2026 VCOS Critical Thinking Academy Program Application

VCOS is eager to share our Critical Thinking Academy (CTA) training with interested participants. If you would like to be a part of our 2026 cohort, please respond to the following. The dates of the 2026 academy are March 14-15, June 13 -14, and August 22-23 in the Houston, Tx area. Learn more.

If you have any questions email vcos@iafc.org

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Very few of us receive training in critical thinking in the fire service (or in most professions in the United States). Based on any past training you have had in these skills–or on the information about the Critical Thinking Academy (CTA) program and schedule–please share:

one or two critical thinking topics that look most interesting to you, or
one or two tasks that you hope critical thinking skills might help you do more easily or effectively.

Please write 2-4 sentences; more if you would like.*

To develop strong critical thinking, there are two kinds of practice that help build core skills.

One important way to practice is to take a few minutes several times a week to reflect on how you are thinking about information or decisions in front of you at the moment. CTA will teach you what to notice and consider as you reflect and how to use those pauses to fuel action. It is best to do this for a total of at least 30 minutes each week.
The other important way to practice is to apply your new skills to a problem or challenge that is important to you or your department. For this to support your learning–and to make the best progress on that problem or challenge–it is best to spend several one- or two-hour periods between class meetings to work on that problem, including through check-ins with CTA faculty.

Please affirm your interest and ability to make time for both kinds of practice:*

I expect to be able to complete regular practice in building my critical thinking skills between CTA course meetings, including short pauses to think and longer periods of work on a specific problem or challenge.

Please check with your department Chief or training supervisor that your department will support you in making time for both kinds of practice. Please provide the name and position of an officer or supervisor who affirms your department’s endorsement.*

Agreement*

I affirm that my department expects to support me in completing regular practice in building my critical thinking skills, including short pauses to think and longer periods of work on a specific problem or challenge.

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VCOS 2026 Critical Thinking Academy Program Application