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 both 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:
- ALET Delegate Members (technology directors) serving in a school system’s highest EdTech leadership position regardless of years of experience in education
- ALET General Members having a minimum of three years of experience working in the education field
Courses
The AL-CTO Academy consists of six courses, covering all major responsibilities of the position. The professional strands are patterned after the CoSN Certified Educational Technology Leader (CETL) framework but are tailored for 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
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 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.
2024 Cohort Tentative Schedule
September 24th, 2023 - Sunday preceding the ALET Fall Symposium in Orange Beach
October 24, 2023 - Trussville, AL
November 30, 2023 - Montevallo, AL
January 11, 2024 - Alabaster, AL
February 7, 2024, Alabaster, AL
March 4, 2024 - Tuscaloosa, AL
April 5, 2024 - Alabaster, AL
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 2024 CTO Cohort who have a financial need. Indicate your interest in applying on the application.
Apply
The application deadline was June 26 at 5 PM. No further applications are being accepted.
Re-Certification for CTO Graduates
CTO Recertification Policy. The timelines are as follows:
- ALPHA, BETA, and CHARLIE documentation is due by June 1, 2022
- DELTA documentation is due by June 1, 2023
- ECHO documentation is due by June 1, 2024
- FOXTROT documentation is due by June 1, 2025
Contacts
VP of Professional Learning – Tim Brothers (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