Kurt Steinhaus—President

An ISTE member since 1983 and past Editorial Advisor to ISTE's The Computing Teacher, Kurt Steinhaus developed his leadership, policy, and community relations skills in work with organizations such as the state of New Mexico, ISTE, and CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking). As an ISTE volunteer, Dr. Steinhaus helped organize two Tel Ed Conferences, served as an advisory member for CARET (Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology), worked with CoSN and ISTE on national policy issues, served as a member of the NECC planning committee, helped design the ISTE Student Forum, and was elected and re-elected as Treasurer on the ISTE Board of Directors.

His professional career began in Alamogordo, New Mexico with eleven years as a classroom teacher facilitating learning for a highly diverse population of students. As a teacher, Kurt organized enchilada dinners to raise funds for the first microcomputers in the school. He also started the International Space Hall of Fame Science and Technology Camp. The camp included participants from kindergarten to the retirement community first using TI99/4A computers (now part of our history). The next stage in his career led to the New Mexico Department of Education as state Director of Educational Technology and then he was promoted to Assistant Superintendent for Accountability and Information Services. His work included statewide strategic planning for integrating technology into the classroom and passage of the Technology for Education Act. His third career began at Los Alamos National Laboratory as director of student and education programs where they annually hosted over 2,000 science and technology college interns working with mentors.

Most recently, Kurt has served as education policy advisor for Governor Bill Richardson and subsequently was asked to serve as Deputy Cabinet Secretary of Education where they recently launched a statewide one-on-one computing initiative beginning with 7th grade students. He has a Masters degree in music and a second Masters in computer science. His Doctorate is in Educational Leadership and Organizational Learning with a dissertation about the impact of the state Technology for Education Act.

Kurt's vision for teaching and learning includes the belief that technology, when used effectively, can significantly impact student learning and construction of knowledge. Kurt speaks frequently on topics related to public education reform and the role new and emerging technologies will play in that reform. His lifelong commitment to K–20 education is focused on quality teaching and success for all students.