Relive the dynamic opening keynotes from the ATLIS Annual Conference with Felix Jacomino and Claire Goldsmith. Felix, Director of Technology at St. Stephen's Episcopal Day School, reflects on past tech trends to provide a roadmap for future innovation. Claire, Principal of Lamplight Education, discusses harnessing emerging technologies like AI and Web3 to build resilient, future-ready schools, emphasizing curiosity, collaboration, and ethical courage.

1. Lamplight Education
2. St. Stephen's Episcopal Day School
3. Stanford Online High School
4. Malone Schools Online Network
5. Enrollment Management Association
6. Zoom
7. Grammarly
8. ChatGPT
9. Claude

Below are the show notes and link to the original episode:

This episode replays a dynamic panel from the 2025 ATLIS Annual Conference, exploring the future of education with experts in AI, quantum computing, and extended reality (XR). Dr. Jacob Farinholt of Booz Allen, Vriti Saraf of Ed3 DAO, and Patrick Schuermann of Optima XR, along with students Jalen and Maggie, discuss how emerging technologies will reshape learning, the skills students will need, and why human-centered pedagogy remains critical.

Original Episode

1. Ecolint: International School of Geneva
2. Technology Readiness Council (TRC), global organization connecting and supporting senior leaders in international schools
3. 9ine, specialists in data privacy, cybersecurity, and vendor vetting
4. Council of International Schools
5. History of Mardi Gras
6. Carnival, Wikipedia article

1. Riverdale Country School
2. Toddle LMS
3. Flint AI for Schools
4. Veracross
5. Asana Project Management
6. GitHub

1. The Hotchkiss School
2. Center for Institutional Research in Independent Schools (CIRIS)
3. Veracross, school information systems
4. National Business Officers Association (NBOA)
5. The Oregon Trail
6. Asana, project management tool)
7. The Tech Whisperers Podcast

1. Veracross (School Information System)
2. Blackbaud (School Management Software)
3. Asana (Project Management & Documentation)
4. AARP Tax-Aide Counseling
5. Meals on Wheels America

1. The Social Institute, organization equipping students, families, and educators with modern life skills to impact learning, well-being, and students' futures
2. Student Insights Report (2026), from The Social Institute, documenting how students are navigating social media, technology, and everyday life, both online and offline
3. Family Toolkit, from The Social Institute, includes expert tech tips, summaries of social media apps, and positive family huddle questions..
4. Resources for educators, from The Social Institute
5. “Clear is kind”, quote from Brene Brown and her book Dare to Lead
6. Brick, physical device and app that temporarily removes distracting apps and their notifications from your phone
7. Yondr, program creating phone-free spaces for artists, educators, organizations and individuals
8. The Philadelphia Eagles Playoff Loss

1. Ethan Delavan, LinkedIn profile
2. The Northwest School, independent day and boarding school serving students in grades 6 to 12 on an urban campus in Seattle, WA
3. Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS) certification program, credential that validates the leadership, technical expertise, and strategic judgment required to lead technology in an independent school environment

1. CoSN, professional association for K-12 EdTech leaders
2. ATLIS Pillar Awards, recognizing technology leaders in independent schools for their significant, long-term contributions, innovation, and dedication to the profession
3. Casa Brown House Concert Venue
4. “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line

1. The PHPS Difference Podcast
2. Preston Hollow Presbyterian School
3. ATLIS Learning Institute (ALI), education and networking program designed to prepare and support technology leaders in independent schools as they grow into their positions and expand their influence
4. Technology for Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS), ATLIS’s certification program specifically for tech leaders at independent schools
5. Learning Ally, enabling the success of of struggling readers including students with dyslexia

1. NBOA, business leadership for independent schools
2. NBOA Advisory Services, supporting independent schools with consulting and leadership solutions
3. Top Risks for K-12 Charter and Independent Schools, self-reported top risks from members of United Educators, providing liability insurance and risk management solutions to K-12 schools, colleges, and universities
4. ATLIS Leadership Institute, education and networking program designed to prepare and support technology leaders in independent schools
5. Partner Talks: Jeff Shields from NBOA on AI, Governance, and the Power of Collaborative Leadership, episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS

1. The Pingry School
2. Pingry’s Values for AI Use
3. Pingry Hall of Fame
4. Pingry Archives
5. Loom, free screen recorder for PC and Mac
6. ATLIS Leadership Institute, education and networking program designed to prepare and support technology leaders in independent schools as they grow into their positions and expand their influence
7. The Lawrenceville School, private, coeducational preparatory school for boarding and day students located in NewJersey
8. Preservica, active digital preservation software
9. Bynder, digital assets management
10. Coquito recipe, popular Puerto Rican holiday drink
11. Rockefeller Center Holidays
12. Marathon movie watching in PJs
13. Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas

1. The Winsor School
2. The Hockaday School
3. Laurel School
4. World War Z (Audiobook)
5. FirstClass (OpenText)
6. Weird NJ

Featuring clips from these past episodes of Talking Technology with ATLIS:

• Driving Deeper Learning with Ray Shay
• A Journey with ATLIS Founders from Origins to Future Aspirations
• Data Harmony: Integrating Systems, Empowering Schools
• Lakeside School's AI Journey and Technology Leadership Lessons, with Jamie Britto
• From Educator to C-suite: Jim Foley on Leadership, Innovation, and Education
• Optimizing Independent School Operations through APIs
• Matt Scully on Innovation and Collaboration
• Listening Leadership & the Future of Education

Photos of our hosts and their spouses

ATLIS TLIS Certification

ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI)

St. Mary's School

The Fay School

Providence Day School

• Almaden Country Day School
• Orton-Gillingham Approach
• Jamf Apple Device Management
• Sophos Cybersecurity
• Barracuda Networks
• Harmony, Inc International Convention and Contest
• Christina, Bill, and Hiram in the sparkly jackets

• Designing Schools
• Wings of Wisdom Podcast (Sabba's Podcast)
• Book: Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? by Seth Godin
• Sparketype Assessment
• Desert Sands Unified School District AI Guidance
• Forbes Article: "Agency Is The New Literacy" by Dan Patrick
• The Knowledge Society (TKS)
• Alpha School
• Podcast: The Diary of a CEO
• Podcast: The Artificial Intelligence Show

• Connected Arts Learning: Peppler, K., Dahn, M., & Ito, M. (2023). The Connected Arts Learning Framework: An expanded view of the purposes and possibilities for arts 99learning. The Wallace Foundation.
• Recrafting Computer Science: Speer, S., Huang, J., Yankova, N., Rose, C., Peppler, K., Orta-Martinez, M. (2023) RoboLoom: An Open-Source Loom Kit for Interdisciplinary Engagement in Math, Engineering, and Textiles. The ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology (UIST) 2023. San Francisco, CA.
• StoryAI: Han, A., Zhou, X., Cai, Z., Han, S., Ko, R., Corrigan, S., & Peppler, K. 2024. Teachers, Parents, and Students’ Perspectives on Integrating Generative AI into Elementary Literacy Education.
• STEAM: Peppler, K., & Thompson, N. (2024). Tools and materials as non-neutral actors in STEAM education. Journal of the Learning Sciences, 1-38
• E-textiles: Peppler, K. & Bender, S. (2013). Maker movement spreads innovation one project at a time. Phi Delta Kappan, 95(3), pp. 22-27.
• Scratch (scratch.mit.edu): Peppler, K. (2010). Media arts: Arts education for a digital age. Teachers College Record, 112(8), 2118–2153.
• Connected Learning Lab - UC Irvine, research institute bringing together researchers across social, cultural, and technical fields, currently focused on: Digital Wellbeing, Research-Practice Partnerships, Neurodiversity and Learning, and Growing Up with AI.
• Build Lab, program at St Christopher’s School combining the best of STEM/STEAM approaches with a broad, skills-based, project-centered focus
• ATLIS AI resources
• Christina’s husband Richard’s grandfather, Verne Lewellen, Green Bay Packer | Photo of Richard with cousins

• Practitioner Toolkit from Digital Promise, provides resources for collaborative learning that are flexible, adaptable, and rooted in real teaching experience
• Challenge Map, from Digital Promise
• U-GAIN Reading, program from Digital Promise seeking to amplify new knowledge about how to use GenAI to create content that matches each student’s interests and strengths, enables dialogue about the meaning of content, and adapts to a student’s progress and needs
• AI Literacy, framework from Digital Promise to understand, evaluate, and use emerging technology
• SceneCraft, program from EngageAI Institute with AI-powered, narrative-driven learning experiences, engaging students through storytelling, creativity, and critical thinking
• As they face conflicting messages about AI, some advice for educators on how to use it responsibly, opinion blog from Jeremy Roschelle
• Teacher Ready Evaluation Tool, helps standardize the way ed tech decision-makers evaluate edtech products
• Evaluating Tech Solutions, ATLIS is an official partner with ISTE to expand the presence of independent school vendors and technology solutions in the Edtech Index
• If you are interested in engaging in research with Digital Promise, or just have a great research idea, share a message on LinkedIn: Jeremy | Pati

More Digital Promise articles:

• GenAI in Education: When to Use It, When to Skip It, and How to Decide – Digital Promise
• Hearing from Students: How Learners Experience AI in Education – Digital Promise
• Meet the Educators Helping U-GAIN Reading Explore How GenAI Can Improve Literacy – Digital Promise
• Guest Post: 3 Guiding Principles for Responsible AI in EdTech – Digital Promise

• Laurel School, all-girls private school in Shaker Heights, OH
• Swank, movie and TV show licensing
• Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS), ATLIS’s certification program
• ATLIS Board of Directors
• Huddle camera, wireless and wired cameras with pan, tilt, and optical zoom capabilities
• TRS-80, one of the earliest mass-produced and mass-marketed retail home computers, launched in 1977 by Tandy Corporation

