Katie Parks

Katie Parks is a Technology Training Specialist for the Park Hill School District and former elementary teacher with nearly a decade of experience in education. Holding a Master’s Degree in Instructional Design and Technology, she is passionate about enhancing student engagement through technology. Katie has been a leader in researching, developing, and implementing generative AI in education, authoring Park Hill’s GenAI guidelines—among the first in the country—which have been nationally recognized as a model for school districts. She spearheads a team of district staff to create and update additional AI resources for Park Hill and frequently provides ongoing professional learning opportunities and staff training in collaboration with AI for Education. Her innovative contributions also include the development of a chatbot that assists middle school students in discovering books they'll enjoy. This passion project was built in partnership with a library media specialist and application developer within the district. Committed to continuous learning, Katie has established collaborative relationships with neighboring districts and professionals in the educational technology sector to share learnings and introduce cutting-edge concepts. With a student-centered focus, Katie is dedicated to ensuring the next generation is digitally skilled and literate, equipping them to one day lead the workforce with the very technology shaping their education today.