Chief Technology Officer Academy

Purpose
The Alabama Chief Technology Officer Academy is a certification program designed for those who currently serve as their system's technology director and those who aspire to such positions. It is founded on the understanding that the leadership responsibilities and expertise required for this role are tremendously complex and dynamic. Success in the role of a K-12 CTO means possessing and maintaining a high level of competency in education and technology, not just one or the other. Regardless of the participant's background, the program has much to offer. Participants will share with and learn from other professionals throughout the program, leading to personal and professional growth.
 
Program History
The original AL-CTO program began in 2016. ALET's first Vice President of Professional Development, Kelli Lane, led its development, including meeting with Alabama State Department of Education EdTech leaders. However, participants should know that attaining CTO certification does not require school systems to change the graduate's job title or pay.
 
In 2022, ALET partnered with University of Montevallo professors Dr. Jennifer Alexiou-Ray and Dr. Cassie Raulston to update the program. Both are long-time ALET members and graduates of the original CTO program. The updated program retains much of its former structure and content but requires an additional time investment and study. The new program, the Alabama Chief Technology Officer Academy, inducted its first cohort in the summer of 2022.
 
Participation
Anyone meeting the criteria may apply to participate in the CTO Academy. The criteria for participation are intended to establish and maintain program rigor and high quality, not to discriminate against any interested candidate. The criteria and order of acceptance are as follows:
  • New System Technology Directors with less than three years of experience
  • ALET Members currently serving as Technology Directors regardless of years of experience
  • ALET Members serving on the system’s technology staff
  • General ALET members having at least three years of experience in a K-12 educational role
Courses
The AL-CTO Academy consists of six strands covering all major responsibilities of the position.  The professional strands are aligned to standards from ISTE and the  CoSN Certified Educational Technology Leader (CETL) framework but tailored to Alabama. Please note that the CETL program and AL-CTO program are different certifications. Neither is a prerequisite for the other.
  • CTO ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • LAW, ETHICS, AND POLICIES
  • DATA MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE
  • TEACHING AND LEARNING
  • IT MANAGEMENT and CYBERSECURITY
  • TECHNOLOGY PLANNING and BUDGETING
PLU for the 2025 CTO Academy
The PD Title Number is PLUACLD1261
PD Title Name is Chief Technology Officer Academy PLU
 
Time Commitment and Schedule
Participants will complete 54 hours over a 12-month period.  Participants should be prepared to attend ALET’s three major events and attend four additional meeting dates throughout the year.
 
Participants will complete 54 hours of in-person professional learning over a 9-month period (September - June). They should be prepared to attend ALET’s three conferences and five additional annual meeting dates.
 
2025 Cohort Tentative Schedule

CTO Roles & Responsibilities
Sunday, September 22nd, 2024 - Orange Beach
 
Law
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 - Shelby County Instructional Services Center, Alabaster

Ethics & Policies
Thursday, November 21, 2024 - Thompson High School, Alabaster

IT Management & Cybersecurity
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 - Trussville City Schools, Trussville
 
Technology Planning and Budgeting
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - TBD, Muscle Shoals
 
Data Management & Governance
Friday, May 2, 2025 - University of Montevallo, Montevallo
 
Teaching and Learning
Prior to the ALET Summer Conference. Date TBA. Mobile 
  
Cost
The one-time course fee is $100. Participants are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and meals. Scholarships may be available for members of the 2025 CTO Cohort who have financial needs. Indicate your interest in applying on the application. 
 
Apply
Applications for the 2025 cohort are closed.
 
Recertification for CTO Graduates
All CTO graduates must have 12 hours of ALET-approved professional development each year to renew their CTO certification. Six of these hours must be in-person at ALET events. 
 
Contacts
VP of Professional Learning – April Chamberlain - profdev@go-alet.org
Academy Coordinator - Dr. Jennifer Alexiou-Ray - jennifer.ray@go-alet.org
Academy Coordinator - Dr. Cassie Raulston - cassie.raulston@go-alet.org