Show Notes

Is it possible to lead a district’s technology department without a background in networking or computer science?

For Amanda Lanicek, the answer is a resounding "yes." In this episode, we explore her fascinating pivot from the classroom to Digital Learning Coach, and eventually to the role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Springtown ISD. Amanda proves that while technical skills can be learned, the leadership and management skills forged in the classroom are the true drivers of district success.

• The Unlikely CTO: Amanda shares her journey of stepping into a highly technical leadership role by leaning on her instructional background and trusting her ability to learn the "nuts and bolts" along the way.
• Teachers as Managers: We discuss why society overlooks the management prowess of educators. Amanda argues that if you can manage 22 students and a curriculum, you have the foundational skills for executive administration.
• The "Alligator" Email: Amanda offers a valuable lesson for sales professionals on how to cut through the noise. (Hint: It involves humor and being human, not just another sales pitch).
• Customer Success vs. Up-Selling: A candid look at what district leaders actually want from edtech partners—relationship-based support rather than aggressive sales tactics.
• The Digital-Analog Balance: Why a CTO who loves technology still believes in the vital importance of handwriting, face-to-face communication, and soft skills in student development.
• Shadow and Leap: Amanda’s practical advice for any teacher looking to transition: Find a mentor, shadow the role you want, and don't be afraid to ask for the opportunity.

Episode Article

When we think of a Chief Technology Officer (CTO), we usually picture someone who spent their career in server rooms, untangling cables, and writing code. We rarely picture a former second-grade teacher.

But my guest this week, Amanda Lanicek, is proof that the best person to lead a district’s technology strategy is often the person who understands the people using it.

Amanda is the CTO of Springtown ISD, but her journey didn't start in IT. She began as a teacher, moved into digital learning, and stepped up to lead the technology department when her district needed vision more than just repair tickets.

During our conversation, I was struck by how confidently she translates her classroom experience into executive leadership.

"Teachers are so much more," she told me. "They are managers, they are planners, they are collaborators. They have so many skills that can transfer to different roles."

Amanda’s perspective is a powerful reminder that we need to stop viewing "teacher" as a singular identity and start viewing it as a skillset. When she evaluates new software or infrastructure, she doesn't just look at the specs; she remembers what it felt like to be a teacher trying to get twenty third-graders logged into devices. That empathy is an asset that technical training alone cannot provide.

We also spent time discussing the other side of the desk—the vendors and edtech companies trying to work with districts.

Amanda’s advice for those of you looking to move into edtech sales or customer success was gold: Be human.

She shared a story about a salesperson who finally got her attention not with a relentless follow-up about features, but with a subject line that read: "Don't worry, I haven't been eaten by alligators." It was funny, personal, and it broke the ice. It reminded her that there was a person on the other end of the email.

Whether you are looking to move into district administration or transition into the private sector, Amanda’s advice is to lean into the relationships. Find a mentor who is doing what you want to do. Ask to shadow them.

As Amanda put it, the technical parts of any job can be learned. But the ability to connect, manage, and care for the success of others? That is the teacher’s advantage.