Matt Smith brings a wealth of experience in education technology and curriculum development to his role as the Instructional Technology Specialist for Durango School District 9-R. In his first year, Matt spearheaded the district-wide implementation of a STEM initiative, equipping all elementary schools with resources for hands-on activities throughout the year. This initiative reflects Matt's commitment to engaging students through innovative learning experiences. Prior to his current role, Matt spent 11 years in the classroom, fostering a passion for integrating technology into lesson plans for both English and Social Studies students across middle and high school levels. His final two years were spent in a project-based learning environment, further solidifying his commitment to student-centered learning. Matt's expertise extends beyond the classroom walls. He is a member of the Steering Committee for the Colorado Education Initiative AI Roadmap project, actively contributing to the development of a rubric for evaluating the effectiveness, safety, and relevance of potential AI tools for Colorado school districts.