Managers Need Professional Development Too: Learn About CoSN's CTO Academy

Transcription

00:00:04 Speaker 1

Well, Kelly, thank you so much for joining me today. I really appreciate it.

00:00:08 Speaker 2

Thank you. I am very happy to be part of the opportunity.

00:00:13 Speaker 1

And I know I am. I'm taking you away from spring break and the various things that you don't have to talk about, which is Ed tech and, you know, the responsibilities of being a CTO, but.

00:00:26 Speaker 1

You know, as we prepare for Miami next week for the codes in 2024, I really just wanted you to give me some thoughts on a particular aspect of the program that I think is intriguing.

00:00:42 Speaker 1

You know, when we talk about professional development here at East School, we always talk about professional development for.

00:00:47 Speaker 1

However, I often think what gets overlooked is the need for professional development when it comes to managers and specifically CTOs.

00:01:08 Speaker 1

I know it's an essential part, you know, as technology moves so quickly and things change and responsibilities change. But I think it's sometimes overlooked.

00:01:18 Speaker 1

Talk a little bit about the CTO Academy with Cozen and how that has enabled your work.

00:01:27 Speaker 2

I was very happy when I found out that I was part of the CTO Academy.

00:01:34 Speaker 2

I have been working with Cosin as Ed tech Director for a while, but then when I took on the CTO role, it was essential for me to learn some different parts and aspects of Ed tech and IT in a case where 12.

00:01:48 Speaker 2

Permanent. So this was essential for me. The most important thing that they have done so well is that every time we meet, we have the opportunity to meet some experts. So, people who have already been down this path, who perhaps have encountered the challenges that we currently face in our roles.

00:02:09 Speaker 2

And then it also allows us to pause to talk and visit with other people. So you get that big picture thinking and then you dig deeper and make new connections and create your own professional learning network.

00:02:24 Speaker 1

And I guess probably in the last two or three years, especially I mean, things have accelerated and changed a lot. Can you talk a little about how you've seen your role change now? I think I've had different positions over the years. Come in a little.

00:02:42 Speaker 1

Anecdotal detail of when you started thinking about being a CTO and where you are now and what some of these things are, the surprises.

00:02:53 Speaker 2

So, I mean, I've always been involved in educational technology, you know, I've been a classroom teacher, I went up to age 12, I taught pretty much every grade level. And you know, I did a computer lab for a long time. But really the piece that excites me the most is how it affects the students and seeing the impact.

00:03:13 Speaker 2

About the daily lives of our students, my students often told me this. If I give it to you, it's ready to go. If I have to post it on the website, I need to work a little harder to make the authentic audience have that real purpose for us.

00:03:28 Speaker 2

Estudiantes is incredible and that is why I have seen us expand. You know, I think when you looked at COVID and everyone had to look at the 1:00 to 1:00 environment in a very different way and make sure everyone had digital access and equity, I think the role of the CTO has changed.

00:03:48 Speaker 2

And it's not just about.

00:03:52 Speaker 2

Tools, boxes, cables and a stable Internet and data security. And those pieces. It's about how we impact students' learning experiences and how we make sure we're connected to the learning side of the house to make sure we use.

00:04:12 Speaker 2

Whatever technology we have as a tool.

00:04:16 Speaker 1

Interesting. Interesting. Now let's talk a little more about student behavior changes as a result of COVID in terms of how a district is run.

00:04:33 Speaker 2

So, you know you've covered what happened during the pandemic and the rapid change that we all had to make very quickly and now with us, our children, you know that some discussions and decisions discussed about how to make sure that we still have access will not continue digital and equity is important.

00:04:52 Speaker 2

To our students. And then when you look at the advent of ai and all kinds of other pieces that keep coming out, you know that it's really essential that our students have the opportunity to learn using technology.

00:05:07 Speaker 2

The tooling curriculum has gone digital. You know we now have the SAT exam in digital format, so it's no longer nice to have it. It is a requirement for our students to be successful.

