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.
June Member Spotlight
Chantell Manahan, CETL®
Chantell is the Technology Director at the Metropolitan School District of Steuben County located in Angola, Indiana. The school district has a total of six schools and around 2,500 students!
- How long have you been a member of CoSN?
“I have been a CoSN member for six and a half years.”
- Why did you join CoSN? What is your favorite part of being a member?
“I joined CoSN because I knew this work would be impossible on my own. CoSN connected me to a network of talented and passionate colleagues I can work with and learn from on this journey.”
- What committee do you currently volunteer with?
“I was just appointed to the Chief Technology Officer Council!”
- What does your daily work entail?
“That's a loaded question! At a very high level, my team and I support every operational and instructional technology need of the school district. What that looks like is different daily, but it's usually not what I have planned for the day!”
- What does your family think you do?
“I asked my three boys; they said I solve problems with technology!”
- What’s one thing - either industry-related or not - you learned in the last month?
“I've been researching school public relations and marketing and its direct connections to school enrollment. No surprise; there are direct connections!”
- What are three words that best describe yourself?
“Hardworking, thoughtful, and always ‘educator’”
- What is one secret that your peers don’t know about you?
“I'm a black belt in Songham Taekwondo and a Taekwondo instructor.”
- If you could choose one superpower, which would it be?
“This is a tough one, but I choose Intuitive Aptitude. It's the power to instantly learn and understand the complexity and exactness of organisms, objects, etc. without the need of long-term or special education.”
- What is your motto or personal mantra?
“Great things don't come from comfort zones!”
- Do you have a favorite book?
“Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.”
- Who inspires you the most?
“Every student in our classrooms, especially my own three boys!”
- What is your favorite summer activity?
“Spending a little extra time with my family and outdoor movie nights.”
- Any advice for new K-12 technology leaders?
“Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice, and connect with as many CTOs, educators, and vendor partners as possible! “
Nominate yourself or another member by filling out the questionnaire.
