CTO FAQ
1. Why should I apply for the CTO Mentor Program?
The CTO Mentor Program will deliver a first class professional development curriculum that will enhance the knowledge of existing Chief Technology Officers and allow perspective Chief Technology Officers to become the technology leaders in their K-12 institutions. Instructors are qualified and experienced CTOs with a preferred minimum of 10 years experience in the education community. Participants will improve their understanding of fundamental issues that drive school technology policies in each major functional area, including: student systems and accountability, district technology, user support, budgeting and finance, contracts and procurement, risk management, and the importance of having strong effective leadership skills.
2. What is the cost once I am accepted to the program?
Tuition costs for the CTO Mentor Project for 2008 are $1,600.00. Participants are responsible to pay for their own travel and lodging in Sacramento. Projected room rates are estimated at $114.00. Meals provided are Dinner on Friday night, continental breakfast on Saturday morning and lunch Saturday afternoon.
3. What payment methods are accepted for the tuition?
Tuition can be paid by check, money order, Visa, MasterCard or Discover.
4. Can I ask my employer to sponsor me?
Absolutely! This program will benefit your employer by providing a first class professional development program. Some possible sources of funding include EETT, the K12 Voucher program, grants, other professional development funding or the general fund.
5. How many classes are there?
The program consists of eight (8) classes held on Friday evenings and Saturday, all day.
6. Where and when are the classes held?
Trainings begin at 5:00 p.m. on Friday evening and end at 9:00 p.m. Saturday class is from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. in Sacramento, CA. Attendance is mandatory for the eight weekend sessions and failure to attend may result in being dropped from the program.
7. Do I have to renew the certificate once I have completed the project?
Yes. All successful candidates will be expected to renew their certificates every three years and will be required to submit annual documentation toward recertification. Details on the recertification process will be released soon.
8. What are the qualifications?
A successful candidate for the CTO Mentor Project should currently have or show potential in the following areas:
- Involved in some facet of school technology
- Preferred 4 years experience in a professional education setting
- Demonstrated expertise in technology
- IT Customer Service: networking, servers, desktops, user support
- Logical thinking skills
- Analytical abilities
- Facilitation skills
- Leadership
- People skills, ability to communicate well with others
- Career objective to become a fully qualified CTO
9. Can I pick my own mentor?
You can team with a mentor and submit your applications together. However, final teams are determined by the CTO Steering Committee.
10. What are the mentor qualifications?
A successful mentor candidate for the CTO Mentor Project should have the following qualifications:
- Prefer at least 10 years experience as a leader in K-12 Technology
- Currently holds a position as a leader in K-12 Technology
- Hands-on experience with K-12 Technology
- Holds a degree in business related field, CTO certification or demonstrated work experience
- Commitment of time as needed to consult and review assignments with participants
- Able to provide work study supervision to candidate in accordance with curriculum guidelines
11. What if I miss a class?
We encourage you to attend every session to fully benefit from the program. Unavoidable absences will be discussed with the CETPA Board an every attempt to develop and alternative for make up will be made. Absence from a session without explanation may result in being dropped from the program.
12. What if I miss one or more assignments?
Candidates must complete all prerequisits, homework assignments and any in-class assignments to be qualified for completion and certification.
13. Will my position and job title automatically change when I complete the project?
Not necessarily. The certification represents that you have completed the project and that the CTO Steering Committee, your instructors and your mentor agree that you have the skills to become a CTO. Skills do not replace experience and in most cases experience is critical to the CTO position.
14. What if I change jobs during the program?
If you leave your current position during the program, the Steering Committee will determine whether or not it is feasible for you to continue. In most cases, moving from one district or COE to another should not be a problem. However, if you leave the K12 environment, you may be released from the program. Many of the assignments revolve around working with others in a school district or COE and not being exposed to that environment could make it difficult to successfully complete the assignments.
