The CoSN Podcast

COSN - The Podcast
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Education
  • Biweekly

The CoSN Podcast, produced and distributed by edCircuit, provides current and aspiring K-12 edtech leaders with timely insights and strategies to succeed in the ever-evolving world of school system technology. Hear from Certified Education Technology Leaders (CETL), visionary district changemakers, and instructional experts, who will discuss essential topics such as innovation, IT leadership, cybersecurity, and more.

  1. 1d ago

    AI, Automation, and the Future of K–12 Networks: Year 2 Trends & Findings from CoSN’s 2026 Survey Webinar

    As K–12 school districts grow increasingly dependent on always-on, secure, and high-performing networks, IT leaders face mounting challenges in managing complexity, ensuring security, and supporting digital learning at scale. With a surge in connected devices, cloud-based applications, and IoT infrastructure, the traditional approach to network operations continues to be tested. To track how districts are addressing these ongoing challenges and where AI and automation fit into the evolving network strategy, CoSN and Juniper Networks conducted their 2026 follow-up survey of district technology leaders across the country. Watch this exclusive webinar as we unveil key findings from the 2026 report, including: • Top challenges facing K–12 network operations today • Year-over-year trends in the adoption of AI and automation technologies • Leading use cases and areas of highest impact • Ongoing barriers to implementation and the readiness of IT staff • Evolving perceptions around trust, security, and ROI of AI-driven networks This session will provide an updated, data-informed look at how school districts are reimagining their network environments and what steps leaders can take in 2026 to build more intelligent, resilient, and future-ready infrastructure. Intended Audience: CTOs, CIOs, network administrators, technology leaders, and anyone involved in school district infrastructure planning. Speakers: Keith Krueger, CEO CoSN Dr. Beth Holland, Managing Director, Research & Policy, FullScale Eric Heinrich, Field CTO, K12 HPE Presented by: CoSN, sponsored by HPE Resources: Watch the webinar: AI, Automation, and the Future of K–12 Networks: Year 2 Trends & Findings from CoSN’s 2026 Survey U.S. STATE OF EDTECH 2026 CoSN is vendor-neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes. For a complete listing of all CoSN's webinars, please visit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cosn.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced in partnership with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠

    AI, Automation, and the Future of K–12 Networks: Year 2 Trends & Findings from CoSN’s 2026 Survey Webinar

  2. Oct 27

    Beyond Awareness: Building Cybersecurity Readiness in K-12

    How does a school district know whether it is prepared for a cybersecurity incident? Cybersecurity Awareness Month provides an opportunity to ask that question—and build practices that last throughout the year. In this episode of the CoSN podcast, the discussion explores how districts can assess their readiness, prioritize improvements, protect essential services, and prepare people to respond when something goes wrong. Drawing on CoSN’s cybersecurity resources and Cybersecurity Rubric, the conversation connects leadership decisions with the everyday work of protecting school systems and information. A district example from Suring, Wisconsin, illustrates how recurring assessments can guide improvements, while hypothetical scenarios explore suspicious requests, vendor incidents, and disruptions to school operations. Topics discussed Assessing readiness: Using the Cybersecurity Rubric and supporting evidence to identify strengths and gaps. Setting priorities: Connecting security improvements to school operations, staffing, and budget decisions. Protecting access: Strengthening authentication and reviewing permissions as staff and student needs change. Preparing people: Helping staff recognize suspicious requests, verify information, and report concerns promptly. Managing vendor risk: Evaluating providers and clarifying responsibilities before an incident occurs. Responding and recovering: Establishing roles, preparing alternate communications, and testing recovery processes. Practicing and improving: Using tabletop exercises and after-action reviews to make measurable progress. A question for district leaders What evidence supports your district’s confidence in its cybersecurity readiness—and which improvement needs attention next? Written plans, completed training, and security tools all contribute to readiness. Leaders also need evidence that people understand their responsibilities and that essential processes work when tested. Explore the resources CoSN Cybersecurity Resources and Toolkit CoSN Cybersecurity Rubric Cybersecurity Planning Cybersecurity Prevention and Preparation Cybersecurity Implementation Cybersecurity Response Understanding and Responding to SaaS Vendor Cybersecurity Incidents Suring School District’s Approach to Cybersecurity Assessment and Improvement NIST Cybersecurity Framework Further learning CoSN offers courses and the Cybersecurity Readiness for Education (CCRE)  for individuals seeking deeper expertise in applying the Rubric. The CCRE designation is earned by individuals; districts can use the Rubric for self-assessment without pursuing a credential. Some linked resources require CoSN member access. Visit CoSN.org to explore tools that can help your district turn cybersecurity awareness into year-round readiness. Produced in partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. CoSN is vendor-neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes. This episode was generated in part using AI tools. All content was reviewed and approved by CoSN and the edCircuit editorial team before publication.