• Jennie on LinkedIn
• Courageous Edventures, discover your own version of innovation, using the limitless possibilities of educational technology
• Phillips Exeter Academy
• Google for Education Learning Center
• Get Started with Google for Education products
• Google for Education training, catalog of quick lessons and comprehensive courses to build curriculum
• https://ai.google/literacy, AI literacy resources and trainings that empower students, educators, and families to use AI effectively, safely, and responsibly
• Google NotebookLM
• KPop Demon Hunters
• Carnac the Magnificent, character from The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson
• Voltaire, French Enlightenment writer, philosopher (philosophe), satirist, and historian

• Mission & Data, dedicated to the effectiveness, health, and vitality of educational institutions and other organizations
• EMA’s Impossible Questions Podcast, from the Enrollment Management Association
• EMA’s Enrollment Spectrum Podcast, exploring the central tenets of enrollment management strategy, focusing on components embodying the spectrum
• Articles by Ari Betof on Medium.com
• Stevenson School, independent Pre-K–12 boarding and day school located on California's Monterey Peninsula 
• Center for Institutional Research in Independent Schools (CIRIS), supporting the work of institutional research practitioners as they help schools collect, analyze, and operationalize data in support of their mission

• The Dunham School 
• Apple Distinguished Schools:
• ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education)
• ASCD
• SAMR Model
• CoSpaces Edu
• Canva

• The Rithm Project, Alison’s substack 
• The Rithm Project on LinkedIn
• Five Principles for Prosocial AI, how to design (and choose) technology that strengthens human connection
• Deepfakes to Deep Trust: Navigating AI's Impact on Connection, Learning, and Belonging, slide deck from presentation at ASCD Annual Conference 2025
• Spark Toolkit, resource from The Rithm Project designed for teens and young adults to create spaces, tools, and activities that help young people develop meaningful connections with others
• Character AI, platform that allows users to interact with AI-powered chatbots that can be customized to have unique personalities and behaviors

• Riviera Ridge School
• Rafael’s LinkedIn profile
• NYSAIS Education, Information, and Technology (NEIT), conference produced by New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS)
• JAMF, enterprise Apple product management and security
• ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI), education and networking program designed to prepare and support technology leaders in independent schools
• Photos of Christina’s daughter’s “new teacher supplies haul”, Photo 1 | Photo 2

• The Lawrenceville School
• The First 90 Days, by Michael Watkins; book with strategies for conquering the challenges of transitions
• NAIS Article - Systems Thinking (Marquis Scott)
• Book Marquis is reading this summer - - Shift by Ethan Kross
• Marquis' doctorate thesis -  The Role of System Thinking Tools in Enhancing Diversity Directors' Insight into Employee of Color Retention Rates: A Phenomenological Study

• CatlinTucker.com, Catlin’s website
• Catlin’s LinkedIn profile
• Education Reimagined: Student-led Learning | Dr. Catlin Tucker | TEDxFolsom
• CUE (Computer-Using Educators)
• The UDL Guidelines from CAST
• Google's NotebookLM
• SchoolAI
• Class Companion
• CK-12 Foundation

• From Digital Citizenship to Digital Health and Wellness, slide deck from presentation at ATLIS Annual Conference 2025
• Example digital health and wellness curriculum for 9th grade, lessons and activities
• Center for Humane Technology, organization leveraging public messaging, policy, and tech expertise to enact change in the tech ecosystem and beyond
• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
• Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World by Devorah Heitner
• Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention--and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari
• Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World by Devorah Heitner
• Common Sense Media
• Google's Teachable Machine
• Photos of Christina's daughter's "teacher supplies haul" - Photo1 | Photo2

• St. David’s School
• Anne’s LinkedIn Profile
• ATLIS / NAIS AI Collaboration Resources
• Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, book by sisters Emily and Amelia Nagoski
• Over Work: Transforming the Daily Grind in the Quest for a Better Life, book by Bridget Schultz
• ATLIS Leadership Institute, education and networking program designed to prepare and support technology leaders in independent schools as they grow into their positions and expand their influence.
• Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness (Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble Baths Not Included), by Pooja Lakshmin, M.D.
• Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time, by Brigid Schulte
• The Secret of My Success, 80’s film with strong female character in corporate environment

• The Blake School
• Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS) certification
• Center for Institutional Research in Independent Schools (CIRIS), an organization to support the work of institutional research practitioners as they help schools collect, analyze, and operationalize data in support of their mission
• Breakthrough Collaborative
• Asana Project Management
• Apple Distinguished Educator Program
• Google for Education Certified Innovator Program
• 28 Years Later, zombie film

• Nate Doelling’s LinkedIn profile
• Seoul Foreign School
• Toddle, learning management system
• Managebac, multi-curricula teaching and learning platform
• Seesaw, learning experience platform connecting teachers, administrators, students, and families
• Brisk Teaching, Chrome and Edge browser extension that helps teachers with curriculum, feedback, and differentiation
• Magic School AI, AI platform for teachers and students
• 9ine, service that simplifies data protection, compliance, and cyber security requirements for schools

• Windward School: https://www.windwardschool.org/
• The AI Infused Classroom by Holly Clark: https://www.hollyclark.org/infusedclassroom
• Claude: https://claude.ai/
• Tinkercad: https://www.tinkercad.com/
• Instructables: https://www.instructables.com/
• Yondr: https://www.overyondr.com/
• The Pyramid Approach: Navigating Collaboration Across Independent School Departments, episode of TTWA with Jim Bologna: https://theatlis.org/page/episode-2

• The Alexander Dawson School: https://www.adsrm.org/
• Tyler Robinson Foundation: https://www.trf.org/
• Georgia Tech: https://www.gatech.edu/
• Montclair Kimberley Academy: https://www.mka.org/
• St. Christopher's School: https://www.stchristophers.com/

Resources

Booz Allen: https://www.boozallen.com

Ed3 DAO: https://www.ed3dao.com/

Optima Ed: https://optimaxr.ai/

The Mount Vernon School: https://mountvernonschool.org/

X Prize: https://www.xprize.org/

ASU+GSV Summit: https://www.asugsvsummit.com/

World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/

OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development): https://www.oecd.org/

UNESCO: https://www.unesco.org/en

Pine Crest School: https://www.pinecrest.edu/

Woodward Academy: https://www.woodward.edu/

"The Perfect Match" by Ken Liu: https://www.lightspeedmagazine.com/fiction/the-perfect-match/

Relive the dynamic opening keynotes from the ATLIS Annual Conference with Felix Jacomino and Claire Goldsmith. Felix, Director of Technology at St. Stephen's Episcopal Day School, reflects on past tech trends to provide a roadmap for future innovation. Claire, Principal of Lamplight Education, discusses harnessing emerging technologies like AI and Web3 to build resilient, future-ready schools, emphasizing curiosity, collaboration, and ethical courage.

Resources

• Lamplight Education: https://www.lamplighted.org/
• St. Stephen's Episcopal Day School: https://www.sseds.org/
• Stanford Online High School: https://ohs.stanford.edu/
• Malone Schools Online Network: https://maloneschoolsonlinenetwork.org/
• Enrollment Management Association: https://www.enrollment.org/
• Zoom: https://zoom.us/
• Grammarly: https://www.grammarly.com/
• ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/
• Claude: https://www.anthropic.com/product/claude

Resources

• Ed3DAO
• K12 Educators
• Teach For America
• Mount Vernon School
• X Prize
• Full Steam Forward
• Merlin Mind
• Anthropic

Resources

• St. Bernard's School
• ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI)
• Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS) certification
• Ruvna

• Independent Schools Experiential Education Network (ISEEN)
• ISEEN Programs
• What is Experiential Education?
• ISEEN Catalyst Institute
• Kolb’s experiential learning cycle
• Inside Dawson’s Innovation Center, four-minute video introducing the Alexander Dawson School’s experiential learning building
• Contact Shoshanna on LinkedIn

• La Salle College High School Tech Experiential Learning
• Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart - student-led creation of the local chapter of the eNable network and 3 years of “Build-a-Thons”: Video | Article
• Student-led PPE project during pandemic: Article
• Brooklyn Friends School
• Team Engagement Tools: StandOut (now powered by ADP) | 15Five
• Ray’s LinkedIn profile
• Bill’s photo of trip home from ATLIS Annual Conference
• Vendor management platform, 9ine
• ‘We Have to Really Rethink the Purpose of Education’, podcast episode from The Ezra Klein Show - education policy expert Rebecca Winthrop explores the big questions emerging for educators and parents
• The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better, book by Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop
• In Search of Deeper Learning: The Quest to Remake the American High School, book by Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine

• Science Leadership Academy, inquiry-driven, project-based school in Philadelphia, PA
• Inquiry Schools, non-profit dedicated to modernizing learning experiences
• Building School 2.0: How to Create the Schools We Need, book by Chris Lehman, Zac Chase
• Practical Theory - A View From the Schoolhouse, blog from Chris Lehman
• Educon,an educational innovation conference where people can come together to discuss the future and the now of schools
• Ted Sizer (educational philosophy)
• Deborah Meier (educator)
• Ann Cook (educator)
• Understanding by Design (UbD)
• Chubbies Steaks (Roxborough, Philadelphia)
• Jim's Steaks (South Street, Philadelphia)
• D'Alessandro's Steaks (Roxborough, Philadelphia)

• BUILD (Boys Using Innovation to Learn and Design) program, combining STEM/STEAM approaches with a broad, skills-based, project-centered focus
• Album of photos from St. Christopher’s BUILD program lab
• The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway, author, professor, and entrepreneur Scott Galloway brings business analysis and insights four times a week.
• St. Christopher's School
• International Boys' Schools Coalition (IBSC)
• Canva
• Glowforge
• Cricut
• FIRST LEGO League
• St. Catherine's School
• University School (Cleveland)
• Richard V. Reeves (Books)
• Photo of Bill with his melee weapon gift from Hiram

• Lakeside School
• Leadership and Technology at Independent Schools: A Handbook for School Leaders in Administration, Technology, and Academics, book by Albert Throckmorton, Jamie Britto, Tim Fish
• Partnerships in Technology and Learning, episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS featuring Tim Fish
• Source Code, Bill Gates memoir
• Helping Independent School Educators Use AI to Teach, episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS featuring Eric Hudson

Resources

• Crystal Springs Uplands School
• ATLIS Leadership Institute
• More than 870 school technology job descriptions -- can we share? YES
• Flint, AI tool for schools

Resources

• National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
• Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS)
• Trustee Handbook, resource from NAIS serving as a guide to the fundamentals of good governance from the unique perspective of independent schools
• New View EDU, podcast from NAIS featuring thought leaders from inside and outside the world of education to share their views on the purpose and nature of school
• Debra’s go-to podcasts
• Class Disrupted, with Diane Tavenner and Michael Horn 
• EconTalk
• Future U
• The Prof G Pod, with Scott Galloway
• Work Life, with Adam Grant
• Biscuits and Jam, from Southern Living
• Freakonomics
• NPR News Now, the latest news in five minutes
• The Anxious Generation, book by Jonathan Haidt which argues that the spread of smartphones, social media and overprotective parenting have led to a "rewiring" of childhood and a rise in mental illness.

