Title:
Adjunct Faculty
Highest degree and school:
Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies, Liberty University
Teaching at SDI since: 2021
Matt Pestinger teaches FTT 111: Firearms Inspection and Troubleshooting for the School of Firearms Technology. A six-year veteran of the US Air Force, prior to coming to SDI he spent 34 years in law enforcement, where he served as the endangered species supervisor in New York City working closely with the NYPD and Federal Fish and Wildlife Service. He also served as a firearms instructor and armorer for 25 years and has extensive training in multiple firearms platforms and defensive techniques. After retiring, Matt spent two years teaching high school and maintains a Florida teachers’ certificate in Social Studies, in which he does private tutoring for at risk youth. Matt holds an associate degree in criminal justice from SUNY Adirondack, a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Liberty University, and is currently working on a master’s degree in United States History and curriculum development.
Matt came to SDI looking for an opportunity to continue firearms instruction. “Three years later it was the best decision for me,” he said. “I love the interaction with my students.” Matt shared that his favorite things about teaching are sharing his experiences and challenging students in the discussion boards: “They are very responsive, and I have made many new friends.”
Outside of the classroom, Matt is proud to be a lifelong member of the NRA and a master falconer. A Buffalo Bills fan, he also loves hunting, fishing, tinkering, kayaking, and “rescuing Pelicans that have been entangled in fishing lines and hooks.” His idea of a perfect day is “fishing on the bayou in my Kayak or being 50 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico fishing for the big ones.”