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For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

  • 1.  For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-23-2022 01:55 PM
    Edited by Ashley Cross 08-11-2022 04:50 PM


    We are thrilled to be launching the latest cohort for the ATLIS Leadership Institute this week!

    As a way of introducing our newest fellows to the community, we are inviting them to share in this space a problem they are trying to solve right now. We invite current and former Institute fellows to jump in with possible solutions to show this group of outstanding leaders what you can learn when you engage with the ATLIS community. 

    Not an Institute fellow or former fellow, feel free to chime in as well!

    What problem are you trying to solve in your tech leadership role right now?

    Please comment! What solutions or perspectives can you share for other problems shared in this space.

    Learn more about the ATLIS Leadership Institute here.


    #Leadership

    ------------------------------
    Susan Davis
    ATLIS
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-24-2022 09:57 AM
    Hello all, 

    I will jump in knowing that my challenges are unique in the space.  We are a fully online program attached to a large physical campus (making us a school within a school), so we have some things (budget, decisions, systems) that are shared and some that are independent which makes for challenging decision navigation, communication, relationships, and competing priorities.  I don't have a "seat at the table" for the physical campus, but my direct supervisor does, and advocates for us within his limited understanding and opportunity. We have grown steadily since the program was founded 11 years ago and are finally on the plus side of the financial ledger, so people are starting to take notice and give us some credit for the hard work our team has put in for so many years.

    We are a small but mighty, fully remote team so its easy to forget about us since "out of sight is out of mind!" Many on the physical campus are surprised when they learn the school has an online program, which always makes us chuckle. :-)  We serve multiple populations (partner, full-time students, and independent), each with unique needs and requests, so finding systems, processes, policies, and security practices that are truly flexible, scalable, and sustainable within the umbrella of our physical campus is the landscape I work within and is what keeps me up at night.  :-)

    Looking forward to bringing some additional structure and documentation to our efforts, and hope to develop strategies and skills to better communicate my decades of experience in online education and pair that with research and industry backed best practices to bring better alignment between our online and physical campuses.

    ------------------------------
    Lita Bledsoe
    Director of Operations
    Oaks Christian Online
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-24-2022 06:52 PM
    Edited by Jo-Rel Wilkins 06-24-2022 06:58 PM
    Hello All, 

    This will be short. I only have about 4 months of experience working with my current organization. Currently, we are working on refreshing our 1-to-1 fleet. In my role, i find it difficult to understand everyone's different roles. My biggest issue is learning how and who to communicate to for ideas. I haven't found my way and I am still learning how to adapt to the current culture.

    ------------------------------
    Jo-Rel Wilkins
    It Support Administrator
    Monticlair Kimberley Academy
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-27-2022 03:05 PM
    Hello Jo-Rel,

    Might your school have an organizational chart? Additionally, might you have a supervisor that can assist you with getting to know the lay of the land and the players in each department?

    ------------------------------
    Ravendra Persaud
    Grace Church School
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-28-2022 04:01 PM

    Jo-Rel,

    Hang in there. There's lots of text and sub-text to navigate in school cultures. Pay attention to both what is said overtly and what lies under the surface. 

    Susan



    ------------------------------
    Susan Davis
    ATLIS
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-28-2022 03:58 PM

    Hi Lita,

    When you say you are all virtual and "small but mighty," you remind me of the ATLIS staff. We are now a team of 6, but that is almost comprehensible to me as I was hired as employee #2.

    It does mean that communication is absolutely essential with all of your colleagues and constituents. You must have to constantly advocate for who you are and what you do. I wonder if some of this is linked to being a "school within a school" as well. I have always been interested in this model, but mainly from the perspective of someone who is in the traditional school space who wants room to innovate. This relationship between the two school perspectives must be really interesting to navigate.

    Susan​



    ------------------------------
    Susan Davis
    ATLIS
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-24-2022 06:53 PM
    One problem my technology team is trying to solve is getting the faculty of our 5th and 6th Grade teachers to find ways to better integrate student iPads into their daily activities. We decided to switch from MacBook Airs to iPads in early 2020 before the pandemic. Our team made this decision based largely on the mobility and opportunities to differentiate learning with the iPad. We thought the Apple Pencil, Ability for AR, Camera, etc. would be great tools for our faculty to allow students to explore new things. However, the pandemic had other plans and we have barely scratched the surface of what can be done with this device. I am curious if anyone else in the cohort has a 1-to-1 iPad Program and what success has looked like with this device?

