In the fast-paced world of educational technology, IT professionals find themselves perpetually inundated with tasks, demands, risk management, crisis mitigation, and other challenges. From solving technical problems to managing complex systems and budgets, their days are packed with activity, leaving little time for the kind of deep thinking and innovation that drives progress in the field.
These school district employees are responsible for the very foundation of the educational institution's technological infrastructure and play a crucial role in impacting the teaching and learning process. However, the need for more leeway – more breathing room in their days and lives – has become increasingly evident.
Make professional “me” time
I left a corporate IT career after ten years to work in public education and never looked back. After being a public school technologist for the past thirty years, this year I will be retiring from serving students and teachers to the best of my ability in the same central office of the same school district located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains in beautiful East Tennessee . .
I have often talked about one day writing a book about the many best practices that exist in both the public and private sectors. One thing I think the corporation I worked for did much better than the education field was taking the time for me, as an IT professional, to grow, learn, and expand my knowledge base within the confines of my regular work schedule. Additionally, any continuing education, including advanced degrees, workshops, or conferences, was encouraged and funded, in whole or in part. Imagine my surprise when I first asked the school district's human resources team about continuing education cost-sharing opportunities and was told that no such options existed!
The same goes for the “thinking time” included in the work schedule. As a company IT employee, it was acceptable to take a few moments during the workday to read and reflect on an industry article or seek advice from a colleague on a software tool.
But if I wanted to do this in my district, I had to be intentional about creating these learning and professional development opportunities.
If you are an education IT professional, here are some suggestions:
- Seek out other colleagues and like-minded professionals to collaborate, exchange ideas, and partner with.
- Attend out-of-district conferences and look for workshops, training events, and other opportunities to learn and grow.
- Sign up to receive professional publications and spend time browsing articles and ideas.
- Schedule time in your calendar outside of work hours to conduct research on emerging trends and technological advances.
- Spend time at home reading professional magazines and books to stay abreast of the rapidly changing technological field.
Careers in corporate America can be demanding and exhausting, but so can jobs in public education. It's almost unimaginable to me when I consider the changes I've witnessed during my own career in educational technology.
If I could leave public school districts with one piece of advice upon retirement, it would be to dedicate time to innovation, deep thinking, and the rejuvenation of their people. They need some leeway in their professional space. Not only will your employees be happier, more productive, and more content, but they will likely be healthier as a result. That should be a win-win!
