Chicago, IL (April 14, 2026) — CoSN — The Consortium for School Networking and AASA, The School Superintendents Association today honored Dr. Teresa Brown, superintendent of Madison Consolidated Schools in Indiana, with its 2026 EmpowerED Digital Superintendent of the Year Award. The award, sponsored by ClassLink, recognizes an exceptional district superintendent who serves as a true empowered leader, leveraging and championing technologies in the classroom and throughout the district to transform their school district.

Under Dr. Brown’s innovative leadership, Madison Consolidated Schools has moved beyond basic technology use to strategically apply digital tools that better support student success. Working alongside district colleagues, Dr. Brown has helped implement AI tools to streamline data analysis and better identify specific student needs; expanded access to telehealth and virtual counseling through school-based partnerships; and invested in sustained professional development to ensure staff remain future-ready.

“Dr. Brown represents what it means to lead as an EmpowerED superintendent — implementing technology thoughtfully to improve learning, support educators, and keep student needs at the center,” said Keith Krueger, CEO of CoSN. “Her work shows how digital leadership, when done well, can create real, lasting impact across a school system.”

“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition, but this award truly reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire Madison Consolidated Schools team,” said Dr. Teresa Brown, Superintendent of Madison Consolidated Schools. “Innovation in education isn’t a solo journey; it’s the result of our teachers, staff, and students embracing new possibilities every day. Our digital transformation has always been about more than technology — it’s about expanding opportunities for our students. I’m proud to represent a community that remains committed to ensuring every student is prepared for success in an ever-evolving digital world.”

“Dr. Teresa Brown exemplifies the transformative leadership needed to guide school systems in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Through her forward-thinking approach, she has advanced innovative uses of technology and ensured those advancements are grounded in meaningful learning outcomes for all students,” said David R. Schuler, Executive Director of AASA, The School Superintendents Association. “Dr. Brown’s work reflects a deep commitment to preparing students and educators for the future, making her an outstanding choice for this year’s EmpowerED Digital Superintendent of the Year Award.”

“ClassLink is proud to recognize Dr. Teresa Brown as the 2026 EmpowerED Digital Superintendent of the Year,” said Berj Akian, CEO and Founder of ClassLink. “At Madison Consolidated Schools, Teresa has shown that technology is most powerful when it is guided by a clear vision for equity and student success. From restructuring data systems to expanding access to AI and robotics for every student, her work is a model for districts everywhere. Congratulations, Dr. Brown. Your impact reaches far beyond Madison.”

The award was presented during CoSN’s annual conference, “Building What’s Next, Together,” which kicked off on Monday, April 13. The conference is focused on advancing the knowledge and skills of K-12 education technology leaders — including CIOs/CTOs, superintendents, and solution providers — while addressing key topics such as cybersecurity, student data privacy, and the use of generative AI in schools to support safe and effective practices within the K-12 system.

Watch a video highlighting Dr. Brown’s accomplishments here.

Learn more about the CoSN2026 awards at: cosn.org/about/awards/.

About CoSN
CoSN, the world-class professional association for K-12 education technology leaders, stands at the forefront of education innovation. We are driven by a mission to equip current and aspiring K-12 education technology leaders, their teams, and school districts with the community, knowledge, and professional development they need to cultivate engaging learning environments. Our vision is rooted in a future where every learner reaches their unique potential, guided by our community. CoSN represents over 13 million students and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education. www.cosn.org

About AASA
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the premier association for school system leaders and serves as the national voice for public education and district leadership on Capitol Hill. A professional community of more than 10,000 educational leaders, AASA and its members are committed to providing high-quality public education to all students. For more information, visit aasa.org.

About ClassLink
ClassLink is the identity and access management platform trusted by over 25 million students and staff in more than 3,000 school systems worldwide. ClassLink simplifies access with single sign-on, automates provisioning and rostering, and strengthens security and governance across the school system. With analytics that connect edtech usage to student outcomes, ClassLink helps education leaders manage technology with confidence and invest in what works. Learn more at classlink.com.

About Madison Consolidated Schools
Madison Consolidated Schools (MCS) is a comprehensive Pre-K through 12th-grade public school corporation serving approximately 2,700 students and their families in the Madison and Jefferson County, Indiana, area. Comprising one high school, one junior high school, four elementary schools, and breaking ground on a new dedicated early learning center, MCS is committed to creating engaging environments that challenge students academically, creatively, and athletically. The district offers specialized and unique academic pathways, robust community partnerships, and academic partnerships with Ivy Tech Community College and the Southeastern Career Center. For more information, visit www.madison.k12.in.us or follow @MCS_Indiana on social media.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
CoSN: Makenzie Carlin, mcarlin@fratelli.com
Madison Consolidated School District: Ashley Schutte, aschutte@madison.k12.in.us
ClassLink: Angelika Kopec, akopec@classlink.com
AASA: Lara Wade, lwade@aasa.org