Pascagoula-Gautier School District

Eva Harvell is a visionary leader in educational technology with over 20 years of experience advancing digital integration in K–12 education. Beginning her career as an elementary teacher, she quickly became a pioneer in classroom technology, becoming the first Technology Integration Specialist in her district. Since 2015, Harvell has served as the Director of Technology for the Pascagoula-Gautier School District, where she leads efforts to modernize learning environments through strategic technology adoption.

Recognizing Eva Harvell’s innovative leadership in education, this feature highlights her dedication to bridging curriculum and technology to empower teachers and students. An award-winning educator and published author, Harvell shares insights on integrating emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) while fostering teacher buy-in and safeguarding student data. Her work continues to shape the future of education through thoughtful, inclusive digital transformation.

From the Classroom to the Forefront of Innovation

My journey in education led to a discovery of my passion for educational technology. At the time, interactive boards like Promethean Smart Boards were just being introduced in classrooms. I was the first in my school to say, "Yes, I’ll try it." What began as a willingness to experiment soon evolved into a deeper mission of helping other teachers feel confident using technology to enhance their instruction.

In 2009, my district created a brand-new position called Technology Integration Specialist. I was honored to be selected for the role, which focused on bridging the gap between curriculum and technology. With a background in both, I became the goto person to translate tools and systems into classroom-ready strategies.

I spent years training educators teaching kindergarten through 12th grade, introducing everything from interactive devices to district-wide platforms. I also collaborated closely with the curriculum department to integrate technology into our curriculum pacing guides, ensuring alignment with instructional goals. During this time, I had the opportunity to speak at multiple educational conferences, sharing insights on effective tech integration. The foundation I built in the classroom still guides me every day.

Navigating Challenges in Technology Integration

Over the course of my career, I’ve noticed that state standards increasingly include technology-related skills across subjects like math, language arts, and science. These standards cover things like typing, research, and collaboration—skills that support digital literacy but aren’t exclusively digital themselves. While we want teachers to embrace these standards, many feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable with integrating them.

One of the biggest challenges is that new tools are often introduced without enough context or support, making teachers feel like technology is one more thing added to their already full plates. That is why I believe in meeting teachers where they are. When we provide the right resources and take time to explain the why, technology shifts from being a hurdle to becoming a help.

When teachers understand the purpose behind new technology and feel supported every step of the way, they become eager partners in innovation rather than hesitant bystanders. Building clarity creates trust, and trust helps us move forward together. Just as important is being present and accessible. No question is too small and no teacher should feel isolated when learning something new. Taking time to listen and answer questions can truly make all the difference for educators.

For example, I have worked with first and second grade teachers who wanted to help their students do simple research projects. On the surface it seemed too complex. But when we introduced curated and age-appropriate digital resources, it became something accessible and even exciting for students and teachers alike.

That same principle applies across everything we do. Whether it is a district-wide platform or a cybersecurity update, I have learned how important it is to bring people into the process early. If you just flip a switch and tell staff this is happening, you will get confusion and pushback. But if you take the time to explain the purpose and provide clear and supportive guidance, you build trust. With trust, change becomes much easier to navigate.

Guiding Students toward Ethical AI Use

AI is one of the most exciting developments I’ve seen in education. I use it every day in my role to support productivity and decisionmaking. I see its value firsthand through my children, one in college and one in middle school. As we bring AI into K–12 classrooms, I’m especially focused on using it responsibly and ethically. That means protecting student data and teaching learners how to use AI tools appropriately.

Rather than asking AI to do the work for students, such as writing a five-paragraph essay, we can show them how to use it as a support tool. For instance, if a student struggles with a paragraph, they can use AI to get suggestions and guidance.

We’re beginning to implement K–12-specific AI platforms that are designed with both safety and educational value in mind. These tools benefit students and help veteran teachers ease into new territory with confidence. When teachers see how AI enhances their instruction, it builds curiosity and opens new possibilities for classroom learning.

This is only the beginning. With the right mindset and support, technology will continue to empower educators and enrich the learning experience for every student.

Expanding Learning beyond Walls with AI and VR

I believe both AI and virtual reality (VR) will continue to shape the future of learning. AI has taken a front seat, but VR still holds powerful potential for breaking down classroom walls. When a student in South Mississippi can explore New York City or ancient Egypt, it expands their view of the world. That kind of experience builds confidence and curiosity that textbooks alone can’t provide.

Allowing students to experience the world through technologies as they graduate high school and go to college imbibes them with a much broader range of information and knowledge about the world. Simultaneously, they gain the ability to utilize technology that will benefit them in their path toward career development.

Staying Grounded in Purpose amid Change

Whether you are just starting your teaching career or approaching retirement, the most important reminder is why you chose education. We enter this profession to prepare students to make the world a better place. Holding onto this purpose helps in successfully navigating challenges and change.

It’s natural for the work to feel difficult at times, but focusing on the positive impact keeps up the motivation. Joyful moments with students are reminders of the difference we make every day, even amid evolving trends.