Future-Ready Classrooms: Tech, Steam and Career Pathways

David Jarboe, Director of Instructional Technology, D2 Harrison Schools in Colorado Springs

David Jarboe is a veteran leader in educational technology. His expertise spans analytical skills, educational assessment, secondary education and instructional design. Jarboe holds a Professional Administrative Services Credential with a focus on Educational Leadership and Administration from San Diego State University. He is the current president of The Colorado Association of Leaders in Educational Technology (CALET) and is nationally recognized by his Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL) certificate, as well as being qualified as a Certified Cybersecurity Rubric Evaluator (CCRE).

From Classroom to Catalyst

Beginning my career as a classroom teacher, I explored various roles in education management. I worked as a school administrator and later spent many years at the district level in the curriculum, instruction, and assessment department. These experiences paved the way for my current position as Director of Instructional Technology, STEAM, and CTE for D2 Harrison Schools.

In this role, I support and manage platforms and classroom technologies, including VR systems, robotics kits and other interactive tools that enhance STEAM instruction district-wide.

Recently, I also stepped into the role of Director of Career and Technical Education. This position aligns naturally with my background, as both areas emphasize the integration of technology in preparing students for future academic and career pathways.

In addition to my district responsibilities, I took part in overseeing the installation of a comprehensive STEAM initiative, which involved equipping all K–8 schools in our district with dedicated STEAM labs. These labs were designed to immerse students in hands-on learning experiences using robotics, engineering tools, and multimedia technology, expanding their opportunities beyond the traditional classroom.

Technology in Education

With technology evolving so quickly, I believe it is essential to stay grounded in strong standards-based learning and use innovation to enhance education, not overshadow it.

As co-chair of CoSN’s EdTech Innovation Committee, I had the opportunity to reflect on this idea through the lens of their newly released 2025 report. It highlighted three significant national challenges: recruiting and retaining educators and IT staff, adapting teaching for digital learners and ensuring equitable access to technology and the Internet at school and home.

Of course, no conversation about educational technology today is complete without addressing AI. As this field continues to evolve, it’s crucial to establish thoughtful frameworks and policies. Until educators and students alike are prepared to use AI tools responsibly and effectively, we cannot ensure that what students learn today will position them for success in the world of tomorrow.

Digital Fluency is the Key

Our district has provided one-to-one laptops to high school students for years to ensure all of them have access to essential technology. The onset of the pandemic accelerated our efforts, allowing us to expand one-to-one device access to students in our K–8 schools as well.

“With technology evolving so quickly, I believe it is essential to stay grounded in strong standardsbased learning and use innovation to enhance education, not overshadow it”

Given that nearly 74 percent of our students qualify for free and reduced lunch, bridging the digital divide has been especially important for us. We have worked closely with families to ensure internet connectivity at home, providing students with meaningful opportunities to use technology in ways that prepare them for real-world challenges.

Our STEAM labs play a key role in this effort, engaging every student through hands-on learning with robotics, multimedia tools and designbased problem-solving. By introducing a full set of Career and Technical Education courses at the middle school level, we help students explore their interests and begin thinking about potential career pathways sooner.

Career Readiness in Motion

A key focus in our district right now is strengthening career-connected learning through specialized programs, certifications, and equipment that simulate real-world work environments. We want every student to graduate having completed at least one work-based learning experience.

We are proud of our robust concurrent enrollment program, which enables college-bound students to earn college credits and even graduate with an associate degree. It offers various opportunities to earn industryrecognized certifications. Whether students are headed to college or into a career, our goal is to provide a head start and a clear sense of direction.

Looking ahead, our district is excited to collaborate in ElevateAI through the Colorado Education Initiative (CEI) with eight other Colorado districts focused on AI technologies in education. Our work aims to build operational efficiencies, support teachers and empower students to explore how AI tools can enhance their learning and prepare them for the workforce. We are committed to leveraging these emerging technologies effectively to benefit education both in school and beyond.

Student-Centered Wisdom

My guiding principle is simple: always prioritize student learning. With new technologies emerging constantly, it’s tempting to chase trends out of fear of falling behind. But effective integration only happens when decisions are grounded in purpose.

For years, educators have been overly reliant on snapshot assessments to evaluate students’ progress. Since these standardized methods are so monotonous, schools must encourage students to think beyond memorization and adopt approaches that help recognize their unique talents and abilities. We are obligated to challenge ourselves as educators to discover new ways to measure student success and achievement. Leveraging new and emerging technologies is one opportunity to accelerate those efforts.

To achieve this, all educators should work together to promote practical, student-friendly approaches to critical thinking and problem-solving. In the current job market, industries are looking for young people who can work collaboratively and think outside the box, as readiness today means not just knowing but effectively applying learning to real-world challenges.

Robotics

Educational Technology

EdTech