Strategies for Instructional Excellence

Date: February 3-5, 2027

Location: Dallas Children's Advocacy Center, 5351 Samuell Blvd., Dallas, TX 75228

Cost: $450.00

Duration: 24 hours of training (8:30 AM - 4:30 PM CT each day)

Registration Deadline: December 14, 2026

Course Overview

This comprehensive training program is designed to strengthen the instructional capabilities of criminal justice professionals who teach or train within their field. Participants will explore the fundamentals of adult learning theory and discover proven methods for delivering impactful instruction. The course emphasizes moving beyond traditional lecture-based approaches to create engaging, dynamic learning experiences that improve student retention and performance.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the core characteristics that distinguish excellent instructors and recognize the importance of impact-based instruction
• Implement active learning strategies to engage students and eliminate passive, presentation-heavy teaching methods
• Apply evidence-based adult learning techniques through hands-on exercises and real-world applications
• Examine how adults retain information and use this knowledge to optimize instructional effectiveness
• Navigate the challenges of teaching mandated curriculum while maintaining student engagement
• Integrate scenario-based learning practices to enhance student knowledge retention and skill development

Target Audience

This training is appropriate for:

• Community Corrections Officers
• Court System Personnel
• Educators
• Emergency Management Professionals
• Law Enforcement Professionals
• Law Enforcement Support Staff
• Social Workers
• Tribal Partners and Tribal Representatives
• Victim Service Providers

Instructors

Aaron Tomlinson - Program Development Administrator, National Criminal Justice Training Center of Fox Valley Technical College. Aaron brings more than 25 years of instructional experience across multiple settings, including graduate-level coursework and professional seminars for public and private organizations. His background includes serving as a master instructor with the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Instructor Development Program and teaching at various colleges and police agencies. His administrative experience encompasses coordinating law enforcement and jail academies, overseeing continuing education initiatives, and developing national programs in criminal justice and social services. Aaron also served as a police officer for approximately 20 years and holds a graduate degree in Public Administration (with a focus on Public Finance) as well as degrees in Adult Learning and Community College Leadership.

Elizabeth Jones - Manager of Instructional Excellence, Center for Instructional Excellence, Fox Valley Technical College. Elizabeth has more than 17 years of teaching experience in professional communications and instructional design, with particular expertise in instructional innovation and adult learning principles. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at El Paso, a doctorate from Texas Tech University, and a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design from the University of Wisconsin—Stout.

What's Included

The registration fee covers 24 hours of instruction, comprehensive program materials, and instructional expenses. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own meals, travel, and lodging.

Lodging Options

Several hotel accommodations are available near the training venue:

• CANVAS Hotel, 1325 Botham Jean Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215
• Element Dallas Downtown East, 4005 Dallas Ave., Dallas, TX 75246
• Sheraton Dallas Hotel, 400 North Olive Street, Dallas, TX 75201

Contact Information: Jessica Heimann, (855) 866-2582, jessica.heimann2274@fvtc.edu