Resources

• South by Southwest EDU (SXSW EDU)
• CES - Consumer Electronics Show
• ATLIS (Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools)
• TLIS Certification (ATLIS)
• Educational Collaborators
• NJS - New Jersey Schools Cooperative Technology Group (assumed similar group)
• Flint AI (AI for students in a walled garden)
• Napkin.ai – Turn text into visuals
• EdWeek: Four Developmental Stages of Teaching AI
• SAMR Model (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition)
• TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge)
• OneRoster (IMS Global Standard)
• The Last of Us (HBO Series)
• Suits (TV Show)
• ER (TV Show)
• CHiPs (TV Show)
• Emergency! (TV Show)
• Magnum, P.I.
• Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
• Six the Musical
• Hamilton the Musical
• Harmony, Incorporated
• Legacy Quartet on YouTube (suggested based on mention)
• Origin of the term "computer crash" (related to early hard drive platters)
• Office Space Printer Scene (YouTube) [NSFW]
• Honey Badger Video (YouTube) [NSFW]

Resources

• Ravenscroft School
• Marlborough School
• FolioCollaborative, flexible, paperless, cloud-based experience for managing and guiding professional growth and learning, and encouraging collaboration among faculty and staff
• Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS) certification, differentiating independent school technology leaders by identifying those with the appropriate skills and experience, as well as commitment to ongoing professional development, to manage with excellence their complex and ever-changing role
• Community-building resources from ATLIS
• Management Time: Who’s Got the Monkey?, article from Harvard Business Review

Resources

• World Economic Forum job outlook
• Lower Student AI Literacy Predicts Higher Propensity to Use AI on Assignments (AIforEducation. IO)
• “How AI Vaporizes Long Term Learning” - Edutopia
• “AI Tutors: Hope or Hype for Education? Education Next
• THE 2025 Predictions: AI’s Impact on Education - The Journal

Resources

• Hathaway Brown School
• Zork (playable), text-based adventure game 
• Cleveland Browns, struggling American football team
• Philadelphia Eagles, Super Bowl LIX champions known for especially obnoxious fans
• Owl & Hybrid Learning, website built during COVID & shared with the community; highlighted by OWL directly
• Productivity Tools for 2025: Project Management with Asana and Slack, ATLIS webinar
• Scribe, tool to capture how-to content
• IT Glue, IT documentation software
• Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS) certification, credential demonstrating that a person has the skills and experience to effectively perform the role
• TLIS Prep Program
• TLIS Study Guide
• ATLIS 360 Self-Study Guide, Companion Manual, and Rubric, tools providing a plan to evaluate how your school utilizes technology and the effects it has on the school
• Max Action Arena, VR zombie game at Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV
• Center for Institutional Research of Independent Schools (CIRIS), provides resources and support for institutional research practitioners
• Mission & Data, integrated consulting, custom data products, and executive coaching services

Resources

• Jared Colley on LinkedIn
• Mount Vernon Ventures, the Research, Development & Consulting division of The Mount Vernon School
• Imagine Then, Act Now: Futures Literacy for Learning Organizations, MV Ventures’ Spring 2024 Transformation R&D Report for education professionals and leaders
• A People-Centered Organization Living in an AI World, MV Ventures’ Summer 2023 Transformation R&D Report for education professionals and leaders
• “How might we build skills for life through eSports?”, article
• How Does Competitive eSports Shape Personal Growth and Real-World Skills?, podcast episode
• What are the trends, issues, and opportunities for implementing Al in schools?, podcast episode
• And What Do You Mean By Machine Learning?, article
• How Can Future’s Literacy Transform Organizational Success?, podcast episode
• Little Learners with Big Ideas: A Field Guide for Design Thinking
• AI, What's Your Position, Not Your Policy: A Scenarios-Based Approach to Strategic Foresight in the Age of Structural Uncertainty, article by Jared Colley on RootedEdu.com
• Creating Assessments with Complexity in the Age of AI, a guide to developing assessment complexity
• Using Future Studies To Cope with Top Challenges: School leaders need to envision multiple possible outcomes when facing risks and opportunities., article by Jared Colley, from NetAssests on NBOA.org
• Artificial Intelligence + Academic Integrity, a resource for teachers using a scenarios-based approach
• The Innovator's DNA: Mastering the Five Skills of Disruptive Innovators, by Jeff Dyer, Hal Gregersen, Clayton M. Christensen
• The Innovator’s DNA: Five Skills to Develop Your Creativity, article adapted from the book, from BYU Marriott School of Business
• Designing Regenerative Cultures, by Daniel Christian Wahl
• Minds, Brains, and Programs, paper by philosopher John Searle
• Hospicing Modernity: Facing Humanity’s Wrongs and the Implications for Social Activism by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira

Resources

• 12M & Ed Tech Recruiting, management consulting and strategic hiring for schools
• ATLIS Compensation Benchmark Report 2025
• ATLIS Interactive Compensation Benchmark Dashboard

Resources

• Knowledge-ABLE: Igniting a New Generation of Lifelong Learners, book providing a framework for effective learning that extends beyond traditional education
• UpLearn, LLC, educational consulting company
• The Pingry School
• New Jersey Association of Independent Schools
• Link to episode “Christina and the Dudes”
• Skill Struck, online learning platform including “Chat for Schools”
• Resources, from National Business Officers Association (NBOA)
• Resources, from ATLIS
• ATLIS Leadership Institute
• Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS) certification
• Nick Burns, IT Guy, SNL sketch with Jimmy Fallon
• ATLIS Annual Conference 2025

• Kent School, coed boarding school in Kent, CT
• TPACK AI Framework
• ATLIS AI Content and Resources
• AI Literacy and the Evolving Role of Educators, episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS
• The Importance of Vendor Vetting in Schools: Ensuring Privacy, Security, and Compliance (including “Evaluating AI Technologies”), article by Mark Orchison, founder of 9ine
• ATLIS Leadership Institute
• The Lorax, book by Dr. Suess

• International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
• ASCD - professional development for educators at all stages of their careers
• Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World by Richard Culatta - framework for preparing kids to be successful in a digital world
• Coalition of Leading Education Organizations Introduces Five Quality Indicators for Edtech and AI Products, ISTE press release
• Pica AI, AI photo enhancer

• OneRoster - a standard for securely and reliably exchanging roster information, course materials, and grades between systems, developed and maintained by 1EdTech
• Learning Tools Interoperability (LTI) - another standard developed by 1EdTech, used to connect learning tools with an institution's learning environment without logging into each tool
• 1EdTech - nonprofit committed to building an open, trusted, and innovative digital learning ecosystem
• Blackbaud
• K-12 Schools Software
• Calvert Hall College High School Realizes Efficiencies with OneRoster and LTI Integrations - Customer Story
• Veracross
• Veracross 360 - school management platform
• API Plus for Academics - enables integration between the Veracross platform and a broad range of educational software providers using the industry data standard known as "OneRoster"
• Taping a cat to a wall

Resources

• National Educational Technology Plan (NETP): A Call to Action for Closing the Digital Access, Design and Use Divides - U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology
• Artificial Intelligence resources - U.S. Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology
• Ishmael Consulting
• EdCamps
• Generative AI Market Map: Gen AI Use Cases in Education - Edtech Insiders
• Magic School
• What is a flat white?

Resources

• LinkedIn, https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbrettjacobsen/
• SAIS - Serving and Accrediting Independent Schools
• Report Card: Student Perspective on US Schools, https://nextgeninsights.waltonfamilyfoundation.org/resources/report-card-2023/#:~:text=The%20Walton%20Family%20Foundation%20partnered,2.68%20GPA%20across%20issue%20areas.
• Education Reimagined, https://education-reimagined.org/
• World Economic Forum's Future Jobs Report, https://www.weforum.org/publications/series/future-of-jobs/
• Deloitte's Global Workplace Study, https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/focus/human-capital-trends.html#introduction
• Book: Disrupting Class by Michael Horn, https://michaelbhorn.com/portfolio/disrupting-class-how-disruptive-innovation-will-change-the-way-the-world-learns/
• Book: Seven Measures of Success, https://www.asaecenter.org/publications/113735-7-measures-of-success-what-remarkable-associations-dorevised-digital
• Book: Blue Ocean Strategy, https://www.blueoceanstrategy.com/what-is-blue-ocean-strategy/

Resources

• No, AI Detection Won’t Solve Cheating 
• Hello Magazine Article 
• Ethical Use of AI – Privileging measured and deliberate thinking

Resources

• TCPress
• Books by Tracey Takuhama-Espinosa 
• Connect with Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa 
• More books by Tracey Takuhma-Espinosa
• The Learning Sciences

Resources

• Garrison Forest School
• Urban School
• Oakwood School
• Book: It’s Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens
• Book: The Anxious Generation
• Youth Mental Health and Social Media: A Pediatricians Perspective
• Common Sense Media
• Family Online Safety Institute

Join us on "Talking Technology with ATLIS" as we dive into the exciting world of immersive technology in education with Adam Mangana, Chief Innovation Officer of Optima Ed. Explore the potential of virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI to revolutionize learning experiences, from virtual science labs and global pen pals to interactive historical figures and entrepreneurial simulations. Discover how independent schools are leveraging these cutting-edge tools to enhance student engagement and foster deeper learning, while keeping the focus on the joy of discovery and the importance of human connection. Tune in to hear how VR is transforming education and get a glimpse into the future of learning!

