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.
May 2024 Member Spotlight
Anthony Padrnos, Ed.S, CETL®
Anthony Padrnos, Ed.S., CETL, is the Executive Director of Technology at Osseo Area Schools in Minnesota. As a leader in the strategic efforts of the district's technology initiatives, Anthony oversees a team of 82 employees dedicated to supporting technology implementation from classrooms to the community. Osseo Area Schools is the fifth largest district in Minnesota, comprising 33 schools and serving a student population of around 20,000.
1. How long have you been a member of CoSN? Why did you join CoSN?
“1 Year.”
2. Why did you join CoSN? What do you enjoy about being a member?
“Our engagement with CoSN over the years through interactions with fellow members and utilization CoSN resources has significantly propelled our work forward. The network, resources, and crucial federal advocacy efforts have motivated me to formally join, establishing a stronger connection for my entire technology leadership team at Osseo Area Schools.
Being a CoSN member offers numerous benefits, but the most valuable aspect for me is the extensive network of colleagues. Osseo Area Schools holds a distinctive position as the 5th largest district in Minnesota. Despite having a robust statewide network of technology leaders, we often face challenges in learning from organizations of similar size. The CoSN network presents an exceptional opportunity to collaborate and network with like-sized organizations, enabling us to better understand and address our unique challenges related to resources, scaling our work, and implementing solutions."
3. How did you get into the field of educational technology?
"I entered the field of educational technology through a journey rooted in my passion for personalized learning experiences. Beginning as a high school math teacher, I was drawn to the potential of technology to reshape and individualize the learning journey for every student I taught. This passion led me into teacher leadership roles, initially as a digital learning coach, and eventually into district-level technology leadership.
Throughout my career, my core belief has remained steadfast: technology is a powerful tool that can transform learning environments, catering to each learner's unique needs and accelerating them towards success. My drive for educational technology is fueled by the belief that technology serves as a resource enabling the redesign of educational experiences to meet students where they are and guide them to achieve their fullest potential."
4. What does your daily work entail?
"My daily work involves cultivating relationships and forging partnerships across our educational system to cultivate conditions that drive transformative change and enhance the learning experience for all students. Leading the strategic efforts of our organization in technology, I oversee an exceptional team of 82 employees dedicated to supporting technology initiatives from classrooms to community. Additionally, I champion organizational innovation while prioritizing digital security to ensure a robust and forward-thinking technological landscape for our institution."
5. What’s one thing - either industry-related or not - you learned recently?
"Recently, I've been immersed in exploring the intersection between the National Education Technology Plan and the CoSN Innovation Report, and how these align with our district's strategic initiatives. This learning experience has highlighted the importance of integrating national frameworks and innovative practices into our local strategies, ensuring that our educational technology efforts are both informed and impactful."
6. What advice would you give to someone just starting our in the field?
“Remember you are not alone and that there is an amazing network of colleagues willing to be thought partners with you. You are likely not the first to navigate the work you are engaging with. Also, don’t underestimate the power of relationships throughout your organization, our work as technology leaders is less about technology and more about change management which is relational not technical.”
7. What are three words to describe yourself?
“Collaborative, innovative, lifelong learner."
8. What is your favorite book?
"Currently enjoying the book: From Reopen to Reinvent by Michael B. Horn."
9. What is your favorite weekend activity or hobby?
"Getting into the outdoors with my family camping and hiking."
Nominate yourself or another member by filling out the questionnaire.
If you missed any of the monthly member spotlights, click below to hear what our past spotlights had to say.