    Beyond Awareness: Building Cybersecurity Readiness in K-12

  3. Oct 20

    2026 Blaschke Report: Making Change Management a District Practice — Part 3

    How can school districts turn change management into a consistent leadership practice? In the final episode of our three-part series, we explore the leadership recommendations in CoSN’s 2026 Blaschke Report, Change Management for Education Technology: A Practical Guide for District Leaders, authored by Jesse Davis, CoSN’s 2026 Blaschke Fellow. Building on Part 2’s discussion of ADKAR, this conversation examines how districts can organize the people, responsibilities, communication, and support needed to sustain technology adoption. We also consider how documenting lessons from one initiative can strengthen the next. In this episode We discuss the report’s seven recommendations for district leaders: Integrate change management with project management from the beginning. Hire dedicated change managers when possible, or equip qualified staff with sufficient time, training, and authority. Establish a network of trusted change champions who represent affected groups. Create dedicated channels for ongoing communication, questions, and feedback. Use evidence to guide decisions and adjust implementation. Give end users a formal role in evaluating technology before purchasing. Establish a change management council that brings departments together to review and coordinate changes. The conversation also highlights the report’s example from Corpus Christi Independent School District and explains how establishing a new organizational baseline helps districts carry their learning into future initiatives. A look back at the series Part 1 — Why EdTech Change Starts With People We introduced the report’s central message: successful technology implementation requires attention to both technical tasks and the people affected. The conversation explored identifying a genuine need, understanding current conditions, and involving stakeholders early. Part 2 — Putting ADKAR Into Practice We examined the five outcomes of ADKAR—Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement—and how they help leaders understand what individuals need to adopt and sustain a change. Part 3 — Making Change Management a District Practice We bring those ideas together through the report’s leadership recommendations, exploring how districts can assign responsibility, provide support, involve users, and learn throughout implementation. Across the series, three questions connect the discussion: Why are we making this change? What do people need to make it work? How will leadership provide and sustain that support? Explore the report and learn more Read the 2026 Blaschke Report: Change Management for Education Technology: A Practical Guide for District Leaders. The report also introduces the companion School District Change Management Toolkit, including a change readiness checklist, a communication plan, and a change champion guide. Visit CoSN to explore additional resources supporting school system technology leadership. Share this series with colleagues and use it to begin a conversation about an initiative underway in your district. Produced in partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. CoSN is vendor-neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes. This episode was generated in part using AI tools. All content was reviewed and approved by CoSN and the edCircuit editorial team before publication.

    2026 Blaschke Report: Making Change Management a District Practice — Part 3

  4. Oct 13

    2026 Blaschke Report: Putting ADKAR Into Practice — Part 2

    When people struggle with a technology change, another training session may not address what they need. In Part 2 of this three-part CoSN podcast series, we explore ADKAR, the change management framework used in the 2026 Blaschke Report. Developed by Jeff Hiatt, founder of Prosci, ADKAR focuses on what individuals need to adopt and sustain a change. The conversation explains each outcome and considers how district leaders can identify the support people need at different points in a transition. In this episode Awareness: Understanding why the change is necessary. Desire: Choosing to participate in and support the change. Knowledge: Learning what to do and how to perform a role after the change. Ability: Applying that learning in actual working conditions. Reinforcement: Sustaining new practices through continuing feedback, monitoring, and support. We examine why understanding the purpose does not automatically create willingness to participate, why training does not automatically lead to practical ability, and why support must continue after launch. Brief examples from the report connect these ideas to school settings, while reflection questions help listeners consider a current district initiative. About the report and its author Change Management for Education Technology: A Practical Guide for District Leaders was authored by Jesse Davis, CoSN’s 2026 Blaschke Fellow. Drawing on research and interviews with education and technology leaders, the report offers guidance for managing both the technical and human sides of technology adoption. Coming next Part 3: Making Change Management a District Practice will examine the report’s seven leadership recommendations and how districts can establish a new organizational baseline to guide future initiatives. Resources Read the 2026 Blaschke Report Learn about the Blaschke Fund and Fellowship Produced in partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. CoSN is vendor-neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes. This episode was generated in part using AI tools. All content was reviewed and approved by CoSN and the edCircuit editorial team before publication.

