Member Spotlight

The Member Spotlight is a new way for CoSN members get to know each other and improve networking. Each month, CoSN will select a member who has volunteered to answer various questions about themselves, personal and professional, and then share their responses with our entire CoSN community.

February 2025 Member Spotlight

Heather Fleming

How long have you been a member of CoSN?

"Over 7 Years"
Why did you join CoSN? What do you enjoy about being a member?

"The wealth of knowledge and information sharing is amazing within CoSN and it is a true community of professionals. I truly enjoy being able to ask questions without judgement and answer back confident that I am helping others."
How did you get into the field of educational technology?

"I went to school for Elementary Education and received my Masters in Educational Technology back in the 90’s and it was in a software evaluation course that I knew I wanted to be in administration helping school districts incorporate technology. I worked in the public sector for 15 years and was recruited by a Charter school customer to become their Technology Director. I gained valuable insights with long term planning, project management, HR issues and negotiations during those public sector years that have greatly helped me in the public education sector."
What does your daily work entail?

"I oversee a department of 10 others where we support 6500 students and 1400 employees. Our goal is to ensure every classroom and conference room has high quality technology for every user regardless of need. I also work closely with our Buildings and Grounds, Transportation, and Food Service departments on a daily basis."
What emerging trends or technologies in education are you most excited about, and why?
"I love the value of AI and how it can help make every day tasks easier. I also understand the need for students to be guided in how to use it productively and ethically and when to lean on it while also coming up with their own thoughts to spur AI to help them learn more deeply and engage more fully."
What is something you are excited to be working on right now?

"We are currently working on phasing in interactive touch panels across the district in a way that is financially sustainable. Our plan started as a replacement for the outdated projectors one summer and we have since moved to a grade-by-grade implementation starting in the elementary grades. We are in year 4 of our implementation and have teachers on a waiting list to get one early if finances make it possible."
Who inspires you the most?

"My Dad inspires me the most through his quiet, thoughtful and empathetic ways and has always encouraged me to humbly do great things. He has always been the hardest working person I know and his drive and pride in me has always pushed me to do more."
What CoSN Committee are you a part of?

"I am in my first year of being a National Thought Advisor for the CoSN Academy."
What hobby(s) do you enjoy doing outside of work?

"I love to golf. Unfortunately, I live in Buffalo, NY so it is a very short-lived season and I am sure that is why my score is where it is."