Teaching Portfolio

The purpose of my portfolio is to establish my capabilities as a CIS instructor to obtain tenure at Calhoun Community College. This is a theme-based portfolio to show my education, industry experience, certifications, and classroom experience that enables me to prepare students for a career in Cybersecurity.

Teaching Philosophy

As a Cybersecurity educator, my teaching philosophy revolves around empowering students to gain the skills necessary to obtain a job in the dynamic field of cybersecurity. Having worked in the defense industry for over twenty years, I’ve been involved in cybersecurity since it was called information assurance. I grew up with video games but can remember a time before Internet access was ubiquitous in every household. As a Veteran and a defense contractor, I get why cybersecurity is a critical field of study. It’s not a stand-alone domain: it pervades all sectors of business, defense, and education. It permeates culture. We are told at conferences and in the media that there is a massive shortage of cyber-workers, and because of the buzz associated with the word – and the large salaries – many people want to learn cyber and get in on the action. I want to help students navigate those waters and achieve their educational goals.

I also want to maintain an “Adjunct’s Mindset” – staying attuned to changes in the field so that I am presenting relevant materials to my students. Having been a non-traditional student, I always valued the experience that my adjunct instructors had because they were actual practitioners. In my general studies courses, pure academics were great; they knew their material inside and out. When it came to technical courses and applied concepts, I wanted someone who was really out there doing it and knew the latest trends and technologies. I wanted that Indiana Jones of IT, having adventures in the field and then coming back to the classroom and teaching it. As I have transitioned from being an adjunct working in industry to a full-time instructor, I don’t want to lose that edge that I see adjuncts as having. I maintain involvement in professional organizations so that my skills don’t become dated. I don’t want to just know the material – I want to make it relevant.

To that effect, I believe in fostering a student-centric learning environment that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing individuals for real-world challenges in the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity.

Engagement and Active Learning: I strive to create an engaging and interactive classroom where students actively participate in their learning journey. Through hands-on exercises and practical simulations, students will not only grasp theoretical concepts but also gain valuable experience in applying their knowledge to solve real-world cybersecurity issues.

Relevance to Industry Trends: Cybersecurity is a field that constantly evolves, and I aim to keep my curriculum up-to-date with the latest industry trends and emerging technologies. By basing course materials on recognized industry certifications and leveraging practical cyber lab assignments that use common cyber tools, students will be well-prepared for the challenges they may encounter in the workforce. Additionally, I depend on my Cybersecurity Advisory Board to help me ensure that we are teaching the current skills that are needed.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: I emphasize the development of critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. Cybersecurity requires individuals who can analyze complex situations, think critically, and devise effective solutions. Through classroom discussion and relevant lab assignments, I encourage students to apply their knowledge to solve cybersecurity problems creatively.

Ethical Considerations and Professionalism: Cybersecurity professionals play a crucial role in safeguarding digital assets and privacy. I instill a strong sense of ethics and professionalism in my students, emphasizing the importance of integrity, responsibility, and respect for privacy. This ensures that graduates not only possess technical skills but also adhere to ethical standards in their professional practice.

Lifelong Learning: In the rapidly changing field of cybersecurity, a commitment to lifelong learning is essential. I inspire students to adopt a growth mindset and cultivate the habit of continuous learning. This involves staying curious, exploring new technologies, and adapting to evolving cybersecurity threats throughout their careers. I encourage them to get involved with professional organizations now so that they can develop relationships that will lead to employment down the road.

By implementing these principles, I aim to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and ethical foundation needed to excel in the field of cybersecurity and contribute meaningfully to the security of digital systems and information.

Curriculum Vitae

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremybblevins/

Degrees

Awards/ Recognition

  • 2023 Cyber Huntsville Academic Leadership Award
  • 2019 InfraGard IMA Community Outreach Award (Served as InfraGard Huntsville Members Alliance when this award was earned by the chapter)
  • Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges (2012)
  • FBI Citizen’s Academy
  • Kentucky Colonel

Research Papers/ Publications/ Interviews