Join us as Ray Shay, Director of Technology at Brooklyn Friends School, shares his unique journey from webmaster to overseeing auxiliary programs. Discover his insights on AI's impact on independent schools, the crucial role of data systems, and why human connection and critical thinking are more vital than ever in a tech-driven world.

• La Salle College High School Tech Experiential Learning
• Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart - student-led creation of the local chapter of the eNable network and 3 years of “Build-a-Thons”: Video | Article
• Student-led PPE project during pandemic: Article
• Brooklyn Friends School
• Team Engagement Tools: StandOut (now powered by ADP) | 15Five
• Ray’s LinkedIn profile
• Bill’s photo of trip home from ATLIS Annual Conference
• Vendor management platform, 9ine
• ‘We Have to Really Rethink the Purpose of Education’, podcast episode from The Ezra Klein Show - education policy expert Rebecca Winthrop explores the big questions emerging for educators and parents
• The Disengaged Teen: Helping Kids Learn Better, Feel Better, and Live Better, book by Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop
• In Search of Deeper Learning: The Quest to Remake the American High School, book by Jal Mehta and Sarah Fine

In this episode, Chris Lehmann, founding principal and CEO of Science Leadership Academy schools, shares his compelling journey from a shy English teacher to a pioneer of the "school 2.0 movement." Discover how SLA embodies an inquiry-driven pedagogy where students actively ask questions, research, collaborate, and present their learning, fostering an environment where technology is as essential and unnoticed as oxygen.

• Science Leadership Academy, inquiry-driven, project-based school in Philadelphia, PA
• Inquiry Schools, non-profit dedicated to modernizing learning experiences
• Building School 2.0: How to Create the Schools We Need, book by Chris Lehman, Zac Chase
• Practical Theory - A View From the Schoolhouse, blog from Chris Lehman
• Educon,an educational innovation conference where people can come together to discuss the future and the now of schools
• Ted Sizer (educational philosophy)
• Deborah Meier (educator)
• Ann Cook (educator)
• Understanding by Design (UbD)
• Chubbies Steaks (Roxborough, Philadelphia)
• Jim's Steaks (South Street, Philadelphia)
• D'Alessandro's Steaks (Roxborough, Philadelphia)

This week we join our co-host Hiram Cuevas and his colleagues from St. Christopher's School as they delve into their unique "BUILD" program, designed to integrate innovation, learning, and design across all grade levels. Discover how this all-boys school cultivates curiosity, encourages hands-on projects, and fosters a safe environment for learning from failure.

• BUILD (Boys Using Innovation to Learn and Design) program, combining STEM/STEAM approaches with a broad, skills-based, project-centered focus
• Album of photos from St. Christopher’s BUILD program lab
• The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway, author, professor, and entrepreneur Scott Galloway brings business analysis and insights four times a week.
• St. Christopher's School
• International Boys' Schools Coalition (IBSC)
• Canva
• Glowforge
• Cricut
• FIRST LEGO League
• St. Catherine's School
• University School (Cleveland)
• Richard V. Reeves (Books)
• Photo of Bill with his melee weapon gift from Hiram

This episode features Jamie Britto from Lakeside School, discussing their proactive adoption of AI, including student-led initiatives and policy development. The conversation also explores the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and leadership strategies in independent school technology.

• Lakeside School
• Leadership and Technology at Independent Schools: A Handbook for School Leaders in Administration, Technology, and Academics, book by Albert Throckmorton, Jamie Britto, Tim Fish
• Partnerships in Technology and Learning, episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS featuring Tim Fish
• Source Code, Bill Gates memoir
• Helping Independent School Educators Use AI to Teach, episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS featuring Eric Hudson

Join us as we welcome Peter Antupit, CIO of Crystal Springs Upland School, to explore strategies for managing expectations, fostering relationships across departments, and navigating the evolving landscape of technology in education.

Resources

• Crystal Springs Uplands School
• ATLIS Leadership Institute
• More than 870 school technology job descriptions -- can we share? YES
• Flint, AI tool for schools

In this episode, we talk with Debra Wilson, President of NAIS, about the challenges facing independent school leaders today. We explore topics ranging from managing technology and data to navigating complex governance issues and supporting students' well-being.

