Joshua Watkins
Digital Instructional Designer
Education
University of North Texas
M.S. – Learning Technologies
The University of Texas at Tyler
B.S. – Political Science
I am a forward thinking Instructional Designer focused on pushing the educational environment. My goal is to revolutionize pedagogy, giving learners the skills they need to be successful in the 21st century.
Experience
Instructional Technology Coach
Prosper ISD
Prosper, TX
Aug 2016 – May 2020
- I helped create a technology rich environment that empowered teachers and fostered student growth. I also helped
teachers design learning for their students and designed learning for teachers and staff.
Accomplishments
- LMS design including Canvas pilot program for the district
- Facilitated the acquisition of Chromebooks for the campus by starting a social media campaign that highlighted how
teachers use technology #PHSusesChromebooks - Created a student leadership group, Talon Tech, that provided students opportunities to make decisions on how to help
their peers and teachers integrate technology in a meaningful way in their classes through training they created and
implemented. - Planned and presented professional development for the district
- Co-designed 6th-grade Digital Innovations course
- Executed Google Educator Training and Testing, increasing the overall number of teachers that are Google Certified
Educators - Co-Chair for EdCamp Prosper
- Designed the new Prosper ISD Badge program which incentivized teachers to meaningfully integrate technology in their
classrooms.
Middle School Teacher/Coach
Tyler ISD
Tyler, TX
September 2011 – May 2016
- Implemented student-centered experiences and piloted technology initiatives in the following classrooms: 7th grade
Texas History, 8th grade U.S. History, 8th-grade Exploring Careers, Professional Communication, and STEM Intro to
Engineering.
Assistant Store Manager
Northern Tool + Equipment
Plano, TX
May 2010 – September 2011
- Assisted in opening two new concept stores in Tyler, TX and Plano, TX. Oversaw the stockroom and sales staff. Helped
with the front of house operations and inventory.
Store Manager
GameStop
Tyler, TX
September 2008 – August 2009
- Managed store’s daily operations. Handled all employee hiring and training. Oversaw all inventory management and loss
prevention. Lead in marketing and merchandising.
Store Manager
Hollister Co.
Tyler, TX
March 2006 – July 2008
- Oversaw over 100 employees in a 2.7 million revenue store. Responsible for hiring and training both part-time and
full-time staff.
Highlights
- 2019 TCEA Instructional Technology Specialist of the Year Finalist
- Google Certified Trainer
- Region 10 Digital Fluency Graduate
- Microsoft Innovative Educator
- Minecraft Certified Educator
- GoGuardian Certified Administrator
- TCEA Presenter
- Tyler ISD Technopoloza Presenter
- Tyler ISD Technology Pilot Classroom