Heather Hoffsommer
Van Buren
Summary
Adjunct Instructor and current Police Lieutenant at Van Buren Police Department, skilled in fostering student engagement and implementing active learning techniques. Proven expertise in Criminal Justice and mentoring, enhancing academic success through individualized support and effective lesson planning. Committed to creating inclusive environments that promote critical thinking and collaboration among diverse student populations.
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
I am currently instructing Introduction to Sociology, Social Problems, and Juvenile Delinquency. I have received high ratings from my students each semester. I develop weekly discussions incorporating peer to peer interaction. I develop quizzes, mid terms and finals. I also incorporate social experiments and research projects for the online students.
I am the Training and Wellness Lieutenant at the Van Buren Police Department. I have served as an SRO and a Patrol Supervisor during my 21 years. I currently manage our Field Training Officers and all newly hired officers. I am directly responsible for ensuring all Arkansas State Standards are met by each officer within the department. I develop Bi-Weekly training sessions focused on legal updates, policy review, and career management. I lead the Peer to Peer counseling program and manage the Reserve Officers.
I have 21 years of Law Enforcement Experience and 2 years of Adjunct Teaching. I am looking to supplement as an Adjunct closer to home. Teaching Criminal Justice students and new Police Officers has become a passion for me.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adjunct Faculty Member
North Dakota University Dickinson Campus
01.2024 - Current
- Engaged students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of topics relevant to coursework to boost student learning and retention.
- Used Blackboard to keep accurate records of students' attendance and grades.
- Organized time, space and resources to balance advanced instruction, challenging workloads and stringent deadlines.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating real-world examples and case studies in lectures.
- Studied program needs and enhanced content and teaching methods to better communicate material.
- Appraised student understanding by applying course content and gauging comprehension.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge in respective fields of expertise by attending conferences and workshops.
- Scored exams and graded student performance fairly.
- Emphasized active learning techniques such as group discussions, debates, or problem-solving activities during class time.
- Conducted assessments and provided individualized feedback to help students improve their performance.
- Developed and kindled professional relationships with students to better communicate and enhance instruction.
- Delivered engaging lectures on various subjects, ensuring maximum retention of information among students.
- Completed classroom planning by creating and preparing exams, classroom discussions and lectures.
- Examined and critiqued course material while incorporating instructor-specific policies.
- Supported student success outside of the classroom by offering office hours for one-on-one assistance or group tutoring sessions.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through open communication and constructive feedback.
- Established strong rapport with students, creating an inclusive learning environment that fostered curiosity and critical thinking skills.
- Advised students in academic matters to improve successful course completion.
- Developed creative and effective teaching methods for course content to capture students attention.
- Designed and delivered class instruction to meet course competencies.
- Applied multitude of valid methods to employ and assess students' understanding of content.
- Mentored students for academic success, guiding them in research projects and presentations.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Taught Criminal Justice and Sociology courses, providing instruction to up to 113 undergraduate students.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Used exams, quizzes and assignments to assess student comprehension.
- Taught diverse student population by employing various learning styles and abilities.
- Evaluated and supervised student activities and performance levels to provide reports on academic progress.
- Impartially evaluated papers, projects and homework assignments of students, delegating grading to teaching assistants when appropriate.
- Contributed to planning appropriate and engaging lessons for both classroom and distance learning applications.
- Developed semester outlines and instructional plans for each class session to comply with stated course objectives.
- Created positive and safe learning environment for students by setting and enforcing classroom code of conduct.
Police Lieutenant
Van Buren Police Department
09.2003 - Current
- Established and enforced employee performance policies.
- Audited inventory of safety equipment and weapons for mission security compliance.
- Promoted a culture of accountability among officers by setting high standards for conduct and performance evaluation systems that rewarded excellence while identifying areas for improvement.
- Maintained accountability and streamlined oversight of more than $60,000 in equipment and supplies.
- Increased collaboration between divisions, fostering a more cohesive and efficient department overall.
