Blogs

ATLIS President and CEO Christina Lewellen Named ASAE Fellow, Recognizing Leadership and Association Impact

By Kelsea Watson posted 17 days ago
ATLIS President and CEO Christina Lewellen Named ASAE Fellow, Recognizing Leadership and Association Impact April 9, 2025 – The Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS), the premier professional organization for technology leaders in K-12 independent schools, proudly announces that its President and Chief Executive Officer, Christina Lewellen, has been named a Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). This prestigious honor recognizes Lewellen’s outstanding contributions to the association management profession and her exceptional leadership. The ASAE Fellows program honors association professionals ...

ATLIS Announces 2025 Pillar Award Recipients

By Kelsea Watson posted 03-06-2025
ATLIS Announces 2025 Pillar Award Recipients Campbell, Carver, Podchaski recognized with association’s top honor ATLIS is pleased to announce the recognition of three highly accomplished professionals as 2025 ATLIS Pillar Award winners: Tahare “Tye" J. Campbell, TLIS , Director of Strategic Information and Innovation, Gilman School Joseph Carver , Associate Head of School, The Meadows School Alex Podchaski , TLIS, Chief Technology Officer, Trinity Preparatory School Established in 2018, the ATLIS Pillar Award program was initiated to bring attention to those often unsung heroes who exemplify the ATLIS mission ...

Demonstrate Your Technology Leadership Expertise

By Kelsea Watson posted 10-09-2024
Demonstrate Your Technology Leadership Expertise As technology continues to shape our schools in new and unfamiliar ways, how can you feel confident you're serving and protecting your organization as comprehensively as possible? Earning the Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS) credential can help you gain recognition for your expertise as a professional who consistently demonstrates experience, competency, and commitment to serve independent schools in the technology leader role with strength and excellence. I knew I had the support, experience, and capability to be a technology leader in an independent school. Still, now I could ...

New AI Guide for Independent School Trustees

By Kelsea Watson posted 03-19-2024
New AI Guide for Independent School Trustees Three industry organizations partner to create a robust guide designed to inform trustees and help shape their role related to AI March 11, 2024 -- Three independent school associations have partnered to create “An Uncertain Future: An AI Resource Guide for Independent School Trustees.” The guide, created by the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS), the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), and the Independent School Chairpersons Association (ISCA), informs board members about the evolving artificial intelligence (AI) landscape as it relates to K-12 independent ...

ATLIS Announces the ATLIS Leadership Institute 2023-2024 Cohort

By Kelsea Watson posted 07-24-2023
ATLIS Announces the ATLIS Leadership Institute 2023-2024 Cohort Thirty-three independent school technology professionals to participate in year-long leadership cohort. ATLIS is thrilled to launch the 2023-2024 cohort of the ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI). The leadership institute is designed to elevate aspiring leaders with the knowledge and skills to run a technology department at an independent school. Now in its seventh year, the program is a hallmark of the ATLIS community. At ATLIS, we believe in the power of collaboration and experiential learning. That's why our participants will have the privilege of working closely with program administrators, ...

Opportunity: $200K NSF grant for AI in edu

By Ashley Cross posted 05-11-2023
Request from a community member: "We are interested in submitting a proposal for NSF's recent Rapid Response Research call: https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2023/ nsf23097/nsf23097.jsp?org=NSF . Next year, we will be implementing an AI literacy curriculum alongside our computer science curriculum in grades K-12. We also plan to have students in grades 6-12 using AI tools (for productivity and for assessment). Of course, relevant faculty PD will be another aim of the coming year. I'm wondering if you know of potential partners--schools with similar plans, researchers, or organizations with existing AI platforms or curriculum who are looking for test sites. If so, ...

ICYMI: ATLIS 2023 Annual Conference Day 1

By ATLIS Admin posted 05-01-2023
In Case You Missed It: ATLIS 2023 Annual Conference Day 1 Recap Part professional development, part reunion; ATLIS 2023 kicks off with high energy and exciting announcements The first day of the ATLIS Annual Conference held on Monday, May 1, was a resounding success. Attendees from all over the country had the opportunity to learn from experts in the field of educational technology, and participate in thought-provoking sessions that covered a range of topics. The event began with the ATLIS conference networking reception. The community was overjoyed to be reunited in person! For people that didn’t know anyone coming into the event, ATLIS facilitated ...