Resources

• Optima Ed
• Optima Independent, organization for immersive learning
• Research
• Articles
• ManageXR
• Meta Quest Pro
• Unity Game Engine
• Upside-down Christmas trees

Resources

• Race Sounds: The Art of Listening in African American Literature, book by Dr. Furlonge
• The Crucial Art — and Science — of Listening Leadership, interview with Dr. Furlonge for EdSurge
• Schools Can Change, But Only When Leaders Learn How to Listen, interview with Dr. Furlonge for EdSurge
• Student Agency in the Digital Age: Integrating AI in Literature Education, article from NAIS

Resources

• Ruvna
• Release on CAP Survey, article from National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) (members-only resource)
• What Parents Want in School Communication, article from Edutopia.org
• Gunfire on School Grounds in the United States, resource from Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund
• U.S. Public Education Spending Statistics, report from Education Data Initiative
• Recovering and Moving Forward: Lessons Learned and Recommendations Following the Shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, article from National Policing Institute
• ALICE, An organization that promotes an options-based approach to school safety, empowering individuals to make decisions in emergencies.  
• The I Love You Guys Foundation, A foundation that provides similar training and resources to the Alice Foundation, focusing on options-based response protocols  
• ISTE/EdSerge, A database of ed tech products that have met certain standards, similar to a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.  
• 9ine, An organization that partners with ATLIS to vet ed tech products for cyber and safety standards.  
• The Anxious Generation, A book that has prompted schools to rethink cell phone policies due to concerns about anxiety and mental health among students.

Resources

• A Look at State Efforts to Ban Cellphones in Schools and Implications for Youth Mental Health, article from KFF, a non-profit organization following national health issues
• Building Happier Kids: Stress-busting tools for parents, by Hansa Bhargava, MD
• Physicianary, podcast on Healio
• American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
• Emory University
• The Anxious Generation, by Jonathan Haidt
• Dr. Bhargava on LinkedIn, X, Instagram

Resources

• Good Shepherd Episcopal School
• ATLIS360, comprehensive program to thoroughly evaluate how your school utilizes technology and the effects it has on the school
• I’m Just a Bill, song from Schoolhouse Rock!

Resources

• One Schoolhouse
• Lisa Damour, PhD; author of Untangled
• Association for Academic Leaders

Resources

• August Schools
• August Schools blog
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA)
• Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA)
• Jira, project management software

Resources

• Madeira School
• ATLIS events calendar
• BUILD: Boys using innovation to learn and design
• The Obsolete Tech Director, blog post from Thomas C. Murray
• Balancing work and personal life in the digital age: Enhancing life harmony, article from Medium
• Promoting a Healthy Balance Between Technology Use and Digital Disconnection at Work, article from therapyside.com
• Understanding work-life balance in tech: How to better support parents & parents-to-be, article from Maven Clinic
• New Heights podcast, with Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce

Resources

• The T.H.R.I.V.E. Quiz - a quick and short quiz that measures whether you are sinking or thriving based on the 6 principles of the T.H.R.I.V.E. Operating System quiz takers become part of the Tech & Thrive collective and receive helpful e-resources. www.techthrive.me/quiz 
• www.techandthrive.com
• Follow Denise on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/musselwhited/ 
• The Culture Code: The secrets of highly successful groups, book by Daniel Coyle

To order a café con leche at Starbucks, ask for a “flat white”

Resources

• Three’s Company, Veracross consulting group
• Veracross, student information system
• Montclair Kimberley Academy
• Tech Leadership Roles: Making First Impressions, ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) Research and Development Project
• Gender Inclusive Forms and Your School’s Information Systems, blog post from williamstites.net
• Hario "vector 60" V60 coffee filter system

Resources

• The Meadows School
• Ode to CIOs: One Answer to Head of School Shortages, Denise Musselwhite
• Better Learning podcast, episode “Managing the Process of Innovation”
• The Meadow, podcast available on multiple platforms
• ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) (formerly ECATD)
• Nespresso

Resources

The Kinkaid School 

Resources

• theATLIS.org/dei
• theATLIS.org/ai
• theATLIS.org/vendor-vetting
• theATLIS.org/volunteer 
• theATLIS.org/certification

Resources

• Mastery Transcript Consortium
• Learner Talkback Trailer

Mentioned in this episode:

Meet Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one platform. Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more!

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Toddle

Your personal teaching assistant Now access the limitless power of AI, right inside Toddle. Elevate your teaching practice and liberate yourself from non-core tasks so you can focus on what matters most - your students! Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more about our vendor partner.

Resources

• PAISBOA 
• The Anges Irwin School
• NBOA Business Officers Institute 
• Widener University
• Episcopal Academy
• Flying the Plane While Building It

Resources

• How Can Schools Combat the Teen Mental Health Crisis? 
• Student Wellness/Mental Health, macOS Sequoia, and iPhone Mirroring, Access Points Community post 
• Thriving in a World of Pluralistic Contention: A Framework for Schools, from the Edward E. Ford Foundation 
• HeadSearch.org, Head of School database
• Coaching & Independent School Headship: Welcome to the Wild West, 
• Bachmann on coaching
• Mission-Anchored Compensation Strategies, NBOA analysis of compensation systems within independent schools 
• Research Insights: Governance, recommendations from ICAISA after analyzing school accreditation reports
• Here Comes Everybody, by Clay Shirky
• Community and Belonging, research and analysis regarding student experience with focus on community and belonging
• Kialo Edu, library of classroom debate and argumentative essay topics 

Mentioned in this episode:

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Toddle

Your personal teaching assistant Now access the limitless power of AI, right inside Toddle. Elevate your teaching practice and liberate yourself from non-core tasks so you can focus on what matters most - your students! Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more about our vendor partner.

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

Meet Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one platform. Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more!

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

Resources 

• Viewpoint 
• The Anxious Generation
• New Yorker:  Jonathan Haidt Wants You to Take Away Your Kid’s Phone 
• Ruvna
• The Social Institute
• The Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health at AAP
• COPPA
• ATLIS DEI 
• Noble Academy

Resources

• Moodle
• PPT Slides to show more info about the above topics
• ATLIS Article
• AATE ISTE Affiliate
• Kialo Edu
• STL at ATL
• Toddle
• Flint
• ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI)
• The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race, by Walter Isaacson
• Designing Authentic Performance Tasks and Projects: Tools for Meaningful Learning and Assessment, by Jay McTighe, Kristina J. Doubet, Eric M. Carbaugh. 
• Redefining Student Success: Building a New Vision to Transform Leading, Teaching, and Learning, by Suzie Boss and Ken Kay
• Streamlining the Curriculum, by Heidi Hayes Jacobs, Allison Zmuda
• Bringing Innovation to School: Empowering Students to Thrive in a Changing World, by Suzie Boss

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

Meet Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one platform. Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more!

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Toddle

Your personal teaching assistant Now access the limitless power of AI, right inside Toddle. Elevate your teaching practice and liberate yourself from non-core tasks so you can focus on what matters most - your students! Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more about our vendor partner.

Links/References for “Show Notes”

• Manlius Pebble Hill School
• Cafe Cubano playlist on Spotify
• NEIT Conference
• Navigating the Evolution and Future of Technology Leadership in Independent Schools: Insights from Ally Wenzel
• Jim’s South St. Steaks & Hoagies

Resources

• School Leaders Project Podcast
• Toddle: The World’s First AI-enabled LMS
• UNESCO - Artificial intelligence in education 
• UNICEF - Generation AI - Engaging stakeholders to build AI-powered solutions that help realize and uphold child rights 
• The 3P’s
• provision: for basic needs such as food and housing
• protection: from abuse, from degrading punishment or arrest without a proper judicial process
• participation: to express their views on all matters that affect them and have those views taken seriously
• Maslow’s Hierarchy Of Needs

Mentioned in this episode:

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Toddle

Your personal teaching assistant Now access the limitless power of AI, right inside Toddle. Elevate your teaching practice and liberate yourself from non-core tasks so you can focus on what matters most - your students! Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more about our vendor partner.

Meet Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one platform. Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more!

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

Resources

• Felix’s website
• St. Stephen's Episcopal Day School
• ShiftinEdu
• Photo of Felix and Luciano Pavarotti

Resources

• Center for Institutional Research at Independent Schools (CIRIS)
• St. Mark's School
• CIRIS Data Culture Assessment
• ATLIS360 Self-Study Guide, thoroughly evaluate how your school utilizes technology and the effects it has on the school 
• Principles of Good Practice: Teaching and Learning in the Digital Age, from NAIS
• Student Thrive Index Model (located lower on the page), measure how your students experience various aspects of school life 

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

Meet Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one platform. Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more!

