage stress, build coping skills, and strengthen family well-being.
Key takeaways
Home Base Resilient Youth Program adapts proven mind-body strategies to military life.
Students learn the Relaxation Response—a science-based counter to the fight-or-flight reaction.
The 12-session modular curriculum teaches stress awareness, mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, and adaptive coping.
Data show improved emotional regulation and well-being across all age groups.
“Resilience is not avoiding stress — it’s learning how to meet it with awareness and control.”
CCMR Unlocked: Empowering Military-Connected Students & Families for Lifelong Success
Dayna Guyton
Director of Federal and Special Programs at Lackland ISD, TX
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Dayna Guyton
Dayna Guyton is a passionate and dedicated educational leader with over 17 years of experience in program development, professional coaching, and community engagement. As the Director of Federal and Special Programs at Lackland ISD, Mrs. Guyton leads initiatives that support student success, social-emotional wellness, and equity-driven education. Her mission is to create meaningful opportunities for students and educators by fostering inclusive environments, securing resources, and implementing impactful programs.
One of Mrs. Guyton’s proudest initiatives is the “Let’s Talk” series, a monthly forum where they address the social, emotional, and academic needs of students and the broader community. With a strong program management background, she has secured and managed over $2.5 million in federal grant funding, providing essential support for STEM initiatives, educator training, and student enrichment programs. Mrs. Guyton also works closely with military-connected families, helping students transition smoothly from Pre-K through college with the necessary resources to succeed.
She has had the privilege of training and mentoring educators, administrators, and military personnel, delivering hundreds of professional development seminars on leadership, effective communication, and conflict resolution. Whether in-person or virtually through Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Canvas, Mrs. Guyton is committed to empowering others with the knowledge and tools to create lasting change.
With a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling and a Bachelor’s, she brings a deep understanding of human behavior to my work in education. Her passion is to inspire excellence, drive innovation, and create pathways to success for all students and educators.
An energizing, reality-based look at College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) — what it really means for students, what accountability systems often overlook, and how educators can prepare every learner for success beyond high school.
Key takeaways
CCMR is more than metrics — it’s a mindset of readiness and relevance.
Understand the accountability rules behind career pathways, industry certifications, and postsecondary metrics.
Engage students early: “Who are you today? Who do you want to be — and how can we help you get there?”
Partner with industry to align student skills with emerging workforce needs.
“College, career, and military readiness is more than a metric — it’s a mindset of relevance and purpose.”
Try this next:
Review your district’s CCMR plan and integrate local business or military career panels into advisory programs.
Connect for Growth: Four Authentic Connections Essential for Building System Culture & Lasting Relationships
Dr. Brent Wolf
Principal, Derby Hills Elementary, KS
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Dr. Brent Wolf
Brent Wolf has taught students in elementary and middle school for sixteen years before stepping into his role as the Principal at Derby Hills Elementary School in Derby, Kansas. For over a decade, he has taught as an adjunct professor at Baker University, Southwestern College, Wichita State University, and Cowley College. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Leadership Studies from Southwestern College, as well as a Master’s degree in Education from Baker University, Doctoral Coursework from Kansas State University, a Building-level Administrator Certificate from Pittsburg State University, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from Southwestern College.
Brent is married to Megan and has three children: NorahKate (16), Cal (14), and Leo (11).
South Central Kansas has always been near and dear to Brent’s heart. He taught 3rd through 8th grade in Winfield, KS. Following those years, Brent moved into an Instructional Technology Specialist position for two years. After eight years teaching middle school English in Derby, KS (suburb of Wichita), Brent moved into the role as Building Principal at Derby Hills Elementary. This is his 5th year in that role.
Brent’s honors include making the first-ever website for Winfield Public Schools with his students through the GenY program. In 2015, Brent was named the KAKE News Golden Apple Award Recipient. In 2017, Brent was Derby Public School’s Secondary Teacher of the Year. That year, he also was named Region IV Teacher of the Year. He was a finalist for Kansas Teacher of the Year. Brent also was named a Spotlight Faculty Member at Baker University’s School of Professional and Graduate Studies. Brent serves on several committees through the Kansas State Department of Education. Brent currently is a member of the Higher Education Review Committee which accredits Kansas colleges’ education programs. He also serves as District 9-10 member of the Commissioner of Education’s Advisory Council. Brent is a newer member of the Kansas Teacher Recruitment and Retention Committee Member. Brent was the chair of the committee that wrote the ELA standards for PreK-12 in 2017. Brent was recently inducted into the Southwestern College Educators’ Hall of Fame.
Brent’s longest service period has been as a member and Vice President of the Winfield’s Board of Education. Brent served nine years and worked with hiring three superintendents, managing two bond issues, and tackling one global pandemic.
A practical and uplifting session on strengthening relationships with students, staff, families, and communities through intentional, tech-supported connection.
Key takeaways
Connect 4 Students: Create meaningful roles and jobs to build ownership and empathy.
Connect 4 Colleagues: Celebrate colleagues through recognition rituals and fun challenges.
Connect 4 Families: Communicate transparently and invite shared storytelling.
Connect 4 Communities: Link students with service projects that reflect local pride and purpose.
“When you connect for growth, you build belonging — and belonging drives everything.”
Try this next:
Explore Wolf’s Connect 4 Growth resource links and ready-to-use classroom tools from bit.ly/3HuIjYl.
This report summarizes strategies from listening sessions addressing the mental health challenges of military-connected students. Through collaboration with NCTSN, MCEC,…
