Kelly May-Vollmar has recently taken on the role of superintendent of the Desert Sands Unified School District in California. Her unique perspective as a female superintendent with a strong background in digital teaching tools sets her apart, especially during a time when educational technology is being utilized more than ever before. She has worked her way up through various positions within the district, including elementary school teacher, academic coach, International Baccalaureate (IB) coordinator, and principal. Her curiosity about technology led her to become the chief technology officer for the district, a position that is typically held by men in the K-12 education field.
As the assistant superintendent of educational and technology services, May-Vollmar played a key role in implementing an LTE wireless network for the school system. This network provided equal access to technology for all students and supported the district’s goal of using 1-to-1 computing to enhance teaching and learning. Additionally, she has worked to help educators in her district understand the important connections between curriculum and technology.
During an interview at the International Society for Technology in Education’s annual conference, May-Vollmar discussed her professional journey and the challenges that schools face. She emphasized the importance of women in leadership roles within the tech industry and school districts, and how she navigated entering a male-dominated field. She encourages women to have confidence and actively participate in discussions, knowing that they belong in the room.
May-Vollmar believes that it is crucial for superintendents to have a meaningful understanding of the relationship between technology and teaching and learning. In today’s world, technology impacts every aspect of a district, from academics to facility management. It is essential for superintendents to be aware of how technology can be used effectively to improve education.
When applying for the chief technology officer position, May-Vollmar saw an opportunity to contribute to the district’s technological advancements and applied. She found the role to be incredibly fulfilling, as it allowed her to make a significant impact on students’ lives through the use of technology.
As a former principal, May-Vollmar understands the importance of using educational technology to enhance teaching and learning. Principals should focus on objectives and strategies before choosing the right tools. It is crucial for principals to be knowledgeable about educational technologies and model their use during professional development to effectively integrate technology into the classroom.
Overall, May-Vollmar’s journey as a female superintendent with expertise in educational technology highlights the importance of diverse perspectives and the value of integrating technology into education.
April 12, 2022
What is the primary role or responsibility of principals when they are presented with a district technology initiative like 1-to-1 computing, which is implemented from the top down?
When faced with an initiative that originates from the district and trickles down to principals and teachers, it is crucial for principals to begin by explaining the "why" behind it. This is because teachers are being asked to adopt something they did not choose themselves. It is essential for principals to communicate the importance of the initiative, as it helps others understand and fully commit to it.
Looking ahead, what do you believe are the three greatest technological challenges for schools at the moment?
Undoubtedly, cybersecurity is a major concern that everyone is grappling with. Many districts are losing their insurance coverage due to inadequate cybersecurity measures. An additional significant challenge is sustainability. Although schools have received substantial funding recently, there is a looming funding cliff. Many Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) and superintendents across the country believe that the money already invested in technology will be sufficient for a long time. However, we must acknowledge that technology evolves rapidly. Even a basic initiative like 1-to-1 computing has a lifespan of about five years for the devices used. Therefore, we cannot adopt a mindset of "one and done" and expect the technology to remain effective for decades. We need to have conversations about sustainability, which can be challenging at present. The third major challenge is the overwhelming number of programs and tools available to teachers. It is not feasible for teachers to handle an excessive amount of options. We need to be deliberate in our choices and ensure that we use technology with fidelity. Currently, we are still learning how to achieve this goal, and we have not fully mastered it yet.
From the perspective of a new superintendent, what are the most significant challenges when considering schools?
The primary concern for everyone, and rightly so, is safety. We need to assess not only what we have already done but also explore further possibilities. To address this, we are actively conducting site visits and engaging in discussions with principals to determine the necessary safety measures. It is important to recognize that safety protocols cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach, as each school is unique and has its own community to consider.
Another major issue we are facing is staffing shortages, which may not have been anticipated. The pandemic has exhausted our workforce, and educators have demonstrated heroism during this time. However, they are now weary, and the education sector is facing criticism. We are witnessing a decline in the number of people entering teaching and administration, precisely when we need more individuals to step up.
Any additional thoughts?
We must reassess our teacher preparation programs as they are not adequately equipping teachers to utilize technology meaningfully in our classrooms. It is essential for us to have a nationwide overhaul of these programs, so that new teachers enter the field ready to effectively incorporate technology, especially in a world where it is advancing rapidly.
