Who I Am
I am an educator, public safety leader, veteran, and lifelong learner committed to advancing high-quality, accessible education across diverse learning environments. My professional background includes executive-level law enforcement leadership, emergency management, judicial service, and instructional roles grounded in accountability, strategic thinking, and public service.
As an adjunct faculty member in the Adult High School (AHS), High School Equivalency (HSE), and Public Safety programs, I design instruction that connects theory to real-world application. My courses emphasize Universal Design for Learning (UDL), data-informed instruction, adaptive learning pathways, and accessible microlearning strategies that help adult learners build confidence and achieve measurable success.
Education & Credentials
My academic preparation reflects a sustained commitment to public service, leadership, criminal justice, emergency management, and lifelong learning. Together, these credentials shape the way I approach instruction, curriculum development, learner support, and professional practice.
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Concentration: Emergency Management & Homeland Security
Post University – Waterbury, Connecticut
Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Concentration: Emergency Management & Homeland Security
Post University – Waterbury, Connecticut
Associate of Criminal Justice
Eastern Gateway Community College – Steubenville, Ohio
Magistrate Certification
UNC School of Government
Criminal Law Certification
UNC School of Government
Instructor Certification
NC Criminal Justice Education & Training Standards Commission
Academic & Professional Development Path
Associate of Criminal Justice
Built a foundational understanding of criminal justice systems, law, and public service.
Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Expanded study in emergency management, homeland security, leadership, and applied criminal justice practice.
Master of Public Administration
Strengthened strategic leadership, organizational analysis, public administration, and emergency management expertise.
Professional Certifications
Advanced professional preparation through magistrate, criminal justice, and instructor certifications that support leadership, training, and instructional practice.
My Teaching Philosophy
I believe learning should be accessible, relevant, and grounded in authentic experiences that move learners toward independence and confidence.
My teaching philosophy centers on designing flexible pathways that meet learners where they are. Adult learners bring complex responsibilities and experiences into the classroom, and my goal is to support their growth through responsive, respectful instruction.
Universal Design for Learning, combined with data-informed instruction and emerging educational technologies, allows me to provide multiple pathways for engagement, representation, and assessment. These approaches help ensure that learners have meaningful opportunities to succeed in both traditional and digital learning environments.
Professional Experience That Shapes My Work
- Adjunct Faculty – AHS Program, HSE Program & Public Safety Program
- Public Safety Leadership
- U.S. Army Veteran (11M)
- International Police Advisor & Contingent Commander
- Owner / Instructor – Torchwood Tactical, LLC
- Certified Firearms Instructor & Range Safety Officer
These experiences strengthened my ability to communicate complex information clearly, evaluate situations objectively, adapt instruction quickly, and build trust with diverse learners. They also ground the real-world focus of the courses I design and teach.
Focus Areas in Online Teaching
I am particularly interested in the following areas of digital learning innovation:
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- AI-supported instructional scaffolding and feedback
- Learning analytics for early intervention
- Microlearning strategies for adult education
- XR technologies (Virtual and Augmented Reality) for immersive learning
Why I Am Earning the Online Teaching Certificate
Online education continues to expand across higher education and workforce training environments. I am completing the Online Teaching Certificate to strengthen my instructional design skills, deepen my understanding of learning technologies, and create future-ready learning experiences grounded in accessibility, equity, and innovation.
Contact
- Email: donnie.hedwin@students.post.edu
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhedwin/
- Professional PLE Website: ple.torchwoodtactical.com