EdTech Leadership · Bi-weekly
A bi-weekly podcast on all things EdTech in Illinois.
Calling all Educational Technology Leaders! Listen to our bi-weekly podcast on all things EdTech in Illinois. Hosted by MJ and Tony from the Illinois Educational Technology Leaders board.
Host
Hosts, IETL Podcast · IETL Board members
📍 Illinois, USA
MJ and Tony are board members of the Illinois Educational Technology Leaders (IETL) and hosts of the IETL Podcast. They bring together technology leaders across Illinois for conversations on policy, security, screen time, and the evolving role of edtech in K–12 districts.
Author, Blaschke report for CoSN
📍 United States
Cooper Sved authored the Blaschke report for CoSN, exploring what the research actually says about screen use in schools and challenging common assumptions driving current conversations about screen time in education.
View full profile →Registered lobbyist, AASA, The School Superintendents Association
📍 United States
Tara Thomas is a registered lobbyist for AASA, The School Superintendents Association, providing federal policy updates focused on the issues that matter most to K–12 education leaders.
View full profile →School safety & technology leader
📍 United States
Dr. Steve Webb brings experience and insight on the real-world implementation challenges and opportunities that districts face at the intersection of school safety and technology, including surveillance systems, access controls, and emergency communication tools.
View full profile →Policy expert & federal education advocate
📍 United States
Noelle Ellerson Ng is a policy expert who joins the IETL Podcast for federal updates, exploring how shifting political dynamics may impact school districts nationwide and what education leaders should watch closely.
View full profile →Screen time has become one of the most debated topics in education. MJ and Tony are joined by Cooper Sved to unpack the findings from his recent Blaschke report for CoSN, exploring what the research actually says about screen use in schools and challenging common assumptions driving current conversations.
Tara Thomas, registered lobbyist for AASA, The School Superintendents Association, breaks down the latest developments in Congress and federal agencies — including education funding priorities, E-Rate and connectivity updates, cybersecurity and student data protections, and how shifting political dynamics may impact school districts nationwide.
Dr. Steve Webb joins the podcast to explore how technology is shaping the future of school safety. From surveillance systems and access controls to emergency communication tools, this episode discusses real-world implementation challenges and what emerging technologies may redefine school safety in the years ahead.
A yearly tradition of interviewing CoSN 2025 attendees to find out the one thing they will take away from the conference.
MJ and Tony host a panel of Chief Technology Officers for a dynamic book study of The Savvy Edtech Leader. These edtech experts unpack key insights, share real-world applications, and discuss how the book's strategies align with the challenges and opportunities in K-12 technology leadership.
MJ and Tony host a panel of Chief Technology Officers for a dynamic book study of The Savvy Edtech Leader, unpacking key insights on navigating digital transformation and making strategic tech investments in K-12.
MJ and Tony explore the challenges, successes, and strategies for fostering inclusivity in the tech field. Hear from inspiring leaders who share their experiences, best practices, and actionable ways to support and uplift women in the industry.
Noelle Ellerson Ng joins MJ and Tony for a federal update, exploring how to prepare for a new Federal Administration and what education leaders should know as political dynamics shift in Washington.
