It’s one of education’s quiet ironies: the people responsible for keeping everyone connected are often the most isolated.

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Morgan to explore how mentorship can support IT directors and tech teams as they navigate the unique pressures of their roles. Justin shares his journey from first-year tech director to seasoned mentor—and now leader of the LTC’s Technology Leader Mentorship Program.

He’s joined by two current IT directors—one a recent program graduate and the other an active participant—for an honest look at the steep learning curve of school tech leadership. Together, they unpack the realities behind the title: the late-night network outages, the high-stakes policy decisions, and the quiet weight of being the go-to problem solver.

Mentorship offers more than technical advice. It provides a helping hand and a listening ear when challenges hit hardest. Whether you’re a new director carrying the department on your shoulders or a veteran ready to pay it forward, this episode is a reminder that the most critical infrastructure in any school isn’t just the network—it’s the people. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about building a stronger, more connected future for those who keep our schools running.

Explore the LTC's Tech Leader Mentor Program: https://www.ltcillinois.org/services/techmentor/

View this episode's news article: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-europe-countries-move-curb-childrens-social-media-access-2025-12-09/

There’s been a lot of noise lately about the Department of Education—what’s changing, what isn’t, and what it all might mean for schools. In this episode, we slow things down with the LTC's Mindy Fiscus, walking through the conversation in a simple, accessible way for educators and school leaders.

We start with an overview of what people mean when they talk about the “redistribution” of the Department of Education, and why moving responsibilities around is not the same as eliminating the department altogether.

Along the way, we clear up some common misconceptions, including where education funding actually comes from and what’s happening (and not happening) to federal education dollars.

We also zoom out to talk about what may happen next and how districts are navigating uncertainty. That includes quick updates on E-Rate, the ongoing ESSER funding cliff, broadband investments, and more.

If you’ve been feeling confused, concerned, or just tired of trying to decode education news, this episode is here to help you make sense of what we know right now—and how to move forward in uncertain times.

Connect with Mindy by visiting ltcillinois.org/about/staff

Learn more about ERate support: ltc.site/erate

Artificial Intelligence is reshaping education—fast. And everyone from superintendents to tech coaches are asking the same thing: How do we govern this responsibly?

In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Bickerstaff, Co-founder and CEO of AI for Education, who brings 20 years of classroom and leadership experience to one of the biggest questions facing schools today. Amanda cuts through the fear and hype to reveal what AI policy really needs: a shift from policing plagiarism to building AI literacy for life.

We look at specific examples of districts that are successfully navigating AI policy, moving from general guidelines to actionable frameworks. Should AI ever grade student work? When does convenience cross into an ethical risk? And how do we prepare students for a future shaped by emerging technologies?

Tune in for a candid, thoughtful conversation that provides technology leaders, administrators, and teachers with the perspective needed to build a future where AI enhances, rather than undermines, ethical and equitable learning. This is an essential listen for anyone committed to leading the AI conversation in their school community.

Resources:

https://www.aiforeducation.io/