    2026 Blaschke Report: Putting ADKAR Into Practice — Part 2

  5. Oct 7

    2026 Blaschke Report: Why EdTech Change Starts With People Part 1

    A new system is up and running. Training is complete. But are the people expected to use it prepared for the change? In the first episode of this three-part CoSN podcast series, we explore the human and organizational side of education technology adoption through the 2026 Blaschke Report, Change Management for Education Technology: A Practical Guide for District Leaders. The conversation examines why a successful technical launch can still leave teachers, staff, students, and families needing support—and what district leaders should consider before moving forward with a technology initiative. In this episode What change management means for K–12 school systems. How project management and change management work together. Why communication, trust, and meaningful stakeholder participation matter. The importance of establishing a genuine need and understanding current conditions. Planning for readiness, clear responsibilities, and ongoing support. A preview of the framework and leadership recommendations explored in Parts 2 and 3. About the report and its author The report was authored by Jesse Davis, CoSN’s 2026 Blaschke Fellow. Drawing on research and interviews with education and technology leaders, it offers practical guidance for preparing school communities to adopt and sustain technological change. The Blaschke Fellowship supports emerging leaders in education technology policy and advocacy and honors the legacy of Charles Blaschke. Continue the series Part 2 will explore ADKAR, the report’s framework for understanding and supporting individual change. Part 3 will examine the report’s seven leadership recommendations and how districts can establish a repeatable change management practice. Resources Read the 2026 Blaschke Report: Change Management for Education Technology Learn about the Blaschke Fund and Fellowship Produced in partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. CoSN is vendor-neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes. This episode was generated in part using AI tools. All content was reviewed and approved by CoSN and the edCircuit editorial team before publication.

    2026 Blaschke Report: Why EdTech Change Starts With People Part 1

  6. Sep 29

    The CoSN Webinar Series: Toward a Sustainable Future: The K–12 Tech Environmental Sustainability Committee

    How can schools make their technology last longer while spending less and creating less waste? In this episode of the CoSN Webinar Series, Louis McDonald, CETL, shares the work of CoSN’s K–12 Technology Environmental Sustainability Committee and walks through the practical decisions behind its best practices playbook. Louis examines six areas districts can act on: energy efficiency, sustainable materials, device lifespans, electronic waste, repairability, and vendor practices. He explains how steps such as putting devices into sleep mode, choosing durable equipment, building repair programs, and planning for responsible trade-ins or recycling can affect both district budgets and the environment. The presentation also makes the case for bringing technology, finance, procurement, facilities, and instructional teams into these decisions. Districts do not have to tackle every area at once. Louis offers starting points and shows how leaders can measure the results. Featured speaker: Louis McDonald, CETL, Project Director, K–12 Technology Environmental Sustainability, CoSN Resources:  Watch the presentation and view the slides CoSN’s Sustainability Procurement Guidelines CoSN is vendor-neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes. For a complete listing of all CoSN's webinars, please visit:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.cosn.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced in partnership with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠

    The CoSN Webinar Series: Toward a Sustainable Future: The K–12 Tech Environmental Sustainability Committee

