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Lyle Palm

Lyle Palm

United States Navy / Workshops for Warriors

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Lyle's work combines: Armed Services, Education, and Teaching / Mentoring

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Day In The Life

Welding Instructor/Dean of Welding and Fabrication

I'm the dean of welding at Workshop for Warriors and I help vets realize a new career in welding.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching

    Southern Illinois University Carbondale

  • Graduate Degree

    Space Systems Operations

    University of North Dakota

  • Certification

    Reading

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary:

High School

Bachelor's Degree: Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling/Counselor

Graduate Degree: Space Systems Operations

Certification: Reading

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

My path in life took a while to figure out

  • 1.

    I went to trade school and earned a certificate in welding.

  • 2.

    I entered the military wanting to learn more about welding; I served in the Navy for over 20 years.

  • 3.

    I went to all of the Navy's advanced welding schools and became a nuclear component welder.

  • 4.

    While serving, I finished my bachelor's degree in education because I'd realized I wanted to teach.

  • 5.

    After I got out, my brother and I started a metal fabrication shop.

  • 6.

    I got my master's degree in 2012 and my grandsons got to watch my graduation on the internet.

  • 7.

    It made me proud to know that I was setting a positive example for my family and grandsons.

  • 8.

    I volunteer at Workshops for Warriors, teaching transitioning veterans welding, a viable skill.

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Teachers:

    You're not especially strong academically.

  • How I responded:

    I feel pretty fortunate, so that "noise," or those "no moments" have come few and far in between. But I'm a smart guy, so I figure out how to go over, under, or through those "no" moments. I try not to avoid them, but I know that there are multiple ways to get things done, so I don't let them worry me. For example, when people talked about my academic performance in high school, I didn't let it worry me, because I knew that sports were my thing, and I didn't need to stress about grades just yet.