10 CoSN Back-to-School Resources for Ed Tech Leaders

CoSN back-to-school resources can help ed tech leaders begin the 2026–27 academic year with practical guidance on AI, cybersecurity, screen time, procurement, and federal policy. These 10 resources provide useful tools, professional learning opportunities, and connections to help technology teams address immediate needs while planning for the year ahead.

1. Purposeful Technology & Screen Time

In today’s digital landscape, shifting the narrative from passive screen consumption to intentional, high-impact learning is paramount. CoSN’s Purposeful Education Technology and Screen Time Resources empower EdTech leaders to navigate state policy mandates, distinguish instructional technology from recreational use, and communicate the value of edtech to local communities.

• CoSN Website Resources: Education technology is effective when it is centered on learning, students are protected online, and transparent, local decision-making guides implementation. Learn more at https://www.cosn.org/purposeful-edtech/https://www.cosn.org/purposeful-edtech/ 
• “Screens in Balance” Report & Policy Briefings: Practical resources providing clear definitions such as structured vs. unstructured screen time and actionable frameworks to inform school board policies and state leadership decisions.
• Upcoming Book — Coming in September 2026! A crowdsourced book from America’s public schools—Purposeful Technology, Powerful Learning: You Can’t Ban Possibility, by Stacy Hawthorne, Ed.D., CETL. ® Across the country, lawmakers are debating how much screen time belongs in schools. This book asks a different question: what happens to students when we take the possibility away? Thirteen districts. Real classrooms. Documented stories of technology used with intention.
• Coming Soon: Free public Executive Summary for our member-only Screentime Policy Toolkit, a full 60+ page resource for members. 
• CoSN Screen Time Workshop: The first one begins on September 15, 2026.  From Digital Fear to Digital Trust: refracting the Screen Time Debate Workshop Fall 2026 Register Today!

2. EdTech Advocacy & E-Rate Funding

In today’s digital landscape, securing essential federal funding and shaping policy debates at the national and state levels is paramount. CoSN’s Advocacy and E-Rate Resources empower EdTech leaders to actively champion robust funding, protect broadband expansion, and bridge the digital divide—ensuring all students have safe, reliable access to high-speed learning environments.

Core Policy & Advocacy Tools

• Petition to protect E-Rate and Americas’s Digital Learning Connectivity. This form allows your school district or nonprofit organization to sign this CoSN petition urging Congress to protect and strengthen E-Rate. The petition asks Congress to encourage the FCC to preserve E-Rate’s core mission of expanding affordable broadband access for schools and libraries and reject efforts that would weaken or narrow the program. 
• https://cosn.quorum.us/https://cosn.quorum.us/https://cosn.quorum.us/An interactive grassroots platform providing direct access to Phone2Action tools, allowing district leaders to contact legislators and advocate on critical E-Rate, federal funding, and privacy legislation.
• Bookmark this page to stay updated on how to submit public comments on the FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Highlighting the local impact of losing E-Rate funding for your school district or state is crucial to preserving these resources. To check your district’s current funding levels, visit Save Our E-Rate . 

3. State Chapters & Regional Leadership Networks

Being involved with a CoSN chapter connects you with local K–12 EdTech leaders, providing opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas and best practices, and learn from peers who understand the unique challenges facing schools in your state or region. 

• Chapters offer professional learning through workshops, webinars, conferences, CTO Clinics, and other local programs, while keeping members informed about state-level education technology issues, legislation, regulations, and initiatives. 
• Members can also get involved through volunteer and leadership opportunities, helping shape chapter programs and priorities while contributing to the growth of the EdTech profession. 
• Through their chapter, members also have a connection to the broader CoSN community and its national resources, events, and professional network.

4. Cybersecurity Rubric & Risk Mitigation

In today’s digital landscape, safeguarding school networks and benchmarked digital defenses are equally paramount. Integrating CoSN’s core cybersecurity resources with the K-12 Cybersecurity Rubric empowers EdTech leaders to measure their security maturity, mitigate operational risks, and secure funding across Planning, Prevention and Preparation, Implementation, and Response.