    ------------------------------
    Keegan Bowen
    Sr. Technology Support Specialist
    Sidwell Friends School
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-27-2022 03:10 PM
    Hello Keegan,

    We use iPads in the lower school and we have had the most success with dedicated apps, for example in the language department. Though the iPad has a lot of potential we have found narrowing down those possibilities, especially in younger age groups to work best. We curate apps for each division and push them out through JAMF. It also helps to do demos around the time of back-to-school meetings to generate excitement and show possibilities.

    ------------------------------
    Ravendra Persaud
    Grace Church School
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 07-09-2022 04:50 PM
    Hello Ravendra - we are using Jamf as well which has been a big help with assigning the appropriate apps to different grades. I really like your idea around demos at the beginning of back-to-school. Thank you!

    ------------------------------
    Keegan Bowen
    Sr. Technology Support Specialist
    Sidwell Friends School
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-28-2022 08:41 AM
    We are 1-to-1 iPad in PK-6. In the intermediate grades, we have larger use of the iPad because of our LMS (Canvas). Grades 4 and 6 are heavy Canvas users who like to use the tools/apps that have easy integration with it too. Our teachers are heavy users of Google apps, Nearpod, Clips, and Notability. I have noticed that when it comes to creation, the iPad is not used as well as it could be but there's always room for growth! 

    I am currently working on my Apple Learning Coach certification and that program relies heavily on the Everyone Can Create project guides. Those really dive into some cool things for all grade levels and subject areas. They have specially dedicated ones to primary too. Our 5th grade likes to play with all the tools on a surface level, so I plan to slowly introduce them to the Everyone Can Create guides this year to see if we can get some traction on deeper creation. 

    All of our students have a Logitech crayon and our 3rd-6th grade students have keyboard cases too. Both of which we thought would help increase the use of the iPad but seem to have had minimal impact.

    ------------------------------
    Jennifer Hencken
    Educational Technology Coordinator
    Lake Highland Preparatory
    Orlando Florida
    407-206-1900 ext. 3239
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 07-09-2022 04:55 PM
    Thank you for this reply, Jennifer. Nearpod, Clips, and Notability are definitely apps that could assist with engaging our faculty and students and their iPads. Our Academic Technology coordinator also just got certified as an Apple Learning Coach so we may want to look at some of the projects within the Everyone Can Create project guides. We also have the Logitech Rugged Combo case and crayons, but based on the number of crayons that were not returned at the end of the year, it is clear we have some work to do with engaging faculty/students in using these accessories.

    ------------------------------
    Keegan Bowen
    Sr. Technology Support Specialist
    Sidwell Friends School
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-28-2022 04:04 PM

    I love this age group, Keegan. I wonder if other iPad users out there might share the 5 best things to do with an iPad in MS? You know these are popping into your head even as I write this!

    Susan



    ------------------------------
    Susan Davis
    ATLIS
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 13.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-24-2022 06:54 PM
    One of the problems we are trying to solve is the introduction of EdTech tools across the different divisions. We have a Middle School and Upper School and, in the past, they have operated in their separate silos. We have faculty doing really cool things in the Upper School with some EdTech tools and they would be very helpful to the Middle School (and vice versa) but there isn't a lot of communication between the two divisions. The former Assistant Head of the Upper School took over as Head of the Middle School this past year and has already started trying to develop more lines of communication between the two divisions but there is still a lot of work to be done and our department is central to helping to solve this problem.

    ------------------------------
    Brian Pugsley
    Library Director
    Cary Academy
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-28-2022 04:08 PM
    Hi Brian,

    I am immediately thinking of some kind of smackdown between the two levels to encourage some friendly competition based on incorporating the tools. 

    Susan

    ------------------------------
    Susan Davis
    ATLIS
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 15.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-29-2022 01:08 PM
    Hi Brian,

    Something that might help is assembling a Tech or EdTech task force that includes faculty from both divisions? A space where both divisions can share what they are doing with each other. You're best influencers are faculty.

    ------------------------------
    José Tagle
    Director of Technology
    The Buckley School
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 16.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-24-2022 06:55 PM
    I have two primary struggles.  

    We are a boarding school.  Faculty live on campus.

