Databus Issue: 2010 1 01/30/2010
CTO Mentor Program Completes a Third Successful Year
Andrea Bennett CETPA Executive Director
PDF
The CTO Mentor Program continues to help technology leaders learn the essential skills needed in the K12 environment. Another challenging year has ended with all 19 candidates completing the program successfully. Congratulations to:
Sandra Arellano, Jamul-Dulzura Union School District
Michael Cole, Petaluma City Schools
Alex Evans, Colusa County Office of Education
David Findley, Rosedale Union Elementary District
Jonathan Foth, Bakersfield City Unified
Diane Foulks, Mariposa County Unified
Martha Friedrich, FCMAT/CSIS
Joanne Glantz, Madera Unified
Julie Judd, Moorpark Unified
Mary Rose Monney, Paradise Unified
Kim Murray, Larkspur Unified
Rick Otto, Sequoia Union High School District (formerly)
John Patten, Sylvan Union School District
Ryan Quesenberry, East San Gabriel Valley ROP
Marcos Rojas, Laguna Beach Unified
Sean Rozell, San Francisco Unified
Rick Sanchez, Wasco Union School District
Chris Smith, Baldwin Park Unified
Robert Talley, Lassen County Office of Education
- About the Program -
The CTO program provides classroom training that takes place in eight sessions, once a month (Friday night and all day Saturday). This year, the classes will be held from February through September. Participants improve their understanding of fundamental issues that drive school technology and will learn or improve the skills needed to be an effective CTO in the K12 environment. A curriculum that is reflective of current functions and responsibilities required of a district CTO has been adopted for this program and is reviewed throughout the program for relevance and rigor. Each meeting is face-to-face and includes lecture, group exercises and guest speakers who are experts in their field.
In addition to a rigorous curriculum, the program pairs each candidate with their own mentor. Mentors are experienced technology leaders currently working in the K12 environment in California. Mentors guide their candidate through the curriculum, giving feedback, advice and providing resources.
Candidates are required throughout the program to complete both prerequisite assignments prior to each session and all homework assignments after each session. They are able to discuss assignments with each other, their mentor and/or the instructor. Each student is evaluated on their class attendance and performance in class, homework assignments and comments by instructors, class presentation, mentor relationship, final oral presentation and final written summary. The most important criteria is that the candidate shows growth during the program and understands the CTO vision concept as taught in the program.
The CTO Mentor Program certification identifies the individual as a person who understands the skills required to be a CTO in California K12 public schools. Experience cannot be replaced by this certification and, in some cases, individuals may need more practical experience before they can be successful as a CTO. As they gain experience, they can apply the knowledge received in this program and be confident in their abilities.
The program is managed and sponsored by CETPA and is also sponsored by the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT/CSIS). In addition, the program is supported by the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA) and the California Department of Education (CDE). Resources are provided by the Association for California School Administrators (ACSA), the State Superintendent Jack O’Connell’s office, The State Secretary of Education, Glen Thomas’ office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
- Current Status -
The CTO Mentor Program has just concluded its third year of classes. We honored the class of 2009 at the CETPA Annual Conference with a commencement ceremony that raised awareness of the program and sparked interest among the attendees.
The CTO Mentor Program instructors meet throughout the year to review and update the curriculum based on current trends and the needs of the class. The steering committee also meets consistently throughout the year to review the program and the candidates’ progress.
Applications for candidates, mentors and instructors were accepted until December 4 and the chosen candidates will be paired with their mentors and classes beginning in February.