Resources

• New Canaan Country School
• Teachers College, Columbia University
• Columbia University School of Professional Studies
• Explain Everything, online whiteboard for teaching. Create interactive lessons, record video tutorials and collaborate real-time with your students.
• Blending Leadership: Six Simple Beliefs for Leading Online and Off
• Make Yourself Clear: How to Use a Teaching Mindset to Listen, Understand, Explain Everything, and Be Understood
• Making the Case, Substack
• Insight to Inquiry, MKA podcast
• Klingbrief, free monthly e-newsletter containing readings of particular relevance to independent and international school educators. From the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University's Teachers College
• Montclair Kimberley Academy

Mentioned in this episode:

Meet Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one platform. Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more!

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Toddle

Your personal teaching assistant Now access the limitless power of AI, right inside Toddle. Elevate your teaching practice and liberate yourself from non-core tasks so you can focus on what matters most - your students! Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more about our vendor partner.

Resources

• St Patrick’s Episcopal Day School
• Rowland Hall
• Rowland Hall policy on AI
• NAIS Snapshot: Phone Regulation at a Glance, analysis of recent survey regarding phone regulation (NAIS members only)
• From Folding Chair to Permanent Seat at the Table, article by Stacia McFadden for ATLIS’s magazine, Access Points
• Eric Hudson episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

Meet Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one platform. Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more!

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Toddle

Your personal teaching assistant Now access the limitless power of AI, right inside Toddle. Elevate your teaching practice and liberate yourself from non-core tasks so you can focus on what matters most - your students! Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more about our vendor partner.

Resources

• Stevenson School
• Lucid Charts
• Susan Baldridge episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS

Mentioned in this episode:

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Toddle

Your personal teaching assistant Now access the limitless power of AI, right inside Toddle. Elevate your teaching practice and liberate yourself from non-core tasks so you can focus on what matters most - your students! Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more about our vendor partner.

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

Meet Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one platform. Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more!

Resources

• ATLIS Certification
• ATLIS Certification Mailing List
• TLIS Prep Program, July 26-27, 2024; Phoenix, AZ

Resources

• 9ine, specialists in data protection, tech, and cybersecurity
• Mission Impact Academy (MIA), online education platform
• Tarja Stephens on LinkedIn
• Mid-Pacific Institute
• Paul Turnbull on LinkedIn
• Pandata, AI design and development
• Cal Al-Dhubaib on LinkedIn
• The Future of Jobs Report 2023, Word Economic Forum
• The State of Generative AI in the Enterprise, quarterly reports from Deloitte
• Brandeis Marshall, data equity strategist
• Durable Skills, website

Resources

• Gilman School, Baltimore, MD
• Molly Rumsey episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS
• Center for Institutional Research at Independent Schools (CIRIS)
• Rachel Gorsky, Director of Institutional Research & Data Analytics, Gilman School
• St. Christopher’s School
• NAIS People of Color Conference

Resources

• National Business Officers Association
• Slide deck from Jeff’s keynote address

Resources

• Harpeth Hall School
• Green Hills area of Nashville, TN
• GAM - command line tool for Google Workspace Admins
• ATLIS Pillar Awards
• My Cousin Vinny

Resources

• Polsinelli Law Firm
• Personally Identifiable Information (PII)
• Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
• ChatGPT
• Navigating Cyber Threats in Education with Ankura's Bob Olsen, past TTWA Episode
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
• Common Business-Oriented Language (COBOL)

This conversation revolved around the importance of alignment, community, and collaboration in successful change initiatives in independent schools. Also discussed was the transformation of boarding schools in North America, exploring diverse approaches, the significance of residential programs, and the challenges and opportunities facing these institutions. Finally, our hosts and guest shared their insights on effective leadership strategies in education, emphasizing the importance of building a strong base of knowledge and skills, avoiding mandates, and including marginalized voices in leadership positions.

Resources

• The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
• The College Stress Test: Tracking Institutional Futures across a Crowded Market, by Susan Baldridge et al.
• Middlebury College
• International Boys School Coalition
• Reach, student life management
• The Work of Leaders, by Julie Straw, et al.
• Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, Memphis, TN

Resources

• Learning on Purpose (Substack newsletter)
• Global Online Academy
• Stanford University Human-centered Artificial Intelligence
• Ethan Mollick, associate professor at The Wharton School
• Diffusion of Innovations theory by Everett Rogers
• Denise Pope, senior lecturer at Stanford University
• AI Resource Guide for Independent School Trustees, published by ATLIS, NAIS, and ISCA

Resources

• ‘Iolani School
• Bill Stites’ personal photos from ‘Iolani visit
• Berry College
• Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
• Arduino
• Raspberry Pi
• The R Project for Statistical Computing
• Fullstack Educator (resources and podcast)
• Hudson Harper episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS
• “pau hana”

Resources

• Learning Through Technology Podcast
• Educational Collaborators
• EduTech Group
• STS Education
• The Princess Bride

Mentioned in this episode:

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Toddle

Your personal teaching assistant Now access the limitless power of AI, right inside Toddle. Elevate your teaching practice and liberate yourself from non-core tasks so you can focus on what matters most - your students! Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more about our vendor partner.

Meet Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one platform. Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more!

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

Resources

• ATLIS Annual Conference 2024
• CIRIS Annual Summit 2024
• Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS) Certification
• ATLIS Leadership Institute

Mentioned in this episode:

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Toddle

Your personal teaching assistant Now access the limitless power of AI, right inside Toddle. Elevate your teaching practice and liberate yourself from non-core tasks so you can focus on what matters most - your students! Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more about our vendor partner.

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

Meet Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one platform. Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more!

Tim’s AI-produced sketches, from his Camino de Santiago experience

Resources

• National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
• McDonogh School; Baltimore, MD
• Camino de Santiago, network of annual pilgrimages across Spain
• Good to Great, book by Jim Collins
• Matthew Barzun, author of The Power of Giving Away Power and concept of “constellation”
• Jenny Wallace, podcast host and author concerning achievement culture
• Contact, film starring Jodie Foster
• Clay Shirky - “the problem is filter failure, not information overload”
• ChatGPT, AI tool from OpenAI
• DALL-E3, AI artwork tool from OpenAI
• Sugata Mitra - a computer should be a partner in the conversation
• How to Eat Fried Worms, book by Thomas Rockwell
• Crossroads College Prep; St Louis, MO; “5th Day” concept
• NAIS People of Color Conference (POCC)
• NAIS Annual Conference
• One Stone school; Boise, ID; students are heavily involved in school administration
• Forest School; Atlanta, GA; self-directed learning
• Understanding by Design, concept by Jay McTighe
• Typing Tutor, ‘90s software for teaching typing
• Dunkin Donuts, part of walk n’ talk ritual

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

Meet Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one platform. Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more!

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Toddle

Your personal teaching assistant Now access the limitless power of AI, right inside Toddle. Elevate your teaching practice and liberate yourself from non-core tasks so you can focus on what matters most - your students! Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more about our vendor partner.

Data security is especially critical, including when using AI to assist with data analysis (though there are ways to do so responsibly, e.g., via API and special arrangements with the AI providers).

The model is scalable (e.g., a department could adopt this approach as opposed to the entire school) as well as flexible.

Also discussed was the work of the Center for Institutional Research at Independent Schools (CIRIS) and new AI-related initiatives they have coming.

Resources

• Harpertech.io
• The Downtown School
• CIRIS
• Data-Informed Decision Making: A Guide to Institutional Research in Independent Schools
• Canvas by Instructure
• ChatGPT
• Claude AI
• FERPA
• COPPA
• NAIS events
• ATLIS AI Resource Hub
• ATLIS content - AI
• ATLIS content - Independent School Governance and Leadership
• Visit Seattle

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

Robert Olsen, Global Practice Leader for Cybersecurity and Data Privacy at Ankura Consulting Group, addresses these pressing concerns. Olsen emphasizes the necessity for schools to adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity. This stance is not merely about defense but about building a resilient digital culture that can withstand and adapt to the evolving nature of cyber threats.

Olsen remarks, "The reality is, threat actors are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it all the more important for schools to adopt a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity." This observation by Olsen highlights a critical challenge: the pace at which cyber threats evolve demands an equally dynamic and informed response from independent schools.

Transitioning from Olsen's overarching insights, Christina Lewellen, the Executive Director of ATLIS, and Hiram Cuevas, the Director of Information Systems and Academic Technology at St. Christopher's School, provide practical perspectives on implementing these strategies within the school setting. Lewellen advocates for integrating technology to enhance collaboration and break down barriers within the school community. She asserts, "It's about leveraging technology to break down walls and foster collaboration," underscoring the essential role of cybersecurity in safeguarding the community's integrity and privacy.

Cuevas adds a personal dimension to the discussion by sharing his experiences with technology's dual nature—its capacity to connect and expose. He reflects on using features like 'Find My' on Apple devices, balancing the convenience and peace of mind such technologies offer with the potential privacy concerns they raise. "It's not about monitoring but ensuring safety," Cuevas says, highlighting the nuanced approach required when integrating technology into educational settings.

Olsen builds on these individual perspectives by addressing the unique challenges independent schools face, such as limited resources, which can make the implementation of comprehensive cybersecurity measures seem daunting. He advises a strategic focus: "It's about identifying the most critical assets and focusing efforts on protecting those." This approach advocates for maximizing the impact of existing resources through prioritization and strategic investment.

Going deeper, Olsen explores the broader implications of cybersecurity within the educational sector, including privacy issues and the ethical use of technology. He champions the creation of a secure yet practical ecosystem. "The goal is to create a secure and nurturing environment where technology enhances the educational experience without compromising the privacy or safety of the school community," he elaborates.

Bill Stites, the Director of Technology at Montclair Kimberley Academy, often highlights the importance of transparent communication facilitated by technology. "Slack has become crucial for us," he might say, emphasizing the role of digital tools in bridging the communication gap across decentralized campuses. This reliance on digital platforms underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect the flow of information.

