406-594-1722
Education Innovation Manager
Work-Related Duties:
- Transformational Learning and Montana Advanced Opportunity grants manager
- Montana Alternative Student Testing Pilot (MAST) program director
- Math Innovation Zones, Residency and Leadership Academies coordinator
Krystal Smith serves as the Education Innovation Manager for the Montana Office of Public Instruction. She came to the OPI in August 2020 from a women’s basketball coaching position at the University of Providence. Originally from Columbia Falls, MT, Krystal earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Montana and her Master’s degree in Educational, School and Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Sports Psychology from the University of Missouri. Krystal taught elementary and middle school in Nevada for 10 years, before returning to Montana to grow her experience in higher education, provide digital coaching and personalization support, and expand educational experiences for Montana students interested in post-secondary trades opportunities. Spending time with her 3-year-old daughter, Harper, is Krystal’s greatest enjoyment.