As we enter 2026, public education is standing at a defining threshold. The disruptions of the last decade, pandemics, funding cliffs, AI acceleration, cybersecurity threats, and unprecedented workforce challenges have reshaped the landscape of learning. But they have also opened extraordinary opportunities for leaders who are willing to innovate, adapt, and lead with both insight and integrity.

In The Savvy EdTech Leader, my co-authors and I outlined the essential leadership dispositions and practices needed to guide technology-rich learning environments with clarity and purpose. Today, those ideas aren’t just relevant…they’re urgent.
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Public education is shifting faster than many systems are prepared for. Leaders must be ready not just to respond, but to anticipate.

Some districts are innovating by forming education service cooperatives, foundation arms, and “friends of the schools” nonprofit support arms. Others anchor their funding appeals in equity narratives, helping stakeholders see that every cut is a cut to a child’s opportunity.

Focus on data & impact tracking

• Tie programs to student outcomes and cost metrics; show ROI
• Builds credibility when asking for funds; requires good systems and capacity

​​Flexible and phased implementation

• Pilot innovations on small scale before full roll-out
• Lowers risk of failure; may slow growth

Build reserve funds / rainy day funds

• Allocate small portions of budget toward reserves when possible
• Provides buffer—but difficult when margins are razor thin

Yes, the funding environment is brutal. But crisis also creates possibilities. When margins are tight, conversations become sharper. When community support is essential, people must see and believe in the mission. As tech-savvy educators and leaders, you are uniquely positioned to bridge vision with pragmatism.

• Use constraints as creative constraints, not just obstacles.
• Invite your staff into transparent financial conversations; collective ownership helps morale.
• Prove small wins; let data tell your story.
• Be relentless at telling the human story behind the numbers.

You don’t have to “fix” the funding system overnight, but you can lead your school or district through the storm with greater clarity, unity, and resilience.

In my decades of leading ed tech teams through innovation cycles, budget storms, and seismic shifts in K-12 policy, one truth remains: great teams don’t happen by accident. They’re crafted with vision, guarded by trust, and sustained by a leader’s relentless commitment to clarity and accountability.

​A high-performing team is more than a group of capable people. It’s a dynamic system of relationships, priorities, and practices that, when designed intentionally, can drive extraordinary outcomes. But here’s the hard part: building this kind of team starts with you. As a leader, you are the architect. And the blueprint must include more than tasks and timelines. It requires shared purpose, meaningful recognition, and an environment where people feel safe enough to speak the truth and challenged enough to grow.
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​Leadership legacies aren’t etched in awards or accolades; they're reflected in what endures when you step away. The real benchmark of your leadership isn't how long you stayed or how much you accomplished; it's how well your successor thrives when you're gone.

​Every leadership transition sends ripples through an organization. For school districts, edtech departments, or any mission-driven team, poor succession planning leads to disarray, delay, and sometimes decline. But with intention and strategy, that same transition can catalyze renewal, trust, and progress.

​The recent global disruptions underscored a crucial truth: adaptability is no longer optional. Leaders must foster environments where change is welcomed, innovation is encouraged, and continuous learning is normalized. This means redefining traditional success metrics and understanding that only a few roles drive the most organizational impact. Invest strategically in these roles and ensure your teams consistently build skills critical to future success.

Consider leveraging technology and people analytics to identify essential competencies for tomorrow's workforce. Prioritize internal growth—it's often more cost-effective and impactful to reskill existing talent rather than constantly hiring new staff. And remember, tomorrow's top employees crave more than good pay; they seek alignment with meaningful missions, inclusive cultures, and purposeful roles.

​Leaders who embrace these strategies—prioritizing resilience, inclusion, continuous learning, and innovative thinking—will survive the future and shape it.

An organization's growth is tied to its members' leadership capacity. A leader focusing solely on guiding followers will always be constrained by their personal reach. However, a leader who prioritizes developing leadership skills in others creates an exponential impact. Multiplying leaders don't just direct change, they empower others to drive it.
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Research from Wharton Executive Education highlights the importance of leadership development, particularly in challenging times. Leaders who anticipate needs, take decisive action, and continuously learn to ensure long-term success for themselves and their teams. The ability to lead through others distinguishes great leaders from good ones.​

“Leadership isn’t about being in charge; it’s about making others feel they are. True leaders empower others to see beyond their perceived limitations and step into greatness.” - – Sheryl Abshire

​Leadership is a legacy, not a title. It’s about creating a ripple effect of positive change that empowers others to grow, thrive, and lead. As Bill Gates aptly stated, "Leaders will be those who empower others." This truth lies at the heart of authentic leadership: enabling others to see their own potential and equipping them with the tools to surpass it.

​Empowerment doesn’t diminish your strength; it multiplies it. By fostering collaboration, embracing optimism, and investing in the personal and professional growth of those around you, you ignite a flame that burns brighter with every life it touches.

Building on the wisdom of the African proverb, “If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” …. effective community leadership is not a solo venture. The success of a community, particularly in education and technology, is a product of shared aspirations, diverse strengths, and a collective commitment to improvement. As ed tech leaders, we’re tasked with more than implementing innovative tools—we’re here to foster a culture of learning, empowerment, and sustainable success that benefits all members.

To be a leader in the ed tech community, start by crafting a vision that resonates not only with your ambitions but with the core needs and hopes of the people you serve. Vision without action is a dream; action without vision is directionless. When you create a clear and compelling vision aligned with your community's aspirations, you transform dreams into a shared journey.