    1 - There is perception by upper brass that IT should be available 24/7 for any type of issue, regardless of how menial, ie, a TV in a common room does not work or someone bought a new iphone and they can't figure out how to add it to the wifi.  IT employees are staff, meaning they are fixed hour employees.  Only one, my Ed Tech faculty member lives on campus.  
    2 - I think it is common to complain that there does not seem to be money for needed improvements to IT infrastructure.  I need to figure out a better way to communicate with upper brass to get some of these projects funded.


    ------------------------------
    Matthew Glaser
    Director of Technology
    Canterbury School
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 17.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-28-2022 04:12 PM
    My heart goes out to you, Matt, as I do understand the Boarding School mindset. You are dealing as well with a common perception of technology as "anything that plugs in." It may be important to have some conversations about boundaries and expectations for technology at the school. This was starting to happen at all kinds of schools during COVID. The wellness of the team is important to consider, as is the need to create a culture where folks are more independent users of technology, that is, not too reliant on the tech team for all their needs. One step at a time. You can do this! Susan

    ------------------------------
    Susan Davis
    ATLIS
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 18.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-24-2022 06:56 PM
    As a Technology Department we have acknowledged the growing need for more technology courses given the shifting professional landscape (more tech jobs than ever) and this will be culminating in a technology major in the coming years. As of this moment there has not divisional support to hire more technology teachers. To fill the need there are multiple pathways, such as outsourcing and building knowledge and skills from within. What are the pros and cons of both? Are there other options I am leaving out? How can we go about presenting data that shows the need for increased resources?

    ------------------------------
    Ravendra Persaud
    Grace Church School
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 19.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-29-2022 11:10 AM

    Ravi,

    It will be interesting to watch how technology programs grow. I'm thinking it may be a good idea to have conversations with each of the traditional departments to brainstorm the ways in which technology overlaps professions that are emerging from those subject areas. Perhaps this would lead to some collaborations between tech and the traditional disciplines that could be embedded in the "real world" applications they see evolving. Research is another area worth investigating -- technology has transformed what research means for each discipline -- how can the edtech team partner with other teachers to explore this?

    Good luck!

    Susan



    ------------------------------
    Susan Davis
    ATLIS
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 20.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-24-2022 06:56 PM
    I'm lucky enough to have a position to fill in the near future, but am still trying to zero in on what that role should look like.

    I've been working with my team to update their job descriptions and identify areas where they want to grow, while trying to decide which of my hats (data quarterback, network administrator, systems administrator) I want to pass on. My next step is to make sure those growth areas align with our departmental needs and then identify the gaps in coverage.

    ------------------------------
    Bryan Barnett
    Director of Technology
    The Episcopal School of Dallas
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 21.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-29-2022 11:17 AM

    Bryan,

    It sounds like our upcoming challenge on "Optimizing Your Team" will fit into your work beautifully. If you are interested in getting a head start on this, I'd suggest reaching out to Peter Antupit on the ALI faculty -- he has loads of resources in this area.

    Susan



    ------------------------------
    Susan Davis
    ATLIS
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 22.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-24-2022 06:57 PM
    In my leadership role right now I'm focusing on two somewhat related challenges. First, our school operates very much in silos. Collaboration across departments is rare unless absolutely required. Generally the approach to work is to reach out to someone when you need something from them, rather than there being a shared understanding of the broader picture and how everyone's work fits into that. It's tough to plan ahead as IT who often serves as a critical support role to others' work, leaving us very much in a reactive mode. Second, my position as Director of IT is not considered part of the school's leadership team. This further exacerbates the issue of silos since I am often not plugged into what's happening even at the 30,000 foot level. I often have to do extra work to meet with school leaders individually to find out what's going on in their world and what might be coming up.

    ------------------------------
    Kevin Warenda
    Director of Information Technology Services
    The Hotchkiss School
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 23.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-29-2022 11:22 AM
    Technology leaders like you, Kevin, are often in the unique position of being able to see the connections and possible collaborations that others overlook. Think of yourself as a broker for education thought leadership. Perhaps you can reach out and start (then facilitate) the conversations you would love to see happen more organically, at least at the beginning. Perhaps you see a common problem that two departments are struggling with and you can help them see how technology can help them collaborate and bridge the gap? At any rate, you are able to see much more than the folks in their silos can see -- and you don't have to be "at the table" to get them talking -- though it does help.

