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 centers on empowering students to develop the skills necessary to thrive in the dynamic and critical field of cybersecurity. Drawing from over 20 years of experience in the defense industry and a decade in cybersecurity—spanning roles from Information Assurance to advanced Cybersecurity management—I understand both the historical evolution and modern significance of this domain. Cybersecurity is not isolated; it permeates every sector of business, defense, and education, shaping the fabric of our culture.

The ongoing shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals presents a significant challenge, but it also creates tremendous opportunities for students entering the field. My goal is to guide students through these opportunities, helping them achieve their educational and professional aspirations while staying grounded in the realities of the industry.

Staying Industry-Connected: The “Adjunct’s Mindset”

Having been a non-traditional student, I deeply appreciated instructors who were practitioners, bringing real-world experience and the latest trends into the classroom. Now, as a full-time instructor, I aim to maintain this “Adjunct’s Mindset” by staying attuned to industry developments, participating in professional organizations, and collaborating with my Cybersecurity Advisory Board. This approach ensures that my teaching remains relevant, practical, and aligned with current industry needs.

A Student-Centric, Practical Learning Environment

I believe in fostering an engaging, student-centric learning environment that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application. My teaching approach emphasizes:

  1. Engagement and Active Learning
    Students actively participate in their learning journey through hands-on exercises, practical simulations, and interactive discussions. These activities help them bridge theoretical concepts with real-world cybersecurity challenges.
  2. Relevance to Industry Trends
    The curriculum is designed to reflect current industry standards and emerging technologies. Courses are aligned with recognized industry certifications and incorporate practical lab assignments using widely utilized cybersecurity tools, ensuring students are prepared for the workforce.
  3. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
    I focus on developing students’ analytical skills and their ability to devise effective solutions for complex cybersecurity issues. Classroom discussions and lab exercises challenge students to apply creative and critical thinking to real-world scenarios.
  4. Ethics and Professionalism
    Cybersecurity professionals have a profound responsibility to safeguard digital systems and protect privacy. I emphasize the importance of ethical behavior, integrity, and professionalism, ensuring students graduate with a strong moral foundation in addition to technical skills.
  5. Commitment to Lifelong Learning
    The fast-evolving nature of cybersecurity demands continuous learning. I encourage students to adopt a growth mindset, explore new technologies, and engage with professional organizations to build networks that support their career development.

A Vision for Impact

By integrating these principles, I strive to prepare students not only for immediate employment but for meaningful, lasting contributions to the security of digital systems and information. My ultimate goal is to inspire students to excel as professionals who combine technical expertise with ethical responsibility, ready to face the challenges of the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.

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 President when this award was earned by the chapter)
  • FBI Citizen’s Academy alumnus
  • Kentucky Colonel

Research Papers/ Publications/ Interviews