Ike Smith's schedule for Academic Innovation Conference 2025

🌍🔎 Welcome to the 2025 Academic Innovation Conference! 🔎🌍

“Where in the World...?”

Welcome, education trailblazers, to a conference unlike any other—where we set out on a high-stakes global mission to transform our classrooms into communities for the future! 🌎✨

Just like the legendary Carmen Sandiego, our students are on an adventure—but instead of searching for stolen treasures, they are discovering knowledge, cultures, digital tools, and opportunities that prepare them to be true global citizens. The question is: How do we equip them with the tools to navigate and thrive in an ever-changing world? That’s where YOU come in!

Over the course of this conference, we’ll decode the mysteries of innovation, track down best practices from around the globe, and unlock the strategies that will empower our students to think critically, collaborate across cultures, and make meaningful contributions—no matter where their journey takes them.

So, grab your thinking caps and passports, because together, we are about to embark on an educational expedition that ensures our students do not just ask where in the world they belong—but boldly go out and shape it through citizenship.

The world is waiting—let’s go find it! 🌍✈️📚

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

Ike Smith

NC New Teacher Support Program, Appalachian State University

NC NTSP Instructional Coach

Boone, NC

https://ncntsp.org/ike-smith/

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About me

Ike Smith is an Instructional Coach who engages teachers in reflection and growth through intentional questioning and collaboration. Ike believes public education is fundamental to an equitable, democratic society and that supporting beginning teachers is fundamental to preserving public education.

Ike taught high school English, served in a K-12 district central office, led a support center for pre-service teachers, and teaches as an adjunct instructor. He is always working to improve his coaching practice by being a better listener and thought partner.

Ike was the 2013-2014 Craven County Schools Teacher of the Year, a member of the 2020-2021 Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP) and 2024-2025 EPFP Level 2 cohorts, and the 2020-2021 Reich College of Education Outstanding Adjunct Instructor. Ike holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a graduate certificate in Online Design, Communication, and Engagement from Appalachian State University.

When Ike is not coaching and teaching, he can be found drinking coffee, listening to records and podcasts, doing escape rooms, and spending time with his wife, daughter, and dog.