• CoSN K-12 Cybersecurity Rubric Framework: Benchmarks, aligned with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0, your school district’s current security maturity across key domains, offering clear indicators to identify gaps and track continuous improvement.
• The NIST Cybersecurity Framework provides a structured approach for organizations to protect their digital assets. Our CoSN’s NIST Cybersecurity Framework Resource Alignment for K-12 site seamlessly aligns it with a wealth of free and CoSN member resources, empowering school districts to fortify their cyber programs and safeguard their educational environments against evolving digital threats. Use this site to find the resources you need to build and expand your cybersecurity program.
• CoSN Cybersecurity Staffing Resource for K-12: Identifies best practices for structuring, hiring, and retaining cybersecurity talent across the entire organization.
• Using the Cybersecurity Rubric for Strategic PlanningUsing the Cybersecurity Rubric for Strategic PlanningUsing the Cybersecurity Rubric for Strategic Planning: Guides IT leaders in translating rubric assessment scores into actionable, prioritized security roadmaps and capital allocations.

5. AI Summits, Toolkits & Visual Infographics

In today’s digital landscape, ensuring that school systems are prepared to harness artificial intelligence responsibly is paramount. CoSN has a wide variety of resources and professional development opportunities designed to  empower EdTech and executive leadership teams to move beyond awareness, evaluate AI readiness, develop governance strategies, and establish clear ethical guardrails. These tools support school districts across key operational and instructional dimensions—including Leadership, Data Privacy, Technical Infrastructure, Security, and Academic AI Literacy.

• AI District Leaders Action Summits: Interactive, cabinet-level workshops  designed to offer dedicated time for superintendents, technology leaders, operations leaders, and academic leaders, to build an action-ready 3- to 9-month strategic roadmap for districtwide AI readiness and governance.  https://www.cosn.org/event/ai-district-leaders-action-summit-knoxville/https://www.cosn.org/event/ai-district-leaders-action-summit-knoxville/
• CoSN/CGCS K-12 Gen AI Maturity Tool & Readiness Checklist: Self-evaluation frameworks that allow district teams to benchmark their readiness and capabilities across leadership, operational, technical, security, and legal/risk domains.
• Infographics & One-Pagers: Visual, easy-to-share graphics designed for superintendents, school boards, and community stakeholders that map core values, guardrails, and implementation pillars. cosn.org/ai/ 
• AI Readiness & Guidance Toolkit: Practical guides and sample policy language—developed in partnership with national educational organizations—focused on data privacy, ethical use, and equity in AI integration. cosn.org/ai/ 
• Professional Learning: A wide array of AI-focused webinars and other learning opportunities designed to help district leadership teams analyze trade-offs and clarify strategic priorities. .cosn.org/education-events/event-calendar/ 

6. Smart EdTech Procurement Guidelines

In today’s digital landscape, modernizing vendor vetting and establishing rigorous purchasing standards are paramount. CoSN Tools and Resources on Smart EdTech Procurement empower leaders to evaluate software, hardware, and service providers efficiently, reduce contractual risks, and ensure every tool aligns with district standards for security, privacy, and instructional quality.

Core Procurement Guidelines

• EdTech Quality Indicators Guide: A strategic framework centered on five core indicators—evidence-based design, product safety, inclusivity, usability, and interoperability—to streamline software selection and post-procurement evaluation
• K-12 Community Vendor Assessment Tool (K-12CVAT): A standardized risk-assessment questionnaire designed for RFPs and purchase evaluations to verify vendor data privacy, cybersecurity, and infrastructure safety practices before signing contracts.
• Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal Framework: Vendor guidance and district criteria that ensure third-party tools adhere to strict student data privacy policies and statutory compliance requirements.
• Sustainability Procurement Guidelines: Practical strategies and RFP language to help districts evaluate hardware lifecycles, energy efficiency, and long-term repairability to minimize costs and environmental impact.
• TCO and VOI in Procurement: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) covers the full lifecycle costs of technology, including hardware, infrastructure, support, and training, preventing budget surprises and low-bid traps during procurement. Value of Investment (VOI) measures the broader returns, such as operational efficiency and strategic outcomes, helping teams justify budgets and negotiate better terms. Combined, they ensure procurement decisions are both financially accurate and high-impact. Unlocking Value of Investment (VOI) and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for EdTech Leaders Facilitated Online Workshop Fall 2026 Workshop begins 11/9.

7. Fall Professional Learning Courses & Bundles

In today’s digital landscape, empowering EdTech teams through targeted, high-impact professional development is paramount. CoSN’s Fall Online Courses and Professional Learning Packages allow K-12 technology leaders, aspiring CTOs, and IT staff to deepen their technical expertise, earn CEA Credits toward CETL® and CCRE renewals, and build collaborative networks.

