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.
March 2026 Member Spotlight
Josh Taylor, CETL®
Josh Taylor, CETL®, is the Director of I.T. at Madison Consolidated Schools (IN).
- How long have you been a member of CoSN?
"5 years +/-" - Why did you join CoSN? What do you enjoy about being a member?
"I joined CoSN after seeing a presentation on the CETL certification at the annual HECC conference in Indianapolis. I was drawn to the idea of a credential that bridges the gap between technical management and school leadership, helping me align our tech infrastructure directly with the district’s instructional goals. Since joining, the biggest value has been the peer network and the way CoSN keeps me ahead of the curve on emerging technology." - How did you get into the field of educational technology?
"I grew up in an education family. My father was a principal and my mother a teacher, but my own path to the district office wasn't a straight line. After a few years attempting a career in the music business and working as a plumber, I spent 16 years in newspaper advertising, where I eventually found myself managing the office’s computer systems. That experience sparked a career change, and I went back to school for a K-12 Computer Science teaching license. I taught for two years before joining a school technology department. I started at the helpdesk and quickly moved into the Director role while earning a second degree in IT Security. Given my family background and my wife’s career as a teacher, transitioning back into the education field felt like coming home." - What does your daily work entail?
"As the Director of Technology for our six schools, my daily work is a mix of strategic oversight and hands-on management. I spend a significant part of my day ensuring our infrastructure and devices are reliable so that learning isn't interrupted, but I also handle the business side of tech, managing the department budget, overseeing our support team, and vetting new apps and software to ensure it meets our district standards. Ultimately, my goal is to bridge the gap between the server room and the classroom, making sure our staff has the tools they need and that our technology investments actually drive student success." - What emerging trends or technologies in education are you most excited about, and why?
"I’m most excited about AI because it’s a great tool for reclaiming time and faster problem-solving. For our teachers, it’s a massive help with lesson planning and content creation, letting them focus more on the students. For my tech staff, it acts like an 'on-demand tier 2 expert,' helping them find solutions to complex issues quickly so they can resolve tickets at the first point of contact." - What is something you are excited to be working on right now?
"I just enrolled in CoSN’s Data Privacy and Security course because I want to help lead our district toward earning the Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal. With the growing skepticism toward how schools handle information, I believe it’s more important than ever to be transparent with our community. My goal is to show our parents and leadership that we aren’t just following the law, we are proactively protecting their children’s data and making privacy a core part of how we operate." - What is your favorite book/movie/TV show you've enjoyed recently?
"I’m not much of a bookworm these days, though I grew up as a huge Stephen King fan. When it comes to TV, Breaking Bad is a standout for me. It’s one of the few shows that had me hooked from the very first episode. I’m also a big fan of The Curse of Oak Island; and I have been following it and hoping that they will finally find that gold. For movies, It’s a Wonderful Life is a favorite because it's such a great reminder of the impact one person can have on their community. And, This Is Spinal Tap because sometimes you just need everything to “go to 11.”" - What CoSN Committee are you a part of?
"I am currently participating in a new state level EdTech advocacy committee." - What hobby(s) do you enjoy doing outside of work?
"Outside of work, I stay pretty busy with a variety of things. I’m still a musician at heart and enjoy playing the drums and recording music. I also love going vintage and antique shopping with my wife. When I'm at home, I enjoy working on puzzles or tackling DIY remodeling projects"
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