Learn21's Weekly EdTech Update

October 23, 2025

Six Months in the Chair: Reflections on Leading at the National Level

By Stacy Hawthorne,CoSN Board Chair & Chief Academic Officer, Learn21

Six months ago, I stepped into the role of Chair of the CoSN Board of Directors with a clear mission: to bring people together in service of a shared goal—empowering education leaders to leverage technology for greater outcomes for each student. What I didn’t fully anticipate was just how dynamic, fast-paced, and deeply human this experience would be.

In these first six months, I’ve had the privilege of representing CoSN at national conferences and events across the country, from the CoSN National Conference to SETDA, ISTE, ASU+GSV, and countless state chapter gatherings. Each conversation reminds me that the strength of CoSN lies not just in our frameworks or reports, but in the people who make this work matter— CTOs, technology directors, superintendents, edtech partners, and policymakers who are all committed to building a better digital future in education.

Leading a national nonprofit board brings its fair share of challenges: navigating shifts in educational funding and policy, fostering collaboration across regions and roles, and building high-functioning teams that balance strategic vision with operational excellence. There are days filled with interviews, policy conversations, and time zone–spanning meetings. There’s never been a moment I’ve doubted the importance of this work.

It’s both a whirlwind and a classroom. Every week presents new lessons in leadership—about clarity, communication, and courage. I’ve learned that true governance doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s the art of helping others lead, creating space for a range of unique voices, and making sure our collective efforts align toward meaningful impact.

The most rewarding part? Watching people connect. Whether it’s board members brainstorming innovative solutions, affiliates collaborating on shared advocacy goals, or emerging leaders finding their voice in CoSN’s programs, these moments of collaboration are where the magic happens.

As I look ahead to the next six months, my focus is on sustaining that momentum, strengthening CoSN’s role as a national thought leader, expanding our support for members, and continuing to build bridges between policy, practice, and people.

Chairing the CoSN Board is a privilege and a challenge, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Leadership at this level isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking better questions, inviting others into the conversation, and keeping our collective eyes on what matters most: each student’s opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a safely connected world.

Media Literacy Minute

Train Your Mind to Be More Open

New research shows that you can actually train yourself to think more openly. A simple mindset shift like reminding yourself to look for counterarguments and avoid overconfidence has helped participants distinguish fact from falsehood more reliably.

Preserving Journalistic Integrity in the Digital Shift

Amid the rise of social media, some outlets bypass traditional news outlets entirely. One article explores how embracing new media platforms offers reach and speed but also demands careful attention to credibility, editorial values, and the public’s trust.

3 Hard Truths About AI Literacy

According to the World Economic Forum, AI literacy is now a defining factor for nations’ futures. They argue we lack consistent ways to measure it, many countries are out of sync, and those without it risk falling behind on innovation and opportunity.

From Classroom to Chair: 5 Ways to Elevate Your Leadership to the State and National Level

By Stacy Hawthorne, CoSN Board Chair & Chief Academic Officer, Learn21

One of the most rewarding parts of my journey in education has been discovering how leadership evolves far beyond the walls of a classroom or district office. Whether you dream of serving on your state affiliate’s board, leading a national committee, or maybe even becoming a future CoSN Board Chair, there’s no secret handshake or exclusive club. There is, however, a mindset, and a few actionable steps, that set leaders apart.

Here are five ways to intentionally elevate your leadership and prepare yourself to make an impact at the state and national levels.

1. Lead Where You Are

Great leaders don’t wait for titles, they lead from wherever they are. Maybe that means mentoring a new teacher, piloting an innovative tool, or volunteering for a committee within your district. Every time you raise your hand and take initiative, you’re building the habits and relationships that others notice. Leadership starts locally, but it echoes outward.

2. Find Your Professional Home

If you’re passionate about edtech, your professional home might be your CoSN Chapter, ISTE Partner, or a state-level organization like ETLA or NYSCATE. Join committees, attend events, or submit a proposal to present. These communities are where future state and national leaders are made. The more you contribute, the more people recognize your voice and expertise.

3. Be Curious and Courageous

Leadership at the state or national level often means venturing into unfamiliar territory: policy, advocacy, or strategic planning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or stretch into spaces that feel new. Curiosity opens doors, and courage keeps them open. The leaders who stand out are the ones willing to learn publicly and lead collaboratively.

4. Build Bridges, Not Pedestals

The people who rise to state and national leadership roles are those who connect others, not just collect accolades. Be the person who shares credit, amplifies others’ voices, and creates opportunities for collaboration. When people see that your goal is to lift others, they naturally trust you with greater influence.

5. Say Yes, Then Follow Through

Many leadership opportunities start with a simple “yes.” Say yes to serving on a committee, yes to presenting, yes to contributing your expertise. But the real magic is in the follow-through. Reliability and professionalism are the currency of leadership. Show up, do the work, and be the person others can count on.

State and national leadership isn’t about chasing titles; it’s about contributing meaningfully to a larger mission. Every leader I know who now serves on a board, leads a chapter, or represents their state started the same way: by showing up, being curious, and doing the work.

So, if you’ve ever thought, “One day, I’d love to lead at that level,” here’s my advice: start today. Find your community, lend your voice, and build something bigger than yourself. Because someday soon, when someone asks, “Who’s ready to take the chair?”—you’ll already be standing.

Big Ideas

Yes, but does it also vacuum?

In the emerging, and growing, space of consumer robotics, enter the enabot.  This device not only provides mobile in-home security cameras, but it can entertain your pet.  While many families are installing fixed cameras inside and outside of the house, this is one of the first roaming internal security systems.  

Will ChatGPT be able to fix my Chromebooks?

A recent survey of technology leaders shows that they foresee future reductions in their staffing requirements.  The changes they predict will happen quickly, within the next two years, and significantly, projecting up to a 18% reduction in workforce.  The labor will be offset by AI and contractors, the survey reports.  

Teen features in Insta not working.  

A report from Northeastern University found that most of the safety features for teens in Instagram either did not work, or were easy to circumnavigate.  Parent company Meta disputes the findings, as they prepare to offer additional teen accounts overseas.  To read the report itself, click on over here. #notsurprised!

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