- Managed personnel scheduling, ensuring optimal coverage during peak times and effective response to emergency situations.
- Supervised crowds at busy events to prevent injuries and property destruction.
- Delivered staff training on combat readiness strategies while working to enhance morale and support overall welfare.
- Led shift briefings to inform officers of properties to check and individuals of note in local areas.
- Frequently patrolled routes and talked with business owners and residents.
- Conducted witness interviews and gathered details regarding incidents to determine best course of action.
- Oversaw budgeting processes for the department, ensuring fiscal responsibility while maintaining necessary resources for operations.
- Streamlined communication within the department by establishing clear protocols and procedures.
- Championed diversity within the force through targeted recruitment campaigns aimed at underrepresented communities.
- Evaluated case documentation submitted by team members to check accuracy and compliance with department policies aimed at protecting criminal cases.
- Answered emergency calls for help from citizens and business owners.
- Mentored junior officers, fostering professional growth and encouraging career advancement within the force.
- Organized community engagement events like town hall meetings to foster trust between police officers and citizens.
- Implemented community outreach initiatives, building positive relationships with local organizations and residents.
- Contributed to policy development and implementation within the department that led to more effective policing strategies.
- Conducted thorough investigations on high-profile cases, resulting in successful prosecution of offenders.
- Managed internal affairs investigations fairly and impartially, upholding departmental integrity at all times.
- Directed and monitored work of 56 law enforcement professionals with clear focus on maximizing results and maintaining transparent police operations.
- Served as an incident commander during critical events or emergencies, coordinating all aspects of response efforts efficiently.
- Improved officer performance by conducting regular evaluations and providing constructive feedback.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for new recruits, emphasizing both technical skills and interpersonal communication.
- Supervised and coordinated daily operations of patrol shifts of up to 10 officers.
- Accompanied police officers during shifts to evaluate performance and resolve incorrect behaviors.
- Served as mentor and role model to junior officers.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with community members.
- Motivated and trained squad members to become proficient with equipment and daily tasks.
Education
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice
American Military University
Charles Town, WV05-2019
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice And Sociology
American Military University
Charles Town, WV12-2016
No Degree - Law Enforcement Certification
Arkansas Basic Law Enforcement Academy
Camden, AR 12-2003
Skills
- Teaching effectiveness
- Classroom management
- Active learning techniques
- Academic integrity
- Student engagement
- Lesson planning
- Collaborative learning
- Individualized support
- Expertise in Criminal Justice
- Expertise in Juvenile Delinquency
- Expertise in Social Problems
- Online instruction
- Online teaching
- Project-based learning
- Testing and evaluation
- Individualized instruction
- Diversity awareness
- Subject matter expertise
- Plagiarism prevention
- Accreditation standards
- Feedback delivery
- Interdisciplinary teaching
- Classroom oversight
- Copyright compliance
- Online classes
- Student motivation
- Student mentoring
- Online class discussion
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Excellent communication
- Reliability
- Multitasking Abilities
- Professional ethics
- Relationship building
- Decision-making
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 10 staff members.
- Awarded Officer of the Year 2023
- Received the Mover and Shaker award from the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce for a team project leading to the development of the Skate Park at the VB City Park.
- Graduated from Leadership Crawford County 2022
- Received the Distinguished Service Award 2024
- Graduated U of A Criminal Justice Institute School of Law Enforcement Supervision 2022
- Received the Troop of the Quarter 2023
- Promoted to Wellness and Training Lieutenant 2024
Certification
Certified Law Enforcement Officer
Drug Recognition Expert
Field Training Officer
Certified Law Enforcement Instructor
Senior Level Law Enforcement Officer
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Adjunct Faculty Member
North Dakota University Dickinson Campus
01.2024 - Current
Police Lieutenant
Van Buren Police Department
09.2003 - Current
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice
American Military University
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice And Sociology
American Military University
No Degree - Law Enforcement Certification
Arkansas Basic Law Enforcement Academy
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