IETL Podcast

Screen time has become one of the most debated topics in education, often framed as a simple question of “how much is too much?” But what if that’s the wrong question? In this episode of the IETL Podcast, Tony and MJ are joined by Cooper Sved to unpack the findings from his recent Blaschke report for CoSN . Together, they explore what the research actually says about screen use in schools and chal...

In this episode of the IETL Podcast, we welcome Tara Thomas, registered lobbyist for AASA, The School Superintendents Association, for an in-depth federal policy update focused on the issues that matter most to K–12 education leaders. Tara breaks down the latest developments in Congress and federal agencies, including education funding priorities, E-Rate and connectivity updates, cybersecurity and...

In this episode of the IETL Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Steve Webb to explore how technology is shaping the future of school safety. From surveillance systems and access controls to emergency communication tools, technology-based security solutions are playing an increasingly central role in keeping students and staff safe. But with innovation comes challenges. Who owns these systems — the super...

Enjoy our yearly tradition of interviewing CoSN 2025 Attendees to find out what the one thing is that they will take away from the conference.

Join MJ and Tony, in this second special episode of the IETL Podcast, host a panel of Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) while we dive into a dynamic book study of The Savvy Edtech Leader . Join us as these edtech experts unpack key insights, share real-world applications, and discuss how the book’s strategies align with the challenges and opportunities in K-12 technology leadership. From navigating...

Join MJ and Tony, in this special episode of the IETL Podcast, host a panel of Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) while we dive into a dynamic book study of The Savvy Edtech Leader . Join us as these edtech experts unpack key insights, share real-world applications, and discuss how the book’s strategies align with the challenges and opportunities in K-12 technology leadership. From navigating digita...

Join MJ and Tony on this episode of the Illinois Educational Technology Leaders (IETL) Podcast for an insightful discussion on women in technology and the power of allyship . In this episode, we explore the challenges, successes, and strategies for fostering inclusivity in the tech field. Hear from inspiring leaders who share their experiences, best practices, and actionable ways to support and up...

Is the Department of Education going to close?  How do we prepare for a new Federal Administration?  Explore the answers to these questions and many others as a new Federal Administration takes charge of the White House. Join special guest Noelle Ellerson Ng with MJ and Tony as they discuss a second Federal update.

Join MJ and Tony with special guest CoSN CEO Keith Kreuger for a federal update.  Keith discusses the Cybersecurity Pilot with the FCC, E-Rate, the USAC legal case, and other federal updates.

Join MJ and Tony in listening to takeaways from CoSN 2024! Reminder: Workshop #1 is 9/27!

Join the IETL Podcast Book Study of Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. This is the third and final episode, in which IETL members will discuss specific parts of the book and how we can incorporate them into our teams. Linke to the book:  https://www.amazon.com/Unreasonable-Hospitality-Remarkable-Giving-People/dp/0593418573/ref=sr_1_1?crid=VWGIRK08Q0JY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.w76IhuhS1xFA1chXSr...

Join the IETL Podcast Book Study of Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara.  This is the second of three episodes where IETL members will discuss specific parts of the book and how we can incorporate them with our teams. Linke to the book:  https://www.amazon.com/Unreasonable-Hospitality-Remarkable-Giving-People/dp/0593418573/ref=sr_1_1?crid=VWGIRK08Q0JY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.w76IhuhS1xFA1chXSrOS...

Join the IETL Podcast Book Study of Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara.  This is the first of three episodes where IETL members will discuss specific parts of the book and how we can incorporate them with our teams. Linke to the book:   https://www.amazon.com/Unreasonable-Hospitality-Remarkable-Giving-People/dp/0593418573/ref=sr_1_1?crid=VWGIRK08Q0JY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.w76IhuhS1xFA1chXSrOS...

Join MJ and Tony in talking with Noelle Ellerson Ng, AASA's Associate Executive Director of Advocacy give a Federal Legislative Update.  We cover topics including current bills impacting technology and educational funding, FCC updates, eRate, and Cybersecurity.  Want to join our book study?  Sign up at the link below! https://forms.gle/BJMvjB3nitapLojV8

Listen to eSports coach Bryan Tallitsch on how to start and maintain an eSports program in your school district! Want to join our book study?  Sign up at the link below! https://forms.gle/BJMvjB3nitapLojV8 eSports Links IHSA link https://www.ihsa.org/Sports-Activities/The-Future-Games-Here There can be a very low barrier to entry, and still time to sign up, find a few students who can compete in t...

AI is the hottest topic in edtech currently.  Come listen to MJ and Tony talk with Andrew Ko, former AWS and Mircosoft edtech leader and IETL member Michael Marassa, on the impacts and policy implications of AI in Illinois.

Join MJ and Tony as they reflect on the past CTO summit, membership growth and introduce season 6 of the IETL podcast.

Season 5 comes to an end with MJ and Tony talking about the explosion of AI in education, CoSN's newly released strategic Plan, ways to get involved in IETL, and transitions. AI Resources https://wakelet.com/wake/ItnnuMz7WByinQt30DKz-

Join MJ, Tony, and a bunch of other Illinois IETL members talk live at CoSN!  Learn about what our colleagues thought was the most impactful session that they attended.  Additionally, Keith Krueger the CEO of CoSN announces that CoSN 2024 is in Miami! If you have never attended the CoSN conference, this is a great way to join in from afar.

Our book group title this school year is *Upstream - The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen* by Dan Heath.  Join MJ, Tony, and our fantastic panel as we dissect the first of three sections of our book Upstream. Please join our discussion by tweeting and including the hashtag #IETLUpstream

Our book group title this school year is *Upstream - The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen* by Dan Heath.  Join MJ, Tony, and our fantastic panel as we dissect the first of three sections of our book Upstream. Please join our discussion by tweeting and including the hashtag #IETLUpstream

Our book group title this school year is *Upstream - The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen* by Dan Heath.  Join MJ, Tony, and our fantastic panel as we dissect the first of three sections of our book Upstream. Please join our discussion by tweeting and including the hashtag #IETLUpstream

MJ and Tony take some time to reflect on season 4 of the IETL podcast.  We also review the gift guide if you are looking for any last-minute gifts.  Finally, we are introducing Season 5 and our NEW BOOK STUDY, Upstart! If you are interested in joining the Upstart Book Study fill out the form below. https://forms.gle/oj8Luqvp8eQQNDm36

Have you ever had such a hard time finding staff that you needed to look for a Managed Service Provider?  If not, listen as two of our fellow colleagues talk about how they have used MSPs.

Imagine starting as a first-time CTO or changing districts and realizing that your team is not working the way you expected.  What next?  How do you design and build a team that works for the ever-changing role of technology support?  What physical and political barriers will you need to overcome? Listen in as MJ, Tony, and our guest Don talk about how do you design and build your team.