Highlights from the ATLIS and NAIS Summit: Educational Leadership in the Age of AI (Sunday, April 30)

By ATLIS Admin posted 05-01-2023
Highlights from the ATLIS and NAIS Summit: Educational Leadership in the Age of AI Attendees of Sunday, April 30 summit leave enlightened and inspired In Grand Rapids, Michigan, educational leaders from all corners of the country gathered together for the highly anticipated ATLIS and NAIS Summit on Educational Leadership in the Age of AI. The one-day event provided a platform for attendees to engage in stimulating discussions and exchange ideas about the future of education in the age of AI. From trends and predictions for AI in education to current applications of AI in the classroom, the summit's agenda covered a wide range of topics. ...

ATLIS Introduces New DEI Framework for Technology Leaders in Independent Schools

By ATLIS Admin posted 05-01-2023
ATLIS Introduces New DEI Framework for Technology Leaders in Independent Schools DEI Framework to guide technology leaders in fostering more inclusive and equitable learning environments. The Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS) released a new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Framework for Technology Leaders in Independent Schools. The framework helps technology leaders understand their role in fostering more inclusive and equitable learning environments for all students. The framework was designed in collaboration by the ATLIS board of directors, DEI advisory committee, and experts in the field of DEI. “In ...

ATLIS to Receive Edward E. Ford Foundation Grant to Establish Credentialing Program

By ATLIS Admin posted 05-01-2023
ATLIS Receives Edward E. Ford Foundation Grant to Establish Credentialing Program Association Aims to Address Niche Expertise Needed for Technology in Independent Schools May 1, 2023—The Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS), the only professional association for independent school technology directors, announced today that it has been granted funding from the Edward E. Ford Foundation to establish a credentialing program for independent school technology leaders. While details of the program will be clarified in the upcoming design phase, it aims to recognize and certify the expertise of technology leaders in the independent ...

ATLIS Announces Incoming Directors

By Kelsea Watson posted 04-13-2023
ATLIS Announces Incoming Directors Cuevas, Curtis, and Ramadan to join Board in July The Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS), the only professional association for independent school technology directors, announces the election of three highly qualified technology leaders to its board of directors: Hiram Cuevas Jason Curtis Muhammad Ramadan "We are thrilled to welcome our incoming board members, Hiram, Jason, and Muhammad, whose diverse backgrounds and expertise will complement and enhance our current board's strengths,” said Denise Musslewhite, ATLIS board chair and founder of Tech & Thrive. ...

ATLIS Announces 2023 Pillar Award Recipients

By Kelsea Watson posted 04-03-2023
ATLIS Announces 2023 Pillar Award Recipients Antupit, Davis, Kahn, and Levin recognized with association’s top honor The Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS), the only professional association for independent school technology directors, announced today the recognition of four highly accomplished professionals as 2023 ATLIS Pillar Award winners: Peter Antupit , Chief Information Officer, Crystal Springs Uplands School Howard Levin , Director of Educational Innovation, Convent & Stuart Hall Schools of the Sacred Heart Susan Davis , retired educator and professional development director at ATLIS ...

PASS Safety and Security guidelines and checklist released

By Ashley Cross posted 03-21-2023
Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) just released the 2023 version of safety and security guidelines and checklist. Some of the language is district-focused, but there are things that apply to tech leaders at indy schools as well. Here's an overview of the updates in the 6th edition: Identify areas of improvement by separating tier continuum practices required by law or uniformly implemented Redesign tiers for clarity: work toward Tier One measures, then Tier Two if Tier One is in place Tiers 3 and 4 measures may be needed depending on assessment from core security team Enhance classroom security section with updated recommendations and illustrations ...

