Shaping What’s Next

Dr. Sheryl R. Abshire on developing bold leaders, defending digital access, and keeping education focused on the future.

INTERVIEW | by Victor Rivero

Few leaders have shaped educational technology as deeply—or continue to advance it as energetically—as Dr. Sheryl R. Abshire. A pioneering educator, national policy advocate, mentor, and trusted bridge between school systems and industry, she has spent decades turning bold ideas into better opportunities for students.

Today, her influence remains unmistakably active: developing the next generation of technology leaders, defending the connectivity schools depend upon, and bringing educators and innovators together to solve the challenges ahead.

Tireless, generous, and relentlessly future-focused, Dr. Abshire isn’t simply part of edtech’s story—she is helping write its next chapter.

‘Technology is never the destination. It’s simply the tool that helps us create better opportunities for students.’

You have worked at nearly every level of education—from the classroom and library to school leadership, district technology, and national policy. How does that full-spectrum perspective shape the way you approach today’s most pressing edtech challenges?

One of the greatest gifts of my career has been seeing education from so many different perspectives. I’ve been the classroom teacher wondering how to engage students. I’ve been the librarian helping teachers discover new ways to teach. I’ve been a principal balancing budgets and priorities, a district CTO responsible for infrastructure and cybersecurity, and I’ve had the privilege of serving on national boards helping shape policy.

Because of those experiences, I’ve learned that every decision looks different depending on where you’re sitting.

When people talk about AI, cybersecurity, digital equity, or funding, I immediately think about the teacher who has 25 students walking into the classroom tomorrow morning. I think about the superintendent trying to stretch every dollar. I think about the technology staff who are expected to keep everything running while protecting student data.

That perspective reminds me that technology is never the destination. It’s simply the tool that helps us create better opportunities for students.

The best solutions aren’t the newest technologies; they’re the ones that solve real problems for real people.

Through the CoSN Early Career K–12 CTO Academy, you are helping prepare a new generation of technology leaders. What qualities will distinguish the leaders who successfully guide school systems through the next era of digital learning?

Today’s CTO must do far more than keep the network running.

Dr. Sheryl Abshire (bottom, left) with yet another cohort of CoSN Early Career K–12 CTO Academy professionals.

The leaders who will thrive are relationship builders. They’re outstanding communicators. They understand finance, instruction, cybersecurity, governance, and, increasingly, artificial intelligence. But most importantly, they know how to bring people together around a shared vision.

I often tell our CoSN Early Career K–12 CTO Academy participants that technical expertise may get you the job, but leadership is what determines your success.

‘…technical expertise may get you the job, but leadership is what determines your success.’

The strongest leaders are curious. They listen more than they talk. They aren’t afraid to admit they don’t have all the answers. They build trust before they build initiatives.

Technology changes every day, but leadership principles don’t. If you can inspire people, communicate clearly, and keep students at the center of every decision, you’ll continue to succeed no matter what innovative technology comes along.

You have long been a powerful advocate for E-Rate and equitable connectivity. What is at stake for students and communities right now, and where must education leaders raise their voices most forcefully?

I can’t overstate what’s at stake.

Connectivity is no longer optional; it is as essential to learning as electricity and running water.

Sheryl Abshire presenting with e-rate expert John Harrington of Funds For Learning. 

E-Rate has transformed education in this country. It has connected schools and libraries that otherwise would never have had access to reliable broadband. Millions of students have benefited because visionary leaders and policymakers understood that every child deserves access to digital learning opportunities.

But we can’t assume that progress is permanent.

Education leaders need to continue telling the stories behind the statistics. Policymakers need to hear about the students whose opportunities depend on reliable connectivity, the rural communities that rely on these programs, and the cybersecurity challenges districts face every day.

This isn’t really about technology. It’s about educational opportunities, economic opportunities, and ensuring every student has a fair chance to succeed.

Everyone who cares about the future of our schools and libraries should visit www.saveourerate.com and make their voice heard before it’s too late.

Through the Future Focus Forums, you bring district leaders and edtech companies into candid conversation about what schools genuinely need. What are technology providers still not hearing clearly enough from educators?

The conversations are getting better, and that’s encouraging.

F3 Program Coordinator Dr. Sheryl Abshire with F3 Chair Mike Lawrence of ABC Unified School District (CA), at an F3 in Orlando 2026.

But if I could offer one message to technology providers, it would be this: spend more time listening before you start designing.

Educators aren’t looking for another product. They’re looking for partners.

Schools are dealing with staffing shortages, limited budgets, cybersecurity threats, AI implementation, student well-being, and accountability, all at the same time.

The companies that make the greatest difference are the ones that understand the daily realities of schools. They ask questions. They seek honest feedback and, more importantly, they stay engaged after the contract is signed.

‘The companies that make the greatest difference are the ones that understand the daily realities of schools.’

Innovation happens when educators and industry partners solve problems together. That is why I value the EdTech Digest Future Focus Forums. They create space for honest, relevant conversations that help participants and companies better serve schools and, most importantly, students.

After helping shape standards, policy, infrastructure, leadership, and innovation across the field, what work energizes you most today—and what possibilities for the future of education make you most optimistic?

Without question, it’s mentoring the next generation of leaders.

Throughout my own career, people believed in me before I fully believed in myself. They opened doors, challenged me, and encouraged me to take on opportunities I never imagined.

Now I have the privilege of doing the same for others, and that’s incredibly rewarding.

I love watching someone discover their confidence as a leader. I love seeing the CoSN Early Career K–12 CTO Academy graduates step into new roles, lead major initiatives, or simply realize they belong at the table.

‘I love watching someone discover their confidence as a leader. I love seeing … graduates step into new roles, lead major initiatives, or simply realize they belong at the table.’

I would invite aspiring or early-career edtech leaders to invest in themselves by joining the CoSN Early Career K–12 CTO Academy, an exceptional professional learning experience that will prepare them to lead with confidence and impact. Find out more about this opportunity or register today: CoSN Early Career K–12 CTO Academy.

What truly gives me optimism is that this next generation cares deeply about students. They’re thoughtful and collaborative. They’re willing to learn. They’re embracing AI, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies with both excitement and responsibility.

Education has always evolved, but our purpose has never changed. We are here to help students succeed.

As long as we continue leading with that purpose, I believe the future of education is incredibly bright.

I’ve always believed that technology may power the work we do, but people are what make the difference. If we invest in leaders who put students first, the future will take care of itself.

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Victor Rivero is the Editor-in-Chief of EdTech Digest and Executive Producer of EdTech Digest’s Future Focus Forums (F3), bringing together edtech companies with top U.S. school district technology leaders for the most effective way to get feedback on new and existing products. Write to: victor@edtechdigest.com.