00:05:19 Speaker 1

Yes. Yes. So also talk a little bit about, it's obvious what you're going to contribute to.

00:05:25 Speaker 1

Table.

00:05:26 Speaker 1

It sounds like you know you've had a lot of experiences in the past few years. Let me ask you this. So what do you hope to achieve? Is there any piece?

00:05:38 Speaker 1

Common problems or topics are shown for which you are seeking answers or guidance from the Academy and cosine in general.

00:05:50 Speaker 2

So, I would say there is no time that I have not met with my chosen Academy and during our sessions I have prioritized making sure I am present because.

00:05:59 Speaker 2

It's very valuable, you know, they've brought in experts on how to deal with the E rate, how to deal with cybersecurity and then what I think is so powerful is that you're creating that professional learning network, you know, like Singleton, you're the only CTO in your district. It is very important that you meet and connect with someone else so you can ask particular questions.

00:06:23 Speaker 2

Because I guarantee that someone else has solved the current problem you are facing now. So why not grow your network so you can ask, because many times it's the right thing to do? So if you're in the middle of that problem, you may not be able to see past the weeds for other people to talk about what they did and how they did it. Here are the resources they used.

00:06:45 Speaker 2

It saves you a lot of time and effort and allows you to learn from the benefits of others, I guess, or you know, what were their successes and what were the obstacles that they faced and how do you address some of those obstacles. That is essential.

00:07:02 Speaker 2

Oh.

00:07:03 Speaker 1

Yes, and it's great. You know, as someone who watches this industry and interacts with professionals like yourself, one of the best parts is that everyone really is.

00:07:17 Speaker 1

To encourage myself in terms of sharing those best practices, I've spent some time in different industries where I talk about this idea of ​​coming together and showing your cards to each other.

00:07:30 Speaker 1

It doesn't happen, right?

00:07:31 Speaker 2

Well, and the way they set it up is really nice in the sense that you get a theme ahead of time. You can talk and collaborate within our learning management system. You are visiting additional people. And I would say that the leaders who are leading the Academy at this moment are very dynamic.

00:07:52 Speaker 2

And a lot of fun. So it's easy to ask questions and feel supported by being vulnerable about the challenges you face, but also understanding that you have support. The most important part is also that you receive a mentor and that mentor has been that individual time.

00:08:12 Speaker 2

Essential for some additional questions as you go. So not only are you spending time in a group, but you're also getting that one-on-one mentoring from someone who is.

00:08:22 Speaker 2

Folding your shoes.

00:08:23 Speaker 1

Well well. So, for any readers or listeners here who are listening to this conversation, what are the steps to apply or be accepted into the Academy?

00:08:37 Speaker 2

Am. I'm not sure what the steps would be for next year, so I'd have to look at it, but it was a way we had to do it.

00:08:43 Speaker 2

Complete and answer a few questions and then you will know that I received a letter of recommendation from my supervisor, who was the Superintendent, and then applied based on your questions. And then I got this wonderful email that said, hey, you're in and then, you know, I booked the times that were available.

00:09:06 Speaker 2

It's quite surprising to see. You know, I'm not in one of the states that has a full statewide Academy. Yes, but the idea that we can still collaborate and connect on different topics is essential so that everyone feels like they have a support group and can talk to someone.

00:09:24 Speaker 1

Well, that's great. It looks like next week it will be.

00:09:29 Speaker 1

Certainly. I hope it's great for you. In terms of your own personal learning journey. I know it will be great for me to be able to look over everyone's shoulders and find out what the latest and most important issues are affecting you and your children's work.

00:09:49 Speaker 1

I look forward to meeting you in person and continuing this conversation. Thanks again for your time, Kelly.

00:09:56 Speaker 2

Thank you so much.

Kevin is a forward-thinking media executive with over 25 years of experience building brands and audiences online, in print and face-to-face. He is an acclaimed writer, editor, and commentator covering the intersection of society and technology, especially educational technology. You can contact Kevin at [email protected]

Latest messages from Kevin Hogan (see everything)