CoSN K-12 CTO Academy

Superintendents across the country are ensuring that their district's CTO have the skills they need to succeed. Whether interested in a comprehensive learning and networking opportunity for a CTO in the role for 4 years or less or strengthening continuity by engaging aspiring CTOs, the CoSN CTO Academy is a unique experience not available through any other organization.

The content for the CoSN K-12 Academy reflects the CoSN Essential Skills and is covered through a series of 16 modules. Each year, content is updated to reflect new challenges and opportunities in the EdTech landscape. Over twenty-five nationally known Content Experts serve as panelists and presenters for each module to ensure that the most practical, relevant and up-to-date information is shared. We strive for diversity in our panelists. 

Register here: https://www.cosn.org/careers-certification/early-career-k-12-cto-academy/

Schedule and Frequency

1. The CoSN Academy meets twice monthly for eight months beginning in October and concluding by June 1.

2. Meeting dates rotate between Thursday and Friday and between the times of 11:00-12:30 CT and 1:00-2:30 CT.

3. There is one scheduled face-to-face meeting at the CoSN conference (March/April) with a virtual option for those that cannot attend the conference. Conference registration is included in the academy registration fee.

4. There is an optional face-to-face meeting in the fall which includes a district/school(s) site visit. Since this meeting is optional, there is not a virtual component. A minimal fee is charged to cover the cost of food, meeting spaces, and transportation for the site visit. Each participant is responsible for lodging costs, incidentals, and meals not covered during the meeting times.

Format and Platform

1. The Academy uses the Canvas platform for housing content and Zoom for virtual meetings.

2. Each meeting is recorded, and recordings are posted in Canvas.

3. Breakout conversations are summarized and linked prior to next meeting date.
4. Agendas are linked in calendar invites for all meetings as well as posted in Canvas.
5. A News You Can Use is emailed monthly to recap meetings and communicate events and additional information. Each session consists of the following: 

• Pre-reading (brief)
• Content Presentation or facilitated panel discussion
• Breakout rooms for small group conversations and networking. Every other meeting there are specific breakout rooms for state cohorts. Alternate meetings provide networking opportunities with cohort members from across the country.
• Shareout of common themes from breakout room discussions

Registration is currently open and will close September 1, 2024, for the 24-25 cohorts. Register here: https://www.cosn.org/careers-certification/early-career-k-12-cto-academy/

Registration Fee

$2,599 members. This program is open only to individuals from CoSN member school systems. More information on joining CoSN is here: https://www.cosn.org/membership- overview/cosn-membership-application/

The registration fee will be invoiced upon acceptance. Fees include program, materials, and registration for the COSN 2025 Conference. Participants are responsible for travel and lodging for the COSN Conference.

Scholarships

We hope there will be 3-6 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Academy Scholarships available for CTOs from underrepresented populations in the education technology community. As part of the application process, you may request to be considered for one of these scholarships.

Application Requirements

1. Completed application through this page: https://www.cosn.org/careers-certification/early-career-k-12-cto-academy/

2. Letter of Recommendation from District Superintendent uploaded on the application page or emailed later to

kmurphy@dpsid.org after the application deadline

3. Current Resume/CV

4. Headshot for Academy Directory