Husband, father, teacher, learner, tech addict, musician, and friend. J. Derek Larson taught 4th and 5th grades in Southern Utah for 8 years, absolutely loving every minute, before becoming the Educational Technology Director for the Southwest Educational Development Center (SEDC) in Southern Utah. Having completed his M.Ed. with an emphasis in technology, he feels technology is one of the most crucial aspects of teaching because of the way students are excited by and look forward to using it. If educators can find ways to effectively harness technology into their teaching, they will be better able to reach their students and help them catch the excitement of learning. This is one of Derek's new goals as he works with teachers in rural districts across Southwestern Utah. He was awarded the 2014 UCET Outstanding Young Educator of the Year, an award presented to an outstanding young educator, in the first ten years of their teaching career, who demonstrates vision, innovation, action, and transformation using technology to improve teaching and learning. Derek is a moderator for #UTedChat, an education chat focused on Utah educators which happens every Wednesday @ 9pm MDT. Come on by and join the conversation, non-Utahns are welcome as well. He currently serves as a member of the UCET Board and the SUECON Committee.