Member Spotlight

Tony Schlorff, CETL®, Ed.D.

Meet Tony Schlorff, the Associate Executive Director of Finance, Operations and Technology at AASA (The School Superintendents Association) and President of IETL (Illinois Educational Technology Leaders). A long-standing CoSN member of 13 years, Tony is also a new member of the CoSN Board.

1.  How long have you been a member of CoSN?

“I have been a proud member of CoSN for the past 13 years. "

2. Why did you join CoSN? What do you enjoy about being a member?

"I began my career as a high school mathematics teacher in 2006. When I transitioned into the role of Technology Coordinator in 2012, my district was embarking on a personalized learning initiative. My superintendent at the time asked if I had heard of CoSN—which I had, as I had already been researching professional organizations that support technology leaders. Joining CoSN turned out to be one of the best professional decisions I’ve made, providing invaluable resources, a supportive community, and opportunities for leadership growth. "

3.  How did you get into the field of educational technology?

"I began my career as a high school math teacher in suburban Chicago. Early in my teaching journey, I developed an educational philosophy centered on removing barriers to student success. I recognized that for many students, math was a barrier—and I began integrating technology into my lessons to make learning more accessible and engaging. Colleagues and administrators took notice and invited me to lead professional development for other teachers. I quickly realized that many educators viewed technology as a barrier themselves, and I was driven to help remove that barrier, too. After several years, I was approached by a superintendent who asked me to lead a district-wide digital transformation. Each step of my career has been rooted in the goal of removing barriers—whether for students, teachers, or systems."

4.  What does your daily work entail?

"As the Associate Executive Director of Finance, Operations, and Technology at AASA, The School Superintendents Association, I work on the operational side of the organization. My responsibilities focus on overseeing finance and budgeting, managing office operations, and leading all technology initiatives and support for the association. Like CoSN, AASA is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to supporting superintendents and senior-level education leaders, and I’m proud to contribute to that mission. 

5. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you see in the future of educational technology?

"I see three key areas that represent both challenges and opportunities: 

• Equity & Access (Digital Divide)
  Persistent gaps in home internet access, devices, and digital literacy, particularly in rural and low-income communities, continue to disadvantage students—especially outside of school hours through the ongoing “homework gap.” 
• Teacher Training & Professional Development:
  Many educators still feel underprepared to integrate technology meaningfully into instruction. Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements can overwhelm teachers already stretched by competing demands. 
• Data Privacy & Cybersecurity:
  The increased use of student data brings heightened risks of data breaches and misuse. Educational leaders must carefully balance innovation with compliance requirements such as FERPA and COPPA."

6. What is something you are excited to be working on right now?

"I’m currently in the final stages of completing my doctoral dissertation at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. My research, titled “Navigating Digital Equity: Examining Educational Leaders’ Decision-Making in Addressing Home Internet Access Gaps,” explores how educational leaders make decisions to close the homework gap and address the digital divide."

7.  What is your favorite book?

"The most recent book I read was The Savvy EdTech Leader: Innovative Strategies to Boost Influence and Elevate Your Career. I participated in a book study and podcast discussion of this fantastic book with IETL, the Illinois chapter of CoSN. "

8.  What hobby(s) do you enjoy doing outside of work?

"I enjoy spending time golfing and whitewater kayaking. "

9. What CoSN committee are you a part of?

"I am honored to serve as one of CoSN’s newest Board Members and am excited to contribute to such an impactful organization. I also serve on the Finance Committee and am one of the CoSN2026 Conference Co-Chairs."

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