Welcome to "Talking Technology with ATLIS," the podcast for K-12 technology leaders in independent schools. Dive deep into the world of ed tech with us: 🎙️ Leaders you should know: Get ready to rub shoulders with industry experts as they unveil their insights and share game-changing experiences. 💻 Focused Learning: Our guests demystify technical topics and present solutions in an accessible way. 🔌 Partner Talks: Join us at the epicenter of independent school innovation. Forge connections with influential figures from both the association and corporate world. You never know who'll be our next exciting guest! Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/association-of-technology-leaders-at-independent-schools Website: theATLIS.org Whether you're tech-savvy or just starting, join us in shaping the future of education. Subscribe now and stay ahead in the ed tech game!
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60 recent
June 16, 202644 min
Optimizing School Technology with Fractional Staffing and Strategic MSP Alliances
Live from the ATLIS 2026 Annual Conference, the hosting team is joined by Alex Inman and Tom Wildman to analyze the evolving role of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in independent schools. The conversation addresses the rise of fractional staffing, shifting IT reporting structures under CFOs, and the absolute necessity of cultural alignment when outsourcing school technology services.Knowing TechnologiesEducational Collaborators
May 19, 202633 min
Securing Independent Schools Against Deepfake Deception and AI Companions with Evan Harris
Evan Harris of Pathos Consulting Group addresses the escalating risks of AI-generated deepfakes and companions within school communities. The discussion highlights the psychological tactics scammers use to bypass critical thinking, the limitations of technical detection tools, and the urgent need for schools to update policies and student safety protocols. Pathos Consulting Group - The organization founded by Evan Harris focused on deepfake safety and crisis readiness for schools.Reality Defender - A digital forensics tool mentioned for its use in identifying AI-generated content.KnowBe4 - A cybersecurity awareness platform discussed in the context of phishing and deepfake training."Fake" by Perry Carpenter - A recommended resource for understanding the science of deception and human nature.Presidium - An organization cited for its data on the rise of youth-to-youth abuse within independent schools.Adaptive Security - A company providing cybersecurity training for high-stakes organizations.
May 12, 202652 min
Centering Pedagogy through Agile Systems and Collaborative AI Leadership
Jamie Sullivan, TLIS, joins the podcast to share her veteran perspective on shifting from rigid software platforms to agile, user-centric systems. She discusses the power of regional collaboration through her year-long AI leadership cohort and explains why technology departments must prioritize "academic teching" to keep the focus on student learning.Castilleja SchoolToddle LMSVeracrossRuvna Safety SolutionsEric Hudson (Facilitator)Coachella Music Festival (Mentioned)SeniorNet (Mentioned)TLIS Certification
May 5, 202657 min
The Evolving Intersection of School Safety and Technology Leadership with Matt Varley and Marshall Singer
Ruvna's Marshall Singer and Orah's Matt Varley join the show to discuss the evolving intersection of school safety and technical leadership. The conversation highlights how technology directors are increasingly "quarterbacking" safety through real-time student tracking and Model Context Protocols to bridge data gaps between attendance records and physical locations. Ruvna Safety PlatformOrah Student TrackingModel Context Protocol (MCP)Tron (1982)
April 28, 202657 min
Human-First Protocols and Building Diverse Tech Teams with Dr. Akbar Herndon
Dr. Akbar Herndon, CTO of Grace Church School and a founder of the NEET conference, discusses his unique journey from professional jazz violinist to technology leader. He shares strategies for building highly diverse IT teams through a culture of belonging and explains why a "human first protocol" is essential when integrating AI into the independent school classroom.Akbar’s LinkedIn ProfileGrace Church SchoolNYSAIS Education, Information, and Technology (NEIT) ConferenceBlack Swan Quartet, Akbar’s jazz group and recordingWeather Report, jazz fusion bandMax Roach, jazz drummer and composer
April 21, 202656 min
Purposeful AI Agents with Microsoft Education’s Dr. Geri Gillespy
Dr. Geri Gillespy joins the podcast to discuss the transition from AI consumption to purposeful production. She shares her "three-legged stool" framework for change management and explores the emerging role of AI agents in independent schools. Learn how workforce development and human-in-the-loop practices ensure technology amplifies, rather than replaces, human creativity.Microsoft Elevate for Educators, program designed to provide educators and school leaders with access to a global community, professional development, and resources to confidently integrate AI into teaching and learning.Cyber Tabletop Simulation GameElevate webinars -- available to all? She mentioned “webinar I did yesterday”Copyright gemMofongo, dish from Puerto Rico with plantains as its main ingredientFungo, special baseball bats used for training
April 14, 20261 hr 0 min
Governing AI Privacy Frameworks with Blackbaud and Veracross
Leaders from Blackbaud and Veracross join the panel to discuss the complexities of AI governance and student data privacy . The conversation covers essential steps for establishing AI policies, understanding international regulations like GDPR and NIST, and the shift toward agentic AI. Gain practical insights on vetting vendors and securing your digital perimeter.Blackbaud, cloud software provider serving nonprofits, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and CSR entities in the areas of fundraising, financial management, and education administration.Veracross, cloud-based student information system (SIS) and school management platform designed specifically for private and independent K-12 schools, connecting academics, admissions, accounting, development, and student health.Data Harmony: Integrating Systems, Empowering Schools, previous episode of TTWA featuring Blackbaud and VeracrossNIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)NIST AI Risk Management Framework (RMF)General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)Coquito, traditional Christmas drink that originated in Puerto Rico
April 7, 202647 min
REPLAY: Conference Keynotes from 2025 - Felix Jacomino & Claire Goldsmith
This episode is a replay of Season 4, Episode 79Relive the dynamic opening keynotes from the ATLIS Annual Conference with Felix Jacomino and Claire Goldsmith. Felix, Director of Technology at St. Stephen's Episcopal Day School, reflects on past tech trends to provide a roadmap for future innovation. Claire, Principal of Lamplight Education, discusses harnessing emerging technologies like AI and Web3 to build resilient, future-ready schools, emphasizing curiosity, collaboration, and ethical courage.Lamplight EducationSt. Stephen's Episcopal Day SchoolStanford Online High SchoolMalone Schools Online NetworkEnrollment Management AssociationZoomGrammarlyChatGPTClaude
March 31, 202648 min
REPLAY: AI Panel from ATLIS Annual Conference 2025
This episode features a reply of Season 4, Episode 80 of Talking Technology with ATLIS.Below are the show notes and link to the original episode:This episode replays a dynamic panel from the 2025 ATLIS Annual Conference, exploring the future of education with experts in AI, quantum computing, and extended reality (XR). Dr. Jacob Farinholt of Booz Allen, Vriti Saraf of Ed3 DAO, and Patrick Schuermann of Optima XR, along with students Jalen and Maggie, discuss how emerging technologies will reshape learning, the skills students will need, and why human-centered pedagogy remains critical.Original Episode
March 24, 202646 min
Protecting People: International Data Compliance and the Assessment Revolution, with Wolfgang Soeldner
Wolfgang Soeldner of the International School of Geneva joins the podcast to discuss the evolving role of IT and ed tech leadership in a global context. The conversation dives into the "collective responsibility" of data compliance under GDPR and the EU AI Act, alongside a provocative look at why AI necessitates a total revolution in student assessment.Ecolint: International School of GenevaTechnology Readiness Council (TRC), global organization connecting and supporting senior leaders in international schools9ine, specialists in data privacy, cybersecurity, and vendor vettingCouncil of International SchoolsHistory of Mardi GrasCarnival, Wikipedia article
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