CSTANJ CSPDWeek 2026

Kimberly SmithInstructional Innovator | K–8 Computer Science & Design Thinking Educator🔗 LinkedIn  📰 KMS Discoveries Newsletter  🌐 KMS Discoveries Website  🎤 Recent Presentations & Resources

With over 25 years dedicated to computer science, STEAM, and inclusive makerspace education, I am passionate about making technology accessible, creative, and meaningful for all students. As a Tinkercad Teacher Advisory Board member, Makers Empire Ambassador, Qweebi Teacher Advisor, and national conference presenter, I bring a hands-on approach to CAD, 3D printing, AI, design thinking, coding, accessibility, and innovative K–8 curriculum development.

🌟 My mission is to help every student see themselves as an inventor, designer, coder, and problem-solver. I design learning experiences that invite students to create, test, revise, collaborate, and share ideas in ways that work for them.

👩‍🏫 Teacher Leadership & CS Community
I serve on the CSTA National Reflective Teachers Committee and the CSTANJ Steering Committee, where I currently serve as Secretary. Through these roles, I support educators, advocate for inclusive and accessible computer science, and help build stronger professional learning communities.

🎤 Conference & Workshop Experience
I have presented at conferences including Vermont Fest, ISTE, CSTA, TCEA, MACUL, and OETC, sharing practical ways educators can bring 3D design, virtual makerspaces, AI, coding, and hands-on making into classrooms and libraries. My recent sessions have focused on makerspaces without walls, equitable STEAM access, 3D printing, inclusive computer science, AI-supported design thinking, accessibility, and student innovation.

🚀 What I love sharing with educators
I focus on classroom-ready ideas that work whether a school has a full makerspace, a few shared materials, or just a big idea waiting for its first prototype. My goal is to help educators leave with strategies they can actually use: lessons, prompts, design challenges, student examples, and practical ways to make STEAM and computer science more accessible for all learners.