The CoSN Podcast

In Part 2 of this special two-part CoSN Podcast series, we move beyond the research presentations and into the engaging moderated discussion led by  Keith Krueger , CEO of CoSN. Rebecca Winthrop of the Brookings Institution and Andreas Schleicher of the OECD compare their findings, discuss where their research aligns, and explore what K–12 leaders should prioritize as artificial intelligence becom...

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping K–12 education, but what does the latest global research actually tell us? In Part 1 of this special two-part CoSN Podcast, we explore the key findings from the CoSN webinar  Perspectives on AI in K–12: Implications of New Global Research.  CoSN CEO  Keith Krueger  is joined by two of the world's leading education researchers: Rebecca Winthrop  of the B...

How do K-12 technology leaders communicate the value of their work in an era of increasing expectations, tighter budgets, and rapidly evolving technologies? In this episode of the Consortium for School Networking Podcast, we explore key insights from the recent CoSN webinar,  Unlocking the Value of EdTech Investments , led by Frankie J. Jackson, CETL®, RTSBA. Joining Frankie for the discussion wer...

In this special episode, recorded live at CoSN2026, Dr. Candice Odgers, Associate Dean and Chancellor's Professor at the University of California, Irvine, shares insights from more than 25 years of research on adolescent mental health and digital technology. Drawing on decades of longitudinal research following thousands of young people, Dr. Odgers explores what the evidence actually tells us...

In Part 2 of this special CoSN podcast series, the conversation moves beyond policy and research into the realities of implementation. Building on the foundation established in Part 1 , education leaders, practitioners, and policy experts explore what happens when screen time legislation and technology policies reach classrooms, schools, and communities. Drawing from CoSN's webinar,  Screen Time i...

Across the country, state leaders are considering legislation that could significantly change how technology is used in K–12 schools. From cell phone restrictions to broader screen time limits, policymakers are grappling with questions about student well-being, academic outcomes, digital access, and workforce readiness. In Part 1 of this two-part CoSN podcast series, we explore the policy landscap...

What does it mean to lead technology in today’s K–12 schools? In this episode, we explore the growing importance of the CETL® (Certified Education Technology Leader) credential and why it has become one of the most respected certifications in education technology leadership. Drawing from insights shared by Yenny Caceres and Robin Gunter during the recent CETL® Basics webinar, this conversation exa...

Two Global Voices on the Future of AI in K–12 Education Two of the world’s most influential education policy leaders come together for a timely, unscripted conversation on what AI means for schools—now and next. Rebecca Winthrop  (Brookings Institution) and  Andreas Schleicher  (OECD), lead authors of newly released, high-profile global reports on AI in K–12 education, go beyond the headlines to u...

EdTech value doesn’t speak for itself. Leaders do. K–12 districts are investing millions in education technology—but too often, the story behind those investments gets lost. Data lives in spreadsheets. Impact is felt in classrooms. And leaders are left trying to connect the dots for boards, families, and communities. This webinar is designed for the leaders who have to tell that story clearly, con...

What makes CoSN more than just a conference? In this episode, we explore the insights from  “ More Than a Conference: Inside the Community Powering K–12 Tech Leadership ”  by Ellen Ullman, highlighting why district leaders across the country continue to return year after year. From the isolation many K–12 technology leaders face to the growing importance of collaboration, this conversation dives i...

Across the country, state leaders are considering legislation to limit or ban screen time in K–12 schools. These proposals raise complex questions about student well-being, academic outcomes, digital access, and workforce readiness-issues that have significant implications for the future of teaching and learning. To support thoughtful policymaking and inform this rapidly evolving public discussion...

Innovation in K–12 education isn’t just about vision—it’s about having the tools to make that vision real. In this final episode of our three-part series, we explore the  Tech Enablers  identified in the  2026 Driving K–12 Innovation Report , developed by the  Consortium for School Networking (CoSN)  and its global Advisory Board. Building on Episodes 1 and 2, this conversation brings everything t...

