The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), in partnership with the Texas Association of School Administrators and CoSN’s Texas state affiliate chapter, the Texas Educational Technology Leaders (formerly The Texas K-12 CTO Council), is honored to support the work of current and aspiring superintendents and district leadership teams in leading all aspects of digital learning transformations.

CoSN Cybersecurity Resources for School Leaders

In CoSN’s recently released 2024 Driving K-12 Innovation Report, ensuring cybersecurity and safety online was identified as one of the three most important hurdles for schools to address in 2024. The report defines “hurdles” as roadblocks that force schools to slow down, prepare themselves, and make a leap. Additionally, CoSN’s EdTech Leadership Survey consistently identifies cybersecurity as a top priority for school system IT Leaders. Understanding the impact that cybersecurity can have on the success of school systems, CoSN is pleased to share the following resources to assist superintendents and school district leaders in leading their cybersecurity initiatives.

January 8, 2024, EmpowerED Superintendent edLeader Panel Broadcast: “Proactive Leadership Regarding Cybersecurity in School Systems”

In this edLeader Panel broadcast, three current superintendents (Dr. Peter Aiken, Central York School District, PA; Dr. Gustavo Balderas, Beaverton School District, OR; and Dr. Mark Benigni, Meriden Public Schools, CT) will engage in an interactive conversation to share why cybersecurity is a leadership priority across their school districts. An overview of their recommended policies, practices, and procedures will be discussed. Strategies for communicating the importance of cybersecurity both internally and externally will also be reviewed.

CoSN, AASA, and edWeb.net co-host the online edLeader Panel monthly broadcast series, sponsored by ClassLink, to help superintendents connect and collaborate. Registration is free and participants can join the live event or view recordings and podcast versions starting a day or two after the live broadcast. Free registration for the January 8, 2024 edLeader Panel Broadcast is available at https://home.edweb.net/webinar/supers20240108/.

CoSN’s NIST Cybersecurity Framework Resources Alignment for K-12

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework provides a structured approach for organizations to protect their digital assets. CoSN’s NIST Cybersecurity Framework Resource Alignment for K-12 site seamlessly aligns it with resources to assist districts in fortifying their cyber programs and safeguarding their educational environments against evolving digital threats.

CoSN Education Cybersecurity Policy Report

2022 State and Federal Education Cybersecurity Policy Developments – Published In January 2023

Critical Focus Area: Issue One-Pager – “The Importance of Cybersecurity”

This one-pager presents and overview of the top 5 reasons why school system leaders must make cybersecurity a priority.

Additional CoSN Cybersecurity Resources for School Leaders

Find more resources at https://www.cosn.org/edtech-topics/cybersecurity/

CoSN 2024 Annual Conference, “Leading for Innovation: At Warp Speed”

Registration is now open for the CoSN 2024 Annual Conference, scheduled for April 8-10, 2024, in Miami, Florida. For conference and hotel information and registration links, see https://www.cosn.org/cosn2024/.

CoSN & Texas Educational Technology Leaders (TETL) Membership

If your school or district would like more information about joining CoSN or getting more involved with CoSN, please contact membership@cosn.org. For information about Texas Education Technology Leaders, please contact Dianne Borreson, Executive Director, Texas Education Technology Leaders at exdir@tetl.org or call 855.458.9286.