Upcoming opportunities to inform the federal STEM strategic plan

By Ashley Cross posted 03-21-2023
PUBLIC LISTENING SESSIONS TO INFORM THE 2023-2028 FEDERAL STEM STRATEGIC PLAN The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) will host a series of virtual listening sessions to inform the development of the 2023- 2028 Federal Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Strategic Plan. As part of a robust public engagement plan, OSTP encourages input from all interested parties, including students, teachers, administrators, parents, researchers, employers, and others to provide information and perspectives on the challenges faced by – and within – the STEM ecosystem in the United States and solutions that might be implemented by ...

Updates in Artificial Intelligence for Education

By Ashley Cross posted 03-06-2023
The education community continues to explore the potential of artificial intelligence technologies in the classroom, and the recent announcement by OpenAI to allow users under 18 years old with parental consent to use ChatGPT is a significant development. This decision opens up new possibilities for students to access and engage with AI technologies as part of their learning journey. However, it is important to recognize that the use of AI in education also raises complex ethical and social issues, such as concerns about bias and transparency in AI algorithms. To address these issues, educators and school leaders must take a proactive and thoughtful ...

Five Ways to Attend #ATLIS23 on a Budget

By Kelsea Watson posted 02-08-2023
Five Ways to Attend #ATLIS23 on a Budget Make it easier to attend the ATLIS 2023 Annual Conference with these budget-saving tips. Professional conferences offer valuable opportunities, but can sometimes be expensive, especially if not included in the professional development budget for the year. However, the ATLIS 2023 Annual Conference is a valuable event to gain new insights, find solutions, make connections, and more. Here are five ways to save money while attending the conference: 1. Take advantage of early bird savings. ATLIS is offering early bird savings through March 6. By registering early , you'll be taking advantage of the best pricing ...

ATLIS and NAIS Partner for Summit on Educational Leadership in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

By Kelsea Watson posted 01-30-2023
ATLIS and NAIS Partner for Summit on Educational Leadership in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Independent school leaders, technologists to gather in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to stay ahead of the education curve as generative artificial intelligence takes center stage. Update as of February 13, 2023: Due to the overwhelming response to the summit, we have reached capacity for the summit on Sunday, April 30. A “second showing” will be held on Wednesday, May 3, which will offer a repeat of the content for people who want to participate. For more information, please visit the ATLIS website . The Association of Technology Leaders ...

Second Annual CIRIS Summit Co-Hosted by ATLIS

By Kelsea Watson posted 01-10-2023
Second Annual CIRIS Summit Co-Hosted by ATLIS The Center for Institutional Research in Independent Schools (CIRIS) to host its second annual summit alongside the ATLIS annual conference in May The Association for Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS) is proud to announce its continued partnership with the Center for Institutional Research in Independent Schools (CIRIS) at the 2023 ATLIS annual conference. After successfully hosting CIRIS for an institutional research educational track during the ATLIS 2022 annual conference, the two organizations are partnering once again to co-host their events. CIRIS will host an annual summit ...

ATLIS Collaborates with ISTE and CoSN to Create Acceptable Use Policy Guidance

By Ashley Cross posted 01-04-2023
Collaboration among ATLIS, ISTE, CoSN, and the Digital Citizenship Coalition results in a guide for schools to create modern technology use policies. The Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS) member schools are committed to providing a safe and productive learning environment for all students. To support these efforts, ATLIS is proud to announce the release of “ Setting Conditions for Success: Creating Effective Responsible Use Policies for Schools ”. This guide is the result of a collaboration between ATLIS, ISTE, CoSN, and the Digital Citizenship Coalition. The recommendations in this guide take a modern approach to school technology ...

Annual Salary Survey Promotes Pay Equity, Transparency, and an Advocacy Tool for Technology Professionals in Independent Schools

By Kelsea Watson posted 12-08-2022
Annual Salary Survey Promotes Pay Equity, Transparency, and an Advocacy Tool for Technology Professionals in Independent Schools The deadline to submit individual responses to anonymous survey has been extended to December 31. For the seventh consecutive year, the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS) is partnering with EdTech Recruiting and 12M Recruiting to conduct a salary survey of technology professionals in independent schools. ATLIS will analyze the data gathered from the anonymous and self-reporting survey into the 2023 compensation benchmark report. Technology professionals working in independent ...