The Importance of Quality Continuing Education: Lessons from My Father and My Own Journey as an Instructor
I grew up watching my father, a dedicated and successful attorney, meticulously research Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) classes for his profession. He never just signed up for the first available course. Instead, he evaluated both the instructor and the curriculum, ensuring that every class he took would be a valuable investment in his practice.
When he attended these classes, he never walked in unprepared. He carried two legal pads—one for taking notes on the material and the other for capturing ideas that sparked during the discussions. Those ideas weren’t just about the subject matter itself. They included ways to improve his processes, better serve his clients, and implement strategies shared by other attorneys. My father understood that continuing education wasn’t just a requirement of his profession; it was an opportunity to refine and evolve the way he practiced law. And, after the class, he always reviewed the material and his notes and made additional notes.
That mindset stayed with me as I built my career in real estate and eventually became an instructor myself. I believe that continuing education should be more than just a box to check. It should be engaging, thought-provoking, and ultimately transformative and I work to continually deliver those aspects in my classes.
Avoiding CE Jail: Why the Right Instructor Matters
Let’s be honest—nobody wants to feel like they’re in “CE jail.” You know the feeling: stuck in a room for hours, listening to an instructor read slides with little to no engagement. Those classes may satisfy a requirement, but they don’t elevate your practice.
A great instructor does more than deliver material. They challenge students to think critically, foster discussion, and inspire action. They create an environment where attendees leave not only with knowledge but with fresh ideas to improve their business. These are my goals and I’ve had countless students tell me after class, “I’ve never taken a course like this before!”. That feedback tells me I’m on the right track.
So how do you ensure you’re getting the most out of your CE experience? Here are a few key factors to consider:
- Research the Instructor: Before enrolling, look into who’s teaching the class. What is their background? Have they been actively involved in the industry and when? Do they have a reputation for being engaging and knowledgeable? An instructor with real-world experience and a passion for education will always deliver more value than someone simply reciting information from a textbook.
- Stay Away From Online Non-Live: Online self-taught solutions rarely provide attendees with an opportunity to learn and discuss the principles of the class. Attendees often walk away not learning anything but achieved their hours by clicking a box (something which does not help advance your career, knowledge, or systems).
- Choose Classes That Push You Beyond the Basics: It’s easy to stick with familiar topics, but growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone. Look for classes that challenge conventional thinking, introduce new strategies, or explore emerging trends in the industry.
- Engage and Participate: Sitting in the back of the room or working on something else while half-listening does not benefit you. Even scrolling through emails, or handling your online shopping during class won’t get you far. The best learning happens when you engage—ask questions, share insights, and connect with other attendees. Some of the most valuable lessons come from conversations sparked during class. Take the time you are in class to advance yourself; no-one knows it all.
- Take Notes—But Not Just on the Material: Like my father, I encourage professionals to keep two sets of notes: one for key takeaways from the class and another for implementation ideas. How can you apply what you’re learning to your business? What strategies can you test? What discussions inspired a new way of thinking? These notes will become invaluable resources long after the class ends. Learn from others so you do not have to take the field trip yourself.
- Surround Yourself with People Who Want to Elevate Their Practice: The right CE class isn’t just about getting the hours. It’s also about the instructor, the conversation, and the attendees. Being in a meeting full of motivated professionals who want to learn, grow, and improve creates a dynamic learning environment that benefits everyone.
- Build Your Network: Taking classes with me, there are always other professionals from across the state and sometimes nation that you can learn from, network with, and grow from. You never know when you will meet someone from another market that you would have never come across that would be perfect to mastermind with, refer to, or even receive referral business from them.
Elevating the Industry Through Better Education
Continuing education shouldn’t be a chore—it should be an opportunity. It should energize, challenge, and inspire. My goal as an instructor is to create classes that do just that. I want attendees to leave feeling empowered, excited, and ready to implement what they’ve learned.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in CE jail, it’s time to rethink your approach. Seek out classes that offer more than just credit hours. Find instructors who ignite discussions and push you to think differently. Engage with your peers, take meaningful notes, and walk away with actionable insights.
In an industry that’s constantly evolving, staying ahead requires more than just meeting minimum requirements. It demands a commitment to learning, growing, and always striving for better. The right CE classes—and the right instructors—can make all the difference. To find out more about the classes I offer, go to TexasRealEstate.Education
