Purpose
The Alabama Chief Technology Officer certification program (AL-CTO) is designed for those who currently serve as their system’s technology director and for those who aspire to such positions. The program also welcomes ALET HigherEd members responsible for designing or teaching college courses for advanced degrees in educational technology.
Benefits
The AL-CTO program is unique. It is founded on the understanding that the leadership responsibilities and expertise required for this role are tremendously complex and dynamic. Success in the role of a K-12 CTO means possessing and maintaining a high level of competency in both education and technology, not just one or the other. Regardless of the participant’s background, the program has much to offer. It is designed to assist the participant in developing higher levels of competency in the full range of CTO responsibilities while ensuring that Alabama’s unique state requirements and opportunities are covered. Throughout the program participants will share with and learn from other professionals, leading to personal and professional growth.
Recognition
The AL-CTO Program was developed by ALET. During its development, designers of the program met with the Alabama State Department of Education leaders. SDE leaders acknowledge the need for and the benefits of the program and encouraged its development. However, participants should be aware that, at this time, attaining AL CTO certification does not require school systems to change the graduate’s job title or pay.
Participation
Anyone meeting the criteria may apply to participate in ALET’s CTO program. The criteria for participation are intended to establish and maintain program rigor and high quality, not to discriminate against any interested candidate. The criteria and order of acceptance are as follows:
- ALET Delegate Members serving in a school system’s highest EdTech leadership position regardless of years of experience in education
- ALET General Members having a minimum of three years of experience working in the education field
- Non-ALET members having a minimum of three years of experience working in the education field
Courses
The AL-CTO Certification Program consists of six courses, covering all major responsibilities of the position. The professional strands are patterned after the CoSN Certified Educational Technology Leader (CETL) framework but are tailored for Alabama. Please note that the CETL program and AL-CTO program are different certifications. Neither is a pre-requisite for the other.
- CTO ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- LAW, ETHICS, AND POLICIES
- DATA MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE
- TEACHING AND LEARNING
- IT MANAGEMENT
- TECHNOLOGY PLANNING
Schedule
The courses take a year to complete. CTO course dates will generally be on the day before or the day after the three ALET conferences. Participants should plan accordingly.
Schedule for the ECHO Cohort
Cost
The one-time course fee is $75. Participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging.
Apply
Applications for the Echo Cohort are now closed.
Re-Certification
ALET is officially beginning the re-certification process. The Alpha, Beta, and Charlie cohorts will have two years to complete and submit the documentation in order to retain their certification. Please read this document for more information and important links – ALCTO Recertification Policy. The timelines are as follows:
- ALPHA, BETA, and CHARLIE documentation due by June 1, 2022
- DELTA documentation due by June 1, 2023
Contacts
Program Lead – Stacy Royster
Program Lead – Tim Brothers
VP of Professional Learning – Dr. Connie Bain (profdev@go-alet.org)