Office of Educational Technology has a new director

Dr. Julia Novakowski will become the Smithsonian’s new Director for the Office for Educational Technology, effective July 31, 2023. She reports to Under Secretary for Education, Dr. Monique Chism.

Julia Novakowski

Novakowski has demonstrated experience with adult learning, instructional design, curriculum and course development, digital accessibility, and education technology. In addition, she has taught 7th and 8th grade social studies and mathematics where she was recognized for her strong leadership and support of colleagues. Her professional experiences, knowledge, and understanding of instructional design position her well for the work before us to bring Smithsonian content to every classroom in the nation and to have OET support and increase unit capacity to help meet our dissemination goals.

Novakowski also brings with her, extensive expertise in utilizing technology to reach leaners at all levels, experience with fundraising for major projects, supervisory experience, and demonstrated connections to professional networks. In her previous position she also worked in a large complex system that had many “units” and mastered the art of navigating these systems to achieve articulated goals in a timely manner.

Novakowski completed her Ph.D. in Educational Studies in Philosophy and History of Education at The Ohio State University. Prior to that she received her M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction and Secondary Education at the University of Maryland.

Dr. Chism announced Novakowski’s appointment July 18. Chism also took the opportunity to thank Darren Milligan, who has served as interim director for OET for the last several years. “Darren helped the office through a major transition and worked with others to establish a strategic direction for the office that will expand our educational technology approach and support collaborations with a number of organizations,” Chism said. “I know you will know you will join me in welcoming Dr. Julia Novakowski as the Director for the Office of Educational Technology.”

Related posts:

Tricia Edwards will spark new enthusiasm in her role as Interim Associate Director of SA ICYMI: Highlights from the week of June 13 – June 17, 2022 Two Smithsonian colleagues elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Don’t burst our bubble–It’s almost spring, isn’t it?