MNPS Voices: Max Kuhlman, Instructional Designer II

When Matthew Kuhlman walks into a room, he prefers to be called by his middle name: Max. As an Instructional Designer II in MNPS Technology Services, Kuhlman has spent the last three years blending creativity and technology to make learning accessible for staff across the district. 

“An instructional designer is a fantastic mix of web design, graphic design, and training,” he explained.  

It’s a role that perfectly suits his background and passion for digital communication. 

A Nashville native and Glencliff High School graduate, Kuhlman’s MNPS journey began in 2005 when he returned to his alma mater as a teacher — a dream inspired by his mentor, Career and Technical Education teacher and administrator Donna Gilley. For more than a decade, he taught interactive multimedia and web design at Glencliff, Cane Ridge High School, and MNPS Virtual School. 

“I’ve always been an AV geek,” Kuhlman said with a laugh. “What made me a good teacher was my ability to reach students through presentation and selling. The ability to communicate and present in a digital forum just really started to speak to me.” 

So when an opportunity to become an instructional designer opened, he knew it was the right move. Today, he thrives as part of the Enterprise Application Learning team, creating online training for applications most frequently used by district staff, such as Infinite Campus and Oracle. 

“My job is to determine how I can best take the information that needs presenting, keep the audience in mind, and deliver it in a way that’s the most effective use of their time while also being effective in instruction,” Kuhlman said. “One of the most valuable resources any of us have — whether in the Support Hub or in the classroom — is time.” 

That expertise was exactly what MNPS’s Procurement Department needed for its Oracle Cloud training package. The embedded training provided by the vendor wasn’t quite enough for the diverse group of staff members who would use the new system set to roll out in 2026. Procurement plays a critical role in ensuring schools and departments have the resources they need to serve students, making this training essential for operational success. 

Despite a tight deadline, Kuhlman and his team delivered 21 interactive instructional videos, organized into a core sequence for school bookkeepers and purchasing agents. This streamlined approach allows staff to complete training efficiently. 

The response? Overwhelmingly positive. 

“Max and his team have worked tirelessly to produce every Oracle Cloud Procurement training video, turning processes into clear, engaging, and easy-to-follow tutorials,” said Jackie Taylor, Purchasing Manager. “His work will streamline how MNPS employees learn and interact with the new system, empowering users to navigate Oracle Cloud with confidence. There is no doubt that Max’s partnership and technical expertise have been pivotal in ensuring Procurement’s readiness for the successful rollout.” 

Kuhlman is quick to share credit, praising teammate Dr. Anecia Scott, Instructional Designer I, for her role in the project’s success. So far, approximately 700 users have accessed the Oracle training, and Kuhlman’s team relies on anonymous surveys to ensure the content meets the needs of all staff. 

For Kuhlman, the work is about more than technology. It’s about solving problems and making learning easier for everyone.