Resources

• National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
• Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS)
• Trustee Handbook, resource from NAIS serving as a guide to the fundamentals of good governance from the unique perspective of independent schools
• New View EDU, podcast from NAIS featuring thought leaders from inside and outside the world of education to share their views on the purpose and nature of school
• Debra’s go-to podcasts
• Class Disrupted, with Diane Tavenner and Michael Horn 
• EconTalk
• Future U
• The Prof G Pod, with Scott Galloway
• Work Life, with Adam Grant
• Biscuits and Jam, from Southern Living
• Freakonomics
• NPR News Now, the latest news in five minutes
• The Anxious Generation, book by Jonathan Haidt which argues that the spread of smartphones, social media and overprotective parenting have led to a "rewiring" of childhood and a rise in mental illness.

This unique "Ask Us Anything" episode offers a blend of professional insights and personal revelations as technology leaders from independent schools answer questions about everything from AI literacy and data analysis to favorite mammals and dream barbershop quartets. Listen in for valuable advice on navigating challenges like burnout and technology integration, alongside lighthearted moments that reveal the personalities behind the podcast.

Resources

• South by Southwest EDU (SXSW EDU)
• CES - Consumer Electronics Show
• ATLIS (Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools)
• TLIS Certification (ATLIS)
• Educational Collaborators
• NJS - New Jersey Schools Cooperative Technology Group (assumed similar group)
• Flint AI (AI for students in a walled garden)
• Napkin.ai – Turn text into visuals
• EdWeek: Four Developmental Stages of Teaching AI
• SAMR Model (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition)
• TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge)
• OneRoster (IMS Global Standard)
• The Last of Us (HBO Series)
• Suits (TV Show)
• ER (TV Show)
• CHiPs (TV Show)
• Emergency! (TV Show)
• Magnum, P.I.
• Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
• Six the Musical
• Hamilton the Musical
• Harmony, Incorporated
• Legacy Quartet on YouTube (suggested based on mention)
• Origin of the term "computer crash" (related to early hard drive platters)
• Office Space Printer Scene (YouTube) [NSFW]
• Honey Badger Video (YouTube) [NSFW]

Transitioning into a new technology leadership role at an independent school presents unique challenges and opportunities. Two technology leaders share their insights on navigating these transitions, from establishing a vision and fostering team dynamics to managing change and building trust within the school community. This episode provides valuable guidance for current and aspiring technology leaders in independent schools.

Resources

• Ravenscroft School
• Marlborough School
• FolioCollaborative, flexible, paperless, cloud-based experience for managing and guiding professional growth and learning, and encouraging collaboration among faculty and staff
• Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS) certification, differentiating independent school technology leaders by identifying those with the appropriate skills and experience, as well as commitment to ongoing professional development, to manage with excellence their complex and ever-changing role
• Community-building resources from ATLIS
• Management Time: Who’s Got the Monkey?, article from Harvard Business Review

In this episode, we explore the thoughtful integration of technology in education, with a focus on supporting students with learning differences. We discuss strategies for evaluating and implementing ed tech tools to create accessible and effective learning environments. Dr. Joan McGettigan shares insights on balancing innovation with proven pedagogical practices, and the importance of collaboration between IT and Ed Tech departments.

Resources

• World Economic Forum job outlook
• Lower Student AI Literacy Predicts Higher Propensity to Use AI on Assignments (AIforEducation. IO)
• “How AI Vaporizes Long Term Learning” - Edutopia
• “AI Tutors: Hope or Hype for Education? Education Next
• THE 2025 Predictions: AI’s Impact on Education - The Journal

In this engaging discussion, Barry Kallmeyer, a seasoned technology director, shares his insights on the evolution of the CIO role in independent schools. He delves into the importance of strategic planning, the value of data-driven decision-making, and the critical aspects of leadership, such as succession planning and fostering a collaborative community.

Resources

• Hathaway Brown School
• Zork (playable), text-based adventure game 
• Cleveland Browns, struggling American football team
• Philadelphia Eagles, Super Bowl LIX champions known for especially obnoxious fans
• Owl & Hybrid Learning, website built during COVID & shared with the community; highlighted by OWL directly
• Productivity Tools for 2025: Project Management with Asana and Slack, ATLIS webinar
• Scribe, tool to capture how-to content
• IT Glue, IT documentation software
• Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS) certification, credential demonstrating that a person has the skills and experience to effectively perform the role
• TLIS Prep Program
• TLIS Study Guide
• ATLIS 360 Self-Study Guide, Companion Manual, and Rubric, tools providing a plan to evaluate how your school utilizes technology and the effects it has on the school
• Max Action Arena, VR zombie game at Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV
• Center for Institutional Research of Independent Schools (CIRIS), provides resources and support for institutional research practitioners
• Mission & Data, integrated consulting, custom data products, and executive coaching services