    ------------------------------
    Susan Davis
    ATLIS
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 24.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-24-2022 06:57 PM
    Our network administrator of 30 years at my school just retired.  He literally built our school's entire digital infrastructure by himself and has been a tremendous asset to our community.  The senior leadership team at my school has recently connected with an edtech company to help fill this void.  We are currently undergoing a technology audit and will learn our strengths and weaknesses at our school.  The challenge is whether or not to hire a new network administrator, or to continue with a third party vendor to meet our needs.  This is a huge decision for our school and we are deeply thinking about how we want to move forward.

    ------------------------------
    Bradley Lands
    The Langley School
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 25.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-29-2022 11:26 AM

    Brad, this is a critical problem that many schools are facing. You have an opportunity with your audit to document as much as possible. This will give you more data and observations from which to step back and consider these elements in more depth.

    I'd be interested to know what others think of the pros and cons of having a network admin on site vs. working with a third-party vendor.

    Good luck!

    Susan



    ------------------------------
    Susan Davis
    ATLIS
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 26.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-29-2022 01:17 PM
    Hi Bradley,

    I was too in a similar situation a while back. Audits are no fun, but they reveal so much and generate opportunities for growth. If budget allows, one recommendation would be to stick with your third party managed service vendor, but consider posting a position for an onsite junior net admin. I found it difficult having a third party only (not onsite) because onsite troubleshooting is required more often than we think of, and third party vendors tend to change their techs quiet often. It would also give someone onsite the opportunity to grow into the position while having an expert to reach out to and learn along the way. 

    My two cents. =)

    ------------------------------
    José Tagle
    Director of Technology
    The Buckley School
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 27.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-24-2022 06:58 PM
    I think that for me, what I am trying to do is navigate the complex relationships between leadership and technology on our campus. We have been through an extraordinary amount of change in leadership roles over the last two years (not including COVID). At our largest, we were a department of 13 - including both IT and EdTech and now we are only 10. A loss of three doesn't sound that dramatic but the change in personnel on our team and our change in roles have made it chaotic. The visions and missions are not in sync. Most importantly, we find ourselves without a true leader or a seat at the table for the leadership team with the school. 

    I look forward to many new leaders starting in July, including a head of school and a divisional head. The search for a CTO has been put off until later in the year and we will plug along doing what we do. My fear is that the momentum we gained over the last two years is being lost or replaced by moving backward. 

    I look forward to learning from this group so that I can help my team and my school as we navigate through all this change in a productive and positive manner.

    ------------------------------
    Jennifer Hencken
    Educational Technology Coordinator
    Lake Highland Preparatory
    Orlando Florida
    407-206-1900 ext. 3239
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 28.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-29-2022 11:30 AM
    Jennifer, I feel your pain. So many schools are going through the post-COVID re-shuffle of personnel from top to bottom, and schools are just beginning to sort out where they want to land. You may have an opportunity to partner with your new Head of School as someone who also sees the big picture. Are there ways you con foster a connection that can allow you to work in tandem on change management at the school?

    ------------------------------
    Susan Davis
    ATLIS
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 29.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-29-2022 01:27 PM
    Hi Jennifer,

    I also feel your pain. Our school had a new head and assistant head of school, along with a new upper school head and middle school head in the past 3 years. We again, have a new upper school head starting next week. 

    ALI had us perform a task of reaching out to an administrator to being a relationship with. This was super helpful because it gave me a solid reason (or an excuse) to reach out and ask them a few questions. Reading "The First 90 Days:..." also helped give me some inspiration and guidance of what to expect. 

    It is scary to hit the reset button and not know where you stand, but it is, more importantly, an opportunity knocking at your door!

    ------------------------------
    José Tagle
    Director of Technology
    The Buckley School
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 30.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-24-2022 06:58 PM
    At my school, we have an IT director and an EdTech director (me). My role works closely with teachers but I also need to work closely with IT to be able to provide the technology needed. 
    Currently, we are working on developing a long-term strategic plan that looks at tech from an IT and EdTech perspectives.

    ------------------------------
    Cristi LeBron
    Director of Educational Technology
    The Walker School
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 31.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-29-2022 11:32 AM
    Sounds like you are on the right track, Cristi. Collaborating on this project can have a big impact on the relationship that you need to build as you both serve the mission of the school. 

