Washington, D.C. (April 11, 2024) – CoSN announced this year’s education technology award winners during its Annual Conference. The 2024 winners are individuals and groups that are driving innovative teaching and learning in school districts across the United States by championing the equitable use of technology.

CoSN2024 Award Winners:

  • Withrow CTO of the Year Award: Kellie Wilks, Chief Technology Officer, Ector County Independent School District (TX)
  • CoSN and AASA EmpowerED Digital Superintendent of the Year Award: Michael Nagler, Superintendent, Mineola School District (NY)
  • Community Leadership Award for Digital Equity: Prince William County Public Schools (VA)
  • Team Leadership Award: Aledo Independent School District (TX)
  • Hurley Private Sector Champion Award: Ari Flewelling, Technology and Innovation Consultant, CDW
  • Volunteer of the Year Award: Kris Hagel, Executive Director of Digital Learning, Peninsula School District (WA)
  • Excellence in Public Service Award: Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN)
  • Seymour Papert Lifetime Achievement Award: Tom Ryan, Co-Founder, K-12 Strategic Technology Advisory Group
  • Partnerships that Matter Award: Council of the Great City Schools

“Congratulations to all of our amazing award recipients. We are honored to recognize these visionary leaders who are shaping the future of education. Their commitment to ensuring equitable access to technology is paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative learning environment for generations to come,” said Keith Krueger, CEO, CoSN.

More information on each winner is below, including links to watch videos highlighting winners’ impressive accomplishments and/or remarks.

Withrow CTO of the Year Award: Dr. Kellie Wilks, Chief Technology Officer, Ector County Independent School District (TX)
The Withrow CTO of the Year Award, named after long-time EdTech leader Frank Withrow, recognizes an individual who has been a key education innovator. This year, CoSN is honoring Dr. Kellie Wilks of Ector County Independent School District, TX (ECISD). Dr. Wilks has a long-standing history of supporting ECISD. She was involved in the Raising Blended Learners Grant and the Math Innovation Zones Grant, as well as initiatives to bridge the digital divide. She is a collaborative leader who has developed partnerships in the community that encourage shared best practices and provide opportunities for all students. Learn More.

CoSN and AASA EmpowerED Digital Superintendent of the Year Award: Dr. Michael Nagler, Superintendent, Mineola School District (NY)
The EmpowerED Digital Superintendent of the Year Award, sponsored by ClassLink, honors a specific leader who has championed the use of technology to enhance learning. This year, CoSN and the School Superintendents Association (AASA), honored Dr. Michael Nagler of Mineola School District, NY. Dr. Nagler’s leadership has led to successful changes in Mineola, including through the 1:1 iPad initiative, coding pathways in K-12, the systematic “upgrading” of a district in pursuit of putting children at the center of their learning, and the adoption of the Empower platform to support Synergy, the competency-based branch of high school. Additionally, all five district schools have been recognized as Apple Distinguished Schools. Learn More.

Community Leadership for Digital Equity Award: Prince William County Public Schools (VA)
CoSN created the Community Leadership Award for Digital Equity to encourage and recognize districts that are working to minimize the Homework Gap. Prince William County Public Schools in Virginia uses and supports technology in innovative ways. Most importantly, each school has an instructional technology coach who offers professional development and assistance to teachers, supporting a culture of innovation. The rich data culture has positively affected attendance, student support and graduation rates. Learn More.

District Team Leadership Award: Aledo Independent School District (TX)
The District Team Leadership Award honors a district leadership team for its transformative impact on student learning with technology. This award emphasizes CoSN’s belief that the district leadership team is crucial to digital transformation. Aledo Independent School District, TX (Aledo ISD) has taken a holistic approach to improving student learning opportunities and accessibility through technology, gathering input from students, teachers and families. This has led to a set of standards and guidelines for technology use which guide the district’s work. By working collaboratively, engaging in ongoing professional development and implementing innovative teaching strategies, the team has been able to provide students with new and engaging educational opportunities that would not have been possible without the use of technology. Learn More.

Hurley Private Sector Champion Award: Ari Flewelling, Technology and Innovation Consultant, CDW
The Hurley Private Sector Champion Award, named after EdTech leader Kathy Hurley, annually recognizes one person who has had an outstanding impact on the education technology community outside of the confines of his or her job. CoSN honors Ari Flewelling for her tireless service on its diversity, equity and inclusion committee. Over the years she has contributed considerable time and talent to CoSN and its EdTech community.

Volunteer of the Year Award: Kris Hagel, Executive Director of Digital Learning, Peninsula School District (WA)
D-MN)
The Excellence in Public Service Award recognizes national, state or local officials who have promoted the use of safe and secure technology as a tool to improve teaching and learning, strengthening CoSN’s nationwide advocacy efforts. This year’s winner is U.S. Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN), who represents Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District. She serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and has been a strong champion for communities. In response to cyberattacks on Minneapolis and Rochester schools, Congresswoman Craig helped make the case that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should provide cybersecurity support through the E-rate. Her voice helped convince FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel and other members of the FCC to propose a cybersecurity pilot for schools and libraries. Congresswoman Craig’s strong voice for expanding broadband access, particularly in rural and other areas with connectivity gaps, is greatly appreciated.

Seymour Papert Lifetime Achievement Award: Tom Ryan, Co-Founder, K-12 Strategic Technology Advisory Group
This special award recognizes lifelong contributions to technology and education named in honor of Seymour Papert, considered the father education technology. The Seymour Papert Award is awarded to Tom Ryan. Tom Ryan has been a key CoSN leader for the past 20 years, notably serving as CoSN’s Chair of the Board. However, Tom’s influence extends well beyond his Board service, particularly evident in his instrumental role in CoSN’s collaboration with the Council of the Great City Schools on the K-12 Gen AI Maturity Tool.

Partnerships that Matter Award: Council of the Great City Schools
The Partnerships that Matter Award honors partner organizations who work with CoSN in making a difference in transforming learning with technology. CoSN honored the Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS) with its 2024 Partnerships that Matter Award. The award recognizes the Council’s collaborative efforts on the forthcoming CoSN/CGCS K-12 Gen AI Maturity Tool, a groundbreaking resource designed to help district leaders think through Gen AI strategy and policies, as well as their important partnership for many years on key topics such as advancing cybersecurity under the E-rate program.

Additional information about CoSN’s annual awards program is available at: cosn.org/about/awards/.

CoSN kicked off its Annual Conference, CoSN2024: “Leading for Innovation at Warp Speed,” on Monday, April 8. The conference offered three and a half days of unparalleled education, networking opportunities, live technology demonstrations and more. As the premier EdTech leadership conference of the year, CoSN convened school system technology leaders, superintendents and other senior education leaders that were interested in discussing the future of learning in a time of unprecedented change.

About CoSN
CoSN, the world-class professional association for K-12 EdTech 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. cosn.org

MEDIA CONTACT:
Makenzie Carlin, mcarlin@fratelli.com, 703-967-6954