Olsen's expertise not only sheds light on the challenges schools face in securing their digital domains but also offers a road map for navigating these challenges effectively. Through education, strategic investment in cybersecurity, and collaboration, schools can protect themselves and their students from digital threats, ensuring a safe and productive learning environment for all.

Resources:

• Connect with Robert on LinkedIn
• Cybersecurity Recommendations for Independent Schools
• ATLIS K-12 Cybersecurity Assessment
• ATLIS Cyber 101 Workshop
• 9ine Tech Academy
• EdSurge Product Index
• Common Sense Privacy
• iKeepSafe
• LearnPlatform
• Education Framework
• CISA - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
• K12 Six - K12 Security Information eXchange
• NIST - National Institute of Standards and Technology

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

This episode opens with co-host Christina Lewellen humorously sharing her family's perception of her role: "My parents and my children have no idea what I do for a living." Co-host Hiram Cuevas, joins in and adds, "I think they think I turn it off and turn it back on again." This introduction playfully highlights the common misconceptions surrounding the complexity of ed tech roles, especially in independent schools. 

Next, the co-hosts explore Dawn Carrera Berkeley's journey from aspiring to a career in medicine to her eventual calling in education, beginning in public schools and later transitioning to independent schools. She recounts her experiences and challenges in integrating technology into education, notably as the iPad coordinator for a large school district. A significant aspect of Berkeley's narrative is the importance of relationships in her work, as she emphasizes, "I try to approach my work from a relationship standpoint." This point is further echoed by Cuevas, who notes the importance of understanding classroom dynamics: "So many folks could actually benefit from that, who are new to leadership positions in schools... It’s so important to get in the classrooms, and actually watch what’s going on and see how the curriculum unfolds."

Berkeley discusses the intricacies of navigating emerging technologies like AI in education. She remarks on her cautious yet open approach: "We're not always first out the gate with the shiny things." Her practicality is evident as she talks about evaluating the educational impact of technology: "How do we respond to [AI]? What should our response be? We need to think critically about how we assess. How do we measure the impact on learning?" Co-host Bill Stites resonates with this sentiment, highlighting the unique pace of change in schools: “I think in schools, particularly independent schools, you need to kind of take a moment, take a breath, slow down, and just have the conversations and then move from there."

Throughout the podcast, Berkeley's commitment to using resources strategically shines through. She states, "I have to make sure that I'm thoughtfully using what we have and not being wasteful," demonstrating her efficient management style. Berkeley also emphasizes the importance of staying current in the fast-evolving field of educational technology. She shares, "I listen to a lot of LinkedIn courses... a lot of them are in tech in business.”

The podcast concludes by highlighting the future of ed tech, focusing on its alignment with independent school missions. Berkeley reflects on her dual role as an ed tech leader and parent, "I want my kids to be protected," underscoring the depth of responsibility in her position. This episode encourages listeners to appreciate the blend of skills, relationships, and foresight that are pivotal in driving innovation at independent schools. A critical combination of innovation, empathy, and strategic planning is necessary in modern ed tech leadership.

Resources

• BUILD program at St. Christopher's School
• Connect with Dawn Carrera Berkeley on LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

Meet ATLIS co-founders: Kelsey Vrooman, Gaberiel Lucas, and Stuart Posin, as they reminisce about the early days, discussing their motivations and the challenges they faced. Their narrative underscores the importance of community and support in the tech field, particularly in the unique world of independent schools.

Vrooman shares a poignant insight into her early days, remarking, “ATLIS served as a lifeline to me of bringing the smartest people in the room and allowing me to connect in with their wisdom and not having to reinvent the wheel.”

Lucas emphasizes the community's role in ATLIS' journey, stating, "We knew that whatever happened here was going to be the make or break moment."

Posten brings to light the rapid growth of ATLIS, saying, "We went from like, 'Hey, we're going to do this' to having almost 300 people at our first conference six months later."

The conversation navigates the critical juncture where ATLIS transitioned from a concept to a concrete entity, emphasizing the strategic decisions and collaborative efforts that fueled its growth.

The episode takes a deeper look at the pivotal role of ATLIS in providing a platform for tech administrators to share knowledge, tackle common challenges, and foster a sense of belonging.

"The antidote to burnout is community. It's a restful space where you can find shelter, where you know, people have your back, people are feeding not just your pocketbook, but your soul, your friendships, all of those things." Vrooman remarked.

The founders reflect on their journey, outlining the evolution of their roles and the continuing relevance of ATLIS in a rapidly changing technological landscape. The conversation also touches on the future, envisioning ATLIS's role in addressing emerging challenges and new frontiers in educational technology. Vrooman shares one idea for how to address the challenges of financial sustainability for independent schools: “So much of technology can be administered digitally and from afar, so are there ways where you could partner schools that have similar missions that aren't necessarily market competitors. These schools could share services, share talents, even share platforms, across space and time to make the bottom line of technology more sustainable for schools. I’d like for ATLIS to be part of that solution to really rethink the business model of independent schools to try to make it more sustainable for the future.”

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

Meet Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one platform. Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more!

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Toddle

Your personal teaching assistant Now access the limitless power of AI, right inside Toddle. Elevate your teaching practice and liberate yourself from non-core tasks so you can focus on what matters most - your students! Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more about our vendor partner.

Orchison joins the podcast for a conversation exploring the intricacies of cybersecurity in independent schools, emphasizing its importance alongside the growing fascination with AI. It became clear that while AI garners significant attention, cybersecurity remains a critical, ongoing challenge that schools continuously grapple with. 

Co-host Hiram Cuevas shared insights into the daily discussions about cybersecurity in his school, highlighting its integration into various aspects of school operations. Examples include discussions in the business office about cyber renewals and subscription services. This ongoing engagement with cybersecurity issues, even when not overtly labeled as such, speaks to its embeddedness in the fabric of school administration. "It’s a daily battle, balancing security with accessibility," Cuevas reflects.

Co-host Bill Stites suggests, "It's about creating a culture where security is second nature,"  advocating for foundational security practices that can significantly strengthen a school's digital defenses. His approach goes beyond immediate solutions, integrating cybersecurity into various school management decisions such as new services and data storage. 

The episode also touched upon the concept of Zero Trust architecture in cybersecurity, unpacking its relevance and application for independent schools. Orchison elaborated on this, explaining how the ATLIS 9ine Tech Academy initiative he's involved in is designed to empower tech directors with practical knowledge and skills for implementing robust cybersecurity measures in their schools.

The co-hosts discussed the evolving landscape of cyber insurance in the context of education, noting the significant changes post-pandemic. Orchison's insights into the insurance industry's response to the heightened risk of cyber attacks in education were particularly enlightening. He explained how the pandemic dramatically increased malware encounters in the education sector, prompting insurers to rethink their strategies and policies.

The conversation also ventured into the realm of student data privacy, focusing on schools' ethical and moral obligations to protect student information. The co-hosts discussed the varying levels of data protection laws across different states and countries and the implications for schools in managing vendor relationships and ensuring compliance.

As the episode draws to a close, it becomes evident that the journey of integrating technology in education is complex, requiring collaboration and a collective commitment. Christina Lewellen wraps up the episode with a powerful message: "This is a shared journey, one where every voice matters in shaping a secure, informed, and digitally literate educational environment."

Resources:

• Unicef The Case for Better Governance of Children’s Data: A Manifesto
• Joan Learning About Streamberry Terms and Conditions | Black Mirror Season 6 Episode
• GDPR
• COPPA
• FERPA
• Common Sense Media: 2023 State of Kids' Privacy
• Connect with Mark Orchinson on LinkedIn

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Toddle

Your personal teaching assistant Now access the limitless power of AI, right inside Toddle. Elevate your teaching practice and liberate yourself from non-core tasks so you can focus on what matters most - your students! Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more about our vendor partner.

The use of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) in independent schools is not just a technical upgrade but a strategic enhancement. In this deep-dive episode, APIs are explored in detail, with guests Bernie McCormick, Nick Marchese, and Shandor Simon providing valuable insights on how APIs facilitate smoother interactions between different software systems, aiding in the management and operation of independent schools. They explore how APIs facilitate data integration and automation, sharing experiences and challenges in implementing APIs. The discussion emphasizes the importance of API literacy among technology leaders and underscores the need for well-formed, accessible APIs from vendors. 

Bernie McCormick, CTO of Mary McDowell Friends School (New York) opened the episode by highlighting the quality and functionality of APIs. He emphasized the need for well-formed APIs for seamless integration into independent schools. He stated, “The core systems that most schools use are a combination of security, identity management, communications, email, an enterprise document, all of these things. There's a lot of replication that happens between them. A lot of that was happening manually. When you add people to the process, it creates errors. Most of the APIs that I'm using internally are around the vendors that have well-formed APIs and using them as the source of truth to feed other systems that have less robust APIs." McCormick’s insights set the tone for a discussion centered around the technical and practical aspects of API integration in schools.

Next, Nick Marchese, Director of Academic and Strategic Technology at Emma Willard School (New York) shared his insights on the role of APIs during the pandemic, highlighting their importance in adapting to new challenges. He reflected, “APIs were our lifeline during the pandemic, allowing us to quickly adapt to online learning and real-time data management, which was crucial for our school's operations during that period.” He discussed the transformative impact these tools had in managing real-time updates, reducing manual workload, and enhancing overall efficiency. His narrative painted a vivid picture of how APIs can be leveraged in times of crisis to support school operations.

Shandor Simon, Director of Technology at Beaver Country Day School (Massachusetts) then took the floor, discussing the practical applications of APIs in automating tasks to support teachers and students more effectively. He commented, “With APIs, we managed to automate several of our daily tasks, which significantly freed up time for us to focus more on direct educational support and innovation.” Simon’s contributions highlighted the scalability and adaptability of APIs, from simple tasks to complex integrations.

