2025-26 Year in Review: The Impact of CoSN’s Driving K-12 Innovation Initiative

“In a time of constant change and accelerating technological advancement, strong leadership in K-12 education technology continues to play a critical role in architecting the future of teaching and learning. Through CoSN’s Driving K-12 Innovation initiative, the organization remains committed to equipping edtech leaders with the perspectives, connections, and resources needed to navigate complexity and drive meaningful innovation in schools and districts worldwide. The Driving K-12 Innovation Advisory Board stands at the center of that work. Each year, the initiative’s global Advisory Board, composed of K-12 education changemakers, comes together to identify the forces shaping innovation in education. Through collaborative dialogue and shared expertise, the Ad Board explores the Hurdles (challenges), Accelerators (catalysts), and Tech Enablers (tools) influencing classrooms, systems, and leadership across the globe. As the 2025-26 project cycle ends, we’re proud to celebrate the expanding reach of this work and the international community helping to move it forward. A Worldwide Network of Education Leaders This year’s Advisory Board includes 136 K-12 education and EdTech leaders representing 14 countries around the world. From superintendents and technology directors to instructional leaders, nonprofit organizations, and innovation-focused practitioners, the Ad Board brings together a broad range of perspectives, all united by a shared commitment to advancing student-centered learning in an evolving digital landscape. Support From Across the Education Ecosystem The initiative has also benefited from the support of 26 organizations working across education and technology. In addition, two dedicated sponsors, CDW Education and K-12 Insight, have provided valuable support that continues to help sustain and strengthen this work. Amplifying Viewpoints & Global Perspectives The initiative’s flagship publication, the 2026 Driving K-12 Innovation report, has already been downloaded more than 820 times since its release. Published in English, Spanish, and Chinese, the report continues to serve as a trusted resource for edtech leaders seeking actionable takeaways to help them implement innovation in their work. A defining strength of the project remains its focus on elevating the international voices and lived experiences of Advisory Board members. This year, 55 members are quoted directly throughout the report, bringing authentic leadership perspectives and global context to the themes explored across the publication. Beyond the 2026 report, the initiative continues to foster discussion and knowledge sharing through a growing collection of thought leadership content. Over the course of the year, more than six blog posts have explored emerging trends, leadership strategies, and practical approaches to navigating innovation in today’s educational environment. Impact Summary Looking Ahead The continued momentum of the K-12 Innovation initiative reflects the power of global collaboration and shared learning. By bringing together diverse perspectives across roles, regions, and experiences, the Driving K-12 Innovation initiative continues to spark important conversations about the future of education and the ever-changing role of technology in teaching and learning. As we look ahead to the next cycle, we remain committed to expanding the conversation, identifying emerging opportunities and challenges, and supporting K-12 edtech leaders with data and insights that inspire meaningful action. Interested in joining the Advisory Board? Complete the application today to be considered. AUTHOR: Stephanie King, Writer and Communications Manager, CoSN’s EdTech Innovations Committee and Driving K-12 Innovation Published on May 26, 2026 CoSN is vendor neutral and does not endorse products or services. Any mention of a specific solution is for contextual purposes.

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