    It would be great to hear from other schools that have this model -- what are some of the things that can make it work, or that can get in the way?

    ------------------------------
    Susan Davis
    ATLIS
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 32.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-24-2022 07:29 PM
    One problem we're trying to solve is upgrading our cyber security and communicating that with faculty and staff.  We are rolling out multi-factor authentication next month and have teachers who won't want to use their cell phone for this or don't even own a cell phone.  If anyone has any tips for increasing faculty/staff buy in or models of physical MFA keys that they've purchased, I'd love suggestions!

    ------------------------------
    Denise Woodward
    Academic Technology Specialist
    Oakwood School
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 33.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-29-2022 11:38 AM

    Denise, getting buy-in from faculty and staff on cybersecurity is critical. Some schools start with educating their adult users about their personal cyber safety. Once these staff members understand how important it is for their own safety, they can begin to transfer that understanding to keeping the school and everyone in it safe. Also, does the school use staff phones for other safety reasons, such as fire drills or other emergencies? For those that don't have phones, UBIkeys and the like are frequently used by schools to fill this gap.

    I would love to hear from others about their success stories in this regard.



    ------------------------------
    Susan Davis
    ATLIS
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 34.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-24-2022 08:17 PM
    Edited by Alex Demushkane 06-24-2022 08:23 PM

    Few exciting things happened that brought me to the ALI program. Some months ago we started work on developing our school technology strategic plan and went through several collaborative discovery sessions with our heads of departments. There is a draft and we might be halfway through now. There is also my proposal for the school leadership to expand our one-person technology department to at least two persons, which parallels and cross references the strategy plan. All this activity is happening when many of our constituents have experienced the burnt-out reaction to all the stress that the school (and the rest of the world) went through during the pandemic and where some heads of our departments currently do not see the development of technology strategic planning as a priority. 


    This situation demands from the tech department more intentional communication with everyone involved (prioritizing more time when we have little to spare). With all these processes in the works I am convinced that addressing technology strategy right now is more important than if we were living in less stressful times. My position is that a strategic plan isn't a formality but it is how the technology department gets informed about our next 2-3 years of priorities, challenges and major tasks. We need to better understand our school needs so that we can better address them, that is what our discovery exercises are designed to accomplish. And so, I work with colleagues who are my accomplices to reach out to those who are the pièce de résistance.


    I hope to learn from the wisdom of the collective ALI mind with sharing of thoughts, ideas and know-hows for helping all of us address these challenges that we are facing right now.



    ------------------------------
    Alex Demushkane
    Technology Coordinator
    Santa Catalina School
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 35.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-29-2022 11:45 AM

    Alex, I love how you describe your "collaborative discovery sessions," and I am eager to know more about how they were structured to get the outcome you were seeking.

    In my experience, winning over the nay-sayers is important, and it takes wooing each individual, one at a time. But there is some collective wisdom out there that says to work with the middle, the folks who are on the fence. Once you get them rolling, they can be a powerful force for change!



    ------------------------------
    Susan Davis
    ATLIS
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 36.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-27-2022 05:25 PM
    We are fortunate to have a very solid foundation in regards to core technology functions, ie. physical network and good devices. The next areas I would like to focus on is bridging the gap between academic and operational tech and developing a strategic cybersecurity plan. Often times we tend to be siloed and I do not have a seat at the table for these crucial conversations.

    ------------------------------
    Jeremy King
    Casady School
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 37.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 06-29-2022 11:56 AM
    I can see lots of overlapping issues here, Jeremy, as you identify some problems that are common for many schools in the ATLIS community. Look for other conversations in this thread on bridging the gap between IT and edtech, cybersecurity, etc. Feel free to jump in and extend the conversations that have been started!

    ------------------------------
    Susan Davis
    ATLIS
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 38.  RE: For ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Cohort Fellows: What Problem Are You Trying to Solve in Your Tech Leadership Role Right Now?

    Posted 07-05-2022 04:07 PM
    As Jo-Rel mentioned personnel changes at the moment and many of which are happening out of the normal rhythm of school. These changes make it difficult to do things "as they have been done" and leave a number of things unintentionally missed. 

    Onboarding and offboarding are always tough times and the scope of changes this year seems different on a number of levels.

    ------------------------------
    William Stites
    Director of Technology
    Montclair Kimberley Academy
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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