Core Fall Courses & Training Packages

• CTO Academy for K-12 Early Career and Aspiring CTOs 2026-27 (Applications due 11/1) A program to address the needs of education technology leaders who are new (less than four full years) to their CTO or Technology Leadership position or aspiring CTOs and EdTech leaders currently working in a technology department. Academy participants make a positive impact on student-centered and digital learning in their school district and enhance their career trajectory. 
• CETL® K-12 CTO Framework Foundation Course (Starts 10/6) A comprehensive facilitated course aligned with CoSN’s Framework of Essential Skills, preparing leaders for the Certified Education Technology Leader exam.
• Cybersecurity in K-12 Schools Facilitated Course (Starts 9/2) Focuses on enterprise security fundamentals, risk controls, and vulnerability mitigation designed specifically for school system IT infrastructure staff.
• The Intersection of Data Privacy and Cybersecurity CourseThe Intersection of Data Privacy and Cybersecurity CourseThe Intersection of Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Course (Starts 10/5) Explores legal compliance (FERPA), data governance, and procurement standards needed to safeguard student information in cloud-based environments.
• Project Management for K-12 School Leaders (Starts 10/13) A tailored course addressing budgeting, resource allocation, and project execution through the lens of school technology leadership.
• CoSN Professional Learning Packages (Essentials & Leadership Packs): Flexible bundles that allow districts to prepay for combinations of full facilitated courses, online workshops, and incident response tabletop exercises at significant team and department discounts.

8. The CoSN Podcast & Video Channels

In today’s digital landscape, accessing flexible, on-demand learning experiences is paramount. CoSN’s Interactive Webinars, On-Demand Podcasts, and YouTube Video Recordings empower EdTech and executive school leaders to consume high-impact professional development anytime, anywhere.

• The CoSN Podcast (Produced with edCircuit): On-demand audio episodes featuring in-depth conversations with superintendents, Certified Education Technology Leaders (CETL®), and district changemakers tackling real-world K-12 challenges. Find The CoSN Podcast on you favorite streaming platform.
• CoSN Official YouTube Channel (@CoSNweb): On-demand video archives containing full webinar recordings, virtual summits, keynote highlights, and expert panel sessions accessible anytime.

9. CoSN Blogs & Publications 

In today’s digital landscape, keeping pace with rapidly evolving education technology trends, policies, and leadership strategies is paramount. Leveraging CoSN’s Blogs, Weekly Publications, and Searchable Resource Library empowers EdTech and executive school leaders to continuously sharpen their expertise and connect with national changemakers.

• CoSN Blogs & Thought Leadership Articles: Feature expert commentary, case studies, and practical guidance from practicing CETLs and national EdTech leaders covering emerging trends and policy shifts.
• EdTech Dispatch Weekly Newsletter: CoSN’s free weekly publication delivering curated news, emerging research, strategic insights, and policy updates directly to your inbox.
• CoSN Search-by-Topic Resource Library: Allows leaders to filter blogs, reports, playbooks, and media archives by targeted K-12 focus areas (e.g., Cybersecurity, AI, Student Data Privacy, Screen Time).
• CoSN District Membership: Grants full access to exclusive member toolkits, peer network forums, chapter CTO clinics, and discounted event registration to shape the future of educational technology.

10. Annual Conference, Regional Networks & Peer Connection

In today’s digital landscape, connecting with a strong professional network and learning directly from peer leaders is essential to driving meaningful change. CoSN’s national conference, state chapters, and membership networks empower EdTech and executive leaders to build lasting relationships, share proven strategies, and solve complex K-12 challenges together.

• CoSN2027 Annual Conference: Mark your calendars for the premier event in K-12 EdTech leadership! The CoSN2027 Conference takes place in Orlando, April 12–14, 2027. Registration opens in September! It is the ultimate gathering to connect with national changemakers, explore cutting-edge solutions, and collaborate with peers across the country.
• State Chapters & CTO Clinics: Connect with local K–12 EdTech leaders in your region through workshops, state-level legislative updates, webinars, and regional CTO Clinics. Chapters provide a direct link to both local peer support and national initiatives.
• CoSN District Membership & Peer Forums: Gain full access to exclusive member toolkits, peer network forums, chapter clinics, and discounted event registrations that keep your leadership team connected year-round. Learn more at CoSN Membership.

Save the Date: Mark your calendars for the upcoming annual CoSN2027 Conference in Orlando, April 12-14, 2027; registration opens in September!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on the CoSN website.

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