Innovation in K–12 education isn’t just about overcoming challenges—it’s about understanding what’s actively pushing change forward. In this second episode of a three-part series, we explore the  Accelerators  identified in the  2026 Driving K-12 Innovation Report , developed by the  Consortium for School Networking (CoSN)  and its global Advisory Board. Building on Episode 1, this conversation sh...

Innovation in K-12 education isn’t just about new tools—it’s about navigating the real challenges that shape how schools operate every day. In this first episode of a three-part series, we break down the  Hurdles  identified in the  2026 Driving K-12 Innovation Report , developed by the Consortium for School Networking and its global Advisory Board. Drawing directly from the CoSN webinar and repor...

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the cybersecurity landscape in K–12 education—and district leaders are now navigating a reality where opportunity and risk are accelerating at the same time. In this episode, we break down key insights from the CoSN webinar featuring  Michael Klein , Senior Director for Preparedness and Response at the Institute for Security and Technology and former Se...

Cybersecurity is no longer a background concern for school districts—it’s a leadership priority that directly impacts instruction, operations, and trust. In this episode of the CoSN Podcast, we break down the webinar  “Quick Wins: Cybersecurity Scalable Solutions for Districts of Any Size,”  featuring district leaders  Michael Arensdorff  and  Will Brackett  from  Oak Park Elementary School Distri...

This webinar will cover the basics of the CETL® credential. What is it? Why is it beneficial?  How to apply for recertification? And more.  Bring your questions and learn everything you need to know about advancing your career as an EdTech leader.  Presenters : Yenny Caceres, M.Ed, ICE-CCP Director of Certification at CoSN Robin Gunter, CETL® Director of Instructional Technology at Richardson ISD...

Artificial intelligence is rapidly entering classrooms, but educators have varying levels of experience and confidence. In this episode of the  CoSN Podcast , we explore the webinar  “Developing AI Innovation through the Stages of Adoption,”  presented by the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation. The discussion highlights a research-based framework that helps districts support educators as...

School districts are adopting more digital tools than ever before, but every new application brings important questions about  student data privacy and security . In this episode of the  Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) Podcast , we explore how districts are building structured processes to review and approve technology tools before they are introduced into classrooms. This conversation hig...

In Part Two of our Disaster Preparedness series, we move from strategic alignment to operational execution. After exploring how districts define recovery priorities in advance of a crisis, this episode takes a deep dive into the  CoSN Disaster Recovery Plan Template —a structured, leadership-driven framework developed by the CoSN Cybersecurity Advisory to formalize and validate recovery planning....

Disaster preparedness is no longer a technical exercise—it is a district leadership responsibility. In this episode, we explore how school systems can proactively prepare for technology and operational disruptions by establishing clear recovery priorities  before  a crisis occurs. From cybersecurity incidents to system outages to infrastructure failures, even short-term downtime can halt instructi...

As AI technology advances, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. This panel will explore the evolving landscape of cyber threats exacerbated by generative AI, highlighting how these sophisticated tools are used to create convincing phishing attempts and other forms of social engineering. We will also discuss the positive aspects of AI in enhancing cybersecurity measures, such as AI-driven threat de...

A Leadership Debrief of the CoSN Podcast "AI in Education: From Experimentation to Impact" This episode provides a strategic leadership review of the CoSN podcast  “AI in Education: From Experimentation to Impact,” originally published on December 18, 2025, and sponsored by Infosys. In that conversation, host  Stephen Gilfus  — founder of Blackboard and a national advisor on education, A...

Today’s K-12 innovators are navigating an evolving landscape — full of both opportunity and challenge. CoSN invited EdTech leaders from around the world to come together at the Driving K-12 Innovation virtual Summit on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, to explore ideas for leading change and receive early access to the 2026 report. Guided by insights from this year’s Driving K-12 Innovation Advisory Bo...

Join  Michael Klein,  former  Senior Advisor for Cybersecurity at the US Department of Education  and current Senior Director at the Institute for Security and Technology, for a focused discussion on how AI and cybersecurity risk are combining to transform the landscape in K–12 for school districts and the vendors they rely on. Michael brings deep experience in executive leadership, digital innova...