The episode concluded with a collective acknowledgment of the transformative power of APIs in educational technology. The guests encouraged listeners to start with practical projects, gradually building their understanding and utilization of APIs. The discussion underscored the importance of APIs in the evolution of educational technology, advocating for more standardized, accessible, and affordable solutions for independent schools.

Resources

• API dog
• Postman
• Send your first API request 
• Microsoft power automate
• SKY API | Blackbaud
• One roster explained
• One roster resources
• What is an API?
• Mulesoft
• Google Apps Script doc on External APIs
• [Webinar] Unlocking Blackbaud Education Management - Syncing your School Data via SKY API & Google Apps Script

Mentioned in this episode:

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Toddle

Your personal teaching assistant Now access the limitless power of AI, right inside Toddle. Elevate your teaching practice and liberate yourself from non-core tasks so you can focus on what matters most - your students! Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more about our vendor partner.

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

The conversation started with each person sharing their first job experiences, illustrating diverse beginnings leading to their current influential roles in education and technology. Ricci, with her rich background in education, shared her journey from a dishwasher to her prestigious role at ICAISA. This progression epitomizes the unexpected paths to leadership roles in education and technology. 

Ricci shares, “I was really destined in many ways to become a teacher. I spent a little over a decade teaching middle school math at three different independent schools. I loved connecting deeply with the people in schools. And so from there, I moved from the classroom to Association work.” Her story is a testament to the evolving nature of careers in these fields, where initial aspirations often transform into roles far more impactful than imagined.

The podcast's core discussion centered around accreditation in independent schools. Ricci emphasized how technology is increasingly integral to the accreditation process. She illustrated this with examples of schools leveraging technology for self-study preparations and the use of AI to streamline accreditation documentation. This innovative approach highlights a shift from traditional methods to more technologically driven processes, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.

A significant part of the conversation was dedicated to the challenges schools face during accreditation. Ricci shared insights from a study conducted by ICAISA, revealing governance as a key area of focus. The study, funded by the E. Ford Foundation, analyzed governance-related recommendations from various schools, uncovering common themes and challenges. Ricci states, "We're in the middle of this project to look at individual recommendations from visiting team reports. All of these things are governance challenges that arise in visiting team reports... And then ultimately to determine what are the resources that ICAISA or member accrediting associations can provide to schools." This research underscores the importance of continual improvement in school governance practices.

In a compelling segment of the podcast, Ricci probed into the critical role of technology in the accreditation process, underscoring its importance not only in facilitating but also in securing the procedure. She emphasized the necessity of a technological and data security perspective in managing the accreditation process. "If you don't have that technological lens or the data security lens you're not necessarily going to remember or be aware of how to change those permissions or how to delete certain files," Ricci stated. This insight sheds light on the often-overlooked aspect of data management and security in educational settings. It highlights how technology leaders in schools play a pivotal role, not just in implementing technological solutions, but also in ensuring the integrity and security of the accreditation process. Ricci's remarks underscore the multifaceted challenges faced by educational institutions in the digital age, where understanding and managing technology becomes as crucial as the educational content itself.

Ricci highlighted the opportunities for technology leaders, saying, "These are elements of the school that we need to be tapped into and thinking about in order to ensure that we're the best possible institution and providing the best possible experience for our students. Support and innovation are key ways for technology leaders to have an impact in their schools.” This collaborative approach ensures that technology is not just a tool but an integral part of a school's strategic vision.

The episode wrapped by highlighting the evolving role of technology leaders in educational settings. As Ricci astutely pointed out, integrating technology into the fabric of educational governance and strategy is not just an option but a necessity in today's digital landscape. This conversation serves as a reminder of the continuous evolution and adaptation required, urging independent schools to embrace technological advancements not only as tools but as integral components of their strategic vision. 

Resources

• International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA)
• Connect with Bonnie on LinkedIn
• ATLIS360
• EE Ford Foundation 
• This episode is brought to you by Toddle.
• ATLIS thanks our vendor partners for their support!

Bonnie J. Ricci began as the Executive Director of ICAISA in the summer of 2019. Throughout her career, she has held numerous positions within independent schools including teacher, advisor, coach, and Head of School. Bonnie’s passion for accreditation as a tool for growth was sparked when she served on several accreditation visiting teams. Following this passion, she spent a decade providing leadership within the areas of accreditation, professional development, and governance at the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE). Bonnie holds degrees from Williams College and Worcester State University. Analytical by nature, Bonnie is intensely service oriented, and derives deep satisfaction through supporting others in assessing challenges and solving problems. Using these skills, Bonnie has dedicated her career to serving the educational community as a Board member, conference presenter, facilitator, consultant, and enthusiastic advocate for accreditation and independent school education. She currently serves on the Lesley Ellis School Advisory Board and the Schools For Children, Inc Board. She previously served as the Clerk for Apprentice Learning, a nonprofit providing apprenticeships for underserved Middle School students in Boston Public Schools. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Learn more about Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one great platform! Learn more: https://www.toddleapp.com/

Meet Toddle

Developed by experienced educators, Toddle streamlines curriculum planning, projects & portfolios, assessments & reports, and online learning - all from one platform. Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more!

Thanks to this episode's sponsor, Toddle

Your personal teaching assistant Now access the limitless power of AI, right inside Toddle. Elevate your teaching practice and liberate yourself from non-core tasks so you can focus on what matters most - your students! Visit https://www.toddleapp.com/ to learn more about our vendor partner.

The discussion delved into the impact of AI on school operations, revealing stories of how institutions have embraced this technology to streamline administrative tasks. From crafting emails to reimagining job descriptions, AI has found a place in the daily routine of school administrators. Co-host Hiram Cuevas highlighted an innovative approach taken by their advancement office. By leveraging AI, they efficiently created a job description for an archivist position, illustrating the versatility of these technological tools.

Jeff Shields emphasized the importance of collaboration between different facets of school management, particularly the relationship between CFOs and IT professionals. This collaboration, he believes, is essential for driving the strategic vision of a school. The podcast touched on the siloed nature of educational institutions and how breaking down these barriers can lead to a more efficient and impactful learning environment.

A significant portion of the conversation revolved around the early stages of AI adoption in education. The co-hosts acknowledged that while some might view AI as a recent phenomenon, it has been around for decades. Drawing a parallel to the past, they reminisced about the iconic "Clippy" from Microsoft Office, highlighting the long-standing presence of AI tools in our professional lives.

The dialogue then shifted to the overarching theme of leadership and governance. Jeff Shields, drawing from his extensive background, discussed the evolving nature of governance within the independent school sector. He emphasized the need for strategic planning, with technology playing a central role in achieving institutional goals. The speakers discussed the importance of fostering a strong relationship between the CFO and IT professional to ensure the effective execution of the school's strategic plan.

The conversation also touched upon the Jeffrey Shields Innovation Award, an accolade bestowed upon schools that demonstrate outstanding achievements in business, finance, and operations. Jeff Shields expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to highlight the innovative practices taking place in schools and stressed the importance of sharing these success stories across the educational landscape.

As the podcast unfolded, Jeff Shields shared his passion for governance and the continuous learning experiences it brings. He detailed the board's current focus on "pace and space," an initiative aimed at creating a more inclusive boardroom environment.

In a lighthearted turn, the speakers delved into a discussion about their favorite pie flavors, tying in the (at the time of the recording) upcoming Thanksgiving celebrations. From pecan pie with vanilla ice cream to the classic cherry pie, the conversation became a delightful blend of professional insights and personal anecdotes.

The podcast wrapped up with a reflection on the year, gratitude for fulfilling professional roles, and a call for educators to celebrate their accomplishments. Jeff Shields shared his resolution for the upcoming year—encouraging everyone in the education sector to take a moment to appreciate the positive impact they make on students and colleagues.

In conclusion, the podcast provided a rich tapestry of insights into the evolving landscape of independent school leadership, AI integration, collaborative governance, and the importance of celebrating achievements both big and small. Jeff Shields' passion for his work and the educational community shone through, leaving listeners inspired and reflective as they approach the new year.

Matt's role encompasses both the IT and educational technology facets, and he takes pride in overseeing a team that is not just about fixing technical glitches but is deeply invested in crafting innovative learning environments. His origin story is a blend of happenstance and seizing opportunities, including a surprising leap into the role of district-level Ed Tech coordinator early in his career.

The podcast delves into the evolving landscape of educational technology, highlighting the drastic shifts from the days of file servers and labyrinthine logins to the current era of cloud-based solutions and virtual reality integration. Matt shares anecdotes from the early 2000s, where troubleshooting involved creating acronyms to disguise the simplicity of turning devices off and on again—a practice that, amusingly, earned him the reputation of the "power cycle guy."

As the conversation unfolds, Christina Lewellen, one of the podcast hosts, steers it towards Matt's personal philosophy and connection with students. Matt reveals his passion for teaching, emphasizing the importance of understanding how learning works and creating optimal learning environments. He teaches a class called the "Art Science of Teaching" for juniors and seniors exploring education as a career path.

The podcast hosts note Matt's unwavering energy for student engagement and inquire about his unique approach to technology, which seems to place a strong emphasis on student needs and wellness. Matt shares insights into the intersections of technology and students' lives, especially during the rise of social media, drawing from his experiences raising his own children through this transformative period.

Bill Stites, podcast co-host, delves into the delicate balance between being a tech director and staying connected with students. Matt emphasizes his innate curiosity about both technology and pedagogy, a balance that has allowed him to navigate the ever-evolving ed tech landscape while staying true to the core principles of effective teaching. 

The conversation takes an intriguing turn towards the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies like AI. Matt discusses Providence Day's cautious yet proactive approach to AI, highlighting the importance of learning from experiences, avoiding fear-driven policies, and fostering open communication with teachers. The school's strategy involves building experiences, learning from them, and collaboratively developing guidelines by spring.

