LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in Education

Description:  Many schools are back in session and no longer in a remote environment, yet many educators are saying that this is the toughest year yet.  Why is this school year even tougher than the previous two school years?  During this enlightening podcast, our guest, Tom Ryan sheds light on the myriad of issues that makes this year tough.  Tom also discusses what we can do to move education forward in a positive way.     About our guest:  Tom Ryan Ph.D. is co-founder of K-12 Strategic Technology Advisory Group (K12STAG), which is led by public school chief information officers who understand the challenges school leaders face.  He is an education professional with 40+ years of K-12 experience and expertise in teaching, leadership, technology, technology integration and blended/online learning program development. He works with school leadership on strategic planning and leadership, designing digital learning environments, technology infrastructure reviews, and the shift to digital tools.  Dr. Ryan has a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction.  He was served as a CIO (16 years), as well as a high school principal and teacher for districts in New Mexico. He has proven leadership and experience leading teams of 100+ employees and administering multi-million dollar budgets and projects.  Dr. Ryan has designed and implemented innovative online and blended school models at both the state and district level.  He is engaged in leadership activities in several state and national organizations including Chairmen of the Board for the Consortium of School Networking (CoSN).  He also is active in iNACOL, ISTE, and the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS).  Work with the CGCS includes: large school district IT reviews of infrastructure, strategic planning, instructional technology, and digital transformation efforts.  He also helps coordinate of the Councils annual CIO conferences.  Dr. Ryan is a Senior Fellow for the Center of Digital Education and presents at several International, national, and state conferences throughout the year.