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Empowering EdTech Leaders

An Insider's Guide to Surviving and Thriving as a K-12 Instructional Innovator

Empowering EdTech Leaders

Lead with Purpose. Transform with Technology.

Welcome to the fulfilling and fast-moving world of K–12 educational technology leadership.
Whether you’re stepping into a new role or leveling up your impact, Empowering EdTech Leaders offers the practical tools, real-world insights, and strategic guidance you need to succeed in today’s digital education landscape.

What’s Inside:

  • Day-One Essentials: A roadmap for EdTech leaders
  • Practical Tools: Templates, checklists, and frameworks you can use immediately
  • Expert Perspectives: Insights from experienced school district tech leaders
  • Results-Focused Guidance: Strategies aligned with improving student achievement
  • From Theory to Practice: Real stories, real challenges, real solutions

Who Should Read This Book?

  • District and School-Level EdTech Leaders
  • Instructional Technology Specialists
  • CTOs, CIOs, and Technology Coordinators
  • Principals and Superintendents invested in innovation
  • Anyone driving digital transformation in K–12

Launching May 15th, 2025!

Be the first to know when the book is available for purchase, and get exclusive launch updates.

 

Praise for Empowering EdTech Leaders

Empowering EdTech Leaders is a practical, down-to-earth guide for anyone leading—or hoping to lead—technology work in schools. It speaks directly to the real challenges we face in today’s ever-changing educational landscape. Whether you are helping teachers integrate new tools or making big-picture decisions for a district, this book offers both insight and encouragement. As a former tech director and current superintendent, this is the book I wish I had when I was starting out.
Jared Bloom-On-White
Empowering EdTech Leaders is the guide I wish I had 30 years ago when my journey in educational technology began. Having known and worked with the authors for decades, I can attest to their deep commitment to using technology in ways that truly matter, centered on student learning. This book blends thoughtful philosophy with practical guidance on budgeting, staffing, infrastructure, and instructional support. It’s more than a manual—it’s a trusted companion for anyone leading, innovating, and inspiring with technology in schools.
paul lynch
Educational technology leaders wear many hats, balancing the details of infrastructure and hardware with pedagogy and professional development. Learn from top leaders in the field how to succeed in administrative technology roles in school districts. Empowering EdTech Leaders is a smart and comprehensive how-to for getting educational technology systems right for teachers and students everywhere.
Dr. Judith LaRocca
A must-read for every K–12 tech leader looking to make meaningful change.
headshot-ken-nero-ikon-ceo

About the Authors

Picture of Dr. Sean Adcroft

Dr. Sean Adcroft

Sean Adcroft, PhD, served as Director of Technology for the Manhasset School District from 2001-2023. He has experience in cybersecurity, budgeting, E-Rate funding, compliance with New York’s Education Law 2D, and the meaningful use of technology to improve instruction and learning. Dr. Adcroft has also developed and taught a course on instructional technology for Fordham University’s Graduate School of Education.

Picture of Linda Alesi

Linda Alesi

Linda Alesi retired as the Director of Technology at Jericho UFSD in 2020. Previously, she was the Educational Technology Specialist at Valley Stream #13 UFSD for over ten years, a Videoconferencing Program Specialist at Nassau BOCES and taught as an Adjunct Professor in Educational Technology at Long Island University. She has presented at ISTE, NYSCATE, ASSET, NASTECH and Superintendent Conference Days.

Picture of Marc Epstein

Marc Epstein

Marc Epstein has been an educational technology leader for 30+ years. Marc started out as an elementary computer teacher in Elmont, became a middle school computer coordinator in Great Neck, and was later appointed their first Technology Director. Marc was awarded the 2010 Nassau BOCES School Library System Administrator of the Year Award and the 2020 Fred Podolski Leadership and Innovation in Technology Award.

Picture of Matthew Hejna

Matthew Hejna

Matthew Hejna served 31 years in the New York Education system as a literacy instructor for incarcerated youth at Rikers Island and as an administrator for Nassau BOCES. He was a Supervisor of the Guidance Technology Support Service, the Nassau Association of School Technologists, and the Data Privacy & Security Service of which he was a founding contributor as part of the state-wide RIC One Consortium.

Picture of Dr. Guy Lodico

Dr. Guy Lodico

Dr. Guy Lodico served as Director of Technology for Plainview-Old Bethpage Schools, Coordinator of EdTech for 32 NYC Public Schools, President of NYSCATE, and Chairman of the BOCES NASTECH organization. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, achieved CETL status, is a recipient of the Outstanding NYS Technologist and SAANYS Leadership & Support awards; and was inducted into the NYSCATE Hall of Fame in recognition of his 30+ years of service across the State.