The IT Director’s Playbook
Real stories. Practical strategies. Leadership that works.
Honest conversations with the technology leaders who keep K-12 schools running. Each episode covers what is working in the field, how districts solve real problems, and how IT leadership shapes the future of education.
From Social Studies Teacher to Tech Director, with E-Rate, AI and School Safety
Browse every episode
Newest first. Press play on any card to watch here, or open the episode on YouTube.
From Social Studies Teacher to Tech Director, with E-Rate, AI and School Safety
Matt McQuay, Director of Technology, Andalusia City Schools, AL
Matt on E-Rate, why he sees safety as an extension of technology, and how fast word travels among Alabama’s tech directors.
Building Better Schools Through Culture, Safety and Relationships
Brian Cain, Head of School, N.E. Miles Jewish Day School
A longtime educator and school administrator on culture, safety and the relationships that hold a school together.
Why Every School District Needs to Prepare for Data Protection
Michelle Krieger, Data Protection Officer, Lake Shore Central School District, NY
Recorded at the TETA Summer Institute 2026, where Michelle was the keynote speaker.
From Teen Dad to Tech Director: Leadership, Cyberattacks and 28 Years in K-12 IT
Chad Penson, IT Director, Neshoba County Schools, MS
One of the most honest conversations on the show, from an unconventional path into K-12 technology leadership.
Special Episode: The Story Behind Ambit Solutions
Craig Reeves and Stephen Reeves, Ambit Solutions
Ambit’s founder and its president tell the story of the company, and why relationships matter more than products.
Leading One of Tennessee’s Largest School IT Departments with Heart and Humor
Tim McNeese, Nick Lunn and Ryan Florida, Williamson County Schools, TN
Building culture and scaling a school IT department, from the technology leadership team at Williamson County Schools.
From Break-Fix to Big Picture: 28 Years of People-First IT Leadership
Anthony Kingston, Chief Technology Officer, Alabaster City Schools, AL
A former pro basketball player turned break-fix tech on building a 28-year career leading K-12 technology.
From Chalkboards to Cybersecurity: A Coach’s Journey to K-12 IT Leadership
Todd Sanderson, Technology Director, Marshall County Schools, MS
Todd’s path started in the classroom and on the baseball field and led to K-12 cybersecurity.
From Coax to Cloud: How One Mississippi Tech Director Built a Legacy in K-12 IT
Patrick Robinson, Director of Technology, Jones County Schools, MS
The premiere episode: nearly three decades of K-12 tech, from hand-pulling coax to rebuilding servers.
Why IT directors love working with Ambit
Hear K-12 technology leaders describe, in their own words, what it is like to work with Ambit Solutions.
Memorable moments from real conversations
“If we have a kid that’s hacked my network […] after that kid gets in trouble, I’m standing outside the door waiting to say, ‘Hey, would you like to do this for real?’”
Director of Technology, Jones County Schools, MS
“I’ve learned so much more from making mistakes in this journey than I ever did from just knowing.”
Technology Director, Marshall County Schools, MS
“It’s all about the people. It’s one thing I tell my team and I stress to them that we’re in the people business. We’re here because the students and the teachers need us.”
Chief Technology Officer, Alabaster City Schools, AL
Have a story worth sharing?
We are always looking for K-12 technology leaders to join us at the table. Tell us about your district and your path, and we will be in touch.
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