Member Spotlight

Emmanuel Ajanma, CETL®, CCRE

Emmanuel Ajanma is a Director of Technology with expertise and dedication to fostering and managing technology initiatives within the educational environment. He has over 20 years of experience in both public and private/parochial schools within and outside the United States. He serves on the Vermont State and Local Government Cybersecurity Grant Committee. He is also a Certified Cybersecurity Rubric Evaluator (CCRE) and a graduate of the CoSN’s CTO Academy 2022-2023 cohort.

1.  How long have you been a member of CoSN? Why did you join CoSN? 

“I joined CoSN in 2017 when a friend and colleague of mine had recently completed the CETL process and recommended that I learn more about the opportunities that the leadership certification may offer for career growth and advancement.”

2.  Why did you join CoSN? What do you enjoy about being a member?

“I joined CoSN to connect with a network of dedicated technology education leaders committed to advancing transformative learning environments. The wealth of resources available through CoSN have been invaluable in guiding our district’s technology initiatives. I especially enjoy the professional development and the ability to exchange ideas with peers facing similar challenges. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, being part of a community that provides insights into the latest trends and best practices is essential for making informed decisions that align with our district’s educational goals."

3.  What CoSN Committee are you a part of?

"Diversity, Equity and Inclusion = Belonging. This committee’s work is not only a professional commitment but also a personal passion for me. We are not just talking about belonging, we are actively shaping it. "

4.  How did you get into the field of educational technology?

"My entry into the field of educational technology was a natural progression from my administrative role within the private and parochial school systems. It was here that I honed my leadership skills, coordinating professional development workshops and seminars primarily within Vermont’s Catholic Schools. This experience proved invaluable when I transitioned to the Barre Unified Union School District, taking on the mantle of Technology Integration Specialist. During this period, I deepened my expertise by completing a master’s degree in educational technology. Upon the retirement of the previous District Director of Technology in 2017, I was entrusted with the leadership role, which has been exceptionally fulfilling. "

5.  What does your daily work entail?

"My daily work encompasses planning and hands-on management of our technology infrastructure, ensuring robust network security, and leading our IT team to support staff and students. Each day is an opportunity to champion new technologies that enhance educational access and equity. This includes managing budgets, procuring resources, and maintaining partnerships with vendors and community stakeholders. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to innovate and improve the ways in which technology can facilitate learning and administrative operations within our schools.  "

6.  What’s one thing - either industry-related or not - you learned recently?

"This past month, my focus has been on the integration of AI within the educational sector, particularly its application in fortifying cybersecurity. By examining AI-driven solutions, I’ve gleaned insights into how they can proactively identify and mitigate cyber threats."

7.  What advice would you give to someone just starting our in the field?

“Embrace continuous learning and be adaptable. Stay current with the latest trends, network beyond your immediate circle, and always keep the diverse needs of your students and educators at the forefront of your strategy.  ”

8.  What are three words to describe yourself?

“Curious, always exploring new possibilities; Flexible, ready to adapt to change; Collaborative, believing in the power of teamwork."

9.  What is your favorite movie/tv show/series you've recently enjoyed?

"Recently, I’ve been captivated by “IWAJU”, a narrative that intertwines rich cultural storytelling with forward-thinking animation techniques.  "

10.  What is your favorite weekend activity or hobby?

"I love spending time outdoors. "

Nominate yourself or another member by filling out the questionnaire.