As the discussion shifts towards Matt's role as a leader, the podcast explores how he supports his team. Matt articulates a leadership style that revolves around trust, delegation, and setting overarching principles. He acknowledges the diverse expertise within his team and believes in empowering them to make decisions within the framework of the school's mission and values. Matt discusses his leadership approach, emphasizing the importance of learning from others and fostering a positive team dynamic through humor. The episode also delves into the unique and diverse team Matt works with, highlighting the role of humor in building camaraderie.

The conversation takes an interesting turn as Christina Lewellen discusses the challenges of coaching both up and down in a school setting. Matt, along with fellow educators Bill Stites and Hiram Cuevas, emphasizes the importance of being both a learner and a listener, meeting people where they are, and understanding their primary stories about tools and technology.

The episode concludes with a glimpse into Matt's vision for the future of education. He expresses curiosity about virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, particularly in streamlining processes for teachers. Matt envisions leveraging technology to empower educators and students, ultimately enhancing the teaching and learning experience. Matt stresses the importance of connecting team members with the right resources, whether it's external experts or collaborative opportunities within the school community. The goal is to ensure that the team is proficient and confident in handling diverse challenges, allowing Matt to step back and let them shine.

In embodying a leadership style that prioritizes collaboration, perpetual learning, and a profound grasp of the symbiosis between technology and impactful pedagogy, Matt Scully stands as an exemplary figure. At Providence Day School, an active member of ATLIS, the institution mirrors Matt's philosophy, presenting itself as a dynamic educational space. Here, the relentless pursuit of innovation harmoniously coexists with an unwavering dedication to student well-being, ensuring an environment where optimal learning experiences flourish.

Mike Cobb's leadership philosophy revolves around the idea of avoiding the pursuit of perfection. He encourages focus on tasks that can be completed at 80%, allowing for the exploration of additional opportunities. His experiences at All Saints exemplify this approach, where the school took on 31 construction projects, showcasing the impact achievable even when not striving for absolute perfection.

In the realm of education, especially amid the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous challenges (VUCA), Mike advocates for a bias toward action. Recognizing the limited time educators have with students, he emphasizes the need to prioritize impactful actions over bureaucratic perfection. This perspective encourages a proactive and adaptive mindset in addressing the ever-evolving landscape of education.

Mike also stresses the importance of assembling teams with diverse strengths and perspectives. Reflecting on his collaboration with Jason Kern, an operations-savvy leader, Mike highlights the value of differing viewpoints within a team. Their collaboration at Oak Ridge and All Saints showcased a dynamic where thoughtful, methodical approaches complemented action-oriented decision-making, fostering a culture of mutual respect and shared objectives.

The conversation seamlessly transitions to the integration of technology in education, where Mike reflects on the evolution from the first classroom computer to the current era of artificial intelligence (AI). While acknowledging the historical apprehensions around technological advancements, Mike expresses excitement about AI's potential to enhance learning experiences. From facilitating students' daily workflows to streamlining teachers' tasks, AI emerges as a transformative force with the potential to deepen and streamline the educational process.

Looking ahead, Mike envisions a future of education centered around personalized learning pathways, authentic experiences, and embedded technology. The core principles of his educational vision include personalization, embedding competencies seamlessly into learning, and providing flexible schedules to accommodate deep dives into subjects of interest. Mike challenges the conventional approach of preparing students for jobs we know about, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and adaptability in a rapidly changing job market.

In a delightful revelation, Mike shares his passion for car renovation. Beyond the confines of educational leadership, Mike is a car enthusiast with an impressive collection of 25 cars awaiting his attention. He highlights the sentimental value attached to each car, with a special mention of a 1970 C 10 truck renovated with his daughter, embodying a cherished dream that transcends the world of academia.

Mike Cobb's insights offer a glimpse into the mindset of an educational leader navigating the complexities of the present while envisioning a future marked by innovation, personalization, and adaptability. As education continues to evolve, leaders like Mike serve as beacons, guiding institutions toward holistic, technology-integrated approaches that prioritize impactful action over perfection. Beyond the school halls, Mike is a multifaceted leader dedicated to both the academic and personal growth of those he serves.

Her tech adventure began at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, where she played a pivotal role in computerizing their operations. From there, she joined the Salem Keizer school district, serving in tech roles and even taking a stint in teaching marketing to high school students. Her career continued to evolve as she helped bring the internet into various school districts, like Perry Dale School District, through a project called Capital Net.

Twenty-one years ago, she landed at Catlin Gabel School, where she remains today. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as Christina Lewellen and Bill Stites explore how Daisy's experiences during the early days of the AI revolution parallel the current technological renaissance. Daisy reflects on the rapid changes in education technology and how they've reshaped the landscape.

One of the most striking aspects of Daisy's journey is her unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equity. Her work extends beyond technology, collaborating closely with the diversity, equity, and inclusion office at her school to ensure that gender identity and inclusivity are integrated throughout the institution's technology systems.

Daisy's leadership approach reflects her determination to foster a collaborative and efficient team. She values hands-on involvement, making sure her team knows that she's willing to do the gritty work alongside them.

In this inspiring episode, Daisy Steele shares her experiences and insights from her unique career path, proving that it's the unexpected twists that often lead to the most remarkable destinations.

Allison Ross emphasizes that technology leaders should perceive themselves as educational leaders who build relationships with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders. She encourages them to be visible, engage with people, and emphasizes that nurturing relationships is paramount in DEI work.

Bill Stites underscores the importance of data alignment and having consistent systems and procedures that support DEI goals in place. He emphasizes the significant role technology can play in this alignment and the responsibility of tech leaders to ensure data practices and systems align with DEI objectives.

Hiram Cuevas points out that tech leaders often need to lead from behind and work collaboratively with other departments to achieve the school's DEI mission. He highlights the significance of strong relationships and emphasizes the importance of caring and being present in the school community.

Allison Ross addresses the issue of privilege and encourages individuals to educate themselves, listen, learn, and understand that DEI work is about empowering others and elevating voices rather than making it about oneself. She encourages tech leaders feeling uncertain to seek guidance, connect with DEI committees, and bring their questions to a safe space.

The discussion concludes by reinforcing the importance of relationships, the role of technology leaders as educational leaders, and the necessity to embrace DEI work as a collective effort that is not centered on personal identity but on enhancing education for all students.

After sharing his backstory, Eric emphasized the critical importance of cultivating a data-driven culture within schools. He highlighted that the long-term success of an IR program is often more profoundly influenced by the school's prevailing culture than the technical expertise of the person spearheading it.

During the conversation, the trio delved into an exciting new development—the imminent release (which is now available!) of a comprehensive guidebook designed to assist schools in launching their own institutional research programs. The guidebook covers a wide array of topics, including data strategy, data governance, and the intricate technical aspects of data analysis. Notably, the discussion touched upon the burgeoning influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in data analysis, particularly in the realm of automating the qualitative coding of open-ended survey responses.

Data silos, a pervasive challenge in educational institutions, also came under scrutiny. The participants stressed the importance of breaking down these data silos and fostering collaboration through the establishment of data strategy committees.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives were a hot topic during the conversation. Schools are increasingly focusing on tracking relevant data to inform their efforts in these areas, but they are also recognizing the need to protect sensitive data and maintain privacy.

The conversation took an intriguing turn as the participants discussed how schools decide which questions to explore through their IR programs. They highlighted the necessity of involving the entire school community in the decision-making process to foster a constructive data culture.

In the end, the podcast left listeners with a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of institutional research and the pivotal role it plays in shaping the future of education.

Resources mentioned on the show

• Data-Informed Decision Making: A Guide to Institutional Research in Independent Schools https://ciris.maret.org/ciris-resources/community-resources/ciris-guide
• https://www.maret.org/about-us/institutional-research
• Connect with Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-heilman-8aa196163/
• Center for Institutional Research in Independent Schools (CIRIS) https://ciris.maret.org/
• Boomer the dog on Instagram (Eric’s dog) @boomer.tha.berner https://www.instagram.com/boomer_the_berner/

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

Jim, a seasoned expert in the field, shares his journey from handling technology to overseeing major school projects and innovations. From classroom tech to campus construction, he's done it all. Alongside our enthusiastic hosts, Christina Lewellen, Bill Stites, and Hiram Cuevas, Jim takes us through the fascinating evolution of his roles, responsibilities, and titles throughout his career.

Discover the importance of interdepartmental collaboration in school settings as Jim unveils the pyramid approach he uses for project management, ensuring that voices from all corners of the institution are heard. Learn from real-life anecdotes, including costly mistakes that can be avoided by engaging stakeholders at the right time.

From tech policies to construction mishaps and beyond, this episode explores the critical elements of inclusive decision-making that can elevate your school's projects, foster innovation, and save you from retrofits that cost millions.

Tune in to this enlightening conversation to gain a fresh perspective on how to build bridges between departments, make informed choices, and ultimately create a more harmonious and efficient educational environment. Whether you're a tech leader, educator, or administrator, you won't want to miss the valuable lessons shared in this episode.

Resources mentioned on the show

• Cyber triangle image: https://cdn.ymaws.com/theatlis.site-ym.com/resource/resmgr/images/articles/cyber_triangle.png

Listen, rate, and subscribe!

Discover the voices behind Talking Technology with ATLIS. During the introductory episode, ATLIS Executive Director, Christina Lewellen, is joined by co-hosts Bill Stites and Hiram Cuevas to dive deep into personal backstories and get an overview of where this podcast will go in the future.

Resources mentioned on the show

• https://www.werealive.com/
• https://gimletmedia.com/shows/science-vs
• Leadership Backstory https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leadership-backstory/id1670177469
• Sketch Model - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sketch-model-presented-by-olin-college-of-engineering/id1648175124
• MacAdmins Podcast - https://podcast.macadmins.org/

Listen, rate, and subscribe!