Talking Technology with ATLIS Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS)

Our hosts and guest discussed the challenges of staffing, considering evolution of school technology, and strategies for developing future technology leaders. They also covered the importance of retaining technology employees through competitive incentives and offered advice for women aspiring to technology roles in independent schools.
Resources
Stevenson SchoolLucid ChartsSusan Baldridge episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS
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ATLIS’s Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS) certification was launched through a collaborative effort involving subject matter experts and a diverse group of volunteers. This episode’s guests shared their experiences in creating the program while describing their personal motivations and the value gained. The exam's development and validation were also discussed, along with the program's growth and impact of the volunteers’ efforts. Aspiring IT professionals were encouraged to trust themselves and have confidence in their abilities when earning the TLIS certification, as it demonstrates their knowledge and value to their community.
Resources
ATLIS CertificationATLIS Certification Mailing ListTLIS Prep Program, July 26-27, 2024; Phoenix, AZ

From a keynote panel at the ATLIS Annual Conference 2024, in Reno, Nevada, panelists discussed the importance of developing AI literacy and ethical understanding alongside traditional skills to prepare students for the future job market, suggesting that independent schools implement guard rails around AI to address ethical concerns and equip students with the skills needed to become curators of AI in their day-to-day lives. They also highlighted the likelihood of AI affecting various job types over the next decade, underscoring the necessity of preparing students with the skills necessary to navigate this changing landscape.
Resources
9ine, specialists in data protection, tech, and cybersecurityMission Impact Academy (MIA), online education platformTarja Stephens on LinkedInMid-Pacific InstitutePaul Turnbull on LinkedInPandata, AI design and developmentCal Al-Dhubaib on LinkedInThe Future of Jobs Report 2023, Word Economic ForumThe State of Generative AI in the Enterprise, quarterly reports from DeloitteBrandeis Marshall, data equity strategistDurable Skills, website

Our hosts and guest highlighted the benefits of single-sex education at Gilman School, emphasizing how the all-boys environment allows students to pursue their interests without societal restrictions. There was discussion of the importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of every individual in a mission-oriented organization, as well as ways to enhance ATLIS membership and leadership opportunities. The speakers also highlighted the importance of advancing tech leadership in independent schools, with a focus on professional development programs like the TLIS credentialing program.
Resources
Gilman School, Baltimore, MDMolly Rumsey episode of Talking Technology with ATLISCenter for Institutional Research at Independent Schools (CIRIS)Rachel Gorsky, Director of Institutional Research & Data Analytics, Gilman SchoolSt. Christopher’s SchoolNAIS People of Color Conference

Recorded live from the ATLIS Annual Conference 2024 in Reno, Nevada, this episode features a keynote address by National Business Officers Association President and CEO, Jeff Shields. Jeff broaches a number of topics including the crucial role of technology leaders in aligning IT solutions with the school's strategic plan, providing professional development, and leveraging online learning to increase the value proposition of independent schools. He also emphasizes the need for collaboration and strong working relationships among school leaders to address complex challenges, and the importance of adopting a more sustainable business model to manage risks such as data security.
Resources
National Business Officers AssociationSlide deck from Jeff’s keynote address

The group talked about Molly Rumsey's career path, her time at a single-gender school, and why it's special. They also discussed what a CIO does each day, especially when managing tech across many buildings. They touched on Molly's school’s views on AI and her work with the ATLIS board, noting how she sees the organization benefiting its community. Lastly, they shared examples of projects that didn't go as planned and how they were handled.
Resources
Harpeth Hall SchoolGreen Hills area of Nashville, TNGAM - command line tool for Google Workspace AdminsATLIS Pillar AwardsMy Cousin Vinny