 | As I lifted the first book from the box, I started to reflect on how we learn leadership skills. From a young age, we begin by observing those around us and instinctively recognize qualities in people that inspire trust and belief. I recall my early teaching days at Midfield, watching some students naturally step into leadership roles within the classroom. They were inclusive, trustworthy, good listeners, and eager to contribute, even without realizing it. Similarly, there were teachers I observed—though I didn’t want to emulate everything, I learned from how they handled conflicts and their genuine concern for students' overall well-being. |
Later, when I became the Technology Director (CTO) at Mountain Brook Schools, I had the opportunity to watch seasoned administrators, learning not only how I wanted to lead but also what approaches I wanted to avoid. I vividly remember looking at our new superintendent, Dr. Charles Mason, and saying, “I want YOU to be my mentor,” even though I had already been assigned one. After giving me a long stare, he gave a brief nod, and I continued learning.
I also gained valuable insights from my team. I was fortunate to work with the best and quickly realized the importance of clear communication to prevent confusion and foster teamwork. No idea was ever made worse by team input—it always became stronger. I admired how our facilities director, Ken Key, a retired Air Force officer, communicated. His confidence inspired assurance in any project we undertook.
From fellow Consortium of School Networking (CoSN) and Alabama Education Technology (ALET) board members, I learned the value of purpose and staying true to that purpose when striving to grow an organization.
Even now, after these many years, I continue to learn from the emerging EdTech leaders I meet through the CoSN K-12 CTO Academy and my colleagues who serve as Thought Partners. In short, leadership isn’t something we learn in isolation. My co-authors, Dr. Sheryl Abshire and Diane Doersch, Frankie Jackson, and I hope that the strategies we share, many of which we learned from others, will be of value to you and that you will share your own leadership journey with us.
I also gained valuable insights from my team. I was fortunate to work with the best and quickly realized the importance of clear communication to prevent confusion and foster teamwork. No idea was ever made worse by team input—it always became stronger. I admired how our facilities director, Ken Key, a retired Air Force officer, communicated. His confidence inspired assurance in any project we undertook.
From fellow Consortium of School Networking (CoSN) and Alabama Education Technology (ALET) board members, I learned the value of purpose and staying true to that purpose when striving to grow an organization.
Even now, after these many years, I continue to learn from the emerging EdTech leaders I meet through the CoSN K-12 CTO Academy and my colleagues who serve as Thought Partners. In short, leadership isn’t something we learn in isolation. My co-authors, Dr. Sheryl Abshire and Diane Doersch, Frankie Jackson, and I hope that the strategies we share, many of which we learned from others, will be of value to you and that you will share your own leadership journey with us.
Donna Williamson, Co-Author