The CTO Academy For K-12 Early Career and Aspiring CTOs is a program to address the needs of education technology leaders who are new (less than four full years) to their CTO or Technology Leadership position or aspiring CTOs and EdTech leaders currently working in a technology department. Participants will have the opportunity to develop EdTech leadership skills including; managing diverse teams, leading a variety of projects simultaneously, and collaborating with a variety of stakeholders. Academy participants make a positive impact on student-centered and digital learning in their school district and enhance their career trajectory.
Scholarships may be available for EdTech Leaders from different populations in the education technology community. Please indicate in the application if you are interested.
This program was developed through public and private sector leaders, district CTOs and EdTech leaders to address current professional development needs and thought partner support for aspiring and early-career CTO and EdTech leaders.
If you have any questions, please email: Jill Brown, jbrown@cosn.org, CoSN Director of Professional Learning, or Donna Williamson, donna.davis.williamson@gmail.com, Project Facilitator.
Note, the application uses a Google Form. If your school blocks access, please use a personal account or email us for other options.
Applications for the National Cohort are DUE September 1, Each Year
The national cohort is capped at 40, with a waitlist if applicants cannot accept. All waitlist applicants will be considered first for the next year's cohort.
*Program options may vary for applicants residing in New York and Georgia.
CoSN’s Early Career K-12 CTO Academy for Today's EdTech Leaders
Do you have, or know of, an early career CTO with less than four full years of experience? CoSN has a unique professional development opportunity for new technology directors, the Early Career K-12 CTO Academy. The year-long program builds a support system where new CTOs have access to resources and support that meet their unique needs. We also accept aspiring EdTech CTOs. Email Jill Brown, jbrown@cosn.org, or Donna Williamson, donna.davis.williamson@gmail.com, for more information.
CoSN’s Early Career K-12 CTO Academy prepares new technology directors with fewer than four full years of experience to:
- Lead the creation of a culture of innovation in their school district.
- Build a Professional Learning Network (PLN) of EdTech experts and other new CTOs through face-to-face and virtual meetings.
- Understand best practices to build diverse teams that include different populations in the edtech industry including African Americans, Latin, and Native Americans, Pacific-Islanders, and females.
- Benefit from the experience of veteran tech and curriculum leaders in the areas of supporting student-centered learning, technology budgeting, technical support strategies, infrastructure, effective strategies for communications, and more.
- Be part of discussions centered around new strategies for meeting the needs of diverse learners.
- Improve the soft skills necessary to work effectively with others in the culture-specific to their school district.
CoSN Welcomes the 2024-2025 Cohort
2023-2024 Cohort
Past Cohorts
Belonging & Inclusion Scholarship Opportunity
The CTO Academy tries to secure five Belonging & Inclusion Academy Scholarships every year for CTOs from different populations in the education technology community. As part of the application process, you may request to be considered for one of these scholarships, if they are available.
What are last year’s participants saying about the experience?
"Wonderful experience. Donna and Sheryl are amazing! They are so knowledgeable and passionate about Tech Leadership. They reinforced my interest in pursuing a CTO role. The CoSN K12 CTO cohort was an incredible journey for me. I truly enjoyed every moment and learned so much throughout the program. The curriculum was thoughtfully designed, covering a wide range of topics that expanded my knowledge in areas where I previously had little experience.One of the most rewarding aspects was meeting and connecting with such a diverse group of passionate and knowledgeable professionals. The friendships and professional relationships I formed during the cohort are invaluable, and I am grateful for the supportive and collaborative environment CoSN fostered. This experience has not only boosted my confidence but also equipped me with the skills necessary to navigate the fast-paced world of educational technology. I highly recommend the CoSN K12 CTO cohort to anyone looking to grow as a leader and gain deeper insights into the field."
Shane Grim (PA)
"The comprehensive curriculum covered a wide range of critical topics, providing invaluable insights and practical strategies for anyone in a technology leadership role. Overall, the CTO Academy delivered a well-rounded and in-depth educational experience that significantly enhanced my technology leadership capabilities. It has empowered me to implement best practices, foster a culture of innovation, and confidently drive our district's technology initiatives forward."
Charles Franklin, Cypress Fairbanks ISD (TX)
"The CoSN New CTO Academy has proven to be invaluable to me in my second year as a CIO. The professional network built through participation along with the insight into how experienced individuals from our field navigate the challenges we all face have been instrumental in my development and growth. This is arguably the best possible professional development for a new or aspiring technology leader."
Kevin Adams, Bibb County School District (GA)
"I loved the Early CTO Cohort! It was amazing getting to hear from leaders in the industry and then getting to meet them and ask questions at the COSN conference. It was amazing to have a ready made mentor as well for any need!"
Damien Akelman, Rowan Salisbury Schools (NC)
"The course, with its outstanding presenters and thought partners, has been truly amazing. I have had an incredible experience and am deeply grateful for being part of it. I appreciate the hard work put into developing such excellent resources and fostering valuable connections. The Early Career K-12 CTO Academy is essential for any aspiring CTO or Technology Director. This comprehensive course covers crucial areas such as leadership, finance, instruction, and innovation. Renowned guest speakers share invaluable real-world experiences, providing participants with practical insights and guidance. Additionally, the program offers a unique opportunity to build powerful connections with fellow cohort members from across the country, fostering a supportive network that extends beyond the academy."
Kelly Grigg, Deer Park ISD (TX)
"The CoSN CTO Academy is a wonderful opportunity to connect with others throughout the country and within your own cohort / state to discuss common concerns, find creative solutions to problems, bounce ideas around, and hear a variety of perspectives. The modules address real-world, relevant, and timely topics that all CTOs face throughout a school year and the guest speakers really know their stuff. The instructors are vibrant, knowledgeable, well-organized, and fun. I looked forward to our meetings every month. Overall, this academy was invaluable to my growth as a newcomer to the world of Director of Instructional Technology and I highly recommend all newbies enroll."
Diane Bush, APW CSD (NY)
"The COSN CTO Academy has truly been an incredible experience. Not only were the Modules extremely relevant, but creating the connections inside this group truly proved to be above and beyond anything i anticipated! My thought partner was truly a perfect partnership, I was able to bounce ideas off of him and speak freely with someone outside of my organization. Donna and Sheryl were also incredibly easy to get in contact with and when we were all together in person, they went out of their way to make sure we all had ANYTHING we needed! I would recommend this to anyone working in IT in schools!"
-Rez, BT BOCES (NY)
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