The CoSN / NYSCATE CTO Academy for K-12 Early Career and Aspiring CTOs is designed to meet the needs of education technology leaders who are new to their CTO or technology leadership role (less than four full years of experience) or are aspiring CTOs and EdTech leaders currently working in a technology department. Participants will build essential EdTech leadership skills such as managing diverse teams, leading multiple projects simultaneously, and collaborating with a variety of stakeholders. Academy participants enhance their ability to make a positive impact on student-centered and digital learning in their school district while also advancing their own career trajectory.
A key feature of the Academy is the New York Immersion Program, which provides participants with specialized guidance on issues unique to managing a K-12 technology program in New York State. This includes deep dives into Ed Law 2-d compliance and Part 121 regulations, procurement processes and state contract navigation, and other region-specific policies and practices that are critical for effective technology leadership in New York schools. 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: Dr. Andrea Tejedor, Project Facilitator, at [email protected]
Applications for the program are due October 3, 2025. The cohort is capped at 15, with a waitlist of applications. All waitlist applicants will be considered first for the next year's cohort.
Mentorship – a thought partner/mentor to match your specific needs
Two CoSN-led virtual events per month beginning in October that include deep dive discussions and practical activities
A dedicated NY Immersion Session led by our program facilitators - practicing K-12 CTOs
Project Overview Presentation (select projects may be featured at the CoSN Conference)
Private online community consisting of past and current cohort members and mentors
Event at the CoSN Conference that will acknowledge participants' completion of the program
CoSN's Framework
The content is aligned with CoSN's Framework of Essential Skills and to the immediate needs of an early career K-12 CTO. Topics includes, but is not limited to the following:
Leadership and Vision
Finance and Budgeting
Communications with an emphasis on soft skills
Partnering with Curriculum and Learning
Infrastructure
Data Privacy and Security
New York Immersion Program
Monthly cohort meetings for the NY Immersion Program will include a deep dive into:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in EdTech
Data Privacy: Ed Law 2-d and the Part 121 Regulations
Managing People: IT and HR (Motivation, Vision & Buy-in)
Finance and E-Rate
Project Management
Emerging Technologies
Long Range Planning
2026-2029 Instructional Technology Plans
Cybersecurity and the NIST CSF
Program Dates
The Academy Kickoff is scheduled for Thursday, October 2, 2025 online at 11:00 AM CT / 12:00 PM ET. See the full schedule below.
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New York Immersion Program Leaders
Josh Finn is an accomplished Chief Technology Officer with extensive experience in educational technology and leadership within the supporting teaching and learning in PK-12 for over 25 years. In his current role as CTO at Homer School District, Josh has overseen initiatives that have enhanced 21 century learning and supported students to continue their studies past the four walls of the classroom. Josh has shared his experiences with colleagues across the state and the Nation through his many presentations and active involvement in NYSCATE, ISTE and CoSN.
Kieran O’Connor has served as the Executive Director of Planning, Development & Technology for East Syracuse Minoa Schools since 2008. Prior to this role, he worked at Cortland City Schools as the Director of Technology and began his career there as an 8th and 9th grade social studies teacher in 1990.
Dr. Andrea Tejedor is an educational technologist and strategist with over 20 years of experience as a leader in public education, most recently as a retired Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Technology at the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery CSD. Today she is working with NYSCATE to design strategic partnerships that support our work across the state. A former Fulbright Fellow, she has an MEd in Elementary Education from Mount Saint Mary College, an MA in Instructional Design and Technology and an Ed.D. in Education Leadership, Management, and Policy from Seton Hall University.
Testimonials
"Coming from the private sector with over 20 years of management, jumping into the education industry was a big learning curve, to say the least. This course has allowed me to learn about the nuances of the education industry while building my ability to grow my career. I would highly recommend this class to anyone who is trying to grow their career within the IT education industry." Donald Seguin, Capital Region BOCES
"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)
