mr.hawkins101@gmail.com | Henry County Public Schools | 404-396-3758
EDUCATION
Ed.S. Media Design and Instructional Technology July 2026
University of West Georgia, Carrollton, GA
M. S. Strategic Communications December 2017
Troy University, Troy, AL
B.S. in English May 2012
Morehouse College, Atlanta, GA
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Hawkins, D. (2025, November). Get Lit with AI and Literacy. Session presented at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference, College Park, GA.
Hawkins, D. (2025, November). Personalized Learning with AI: Stories from the Classroom. Session presented at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference, College Park, GA.
Hawkins, D. (2024, November). Tech Tips for Creating Engaging Read Alouds. Session presented at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference, College Park, GA. November 2
Hawkins, D. (2025, November). How to Create Booktalk Lessons for Your Library Using Canva. Session presented at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference, College Park, GA.
Hawkins, D. (2024, July). Using Comics in Classroom Instruction. Session presented at San Diego State University and San Diego Comic-Con, San Diego, CA.
Hawkins, D. (2023, June). Using Biographies to Teach Digital Literacy Skills. Session presented at the Georgia Library Media Association Summer Institute, Peachtree City, GA.
TEACHING
Library Media Specialist, July 2018- present
Henry County Public Schools
Taught research methodology, information literacy, and academic writing to PK- 12 students
Guide students through topic development, evidence-based writing, and research synthesis
Integrate instructional technology tools, digital research platforms, and multimedia resources to support inquiry and writing tasks
Media Instructor, September 2015- July 2018,
Clayton County Public Schools
Designed and delivered instruction in media literacy, digital storytelling, and visual communication, guiding students in analyzing and producing multimedia content
Developed and implemented course curriculum, assignments, and assessments aligned with student learning outcomes in media studies and communication
Integrated instructional technology tools, multimedia production software, and digital platforms to support student learning and creative media projects
Summer Teaching Assistant, Summer 2011 and Summer 2012,
Morehouse College Trio Program
Assisted instructors in developing, implementing, and leading effective curriculum units
Worked with Upward Bound Program staff to integrate special projects for students
Demonstrated a commitment, through mentoring, to assist first-generation college students in developing short-term and long-term goals for academic success
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Teacher Scholar and Institute Researcher July 2024 - August 2024,
Center for Comic Studies, San Diego State University
Developed standards-aligned lesson plans integrating comics and media literacy
Conducted curriculum research using the university’s comics archives and scholarly resources, examining strategies for teaching topics on social justice through visual narratives
Collaborated with teacher-scholars to explore comic-based pedagogy addressing social justice themes
HONORS AND AWARDS
American Library Association National Day of Racial Healing Grant Recipient ($2000) - 2026
Georgia Library Media Association Mable Wyche Underwood Grant Recipient ($900) - 2023
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Georgia Library Media Association (GLMA) Smyrna, GA
Summer Institute Proposal Committee Co-Chair July 2018- present
Conduct interviews with guest authors and presenters, highlighting their work and sharing insights with attendees to enhance the conference experience
Evaluate conference sessions, analyzed presentation content, instructional strategies, and research relevance for classroom and curriculum application
Promote the conference through marketing materials, digital outreach, and audience engagement strategies to increase participation and visibility
Henry County Public Schools Library Advisory Board McDonough, GA,
Media Center Committee Representative, July 2019- present
Contribute to the review and improvement of library policies and performance evaluation criteria
Collaborate with district librarians to coordinate training and resource-sharing initiatives
Assist the Media Services Department in reviewing program priorities, funding, and technology needs
Henry County Public Schools Media Services McDonough, GA,
Media Center Committee Chair , July 2018- present
Partner with grade-level representatives to coordinate research and project-based learning activities
Planned and executed a schoolwide Literacy Night by coordinating logistics and staff collaboration
Led the development of new resources and training programs to support school stakeholders
REFERENCES
Dr. Rebeca Peacock Dr. Demetrius Rice Tracina Wyatt
Assistant Professor, Department Adjunct Instructor, Department Director of
Educational Technology of Educational Technology Instructional
and Foundations and Foundations Technology
University of West Georgia University of West Georgia Henry County
Public Schools
rpeacock@westga.edu demetriusr@westga.edu tracina.wyatt@henry.k12.ga.us