  7. Sep 24

    More Than Membership: The Power of CoSN’s Community and Chapters

    Leading technology in a K–12 school system can be complex—and sometimes isolating. Technology leaders are expected to navigate cybersecurity, student data privacy, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, digital equity, budgeting, policy, and instructional needs, often at the same time. In this episode of the CoSN Podcast, two education technology experts discuss how CoSN membership connects leaders with peers who understand those responsibilities. The conversation explores the value of CoSN’s national community, practical K–12 resources, professional learning, credentials, advocacy, and 38 chapters serving 39 states. Listeners will also learn how institutional membership can support an entire district team and why the greatest value of CoSN membership may be the professional relationships built through the organization. In This Episode Why K–12 technology leadership can feel isolatingHow the CoSN Network connects leaders facing similar challengesThe value of national perspectives and local chapter relationshipsPractical resources covering cybersecurity, privacy, AI, digital equity, E-Rate, and other emerging issuesProfessional learning for new and experienced technology leadersCareer development through CETL and CCRECommittee, volunteer, mentoring, and leadership opportunitiesHow CoSN advocacy gives technology leaders a stronger voiceThe benefits of extending institutional membership across a district teamHow to select a membership option, join CoSN, or renew an existing membership Explore CoSN Membership CoSN Membership OverviewMember Benefits and PricingBecome a CoSN MemberExplore CoSN ChaptersIndividual MembershipsRenew Your MembershipCETL CertificationCybersecurity Readiness for Education Questions about membership, chapters, volunteer opportunities, account information, or renewals can be sent to membership@cosn.org. Produced in partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠⁠⁠. CoSN is vendor-neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes. This episode was generated in part using AI tools. All content was reviewed and approved by CoSN and the edCircuit editorial team before publication.

    More Than Membership: The Power of CoSN’s Community and Chapters

  8. Sep 15

    Closing the Digital Safety Gap: E-Rate and the Evolution of School Filtering

    School filtering is more than a technical setting—it is part of the infrastructure that helps districts provide safe, reliable access to digital learning. In this episode, we explore CoSN CIRCUITS’ brief, Closing the Digital Safety Gap: E-Rate and the Evolution of School Filtering. The discussion looks at the filtering requirements connected to E-Rate, why school-managed devices offer stronger protections than personal devices and cellular networks, and the role local policy plays in determining what a district blocks. We also examine how modern filtering tools are evolving, why no filter is perfect, and why digital safety requires more than technology alone. What You’ll Learn in This Episode E-Rate and CIPA: Why districts receiving E-Rate funding must maintain internet-safety policies and content-filtering protections.Local decision-making: How school boards, district leaders, and community values shape filtering policies.Managed devices vs. personal devices: Why school-issued devices can be safer than personal laptops and phones using cellular data.The limits of filtering: Why bypass attempts require both technical monitoring and an appropriate behavioral response.Modern filtering tools: How machine learning and AI help identify harmful content and emerging risks more quickly.A layered approach to digital safety: Why filtering must be supported by clear expectations, digital citizenship, staff oversight, and family communication. Resources Mentioned CoSN CIRCUITS Committee — resources supporting reliable, secure, and adaptable K–12 technology infrastructure.Closing the Digital Safety Gap: E-Rate and the Evolution of School Filtering — download the full CoSN CIRCUITS brief.CoSN E-Rate Resources — resources and updates on the E-Rate program. Initial comments are due October 13, 2026. Reply comments are due November 12, 2026. Take Action ⁠Visit the Save Our E-Rate campaign⁠⁠Contact elected officials through CoSN’s Action Center⁠⁠Submit comments through the FCC⁠ Produced in partnership with ⁠⁠⁠edCircuit⁠⁠⁠. CoSN is vendor-neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes. This episode was generated in part using AI tools. All content was reviewed and approved by CoSN and the edCircuit editorial team before publication.

    Closing the Digital Safety Gap: E-Rate and the Evolution of School Filtering
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Ratings & Reviews

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out of 5
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About

The CoSN Podcast, produced and distributed by edCircuit, provides current and aspiring K-12 edtech leaders with timely insights and strategies to succeed in the ever-evolving world of school system technology. Hear from Certified Education Technology Leaders (CETL), visionary district changemakers, and instructional experts, who will discuss essential topics such as innovation, IT leadership, cybersecurity, and more.

Information

  • Creator
    COSN - The Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    136
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © COSN - The Podcast
  • Show Website
    The CoSN Podcast

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