Let me introduce you to the current faculty, which is drawn from both our member and affiliate ranks and who take a precious week away from their “real jobs” to volunteer their time to teach others. These selfless volunteers demonstrate a singular dedication to educating surety professionals, and their commitment makes manifest the very essence of what makes our industry so special.

The Level I Surety School instructs students on the basics of the business. The Level I faculty—Matt Cashion, Earl Benton, Tom Padilla, and Dave Castillo—actively engage students by probing and questioning students in ways to make sure they understand the subject matter of the program and are able to fully participate in the industry as capable and competent surety professionals. In addition, Lordes Landa observes and assists the Level I instructors as she prepares to make the commitment to join the core faculty of the School.

The Level II is for the more experienced surety professional. The Level II faculty—Bob Shaw, Jim Lareau, Ed Heine, Ralph Pulver, and Jack Curtin—challenge these more experienced students to deepen their understanding of the business. They are joined by Paul Amstutz who shares his considerable insights and experience on Commercial Surety. I had the opportunity to share my thoughts about the importance of professional ethics. Other faculty Tom Padilla, Larry McMahon, Bud Herndon, Tom Durkin, Jack Curtin, and Dave Castillo lead the students through the capstone of the School—the Surety Case Study. As the chairman of the Professional Development Committee, Tom Padilla does a terrific job providing leadership to the faculty and keeping everyone rowing in the same direction. In accordance with the Schools’ custom, Jack Curtin holds court at the graduation dinner and captivates students with his colorful stories and historic perspective of the surety industry.

If you ask each of these faculty members why they contribute their time to this mission, each will quickly relate to you the tremendous amount of personal and professional satisfaction they reap from their participation. Helping students develop a better understanding of the fundamentals of our business and what it takes to be a successful surety professional in today’s business climate elevates the overall professionalism of our industry. They also reap the dividend of being part of a process where they help and witness the affirmation of career choice and the formation of collegial friendships. In my opinion, there is no higher calling than helping your industry by educating and mentoring the leaders of tomorrow.

However, in order for the NASBP William J. Angell Surety Schools to continue to deliver this unparalleled educational experience and to keep up with the considerable demand for it, we not only need to support the current faculty with our recognition, but consider encouraging those who indicate interest in becoming a future faculty member. If you have an interest in becoming a faculty member for the William J. Angell Surety Schools, please contact Ann Latham at alatham@nasbp.org for more information.

By finding and encouraging the next generation of educators, we will be prepared with the resources needed to shape tomorrow’s industry leaders, and keep alive the legacy of excellence set by the William J. Angell Schools.

Sarah Finn is National Surety Senior Vice President of IMA of Colorado, Inc. in Denver, Colorado. She can be reached at sarah.finn@imacorp.com.