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Mr. Smith has worked for ten years as an educator in various roles throughout North Carolina. Mr. Smith taught English at Pamlico County High School (2009-2010), New Bern High School (2010-2011), and Craven Early College (2011-2014) before serving as the Director of Instructional Support Services for Watauga County Schools until August 2019. In this role, he coordinated gifted education, school libraries, and instructional technology; assisted in implementing a multi-tiered system of supports; and helped develop the Watauga County Schools Strategic Plan. Mr. Smith served from August 2019 to August 2021 as the Director of the James Center for Student Success and Advising, which supports the success of all Appalachian teacher education students through advising, professional development, and student engagement. Smith continues to teach, now as an adjunct instructor working with pre-service teachers on topics including instructional technology, teacher leadership, and media literacy. Ike also enjoys drumming, community theatre, coffee, board games, podcasts, vinyl, and spending quality time with his wife Jewel, daughter Wren, and their dog Harper.