About CoSN
Founded in 1992, the Consortium of School Networking (CoSN) is the premier professional association for school district technology leaders. CoSN is committed to providing the leadership, community and advocacy tools essential for the success of these leaders.
Mission: Empowering K-12 school district technology leaders to use technology strategically to improve teaching and learning
CoSN’s core beliefs are shared by our members, drive our strategies and determine our priorities.
CoSN membership is a unique blend of education and technology leaders, policy makers, and decision makers from the public and private sectors.
- Key technology leaders (Chief Technology Officers [CTOs], Chief Information Officers [CIOs], Technology Directors, etc.) from school districts and state education agencies.
- Technology decision makers who see the power of technology as a means to improve teaching, learning, as well as the administrative processes in their districts or states.
- Policy makers committed to providing students with 21st Century skills necessary for success.
- Private sector leaders who seek a deeper understanding of the K-12 market and the use of technology in the learning process.
School district leaders need to define a new vision and acquire appropriate skills in order to build 21st century learning environments. CoSN believes the district technology leader plays a decisive role in that process as a member of the district-level leadership team. District technology leaders must be empowered with the range of skills and abilities needed to position them as educational leaders—not just technology leaders—providing the district with the necessary vision and leadership. While other education leadership positions have long been defined and established, the executive role for technology leadership is relatively new and still only sporadically realized. The Framework of Essential Skills of the K-12 CTO (V. 2.0) takes into account these changes and provides a conduit for defining the professional development needs of these executive-level technology leaders.
CoSN 2008-2009 Annual Report (PDF)