The world of education is evolving, and Dr. Jeremy Sullivan is leading the charge in the Pacific Northwest.
Dr. Sullivan stands at the cutting edge of education and technology, pioneering innovative approaches to redefining how we experience learning in the digital age. Are you curious to learn more about this multifaceted leader in technology education? Let’s dive in!
Meet Dr. Jeremy Sullivan
TITLE: Director of Technology and Innovation
SCHOOL DISTRICT: North Kitsap School District
EXPERIENCE: Dr. Jeremy Sullivan has been Director of Technology and Innovation for the North Kitsap School District for four years. Before this, Dr. Sullivan was an English teacher and then Learning Specialist for Springfield Public Schools, Missouri’s largest school district. I was selected as a METC 2020 Spotlight Educator, and has facilitated professional learning workshops at METC conferences, NCCE conferences, the National Blended and Personalized Learning Conference, GOCSD Innovation Summits, and the IB Global Conference.

EDUCATION: Dr. Sullivan holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Missouri State University, Master of Science in Education Administration from Western Governors University, and a Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership from Lindenwood University. Dr. Sullivan’s journey is anything but conventional. Before significantly impacting education, he spent his twenties in New York City pursuing acting, working, and attending school. He entered the education world when he accepted an opportunity to be an Urban Teaching Fellow at an alternative school for 6th-8th graders. This role ignited his passion for teaching, and he never looked back.
“I loved school—it is where I flourished, found my people, strength, and voice,” he shares. This foundational experience drives his unwavering commitment to helping students succeed today.
Passionate, Intentional, and Always Learning
One thing is evident when you spend time with Dr. Jeremy Sullivan—he is exceptionally bright, highly intentional, and unfailingly optimistic. His approach to time management is deliberate, focusing on what’s truly important: ensuring that every decision he makes serves the ultimate goal of helping students.
“I like to be useful, and I like to be busy,” Dr. Sullivan says, highlighting his commitment to staying engaged and pushing himself in new directions. He adds opportunities into his life only if they align with his core mission: improving the educational experience for kids.
Though initially concerned about leaving the classroom to take on a larger role, Dr. Sullivan embraces his current position zealously. His unique team works with the mindset that every student deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. This philosophy is foundational to their work, especially as they focus on using technology to enhance the learning experience.
When asked about where he developed his mindset, Dr. Sullivan points to a remarkable mentor who shaped his approach to both work and life. “I had a phenomenal student-teacher mentor who taught me not only how to be a great educator but also how to maintain a healthy work-life balance. She’s someone I’m still in touch with today, and she had an incredible impact on me.”
The Future of Education: Disruption and Innovation
We’re at a pivotal moment in education. With technology advancing rapidly, the entire learning landscape is ripe for disruption. As someone deeply involved in curriculum and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives, Dr. Sullivan is actively contributing to the conversations shaping the future of education.
“It’s an exciting time to be in education,” Dr. Sullivan says. “We are on the cusp of reimagining what education can look like. The system we have now is not the system we need for the future, and it’s time we ask the tough questions and begin exploring new possibilities.”
Dr. Sullivan’s work is a testament to his belief that the future of education is about more than just technology—it’s about creating a space where every student’s needs are met, and every educator has the tools and support they need to succeed.
Join Us in Celebrating Dr. Jeremy Sullivan as a Pacific Northwest Featured Educator
Dr. Jeremy Sullivan’s journey in education is far from over. As a passionate advocate for innovation, he continues to impact students, collaborate with colleagues, and drive meaningful change in the Pacific Northwest. To gain deeper insight into his experiences and vision, we reached out to Dr. Sullivan with a few questions. Below, we’re excited to share his responses:
What is your inspiration?
My four kids are my daily inspiration. They challenge me to be a better person on the daily and remind me of both the resiliency and the vulnerability all kiddos possess. Seeing them learn, grow, struggle, and overcome helps me better serve all of the kids within our school system here at NKSD.
What are some podcasts that you are currently listening to right now?
This one might surprise you, but my main podcast at the moment is New Heights with Travis and Jason Kelce. As a Kansas City Chiefs fan since birth, their podcast is essential during the NFL season. That being said, I am currently listening to The Anxious Generation by Jonathon Haidt. This year, we are working to help families understand the positive and negative impacts of our technology-infused world, and this book is filled with applicable and understandable information regarding the impact smart phones and unfettered access to the internet has had on our current school-age generations. Our library media specialists are sponsoring a community book event on The Anxious Generation, and I can’t wait to help facilitate meaningful conversations with families that night.
What is your favorite comfort food? (He includes a recipe!)
I doubt many people are going to know what I am talking about, but my favorite comfort food is called Springfield Style Cashew Chicken from Springfield, MO. It is an Americanized dish served at Chinese restaurants in Springfield that consists of crispy deep fried chicken (like general or sesame chicken) served over fried rice with a brown gravy made from chicken stock, soy sauce, and oyster sauce topped with chopped green onions and cashews. It might sound weird, but IT IS AMAZING! Here is the recipe for anyone wanting to try it out.
Have you tried something new in the last 12 months?
This year I tried something new at NKSD that I am so excited about. I launched an initiative called “Books for Balance: Building Digital Wisdom” in our elementary schools. I took 15 popular children’s books designed to teach kids about online safety, responsible technology use, digital citizenship, and the importance of balance in regards to using technology and designed an instructional framework to go with each. Elementary teachers can sign-up to partner with me on planning and delivering a lesson rooted in one of these books.
ENGAGEMENT – I come to the classroom, read the book, and co-teach the lesson to the students. The reception has been wonderful in so many ways. It has strengthened my relationships with teachers, launched necessary conversations with our youngest learners, and gotten me back into the classroom working directly with students. I cannot wait to continue this program and see how it grows to impact our system as a whole.
Would you please list a favorite quote?
Nailing a former English teacher down to his single favorite quote is just cruel, so I am going to share a few of my favorites.
For my own personal growth, I love Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote, “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” It is so easy to lose oneself with all of the stress, ugliness, and noise out in the world.
Another quote I constantly refer to comes from the late Sir Ken Robinson. When discussing creativity, Sir Robinson said, “If you’re not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.”
Lastly, “Date the app; marry the pedagogy.” This has always stuck with me because it elevates the teaching and learning over the tool, which is how it always should be!
Be sure to check out Dr. Sullivan’s sessions at NCCE 25.
NCCE 25 Sessions